Monday, May 25, 2009

Open Thread: Hot Topics

Open thread about hot topics in the Sloop. This can be any thing you have questions about it or problems with. Please let us know what you think!

27 comments:

Bekki said...

I would like to know what the deal is with the lanes on eastbound Harrison at State St., right by Jones College Prep. It used to have three marked lanes (eastbound, on your way to cross State), but now only two are marked, but the right one is HUGE! So, people use it as if it's still two lanes. Should it be two? Should two lanes turn right there? Is it just one right turn lane and one left turn lane, like the lines indicate? If so, why the gargantuan right lane?

Sloopy said...

I think that there used to be parking in the "huge right turn lane". This does seem confusing though. Also, you can go straight, but there is no lane for going straight.

Bekki said...

Thanks, Sloopy! I think there should be three lanes, personally. One for left, a middle for straight and one for right turns. Even as a resident I find that intersection confusing; it's worse for out-of-towners. It needs better markings and signage. I'm sure there are other, more pressing issues, but this one bugs me.

Anonymous said...

Anyone know what's going on with the A Capella restaurant on the southwest corner of 13th & Michigan (next to Panozzo's)? The restaurant has looked complete for nearly two years, with the tables set and the interior decorated. I'd love a neighborhood Italian restaurant, but hate the idea of a prime storefront going to waste.

Anonymous said...

Will we live to see the Printer's Row Park? Also, what retail stores have committed for Roosevelt Collection? And when will they be open?

Sloopy said...

A Capella is the biggest mystery in the Sloop. Unfortunately we don't have much information on that one...if someone does please let us know.

Sloopy said...

In regards to the Printer's Row Park, according to the latest I've read, it should be done around Mid-September. I will leave you to ponder whether they will actually hit this date.

In regards to Roosevelt Collection, we haven't heard much. We know they have a 16 screen Kerasotes movie theater lined up as well as a David Barton Gym. We've heard that the retail portion of the development will open sometime in the fall of 2009.

colie said...

About Bekki's comment - I totally agree. I think there should be 3 lanes and I think it appears whomever fixed the street just didn't pay attention. It is a huge safety problem because both lanes to the right use them as two right turn lanes and I certainly think its something that needs to be addressed.

SLove said...

CN Rail line...Is it moving??

I have heard rumors over the years that the CN Freight rail line that runs East/West in the South Loop will be moving trains to the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway line. I would love to know more about this topic as I live right by the line on Wabash...any thoughts?

Sloopy said...

SLove,

Here Is a link to a post about the CN moving. We haven't heard anything lately but we think it will move eventually. When? who knows...

Anonymous said...

I only came upon this blog accidentally -- you guys need to advertise. Maybe on Facebook or Google? Maybe something more low-tech like stickers around the neighborhood?

Unknown said...

According to the building manager of the transportation building, Fioretti is going to have a ground-breaking ceremony for Printer's Row Park as a part of the book fair this weekend. Hopefully they finally move on this!

Keely Moriarty said...

I am very close to buying a condo at 16th and Wabash. Anyone have any input on the CN Line or the El being so close? SLove-- any thoughts??

Anonymous said...

@ Keely. I just bought a condo at 1600 Museum Park and also had to review the future CN plans the south loop. I can tell you that not even CN knows what it wants to do...but it does know that because its trains have to go so slow its worth it to look for alternative routes in the future. Ive heard everything from..close the rail line and turn it into a walking/bike path...to the CTA looking to purchase the tracks for a future EL line. The main concern I had was actually what would happen to that train line if we get selected for the 2016 games. I think there will be some more clarity about this rail line after the IOC decision here in a 100 days. Research the "Gold line CTA" and you can see some of the devolpment plans the city has.

Unknown said...

Just an FYI -
My sister-in-law spotted a very suspicious looking man in the back of a parked van at 14th and Prairie. The van was a big maroon Chevy with silver stripes. There were fake (looking) signs in the window that read "PDC Delivery" and the windows had curtains. The man had a large husky leashed to a tree.
Just want to mention this since it was right near that park...
Has anyone else seen this van in the area?

Anonymous said...

FYI: Printer's Row Park opening November 7th, according to Alderman Fioretti's newsletter. He is doing a dedication that day at 10 am.
If you're not on it I recommend everyone in the SLoop get on the Alderman's newsletter. It's actually very good.

Carl said...

Hey, THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF HOT YOGA!

Thanks for plastering my neighborhood with your unwanted (and impossible to remove) stickers!

I've turned this matter over to my Alderman.

Anonymous said...

I've heard good things about Opera, but I have to be honest when I said every time I walk past I'm not exactly salivating to go inside. Any honest reviews about this?

mokelly said...

I just wanted people to know that Old St. Mary's (1500 South Michigan) is hosting a performance of "Late Night Catechism" on Friday, May 21st. "Late Night" is a hilarious one-woman show, primarily about Catholic school, back in the day. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 on the night of the show. There is also a special VIP ticket that includes premium seating and an after-party at South Loop Wine Cellar, which costs $75. Call the office to purchase tickets (312) 922-3444.

Anonymous said...

Did anyone see the accident that closed down part of State St. today? It looked very serious and was wondering what the issue was..it appeared to be a flipped over vehicle at 8th or 9th and State, right by the boxing studio. Hope everyone was ok!!

Anonymous said...

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/10/police-officer-injured-in-dearborn-park-crash.html

Anonymous said...

Chicago Curry House has a Daily Deal running today.
http://printmecoupon.com/DailyDeal/1/Chicago

Anonymous said...

I ran across this article on another blog site, but I thought it was relevant to the South Loop as well. It explains that the Northside is struggling with vacancy/tenant turnover on one of its more popular streets. I see this as a sign that our area isn't struggling any more or less than other more established parts of the city.

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=185542

Anonymous said...

Did anyone notice the police car in the alley today behind the new St. Mary's school? I was wondering what that could be about but was too far away to ask the officer.

Anonymous said...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-old-chicago-post-office-redevelopment-plan-unveiled-20110721,0,3150609.story

Seems crazy!

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

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