Ok, this is one truly useful site. We have all been there... forgot to take notice of that orange sign about street sweeping only to find a familiar orange parking ticket and the sinking feeling that $60 just left your pocket. Fear no more.... www.sweeparound.us has the solution. The site is so simple yet so necessary we are surprised it took this long. Simply input your email and address and get text or email notices of the upcoming street sweepers visiting your area. How cool is that? And, its totally free! Spread the word... pay the man no more!.
It's official, Edgewater Andersonville area is finally getting its very own Trader Joe's!!!! YES! The new store is to be located in the long vacant Blockbuster Video store on Broadway and Berwyn. According to the Alderman's office, the new store is expected to open April 1, 2014. We can't wait.
On March 27, 2013, the First District Illinois Appellate Court issued an opinion against a Chicago area landlord for alleged violations of the Chicago Landlord Tenant Ordinance. The case is important because it was brought as a class action, meaning the landlord could suffer damages equal to one month's rent for each and every violation of CRLTO during the two year class period. Plaintiff filed class action complaint alleging that defendant landlord violated Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance by failing to disclose to tenants City Building Code citations as to their apartments and common areas, in 12 months prior to their leases. Termination of the lease and surrender of the premises to the landlord are not required to recover the greater of one month's rent or actual damages when a landlord, after receiving the required statutory written notice, failed to provide tenant with notice of Code violations. Here is a full copy of the Court's decision in the case:
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Although for many decades travelers have been welcomed into the homes of relatives and friends and offered the couch as a cheap place to stay, it was not until this decade that this tried and true option was revolutionized by the internet. With the advent of Craigslist, Airbnb, and similar sites, almost anyone and everyone is offering up couches, spare bedrooms and even entire homes for rent as a hotel alternative. While the notion of renting a room in a friendly owner’s home may at first glance seem appealing economically, there are a few words of caution to be offered before you jump in head first.
Renting such accommodations pose risks to both pocketbook and safety. Here is why.
Hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns are almost universally regulated by local governmental authorities. Local statutes provide for minimum safety and health requirements. Establishments must has work smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, operating fire extinguishers, emergency exit lighting, and posted fire exit plans. I operate a B&B here in Chicago and can personally attest to the fact that each year we get a thorough inspection by the fire department, by the department of buildings, and by the department of health. If we don’t take appropriate measures to protect the safety and health of our guests, we do not get to operate.
Now compare those protections to what you get when you rent a night on a stranger's couch. Has that stranger devoted the same concern and resources to your safety and health? Do you know what you would do in a fire? How would you get out? Is there anyone on-site that can help you in an emergency? Is the location, building and apartment you are renting safe? Remember, you are staying in an unfamiliar city in an unconventional alternative to a hotel, motel or B&B. Ask yourself if the potential savings is truly worth the additional risks posed.
You should also be extremely alert for the potential financial pitfalls of renting such accommodations. If you send money to a stranger you found on the internet, is there going to actually be a place for you to stay when you arrive? Sites such as Craigslist are fertile ground for scam artists of all types. They will often go to great lengths to make their scams appear legitimate with wonderful photos of fantastic abodes near all the sites and available just when you are looking to travel and at unbelievable prices. Beware, they are often adept at making you part with your money. Check out the business and ask for references. Legitimate places to stay in most cities like Chicago has a website, a Facebook page, are on Google+, LinkedIn and other social media sites. Determine how you will get a refund if all is not as promised. Because of recent scams and problems with unregulated vacation rentals, many jurisdictions have adopted new local laws that require registration and licensing. Check the locale you intend to visit and check with the local tourism bureau or visitors center for further information.
Traveling to a new city is always an adventure. Make it a pleasurable, memorable one by heeding these few words of caution.
It looks like a long time pariah of North Halsted Street is finally going by the wayside - and none to soon for many in this neighborhood. Seems that the transient hotel was recently sold and in housing Court the new owner's attorney announced that the hotel would be emptied of residents and completely gut-rehabbed.
The hotel has long been a sore spot in the side of neighborhood residents. They and the local alderman welcomed the transition.
With the upgrade to the north side Red Line stops comes new signage for the Argyle stop - no branded with a large "Asia on Argyle: sign in bright red and posts of green, red, yellow and orange.
Time will only tell if the sign has the intended effect of attracting customers to area business.
Opening this summer at the corner of Devon and Broadway in Edgewater is a unique new Starbucks made from re-purposed shipping containers. Concept photos provided by Starbucks are above. The company got the neighborhood and the Alderman's green light to go forward. It will be interesting to se if the concept for this drive-in only shop works. What next.... a Dunkin Donuts in a 747???
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