Other developments in Oak Park, IL like Albion are in full effect.

This “Jupiter project” was opposed successfully however once the opposition blinked the village board made their move, much like the Albion development. The Mayor stated that the village can walk away from the deal but how much is that true when the village board purchased the deal after the opposition waned? The argument that other village boards tried to do the same is just a childish explanation, but one that the residents of Oak Park, Il buy into.

The project or multiple projects that the village is planning to use this parcel of land for is probably extensive, if Plan A does not work then they will try and try again even if it means defaulting all the way to Plan F or Plan Z.

The village board is relentless in trying to make these new “high rise” development projects work and become reality. Their resolve is fantastic and for that you must tip your hat at, the fact that the residents cannot do the same, nor remember these moves when election time comes around is part of the problem.

The plans for redeveloping the area go back to at least September 2016 however stated dates are usually not the fact of the matter. In other words, planning for developing this piece of land has gone back most likely farther than I care to Google it. As the old saying goes: “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me…” however the residents will “turn the other cheek” until they are taxed or have the taste slapped out of their mouths.

I love how the village is redeveloping the main streets of Oak Park, IL with high rise developments to stay off increasing taxes (as the argument goes). But I am just wondering when will the high-rise developments come to the inner parts of Oak Park, IL? Is that when the opposition to these projects be unrelenting or will it be too late?

Here is the article discussing new acquisitions by the village board in the name of the taxpayers:

http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/9-12-2017/Oak-Park-buys-Car_X-land-for-$1.3M-/

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The Oak Park village board trying to eliminate the Super-majority for the Albion development.

I love Oak Park, IL politics it makes me feel at home (Chicago) the shadiness, the backstabbing, the other handed deals, and the don’t-give-a-damn-about-the-voters-until-election-time attitude this Albion development is just right up the alley of my interests. Although I am loving this Simone Boutet, blondes are not my thing however the fact that she is a constant thorn in the village board’s side is exactly what Oak Park, IL needs to make sure there is transparency in government.

The idea to rewrite a zoning ordinance to overcome the 5-2 super majority needed to approve the Albion development is the type of underhanded crap the opposition to this plan and the voters never figured on this nor did they have the political literacy to understand the village board is unrelenting. The Mayor is now on defense, and acting defensively. “Duplicative language” my ass. As stated in the article the residents do not trust this village board however there should be more push back than one person on the board speaking up, and a couple of “family” rallies to oppose the Albion development.

The village board is at war with the residents only thing is that they are the only ones who realize it, the taxpayers are just in limbo about this situation. Changes as mentioned in the article must be transparent for the residents to know what the heck is going on in the village. The village board is playing to win, although they are getting frustrated with working this hard, the opposition is not organized to make that great of an impact.

Much like a water dripping on rock to make an impact or wear it down, if there is enough time the opposition can do this in regards to the Albion development however the village board is not willing to give the opposition time. The village board is making sure that time is on THEIR side, and being well organized, you can be sure they will try something like eliminating this supermajority again.

 

Here is the article discussing the rewrite, shady as hell:

http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/9-11-2017/Dust-up-over-Oak-Park-zoning-rewrite/

 

The Albion development in Oak Park, IL needs a super majority and it will get it.

So an ode to greed now that Albion development needs a super majority as per the law to be approved. This is great for the residents of Oak Park, IL now the village board has to vote upon the measure and let their votes be known to the voting public in Oak Park, IL. With three trustees who ran on being against this measure it will be very hard for the village board to get a 5-2 super majority vote for the development to go through.

One of the major issues that is now hanging on making sure that the votes stay that way is coming up with an solution that replaces the two story empty building at Lake and Forest, apparently even though the residents are telling the village board no to the Albion development they are not coming up with a solution or replacement to this building. Funny how this is now an issue, or becoming a major factor to changing the way those original No votes to a Yes vote instead.

The idea is creating Economic Development for the village to deter raising taxes as the village residents who do not understand one fig of politics or tax structure will fail in their opposition of the Albion development. The Albion development is inevitable and the old ways of Oak Park, IL with its cute little parks, low level buildings and bike lanes will be a thing of the past. Although the comment section is littered with intelligent responses these are not being translated into actions that will deter the village board and the Mayor in particular to pushing this development forward.

The fault is no longer with the village board for being greedy and backing out of campaign promises, the fault also lies will the voters especially the opposition to the Albion development. Without making educated decisions, but emotional ones, the opposition to this development is dealing with individuals who are constantly maneuvering to get this development started. Without hesitation, without distractions this village board has made this development their mission as the opposition only does this part time who do you think will win?

This is the article that talks about the super majority needed:

http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/9-5-2017/Albion-needs-super_majority-vote/

The new Target in Downtown Oak Park, IL is getting a liquor license

I think it is fantastic that the new small format Target on Lake and Harlem is getting a liquor license! You can get a bottle and drink before you go into Bar Louie or anywhere else in downtown Oak Park, IL the funny thing about this vote is that the mayor abstained like he is above liquor licenses! But hey he will build high-rises all over the place probably is looking at Ernest Hemingway’s home as a possible area for development too!

 

It is time to bring liquor to downtown Oak Park, Il and show the residents how we party and how we can be just like Chicago. I hope everyone realizes that with this September 5^th vote that the old Oak Park, Il is becoming extinct. It is wine time homies! Hopefully Target will be able to sell liquor at all times, and have better prices that the liquor stores down Harlem (at Madison Avenue, for example). I am really glad that the area will be getting more traffic and now liquor whooo great job village trustees to breaking down the old Oak Park, IL and replacing it with one that is being sold out at a rapid rate!

 

Here is the article briefly mentioning the liquor sells at the new Target in downtown Oak Park, IL:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/oak-park/news/ct-oak-target-liquor-license-tl-0914-20170911-story.html

Oak Park, IL blog related: Ernest Hemingway quotes

I noticed on imgur that there were some crazy Ernest Hemingway quotes, I found some of them funny as hell. Now I do not know if any of them are direct quotes (this is the internet) but the picture of Hemingway coupled with these quotes is just hilarious! Although there are the “experts” out who will kill this fun for the rest of us, but f them. I am posting some of them on Facebook and here on the blog because I think it is hilarious.

• “Write drunk edit sober”
• “Never go on trips with anyone you do not love..”
• “I drink to make other people more interesting”

Hell, it will make you look smart while unnerving the “purists” who will argue the quotes. On the basis of Hemingway making the quotes it would go like this:

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“If Hemingway actually made the quotes, or not….”

“If Hemingway actually made the quotes, why…. (what circumstances lead to it)”

“If Hemingway actually made the quotes, who were they meant for….”

“If Hemingway actually made the quotes, was it a part of his mental issues….”

As annoying as that is, it IS what I get from time to time, just little ridiculous lunatics proving their brain power, instead of actually getting outside and mingling a little bit with others. People, dogs, pigeons, whatever light the world ablaze with these funny quotes and pictures (memes).

Confusing parking Signs “A letter to the editor”

I recently read a “letter to the editor” on Oakpark.com about the confusing parking signs and I found it hilarious. The author, I hope is being sarcastic, is hoping that the new parking signs will encourage more walking and more bike lanes. The reality is that more walking is not in the cards for tourists and visitors who come to Oak Park, IL with major dollars to spend. They are trying that crap in downtown Chicago, but there are a couple of differences between the Oak Park, IL’s downtown and Chicago’s downtown.

There is a huge population in Chicago that pays tons of freaking taxes that subside bike lanes that Oak Park, IL does not have, obviously if the author of this article is being true to themselves then they like to pay MORE taxes (property, etc.). Second the layout of Chicago is massive compared to the compact area Oak Park, IL encompasses the bike lanes with hinder travel even more than it already is. Imagine local businesses trying to get deliveries, or how about regular people like you and me getting regular packages with more bike lanes taking up those parking spots?

The reality is that the parking signs are a mess and the spots available for parking for EVERYONE, needs adjustment or realignment. Major businesses that are invested in Oak Park, IL are going to wonder if their customers will have enough parking for the upcoming holiday season as they battle Amazon and other online retailers these businesses will want the make their brick and mortar stores even more attractive not less, because of less parking places.

That is something most residents do not understand, if they want there “haven” in Oak Park, Il to remain that way, nowadays they need to do. For the future Oak Park, Il needs to build and restructure its infrastructure not eliminate it. That revenue made from parking passes, village stickers, etc., with new bike lanes and more “walking” means that the village board will need to sell more properties to development companies to build an Albion development just to offset the money lost with the elimination of those tax dollars.

Yes, lets eliminate parking spaces altogether and see the chaos unfold.

 

Here is the article/letter to the editor that made me laugh so much:

http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/9-5-2017/Confusing-parking-signs-encourage-walking/

Oak Park, IL related: LemonAid event in River Forest 2017

I did not know that there was a lot of chaos as I drove through River Forest you know the Thatcher avenue express the quickest way to maneuver around Oak Park, IL to main streets that surround it without the hassle of all the traffic and chaos that “No Park” brings. What I did pass by was on Bonnie Brae the annual LemonAid event that the local kids do each year to raise money each year for a good cause.

It is a great event for two reasons first to me in remembrance of 9/11 it is a great way to do something positive on a day that was created through violence. Second, these kids and the organizers are doing something that is for a good cause the Kidz Express. This Kidz Express is a nonprofit that helps kids in the South Austin area, the fact this charity is doing something for kids “across the divide” of Austin Avenue is fantastic.

I have always complained that Oak Park, IL officials should try to reach out and assist the residents of the Austin Area because it would be in the best interest of the suburb as well as the Austin Area. But here you have a bunch of kids and nonprofit organizers leading the charge which the village government should be doing.

This was the 16^th Annual LemonAid event so most likely there will be a 17^th annual event with River Forest naming Bonnie Brae in honor of this group’s work with an honorary “LemonAid Place” sign there with be hopefully a chance in upcoming years for all of us to help sponsor this event in the future.

Here is the article that discusses the event:

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/09/09/river-forest-neighbors-hold-16th-annual-9-11-lemonaid-stand-for-charity/

Hurricane Irma: The Oak Park, IL connection: Ernest Hemingway’s Key West house

The Oak Park Il Connection to Hurricane Irma was the Hemingway House down in Key West, you know the house that now has reportedly 54 friggin cats! Now it is stated that Ernest Hemingway got a six-toe white cat once, but how it ballooned to 54 is just freaky. Another thing to think about is the fact this is where Hemingway did a lot of writing, so therefore preserving the site should be of major importance. I mean it is Ernest Hemingway an Internationally acclaimed writer and literally icon.

Was there any damage to the internal working of the house? Were valuable papers and knickknacks safe or if damaged are in a state that they can be easily restored? What are the contingency plans for the staff during Hurricanes as strong as Irma? How will climate change determine the plans to protect the staff or even Hemingway’s personal items in the near or longtime future?

However, “fantastic” Hemingway is, the talk was about the 54 cats! Totally crazy and hilarious at the same time.

I mean even Fox news wrote an article about the condition of the cats, no matter how much of a national treasure any Hemingway fan, or Oak Park, IL or English teacher tells you me is, cats matter more. The interview is interesting as the host obviously did his research on the property and Hemingway. But the Curator when interviewed is a bit off but the interaction tells you a lot of great information but the discussion goes towards the cats. The interviewer magically asks about the smell of the cats in the house HAHAHA. Fun to watch.

Note that the granddaughter Mariel Hemingway (the actress) of Ernest, implored the staff to leave. “What about the smell?” HAHAHA

Mariel Hemingway asking the Hemingway staff in Key West to leave due to Hurricane Irma:

http://pagesix.com/2017/09/08/mariel-begs-hemingway-house-manager-to-evacuate-before-irma/

The Msnbc interview with the Hemingway curator:

http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc-news/watch/hemingway-house-staff-in-key-west-to-ride-out-irma-1043168323742

The article about the 54 cats.. do not worry they are safe:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/09/11/cats-at-hemingway-home-in-key-west-safe-after-hurricane-irma-reports-say.html

 

Google Plus wallpaper collections for Oak Park, IL

I dumped some wallpaper to a google plus collection for public use.

“Security in Oak Park, IL wallpaper”: https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/U84UEE

“Oak Park IL fingers up wallpaper”: https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/suYVEE

The first collection of wallpaper I have posted in the collections selection of Google Plus I called “Oak Park IL fingers up wallpaper”. This is a sarcastic group collection of wallpapers for your computer (PC/MAC) regarding Security issues in Oak Park, Illinois. As I have posted on the blog before, the entities from building management companies, to the OP police department treat security issues and threats as if they have better things to do, like watch paint dry. Therefore, this collection is more of a statement towards the ones that don’t give a shit about you while you travel, rent, own or patron anything in Oak Park, IL your dollars are greatly not appreciated and Oak Park, Il could give a flying fig if you are butt hurt about it.

The second collection is called “Oak Park IL fingers up wallpaper”. What it is, is a collection of sarcastic wallpapers giving Oak Park IL both fingers up. I recreated a photo I once saw and crafted a template around it telling Oak Park, Il where the fuck to go. This is how most people feel half the time when dealing with such everyday Oak Park, Il issues like parking or taxes. Fuck them Fuck the people in Oak Park, Il who make your life miserable.

Enjoy Bitches.

Google Plus photo collections for Oak Park, IL

I saved some more photos to a Google Plus collection for public use.

“The Forest Park, IL various photos collection”: https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/84YWJE

“Construction in Oak Park, Illinois” various photos collection: https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/wgeVJE

The First collection is my first photo dump of Some of the things in Forest Park, IL nothing really major, just some of the stuff I have talked about in the previous blogs, like FP police, Bed Bath and Beyond, but now including the Repainted Forest Park Circle Avenue bridge next to the Ferrera Pan factory. I took most of the photos travelling through the suburb so they were taken quite quickly, I am just glad they were in focus!

The second one is a photo dump of the Construction near Lake Street and Harlem Avenue, especially near the Marion Avenue side street and adjacent parking lots. Just took a bunch of pictures as I walked through one day onto my way to Jerusalem Café which I talk about in my Yelp reviews.

Again, I took the photos for public consumption use anywhere or anyhow that you may. Bitches.

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