Talk about acronym soup… the Chicago Community Trust has awarded the Active Transportation Alliance funding to continue working with Blue Island on implementation of our Complete Streets ordinance. Announcement came yesterday at CMAP’s LTA (that’s Local Technical Assistance) Ideas Exchange.
Thanks to all the agencies and partners involved!
Hidden Gem?
Quite simply, we don’t know. Can you guess where this building is located? Look at the far ends of each elevation for a clue. If that’s not enough, maybe this vintage pic from NRDS will help.
Go to What Was There and explore more hidden (and lost) Blue Island this Preservation Month. We recommend the app for a unique on-street tour!
CG2 build day on Flickr.
Another successful day planting and building at CG2.
See more pics at Norman Rexford’s flickr
Do you know where to find this home?
Continuing our Preservation Month theme of Hidden Gems, this residence is a true “gem,” if not exactly hidden on the corner of Fairview and Birdsall. But we bet it’s largely unknown and even overlooked! This style of home has been given the dour description of “minimal traditional” by architectural historians, but we think it sings with the twin voices of depression-era austerity and the post-war optimism more often associated with suburban Levittowns.
The front front-facing gable is reminiscent of Tudor revival. Echoing a move made by modern architects, the decorative detailing found in those earlier revival styles have been removed. A broad side-gable roof stretches the length of the house, sloping down over the garage as if it was a saltbox. The bright white siding and earthy green details remind us of a mid-century toy.
Stunningly maintained in its original condition, it’s easy to imagine a family sitting around the old radio in a nostalgic scene of domesticity. Kudos to the homeowners.
The 12600-12700 Block of Fairview was the 2011 Cavalcade of Pride winner for “Best Block.” Congrats!
Our first “Hidden Gem” of Preservation Month 2012! Do you know what the “blue monster” hid?
(Source: buildabetterbi)
Active Transportation Alliance is once again supporting its annual Bike Commuter Challenge, and it’s just around the corner. For the third year the City of Blue Island will host a team, competing against neighboring municipalities to see who has the bikin’est employees around. Can you find your team?
Building on the fun of last year’s “bike away from work” history tour, Blue Island the Bike Commuter Challenge will offer another after work group bike ride. This year’s theme will be Hollywood in Blue Island, as we tour all the fabulous sites remembered from movies filmed in town. Relive the glitz and glamour!
Need help with your bike? Check out the BCC’s How-To guide. Need a tune up? Look for Cal-Sag Cycles popping up at farmers markets in Blue Island this summer. Drop ‘em a line on twitter @calsagcycles to learn when and where!
Blue Island’s long awaited Transit-Oriented Development zoning district continues to move toward adoption. On Monday, May 14 at 6pm the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed Uptown-TOD (U-TOD) district. The meeting will be held at the City Hall East Annex, 2434 Vermont Street, Blue Island. The Blue Island City Council will hear the recommendation of the Zoning Board on Tuesday, May 22 at 7pm. This meeting is also held at the East Annex.
You can download the proposed zoning district ordinance, maps, and memos at http://www.blueisland.org/zoning
The U-TOD district has been proposed since the adoption of the Blue Island Plan for Economic Development (2005) and encompasses the South Station Residential District, Hospital District and Main Street Commercial Area, and the South Main Street Area as found in the Blue Island Plan, as well as the Olde Western Historic District. The new district comprises of areas zoned C-1 Central Area Commercial south of Union Street, including Olde Western; C-2 Highway Commercial parcels on Vermont Street between Irving and Division; and R-1 Single Family Residential parcels along Chicago Street and both west of Chatham and south of Vermont to the Cal-Sag and Division Street. Zones have been created within the U-TOD district to preserve Single Family Residential found in the current R-1 district.
Blue Island has a rich and diverse heritage of agriculture and local food production, which is somewhat unique for an older, industrial community. Elements can still be found in many places around town, including our local community gardens. Visit the gardens below and discover 2 of Blue Island’s Hidden Gems. Sign up to garden or volunteer and honor this piece of our community’s cultural heritage.
CALIFORNIA GARDENS COMMUNITY GARDEN (CG2)
CG2 is located in the at the SE Corner of 141st/Francisco – next to the Tommy A. Brown Sports Association (2805 141st St, Blue Island, IL 60406).
Plots: The garden consists of 24 plots, of the following sizes:
# Size Cost for 2012
(12) 4’x10’ raised bed plots $10
(8) 4’x8’ Accessible/Senior raised beds $10
(4) 10’x10’ plots $25
(4) 10’x10’ food pantry/community plots Volunteers needed
**Local girl scouts will be tending 2 food pantry plots as a part of their 100 yr anniversary service**
MEMORIAL PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN
The Blue Island Park District invites you to join the Memorial Park Community Garden (MPCG), located behind the Memorial Park Pool at 12801 S. Highland. The MPCG is a great place to experiment with new herbs and vegetables and swap gardening advice with other gardeners. Members are welcome at weekly Weds night meetings that include many gardening related lessons. Only 22 plots are available, so contact the Blue Island Park District at 708.385.3304 and claim your plot today. $25 Registration Fee ($35 Non-Resident)
BICDD and volunteer partners are finishing construction of California Gardens Community Garden (CG2) and looking for volunteers to help finish construction and installation of key infrastructure so that our gardeners can get started.
Garden Construction & Planting Dates
Location:SE Corner of 141st/Francisco – next to the Tommy A. Brown Sports Association (2805 141st St, Blue Island, IL 60406)
5/8: 9am Construction & Installation of Raised Beds
5/15: 9am Construction & Installation of Raised Beds
5/16: 6:30pm Planting Food Pantry Plots
5/22: 9am Construction & Installation of 10x10 plots, Shed & Canopy
Please contact Sandy at 708.979.2479 for more info or to volunteer. Or just show up at one of the above build dates to help.
Fence Needed
We’re also desperately in need of a fence and looking for donations.
California Gardens Community Garden
The California Gardens Community Garden (CG2) was started in 2011, through the Cook County CPPW Model Communities program. Our premiere growing season begins 2012. A whole-hearted thanks to all who helped create this garden, especially the local businesses and residents who donated service, time and muscle.
