cityhall
The last big Blue Line project? An L of a sordid tale
The $492 million overhaul unveiled Thursday was touted as the largest investment in the CTA’s Blue Line since the extension from Jefferson Park to O’Hare International Airport. What Mayor Rahm Emanuel failed to mention is the sordid events — fit for a mob movie — that accompanied the O’Hare extension back in the 1980s.
Panel green lights more changes for ‘transformational’ Wrigley project
The Cubs got the green light Thursday to take another 10 feet of Sheffield Ave. — and put up an advertising-filled “branding arch” over Clark Street — to pave the way for a $500 million Wrigley Field renovation project that the local alderman called “transformational.” The City Council’s Zoning Committee followed the Plan Commission’s lead by enlarging the stadium footprint at the expense of roughly 50 Sheffield parking spaces to accommodate wider aisles, more concessions and a larger Budweiser deck.
City lags on determining which police jobs could be filled by civilians, IG says
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has not yet conducted a sweeping review of Chicago Police Department positions that could be civilianized, even as he uses $93 million in police overtime this year — and $75 million more next year — to mask a manpower shortage, the inspector general has concluded.
Preckwinkle holds her nose over 2 convicts running for County Board
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who built her political career on a reputation of reform, said she isn’t too keen on the possibility of two convicted former Chicago officials getting elected to the county board.
Movie mogul Lucas donates $25 million to After School Matters
Asked why he gave $25 million to Chicago’s at-risk teens, filmmaker George Lucas, of “Star Wars” fame, said, “It’s an amazing, amazing program. It’s really fantastic . . . to see what goes on here.”
Wrigley night game deal advances at City Hall, but liquor sales on plaza delayed
The Cubs got the go-ahead Wednesday to schedule 35 night games per season at Wrigley Field — and add eight more, including three Saturday nights, to accommodate national television — in exchange for added security and free remote parking.
Former city comptroller didn’t defraud Chicago: audit
After an exhaustive forensic audit, consultants have concluded that Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s indicted former City Comptroller Amer Ahmad did not defraud Chicago taxpayers like he is accused of doing in Ohio. The 47-page report was jointly prepared by the law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and the Grant Thornton accounting firm.
On domestic violence, Emanuel follows Daley’s lead
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has blamed his predecessor — without mentioning Richard M. Daley by name — for everything from the financial crisis and lopsided parking meter deal he inherited to the Hired Truck and city hiring scandals that cost the city millions. But when it comes to eradicating the plague of domestic violence, Emanuel is following in Daley’s footsteps.
Quinn, legislators gear up for Tuesday’s ‘World War III’ pension vote
Gov. Pat Quinn Monday championed a landmark pension-reform deal and vouched for its constitutionality as he and legislative leaders frantically prepared for what the governor called “the most important fiscal vote” lawmakers will ever make.
Ex-Streets and San boss, ex-alderman — both convicts — run for County Board
Calling himself a “scapegoat” for a political hiring system that continues to this day, Chicago’s convicted former Streets and Sanitation commissioner Al Sanchez filed nominating petitions Monday for a seat on the Cook County Board.
Ventra arithmetic: $10 + Ventra vending machine = $40 in CTA fares?
Joseph Meier isn’t a magician, but he says he managed to squeeze $40 in CTA fare credit out of a single $10 bill at a Ventra vending machine this month. Meier says the same $10 bill was rejected three times before the Ventra machine accepted the bill. But when he checked the card’s balance, it was $40.
City proposes rigid ground rules for medical marijuana
Medical marijuana dispensaries and growing centers would be confined to Chicago’s planned manufacturing districts and require special-use permits and a minimum number of parking spaces under legislation proposed Tuesday. On Jan. 1, Illinois will become the 20th U.S. state to allow medical use of marijuana. Patients with a doctor’s prescription will be allowed to purchase and possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana during a two-week period.
City moves to let Cubs sell beer in Wrigley Field plaza
The Cubs would be allowed to sell beer and wine from kiosks at an open-air plaza adjacent to a renovated Wrigley Field — and fans would be allowed to bring drinks in plastic cups to the plaza — in the latest in a string of concessions to the team.
Emanuel’s 2014 budget passes City Council with ease, but smooth-sailing days over
Chicago will have the nation’s highest state and local tax on cigarettes — and use $75 million in police overtime to mask a manpower shortage — thanks to a $7 billion 2014 budget that sailed through the City Council Tuesday on a 45-5 vote. “No” votes were cast by Aldermen Bob Fioretti (2nd), Ricardo Munoz (22nd), Scott Waguespack (32nd), Nick Sposato (36th) and John Arena (45th).
Clout contractor drops out of deal over IRS troubles
Two months ago, the Illinois Medical District Commission picked Jack Higgins, a developer with close ties to former Mayor Richard M. Daley, to develop a $175 million project on the West Side. On Friday, Higgins abruptly walked away from the deal over questions about his personal finances — including $2.5 million he and his wife owe the Internal Revenue Service.
Daley’s failed Olympic dream worth a fortune to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s pals
THE WATCHDOGS: A wealthy North Shore family with deep ties to Mayor Rahm Emanuel stands to make a fortune over former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s failed Olympic dream. It’s a financial nightmare, though, for Chicago taxpayers, who now owe the Mills family more than $111 million for a 37-acre site along Lake Michigan that was home to Michael Reese Hospital at 29th and Ellis before the city bought it as part of Daley’s plan to lure the 2016 Olympics to Chicago.
