There are new “pay to park” kiosks along 18th Street. I noticed that formerly free street parking had been converted to metered parking during the week ending 11/13/09. The formerly free spaces are on the south side of 18th between Wabash and Michigan and the north and south sides of 18th between Wabash and State. There could have been others, but these are the stretches that I noticed.
As a traveling consultant, I often get stuck with rental cars over the weekend. I was infuriated last Friday when I tried to park in the formerly free spaces that I used to count on. Of course, the still-free parking on the south side of 18th between State and Clark, was packed with cars that could not park in newly metered spaces. I had to park west of Clark. Granted, this probably isn’t the worst parking situation in the city, but knowing that Chicago is not even benefiting from these really makes me angry. I did a quick search of the Internet, but I couldn’t find a map delineating free and metered stretches in the South Loop. Do you know if one exists?
We didn't have much luck finding a map either, does anyone know if one exists?
(Hat Tip to Jay for the email and pic!)
59 comments:
And this is a surprising development why?
I've also notice several streets where the peak drive-time period (7-9am, 4-6pm) parking restrictions have been lifted
What I don't get is how these changes interrelate with the city's deal for leasing the meters.
Did the city sell fixed assets for a fixed period of time? Does revenue from newly metered spots go to the city or the investors? I'm perplexed by the potential motivations for the city to put in "new" metered spots.
18th street between State and Clark has usually had spots open on the south curb when I've visited. The north curb was mostly police parking, including parking for spots marked only for the police (mostly traffic section marked-cars).
The development on the south side of 18th street is dearborn village, and I believe their interior parking spots just inside the gates on 18th street are leased from the CTA. The CTA approached the Dearborn Village condo associations several years ago and told em to pay up, so now they are.
Maybe these new parking restrictions will make private parking spots in the area a bit more valuable.
Even better would be if it increases demand for a station at 18th street. My guess is the Federal government would be happy to provide any necessary funds for such a venture.
The City's motivation behind this would appear to be the creation of new areas in which it can further penalize/tax/ticket motorists.
Are the new meters in question of LAZ origin?
Does revenue from newly metered spots go to the city or the investors?
Chicago keeps the fines and Chicago Parking Meters LLC keeps the parking fees less what LAZ gets for administering the system.
Is it possible that the City is putting up their own new meters in these "virgin territories"?
Funny: the same people who mindlessly told those of us that voiced concerns over the rise in violence in this neighborhood to "move to the suburbs" if we can't deal with the realities of city life are now the same people that are b!tching about parking meters.
Guess what: you can park for free all over the streets in Westmont.
It's also funny that these same people only b!tch when they have to start paying for something that they are used to getting for free.
Mayor Daley and his Machine are the single biggest criminal threat in our city.The Mayor robbed every tax-paying citizen when he sold the public way for a song. Gang-bangers and crackheads steal and kill each other so why should I care? Do they contribute to the tax base? As far as I can see they mostly kill their own kind like stupid animals. If it weren't for idiotic government welfare handouts (Great Society, my a$$) the south side would still be a paradise.
Guess what: you can park for free all over the streets in Westmont.
Gee, I thought it was all strip malls, but enjoy paying those Du Page Co. property taxes!
If it weren't for idiotic government welfare handouts (Great Society, my a$$) the south side would still be a paradise.
Yeah, just like in The Jungle, Studs Lonigan, Native Son, etc.
Actually, if a certain population of people who took over the south side following the civil rights movement devoted as much time to sustaining and building a community as they do to manipulating the system, the south side would still be an urban paradise as opposed to a dilapitated war zone.
These people are pissed because the new meters take away another freebie. Just wait, as soon as the pay boxes are installed further south the "reverands" and "community organizers" will somehow turn this into a civil rights issue.
I don't care who you are, if you don't have major issues with this meter deal yet you will soon.
Privatizing these types of assets could work to taxpayer advantage but you've got to do your homework and shop it around. Chicago did neither, the City leased the meters for too little and too long and is STILL staring down the throat of an unprecedented budget crisis.
I agree with Anon. Why don't those of you complaining about taxes, city government, and parking meter rates TAKE YOUR OWN ADVICE and move to the suburbs. I too find it ironic that you are so willing to accept street violence and crime, but not this. That mentality answers a lot of lingering questions about why your communities are "dilapitated war zones."
Listen, morons, city government (taxes, fees, etc.) is where street crime and violence gets addressed via policing and so on. If you live in the City, you're getting taxed into the Stone Age and yet there's nothing to show for it . . . basic services continue to get slashed.
Daley is totally out of touch with the average person and has zero fiscal horse sense. For every high-profile project he champions (Olympic bid, Children's Museum, et al) he gives the under served the middle-finger.
There is not another city in this country that expends as much on welfare programs for the unfortunate than Chicago. From government-subsidised housing, education, health care, etc. MILLIONS of dollars per MONTH are shelled out for programs that exclusively benefit the "average citizen.". It's ashame that those who benefit the most from said programs abuse the system and DESTROY their schools and neighborhoods. Further, to hear people like FGFM blame city government (and call the rest of us morons) for street crime and violence within certain communities makes me ill. Seriously, STOP making excuses for criminals! No wonder these animals are so brazen.
Street crime and violence in Chicago is a fact of life and it's not going anywhere. If someone what to harm or rob you, they will. City government really doesn't care about it unless it affects a financial balance sheet somewhere. I live in the Here and Now and don't really see our civil stewards doing anything about it. Welfare does not work and yet we continue to spend more on it than the war. Daley could hire more cops but he chooses not to, yet he's quick to write some BS property tax rebate checks to people you don't deserve them to save face.
Not exactly sure how everyone jumped from parking meters to the topic of social welfare but IMO the welfare state is a bottomless pit.
No matter how much the producers give away to the non-producers, the non-producers will remain non-productive, unwilling to survive on their own effort. Unless Americans learn that it is moral to let most of these non-producers sink or swim—live or die—on their own, eventually we will all sink.
And I'm pretty sure New Orleans, D.C., Baltimore and Detroit spend more on welfare programs per capita than Chicago does.
Actually, if a certain population of people who took over the south side following the civil rights movement devoted as much time to sustaining and building a community as they do to manipulating the system, the south side would still be an urban paradise as opposed to a dilapitated [sic] war zone.
While the South Side in general was never an urban paradise, black income and education have risen steadily. This may not have occurred to you, but a lot of people move out the ghetto once they can afford it.
Not exactly sure how everyone jumped from parking meters to the topic of social welfare but IMO the welfare state is a bottomless pit.
The welfare state made America great. We really don't see the same sort of poverty among the elderly as we did before Social Security was established.
And I'm pretty sure New Orleans, D.C., Baltimore and Detroit spend more on welfare programs per capita than Chicago does.
Sounds like you have a theory!
http://www.bookerrising.net/2007/01/statistics-about-black-americans-income.html
Top 5 states with highest median black household income: New Hampshire $43,574, Alaska $42,887, Maryland $41,652, Hawaii $41,032, New Jersey $38,513
There is not another city in this country that expends as much on welfare programs for the unfortunate than Chicago.
More than New York? Let's see some citations.
Further, to hear people like FGFM blame city government (and call the rest of us morons) for street crime and violence within certain communities makes me ill. Seriously, STOP making excuses for criminals! No wonder these animals are so brazen.
I welcome your hatred. People like you are pathetic scum.
And the use of words like "unfortunate" in relation to welfare recipients is somewhat flawed as much if not most aid goes to what is technically considered the middle class.
I read this over on another blog:
"The City can add as many meters as it wants with the option of either including them in the lease for additional money or keep them off the lease for themselves with LAZ turning over 85% of gross revenues and purchasing/operating the pay boxes for the other 15%."
While I probably should do some more reading on the topic, I tend to think the meter deal was a good deal. As I understand it, the city is basically getting half the money it would get in 75 years (assuming it raised rates itself) up front. That seems comparable to some loans, and it is a heck of a lot of money.
Do I agree with the way the city made this decision and conducts its business? No, but I can still see some merit in the deal.
As for the typical anonymous off-topic comments, you will find that in any unmoderated internet forum. It's just part of the madness of crowds, and why, in my opinion, uncontrolled discussion rarely works. If you're familiar with the discussion that takes place on Digg.com, YouTube, or CNN.com, you will see the dumbing-down effect that results from the masses shouting all of their random thoughts at once.
Since we've ventured off-topic, I would argue that social welfare programs are worth it, if only because of the kids. What better method is there to prevent poverty from reaching the next generation (and therefore multiplying and costing more money)?
I'd also like to hear an explanation of how recipients of social programs are technically middle class. That should be interesting.
I don't feel that my tax dollars (aka welfare) are making one bit of difference "for the children" whem I keep seeing the video of those "kids" outside Fenger High School and the "parents" who kept making excuses for their own and pointing the finger at city leaders rather than looking to hold ANYONE within their own community accountable.
Here's a fairly comprehensive list of Federal, State and Local Welfare programs . . . many of which are used/abused by the middle-class:
Medicaid
AFDC
Food Stamps
Supplemental Security Income
Lower income housing asst.
Earned Income Tax Credit
Veterans medical care
Stafford loans
Social Services (Title 20)
Pell Grants
Low-rent public housing
General medical assistance
Foster Care
School Lunch
Pensions for needy veterans
General Assistance
Head Start
Food supplements for Women, infants and children
Training for disadvantaged youth and adults
Low-income energy assistance
Rural housing loans
Indian Health Services
Summer youth employment
Maternal and child health
JOBS and WIN
Job Corps
Child care block grant
School Breakfast
Child care for AFDC
Nutrition Program for Elderly
Housing interest reduction
Child and adult care food program
"At risk" child care
I should note that I mistyped above (meant to refer to welfare and not all social programs), but regardless, your posts specifically use the word welfare.
Your list includes both what would commonly be considered social programs and what would commonly be considered welfare. If you are going to use such a broad definition of welfare (i.e. any government spending toward or tax breaks for individuals), you should probably include corporate welfare, tax breaks, and bail-outs as well.
It is fair to say that the middle class makes use of social programs. You still haven't listed your definition of middle class, which I'd still like to see if you insist that they make use of welfare.
Heck, by your definition (tax credit/deduction = welfare), this whole country, including the richest of the rich are on welfare. Oh no!
I think the consensus was that the city made out like a bandit on the Skyway deal since it was always a basket case as far as the finances went. That's why they were hot to make these other deals. I don't think the terms were quite as generous with this parking deal, however.
Since you asked so nicely, I'd define the "middle class/middle income" range to be between a 40K-110K combined family income. I think the current White House Administration puts the high end of that range close to 225K, but I think that's too high. And to me, any family making under 30K is "poor".
I consider "welfare" as pretty much all one-way transfers of cash, goods or services to people who make no payment and render no service in return. FYI: I don't lump Social Security in with this like many conservatives do.
And, for the record, I was raised/instilled with "Goldwater Conservative" values which over the past 40+ years seems to share more with Libertarians than the Dems/GOP.
Whether you think the meter deal was a good one or not, Daley is classically showing his chronic financial illiteracy by spending the capital from that deal on current expenses.
That's not very smart at all . . . apparently the housing bubble taught him nothing.
Anyone read Bobby Rush's quote in today's Sun-Times regarding the sentencing of the former owners of south loop's E2 nightclub? And this is a "leader" of the black community? Rather than applaud the sentencing of the two arrogant monsters responsible, he questioned the city's response and claims that this wouldn't have happened if the club was in a white neighborhood. Pathetic. And our tax dollars pay this man's salary!!!
monsters
I'm not sure if this is an upgrade from "animals" or not. While I disagree with Rush, I don't think that his comments were particularly offensive.
And our tax dollars pay this man's salary!!!
Of which I probably pay more than you, but it's spit in the ocean when you consider the overall Federal budget.
The passage of time makes monsters of us all.
The passage of time makes monsters of us all.
Perhaps, but I don't think that the clowns who ran that club are monsters. They are ultimately responsible for what happened, but it appears to be more a case of greed and incompetence than out-and-out malice. And I rather doubt that the racist anon got all that worked up about the Station nightclub fire in RI where a hundred were killed.
Greed and incompetence vs malice, why does it matter? They violated the law, decided to get in the business and not prepare themselves, and they go a lot of people killed doing it.
The irony in this case is that if these guys from E2 were caucasian, the African American Community & self anointed leaders would be up in arms; there would be lawsuits after their deep pockets, insurance companies, investors, personal assets, etc.
If this were a multibillion corporation, the response would be that the guys at the top are accountable, regardless of the involvement of the city or emergency responders.
Yet here you have two individuals clearly responsible and accountable for the incident and the death of way to many individuals, and will probably will go back to doing the same thing after they get a suspended sentence. Yet the same self anointed leaders wanted to tar and feather Imus for stupid radio comments, have no problem going to bat for idiots who killed over 15 people.
At the same time, these same politicians and self anointed leaders then will get in line and help the victims families sue the City for cause, as they know where the money really comes from. Great, let's continue the cycle of free sh!t to the unhappy in Chicago.
". . . States with the highest median black income . . . "
Isn't that like being the tallest guy in a midget contest?
Isn't that like being the tallest guy in a midget contest?
Black income keeps going up in spite of guys like you. The black professional who moved next to me is a good example of someone raising the average.
self anointed leaders
Contard parrots propaganda line.
As a young professional African-American woman, it really saddens me to read some of these hateful, racist posts. Why can't we all just get along. Keep your hate to yourself.
Erica, our President and Attorney General have made it a point to tell us we are afraid to or do not talk enough about race. It is a Catch 22 - if you treat someone or look at only their individual merits without the discussion of race, which I thought was the ultimate goal in how I treat people, you are not being sensitive to their differences.
Yet, if we discuss the possession of an individuals racial qualities or experiences, we are not being sensitive to the individuality and ability in self achievement that an individual may possess.
I think what you are reading is a frustration with the status quo of issues of crime, education, and urban development. Within one's race, you are allowed to talk about the different groups of "your own" people (rich, poor, yuppy, white-trash, country, suburban, educated, uneducated, blue collar, white collar), but when seeing the same problems come up over and over again, it is taboo to discuss problems that may touch on the life other diversity groups, because magically, when it is convenient, you are suddenly not one of them.
With many of the same issues facing cities like Chicago, people are tired of seeing the same self anointed leaders, and want to hear from a new or different group of leaders - people like my neighbors or coworkers that I hold as role models because they are succeeding and have overcome all to be successful individuals and build beautiful families despite the environment they came from.
But instead the media and government gives us more and more of the same leaders and social policies contradictory to personal accountability and social solutions that can help everyone thrive.
The E2 situation someone mentioned is a sad example to that fact. Here you have a situation where WE ALL should be MAD that 21 of our fellow citizens were needlessly killed and we have no answer and accountability. Yet instead of having leaders looking out for the best of all Citizens, you have people like Bobby Rush divisively breaking it down to the issue of race, instead of truth and accountability when he says "...he wonders if the same would have happened if the victims had been white.", yet gives the business owners a free pass.
Chicago is missing out on it's great opportunity for all citizens because of serving to the victim society and segregated de-facto leadership, but all we get is the racial opportunists and leadership behavior of idiots like this. It's time for some new blood and leadership for all, but sadly and unfortunately, this realization has to come from within African American Community.
Ditto for the terrible case of the Derrion Albert murder; this was one of the first mainstream media case I can remember where the media started to openly report the behind the scenes ethnic class discussion, issues, and factions going in in the AA community, but alas, the same idiots swooped in to be the face of the AA community, making sure outsiders would get the wrong impression that this incident is about a homogeneous group of people known only by race, and not an issue about individuals and in some cases good parents doing the right thing.
Anon, let me get this straight. You are criticizing leaders like Bobby Rush for generalizing the issues of a community in terms of race by... generalizing the issues of a community in terms of race. The hypocrisy damages your argument a bit. Do you think that the actions of these leaders somehow justify your stereotyping?
Two wrongs don't make a right but three rights make a left.
No, I am pointing out that there is no chance at real discussion of the issues because if you oppose a certain view point, be it economic, social, political, you will be labeled as a right wing extremist or some other stupid name, and that the media and political leaders are leading the way in ensuring all sides are misunderstood. That's how they stay popular and relevant.
self anointed leaders
Like a dog returning to his vomit...
[Y]ou will be labeled as a right wing extremist or some other stupid name
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. When a guy is all hung up about blacks and keeps using Thomas Sowell's catch phrase, I'm going to assume that he has a bit of a racial problem.
Chicago is missing out on it's great opportunity for all citizens because of serving to the victim society and segregated de-facto leadership, but all we get is the racial opportunists and leadership behavior of idiots like this. It's time for some new blood and leadership for all, but sadly and unfortunately, this realization has to come from within African American Community.
I suggest that you put on a crisp white sheet and stand on a soapbox at 35th and King. You are really getting tiresome with this racial crap.
FGFM, Where did Anon 10:08 say anything straying from what is really going on? Seems clear that there is a recognition that the problem is all of ours to deal with.
It is amazing at how little outrage you have with the offenders with the E2 tradgedy, and the Ho Hum attitude.
But write controversial commentary discussing the state of things, and you are claiming 'white sheet' time. You prove the authors point.
It is demeaning for any of these leaders and media to play the race game - why should we care about the adjective attached?
Anon(s), can I propose that you at least leave some sort of a signature or nickname at the end of your posts? It is difficult to have a debate when one can only assume that each Anonymous is a different person (e.g. I can only respond to an individual post while you have the ability to read every post I have written).
It is sad that the black community is not only giving the club owners a free ride, but are actually defending them! Such a racial bias! If these club owners were white, Bobby Rush would be pushing for the death penalty.
If these club owners were white, Bobby Rush would be pushing for the death penalty.
Seems unlikely.
REP. RUSH HOLDS CONGRESSIONAL HEARING
ON FLAWED DEATH PENALTY SYSTEM
The recent, unprecedented action George Ryan took, of commuting the death sentences of all death row inmates to life in prison, is one Rep. Rush strongly supported. "I have always believed that using the death penalty as a form of punishment is not punishment at all, but rather murder executed by the state."
FGFM, you should just change your name to Mary Mitchell - you two are on the same wavelength.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/1905830,CST-NWS-mitch26.article
Love these quotes from one of the defendant's
---------------------------------
"Had this been the House of Blues, I don't believe those kids would have been left in there 30 minutes.
"Maybe one person would have died -- and one death is too many -- but to have 21 people die in this kind of situation is unheard of."
Despite this painful episode, the bad behavior at black clubs continues to vex owners and put them at risk.'
--------------------------------
Well, no, the proper ownership does not let their business get to the point of uncontrolled chaos.
FGFM, you should just change your name to Mary Mitchell - you two are on the same wavelength.
No, I hate Mary Mitchell because she's stupid. The fact that some of our political opinions might intersect is immaterial. I do not support the men who owned that nightclub and it was obvious to me just from casual observation that it was poorly run.
Well, no, the proper ownership does not let their business get to the point of uncontrolled chaos.
The Station nightclub fire
Music: The Stampede to Tragedy
Pilgrims killed in Mecca stampede
Report: Congo soccer riot over 'witchcraft' leaves 13 dead
Maybe if black leaders showed as much support to single teenage mothers as they did to slum lords, superstar athletes, and "reverands" our community wouldn't be in such grave turmoil.
Maybe if black leaders showed as much support to single teenage mothers as they did to slum lords, superstar athletes, and "reverands" our community wouldn't be in such grave turmoil.
I suggest that you write a letter!
Writing a letter addressing concerns within a community full of individuals who don't/can't read is pointless.
Writing a letter addressing concerns within a community full of individuals who don't/can't read is pointless.
Maybe you can just burn a cross?
Unlike the mayor of Baltimore, I'm not interested in committing a felony.
Unlike the mayor of Baltimore, I'm not interested in committing a felony.
Burning a cross isn't a felony, but I don't see what one of the random black politicians you like to bring up has to do with it.
Aggravated hate crimes ARE class 2 felonies (even more serious than committing spelling errors on an internet blog . . . Gasp!)
Aggravated hate crimes ARE class 2 felonies (even more serious than committing spelling errors on an internet blog . . . Gasp!)
Burning a cross isn't necessarily a hate crime, but I could see where a law like that could put a crimp in your style.
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