You Won't Believe This Photo, Skokie
Photos
My parents were strict. Dishes were to be cleaned after dinner, report cards needed As and Bs and heaven forbid we left our shoes randomly tossed on the floor. Those were our house rules. And there were consequences for breaking those rules.
Living in Skokie I've often wondered what the rules are here. Although our community expectations should be pretty clear, I think things are changing. For example, I've noticed a lot more litter on my street; strange cars parked on my block for days on end; and, a certain urban feel to Skokie that wasn't here before.
Is it the empty storefronts and razed lots on Dempster Street and Skokie Boulevard that give our village a persona that is different from years past? Many longtime residents will tell you about driving down these same streets year ago with vibrant businesses and a thriving community.
Perhaps the proliferation of certain stores - pawn shops, cash for gold storefronts and Salvation Army - have changed part of our community's character. Right or wrong, these stores give rise to negative opinions - and the conversation inevitably becomes a discussion of community standards and at some point we ask: "What do we want our Village to look like?".
It appears village officials have noticed too. A recently proposed ordinance from the Public Safety Commission seeks to further hold landlords accountable for their property and some actions of their tenants.
Will an ordiance fix all of our community problems? Probably not. But at least it's a start and a realization from our elected officials that Skokie's house rules need review, refinement and enforcement.
The Commission will continue their deliberations of the topic at their next meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on May 16, at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St.
The picture -
Also, in case you were wondering where the picture from above was taken I'll fill you in. A car "was reported burglarized in the 7900 block of Niles Avenue on May 7." The report said the owner of a 1995 model Toyota 4Runner had its rims and tires stolen. This picture was taken on that same day on the same block. (Here's the blotter report.)
What do you think?
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Bill Novello
8:28 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
The meeting is scheduled for 5/14 at Village Hall at 7pm
Scott Holtz
8:47 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
Thanks, Bill. That date as reported for the Public Safety Commission meeting didn't sound right either. This link http://skokie.org/MulitFamilyLicensing.cfm will give all the info on the meeting and the correct date and time.
Scott Holtz
8:32 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
Trying to figure out how that happened on Niles Center Road as reported. Niles Center Road is a pretty well traveled road and those buildings in the background arent on that road. My bet is the report is incorrect and this is the 7900 block of Niles Ave. When I search Google Maps indeed the building pictured in the background on Niles Avenue making it 2 times this Patch has reported the address wrong.
That couldn't have happened very fast and how did no one in the neighborhood of apartment buildings see or hear it happen?
George Slefo
9:26 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
Thanks Scott. It is now Niles Avenue and not Niles Center Road.
Skokie 1
12:45 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
I've been reading skokie patch for a year now but never made an account. but i've see a lot of your comments scott holtz. you sound like a big cry baby.
but thats not my point. had the story reported that the car was on niles avenue instead of niles center road would that have changed your mind about the picture? you have a car missing four wheels and rims and a police blotter to go with it and you're asking how could no one hear the theft?
easy buddy the same way no one hears the same types of thefts on the south side of chicago! there are ways to go about asking for something to be fixed without sounding like a total jerk. keep up[ the good work skokie patch! skokie appreciates you!
George Slefo
1:12 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Scott - the link you provided is for a meeting for landlords only. The general public will not be able to attend Monday's meeting. I confirmed this with the village.
The information in the blog post is correct. Anyone can attend Wednesday's meeting and it is for both landlords and residents. Thanks.
Adam Turetzky
11:29 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
This is what happens when the former "middle class" that lives here looses their buying power due to inflation and lack of salary increases. They start to "make do".
Scott Holtz
3:09 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Hey Skokie 1 - I may be a "big cry baby" but I never resort to name calling when I disagree and use my own name and picture and a full bio when I do make a statement. My issue is why scare the neighbors on the wrong street?