Monday, May 25, 2009

Open Thread: Parking in the Sloop

Open thread about parking in the Sloop. Please let us know what you think.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Residents should know that the parking lot between Polk and 9th and on the west side of the tracks is the site of well-organized thieves. Workers who had parked their van there for 15 minutes had it broken into. Expensive tools were stolen as was the passenger air bag. The owner takes no responsibility as signs are posted disclaiming liability. What to do? Don't park there.

Chitownmez said...

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to (cheaper) long term parking in the sloop. I have guests coming for a week and don't have parking in my building. Any suggestions would be seriously appreciated!

FGFM said...

You might talk to the people who run the lot where the Roosevelt Collection sales office was over on Clark south of Polk. I think they charge $8/day.

Mr. F said...

Why is the lot at 14th and Wabash closed? It has been closed for a week or 2 now. I noticed it was closed Monday for the Bears and Vikings game, so I am wondering if it is closing for good if they are going to ignore $40/car parking.

Carl said...

Extremely aggressive towing out in full force this a.m. in the RPP Zone 40 behind Dearborn Station park area.

I saw no less that three trucks cruising around at 9:03 . . . pretty safe to say they hooked a few vehicles.

Carl said...

Seriously, if you park in RPP Zone 40 make sure you move your vehicle BEFORE 9:00 am.

Tow trucks have been cruising the area at 8:59!

Anonymous said...

That Zone 40 Parking in Dearborn Park I is a total joke. There is absolutely no reason that people shouldn't be allowed to park in that neighborhood M-F from 9-11AM.

I have called the alderman about it...the excuse seems to be related to the South Loop School...which is in Dearborn Park II, so I'm not buying it.

Seems to me, the special Dearborn Park people just want to have their own special parking all to themselves. Just like they don't want anyone driving OR EVEN WALKING through their neighborhood. Would be nice if someday, we could at least get some pedestrian access (for example, to Clark Street). But apparently, since "they were here first," they get to do whatever the eff they want...Like completely screw up the street grid, thus lessening our walking and public transportation options.

Now that's progress! NICE!

FGFM said...

Would be nice if someday, we could at least get some pedestrian access (for example, to Clark Street).

There is a door south of 9th, but you need to know the code to open it from Clark Street.

FGFM said...

Like completely screw up the street grid, thus lessening our walking and public transportation options.

You do realize that Dearborn Park I was previously a rail yard, don't you?

Anonymous said...

Oh it was previously a rail yard! So let's leave it as an isolated stretch of land FOREVER! That makes sense.

Much of the south loop used to be a rail yard, big freaking deal. It's not a rail yard anymore, and should not be developed in a way that is contrary to the rest of the city. Go look at Central Station. That used to be a rail yard...now it is a neighborhood, with streets that go through and pedestrian access. WOW! Is that so hard?

And a gate with an access code is NOT pedestrian access.

FGFM said...

Oh it was previously a rail yard! So let's leave it as an isolated stretch of land FOREVER! That makes sense.

It's not isolated, it's just that you never could drive freely over that land.

Much of the south loop used to be a rail yard, big freaking deal. It's not a rail yard anymore, and should not be developed in a way that is contrary to the rest of the city. Go look at Central Station. That used to be a rail yard...now it is a neighborhood, with streets that go through and pedestrian access. WOW! Is that so hard?

You can drive down either State or Clark, what's the big deal?

And a gate with an access code is NOT pedestrian access.

Feel free to exit to Clark from the Park Terrace side.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that's an awful not of irrational hate for the Dearborn Park areas.

I live a couple blocks north of of DP but think it's a pretty awesome and unique area. I give a lot of props to the original developers and initial residents . . . true pioneers in this area. When you create something from nothing, you're entitled to set things up however you see fit IMO. The parking restrictions in this area are for safety/security reasons . . . it keeps people from garaging their vehicles on the city streets for indefinite periods of time. What else would you suggest, putting meters down there?

Anonymous said...

Looks like there's going to be a parking garage on the corner of Harrison and Wells.

From the notice sent by Rolando R. Acosta "Attorney for the Applicant":

...please be informed that on or about March 2, 2010, Harrison Wells Partners, LLC (the "Applicant"), 701 S. Wells Street,Suite 904, Chicago IL 60607 will file an application with the Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Chicago for a variation in the nature of a special use under the Zoning Ordinance (the "Application") for the property located at 610-650 South Wells Street, Chicago, Illinois (the "Property"). The Applicant is the owner of the Property.

The Property is located at the southwest corner of Harrison and Wells Streets and is currently vacant. The Applicant proposes to improve the Property with a non-accessory parking lot for 218 vehicles. The parking lot will contain perimeter and internal landscaping. It will operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Anonymous said...

I am moving to the South Loop (River City) in 6 weeks. One of the reasons I am making the move is to get more space and save $$--especially on parking. I was planning on parking in zone 40 up and down wells st. around River City. Can anyone tell me from experience what to expect? Are there a lot of break ins? I have been spoiled with garage parking the last 8 years but now can't really afford a garage spot....but I will do it if I have to. Thanks in advance to my new neighbors for any advice.

Cherise said...

I also live in River City but I park in the garage. I see the same cars on Wells coming and going on a daily basis, so it doesn't seem like it's too difficult to get a spot.

Welcome to the building! Just curious, are you buying or renting?

Anonymous said...

I have been parking in Zone 40 for years now. This is my advice to you: leave nothing out in plain sight in your car. If you do, someone will eventually break your window and steal it. I see all sorts of cars that are broken into, and they all have one thing in common - a whole bunch of shit sitting out, just asking to be taken. I leave NOTHING in my car and I have never had a problem.

Also, be aware that Zone 40 is located in the Loop Towing Area, meaning that if you park illegally anywhere, those evil yellow city tow trucks will come and take your car away.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Cherise! I am excited about the bldg. I am renting. I looked extensively in the loop and all around it and found River City to be a good value in so many ways.

Anonymous said...

As a South Loop motorist I can tell you with some certainty that SUVs with exterior-mounted (full size) spare tires are targets for theft.