It Ain't All Big Hair and Cadillacs

Summer festivals

Courtesy of Chicago Sun Times, June 1, 2007

JUNE

1-3: Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Millennium Park. (312) 744-3315;www.chicago gospelmusicfestival.us.
1-Sept. 30: Cool Globes: Hot Ideas For a Cooler Planet, Lakefront between the Field Museum and E. Balbo. Free. www.coolglobes.org.
2-3: Arlington Heights Promenade of Art, Downtown Arlington Heights. Free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.
2-3: Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, Sheffield from Belmont to School. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
2-3: Community Art Fair, Bixler Park, 57th and Kenwood. Free. (773) 363-8282.
2-3: East Troy Electric Railroad Centennial Celebration Weekend, 2002 Church, East Troy, Wis. (262) 642-3263; www.easttroyrr.org.
2-3: Richton Park's Blues and Bones Fest, Sauk Trail and Governors Highway, Richton Park. $15. (708) 481-8950; www.richtonpark.org.
3: United Run for the Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, Cannon and Fullerton. $14-$30. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
5-Sept. 3: Millennium Park Family Fun Festival, Millennium Park. Free. (312) 742-1168; www.millenniumpark.org.
6-Sept. 3: Cirque Shanghai: Bai Xi, Navy Pier. (773) 205-9600; www.navypier.com.
7-10: Chicago Blues Festival, Grant Park. (312) 744-3315; www.chicagobluesfestival.us.
8-10: Pride of the Fox Riverfest, Downtown St. Charles. (630) 557-2575; www.prideofthefox.com.
8-9: Summerfest, Madison between Besplaines and Harlem, Forest Park. Free. (708) 366-2543.
8-10: Skydiving for MS, Chicagoland Skydiving Center, 12637 US Route 30 West, Hinckley. (800) 404-5867; www.skydivingforms.com.
8-10: SportsFest Collectibles Show, Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel, Schaumburg. $10. www.sportsfestshow.com.
9: Country Western Night Festival, Our Lady of Knock Parish Hall, 497 163rd, Calumet City. $10. (708) 862-3011.
9-10: Ribfest Chicago, Lincoln between Irving Park and Warner. $5 donation. (773) 525-3609.
9-10: Wells Street Art Festival, N. Wells between North and Division. $7-$10 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
9-24: American Spanish Dance Festival, Northeastern Illinois University, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr. $25-$45. (773) 442-5916; www.neiu.edu/~eespanol.
9-Oct. 7: American Players Theatre Summer Theater Festival, 5950 Golf Course, Spring Green, Wis. $35-$53. (608) 588-2361.
10: Palos Community Hospital's Band on the Run Run, Palos Health and Fitness Center, 153rd and West, Orland Park. $8-$22. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
14: Hackensaw Boys, James Park, Dodge at Mulford, Evanston. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
14-17: Festa Pasta Vino, Oakley just south of Cermak. Free. (847) 233-9966; www.festapastavino.com.
15-16: Highland Games and Scottish Festival, Oak Brook Polo Grounds, Oak Brook. (708) 447-5092; www.chicago-scots.org.
15-17: Bloomington Gold Corvette Show, Pheasant Run Golf Course, St. Charles. $15-$40. (309) 888-4477; www.bloomingtongold.com.
15-17: Darkmoon Faire, Renaissance Schaumburg, 1551 N. Thoreau, Schaumburg. Free. www.ude.com.
15-17: Great Galena Balloon Race, Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, 444 Eagle Ridge, Galena. (815) 777-2444; www.greatgalenaballoonrace.com.
15-17: Lake Meadows Art Fair, Lake Meadows Shopping Center, 35th and King. Free. (312) 225-5692.
15-17: Prairiefest, 91 Plank, Oswego. (630) 554-1010; www.prairiefest.com.
15-17: Taste of Randolph Street, Randolph between Peoria and Racine. $10 donation. (312) 458-9401; www.jamfests.com.
16: Juneteenth, Sankofa Cultural Arts and Business Center, Chicago from Menard to Mayfield. Free. (773) 626-4497.
16: Puerto Rican Pride Parade, Columbus from Balbo to Monroe.
16: Unity Day, Village Green, Hoffman Estates. (847) 882-9100.
16-17: Cantigny Fine Art Festival, Cantigny Park, Wheaton. Free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.
16-17: Custer's Last Stand, Main Street and Chicago, Evanston. $1 donation. (847) 328-2204; www.custerfair.com.
17: Garden Prairie Strawberry Festival, Susie's Garden Patch, Highway 20, Garden Prairie. Free. (815) 597-3011.
17: Ruralfest, Lisle Station Museum, 921 School, Lisle. $20. (630) 968-0499; www.ruralfest.com.
17-Aug. 26: Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, Grant Park, Butler Field, Monroe and Lake Shore. Free. (312) 744-3315.
19: Lucy Smith, Butler Bark, Canal and Dempster, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
19-24: Midsommar Festival Swedish Days, Downtown Geneva. (630) 232-6060; www.genevachamber.com.
20-24: Country Fair, Church of the Holy Spirit, 1451 Bode, Schaumburg. (847) 882-7580; www.churchoftheholyspirit.org.
21: Question Mark and the Mysterians, James Park, Dodge at Mulford, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
21-Aug. 18: Northwestern Summer Music Theatre Festival, Northwestern University, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 491-7282; www.northwestern.edu.
22: Chicagoland Ukulele Jam Festival, 1300 Maybrook, Maywood. $10. (708) 615-9000.
22-23: Berwyn's Cartopia, Cermak and Harlem, Berwyn. (708) 788-8100; www.berwyncartopia.com.
22-23: Cans Music Fest, 1640 N. Damen. $5 donation. (773) 276-7582.
22-24: Close Up 2 Smooth Jazz Summer Festival, Pritzker Park, State and Van Buren. Free. (312) 385-1111.
22-24: Downers Grove Heritage Festival, Main and Curtiss, Downers Grove. Free. (630) 434-5555.
22-24: Taste of Greece on LaSalle Street, Annunciation Cathedral of Chicago, 1017 N. LaSalle. (312) 664-5485.
23: Chicago Pride Fest, Waveland and Halsted. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
23: Villa Park Summerfest, Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park, 320 E. Kenilworth. Free. (630) 834-8500.
23-24: Belmont Arts and Music Festival, Belmont between Damen and Leavitt. $5 donation. (773) 327-5123; www.rvcc.biz.
23-24: Fountain Square Art Festival, Downtown Evanston. $5. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
23-24: St. Andrew the Apostle Parish SummerFest, 768 Lincoln, Calumet City. (708) 862-4165.
23-Sept. 30: Morton Arboretum Summer Concert Series, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. $6-$15. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
24: Garage Sale Sunday, Harlem-Foster Shopping Center, 7240 W. Foster. (773) 631-4000.
24: Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade, Halsted and Belmont. Free. (773) 348-8243; www.chicagopridecalendar.org.
28: Dub Dis, James Park, Dodge at Mulford, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
28-Aug. 2: Plaza del Lago Concert Series, 1515 N. Sheridan, Wilmette. (847) 884-0000; www.plazadelago.com.
29-July 1: Crystal Lake Gala Festival, 401 Country Club, Crystal Lake. $5. www.clgala.com.
29-July 1: Des Moines Arts Festival, Western Gateway Park, Des Moines. (515) 286-4950; www.desmoinesartsfestival.org.
29-July 1: Jeff Fest, Higgins and Milwaukee. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.org.
29-July 1: Pizza Fest, Racine and Fullerton. $5. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
29-July 4: Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival, Lisle Community Park, Lisle. $10. (630) 575-9798; www.eyestotheskiesfestival.com.
29-July 8: Taste of Chicago, Grant Park. (312) 744-3315; www.tasteofchicago.us.
30: Chicago Antique Market, W. Randolph. $8. (312) 951-9939; www.chicagoantiquemarket.com.
30-July 1: Chicago Country Music Festival, Grant Park. (312) 744-3315; www.chicagocountrymusicfestival.us.
30-July 1: Joliet Fine Art Festival of the Masters, Chicago Ave. near Rialto Square Theatre. Free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.
30-July 4: Naperville Ribfest, Knoch Park, Naperville. $10. (630) 548-5215; www.ribfest.net.

JULY

1: International Festival, The Lighthouse Church of All Nations, 4501 W. 127th, Alsip. Free. (708) 385-6020.
3: Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular, Grant Park. (312) 744-3315.
3-4: Wheeling Freedom Fest, Park District Field, 333 W. Dundee, Wheeling. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
3-8: Lions Village Fair and Taste of Mt. prospect, Melas Park, Central and Busse, Mt. Prospect. Free. www.mtprospectlions.com.
4: Fireworks and Peter Frampton, Hamilton Lakes, Thorndale and Rt. 53, Itasca. Free. (630) 773-0835.
4: Hinsdale Independence Day Show, Third and Washington, Hinsdale. Free. (630) 325-8080.
4: Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks, Deerpath Community Park, Deerpath and Hastings, Lake Forest. Free. (847) 234-6700; www.chicagoevents.com.
5: Picante, James Park, Dodge at Mulford, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
5: Sidewalk Sale, Harlem-Foster Shopping Center, 7240 W. Foster. (773) 631-4000.
6-8: Peace Fest, 1660 N. Stockton. Free. (708) 212-2035.
7: Exotica 2007, FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn. $35. (219) 923-4748.
7: Wrigleyville Summer Fest, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Seminary between Roscoe and School. $5. www.wrigleyvillesummerfest.com.
7: Bristol Renaissance Faire, Russell Road, Kenosha, Wis. (847) 395-7773; www.renfair.com.
7: Party in the Park, Unity Park, 2636 N. Kimball. Free. (773) 478-1410.
7-8: Lake View Music Fest, Barry and Ashland. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
7-8: Lincolnshire Fine Art Festival, Village Green, Lincolnshire. Free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.
7-8: Skokie Art Guild Annual Art Fair, Skokie Village Green, 5211 W. Oakton, Skokie. Free. (847) 677-8163.
7: Summer Soiree, North Berwyn Park District, 1619 Wesley, Berwyn. Free. (708) 749-4900.
10: Hot 8 Brass Band, Twiggs Park, Simpson at Dodge, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
11: Sunset Cinema, Lincoln Park, Lake Shore and Waveland. $10. www.sunsetscreenings.com.
12: Gin Palace Jesters, James Park, Dodge at Mulford, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
12: Niketown Bastille Day 5K Run, Walk and Block Party, Jackson and Aberdeen. $25-$30. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
12-15: Lincolnwood Fest, Proesel Park, 6900 Lincoln, Lincolnwood. (847) 679-5760; www.lincolnwoodfest.com.
12-15: St. Symphorosa Parish Family Fest, St. Symphorosa, 6135 S. Austin. Free. (773) 767-1523.
12-15: West Chicago Railroad Days, Reed-Keppler Park, Arbor and Hawthorne, West Chicago. Free. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
13-15: Irish Fest, Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 Knox. $12. (773) 282-7035 Ext. 10.
13-15: Magnificent Mile Art Festival, Pioneer Court, N. Michigan. Free. (954) 472-3755; www.artfestival.com.
13-15: Michigan Peace Festival, Willow Ranch, Lacota, Michigan. $30. (269) 253-4306; www.michiganpeacefest.com.
14: Kicks for Kids, Hutchinson Field, Grant Park. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
14-15: Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival, Buffalo Grove. Free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.
14-15: Chicago Folk & Roots Festival, Welles Park, 4400 N. Lincoln between Montrose and Sunnyside. $7. (773) 728-6000; www.oldtownschool.org/festival.
14-15: DuSable Museum of African American History Arts and Crafts Festival, 740 E. 56th Place. Free. (773) 947-0600; www.dusablemuseum.org.
14-15: Mayor's Cup Youth Soccer, Lincoln Park, Montrose and Lake Shore. (312) 744-3315.
14-15: North Shore Art Festival, Westfield Old Orchard parking lot, Skokie. Free. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
14-Aug. 25: Puerto Rican Film Festival, Humboldt Park Boat House, 1440 N. Sacramento. (773) 486-8345; www.iprac.org.
17: Brute Force, Dawes Park, Sheridan at Church, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
19: The 1900s, James Park, Dodge and Mulford, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
20: The Ultimate Coffee Break, 2 N. Riverside Plaza. Free. (312) 920-9802.
21: The Silver Room's Sound System Block Party, Evergreen and Milwaukee. Free. (773) 278-7130.
21-22: St. Barbara Family Fest, 2859 S. Throop. Free. (312) 842-7979.
21-22: Southside Art and Music Festival, Halsted between 32nd and 35th. $5 donation. (773) 927-7373; www.chicagoevents.com.
21-22: South Side Art and Music Festival, 35th and Halsted. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
23-Aug. 5: Chicago Human Rhythm Project's Rhythm World Festival, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington and Northwestern University, 1979 S. Campus, Evanston. (773) 281-1825; www.chicagotap.org.
24: Instant Karma Band, Dawes Park, Sheridan at Church, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
25-29: DuPage County Fair, DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester, Wheaton. $7. (630) 668-6636; www.dupagecountyfair.org.
28: Chicago Antique Market, W. Randolph. $8. (312) 951-9939; www.chicagoantiquemarket.com.
28-29: Geneva Arts Fair, Third Street, Geneva. (630) 232-6060; www.genevachamber.com.
28: Palmer "Mud Queens" block Party, Palmer between Leavitt and Bell. Free. (773) 852-8990.
28: Venetian Night, Lakefront.
28-29: Greek Festival, St. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner, Glenview. $3. (847) 729-2235; www.glenviewgreekfest.com.
28-29: Taste of Lincoln Avenue, N. Lincoln between Fullerton and Wrightwood. $7-$10 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
28-Aug. 12: Woodstock Mozart Festival, Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock. (815) 338-5300; www.mozartfest.org.
31: Hobex, Dawes Park, Sheridan at Church, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.

AUGUST

1-4: Jazz Dance World Festival, The Harris Teater for Music and Dance in Millenium Park, 205 E. Randolph. $45-$60. (312) 334-7777; www.harristheaterchicago.org.
3-5: Gold Coast Art Fair, River North. free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.
3-5: Lollapalooza, Grant Park. www.lollapalooza.com.
3-5: Sugar Creek Symphony and Song, Cherry Street Art Fest, Watseka. (815) 432-1111; www.sugarcreekfestival.org.
4: 37th Ward, Back-to-School Gospel Fest, LaFollette Park, 1333 N. Laramie. Free. (773) 745-2894.
4: Glory to Glory Family Christian Center Inspiration of Love Community Festival, 122 S. Parnell. Free. (773) 568-0074.
7: Elana James, Dawes Park, Sheridan at Church, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
8-12: Crestwood Fest, 141st and Kenton, Crestwood. Free. (708) 371-4800; www.crestwoodrecreation.com.
9: Occidental Brothers Dance Band International, Twiggs Park, Simpson at Dodge, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
9: Race Judicata, Grant Park. $31-$38. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
9-12: Mendota Sweet Corn Festival, Downtown Mendota. Free. (815) 539-6507; www.sweetcornfestival.com.
10-12: Taylor Street Festa Italiana, Taylor between Ashland and Loomis. $10 donation. (312) 458-9401; www.jamfests.com.
11-12: Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove, Elk Grove. Free. (773) 868-3010; www.tourofelkgrove.com
11-12: Art at the Glen Town Center, Glen Town Center, Glenview. Free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.
11-12: Northalsted Market Days, N. Halsted between Belmont and Addison. $6 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
12: Prairie Trail Storytelling Festival, Lake Ellyn Park, Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Free. (630) 469-0879; www.gepl.org.
14: Indigo, Dawes Park, Sheridan at Church, Evanston. Free. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
14: Reggae Cowboys, Dawes Park, Sheridan at Dawes, Evanston. (847) 448-8058; www.cityofevanston.org/arts.
18-19: Chicago Air and Water Show.
18-19: National Championship of Cycling, Main and Curtiss, Downers Grove. Free. (773) 868-3010; www.dgcycling.com.
24-25: AnnunciataFest, Annunciata Church, 11128 S. Avenue G. (773) 592-4186; www.annunciataonline.com.
24-26: Skokie's Backlot Bash, Oakton and Floral, Skokie. Free. (847) 674-1500.
25: Chicago Antique Market, W. Randolph. $8. (312) 951-9939; www.chicagoantiquemarket.com.
25-26: Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival, Glenwood between Farwell and Lunt. Free. (773) 262-3790; www.rogerspark.com.
25-26: Port Clinton Art Festival, Highland Park. Free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.
25-26: Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival, Grant Park. www.vivachicago.us.
26: Polka Fest 2007, Bicentennial Park. Free. (815) 724-3760.
30-Sept. 3: Buffalo Grove Days, Lake Cook and Raupp, Buffalo Grove. (847) 459-2500; www.vbg.org.
30-Sept. 2: Chicago Jazz Festival, Grant Park. www.chicagojazzfestival.org.

SEPTEMBER

1-2: Bash on Wabash, 1300-1500 S. Wabash. $5. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
7-8: Windy City Wine Festival, Daley Bicentennial Plaza, Grant Park. $25. (847) 382-1480; www.windycitywinefestival.com.
7-9: Mokena Downtown Merchants Association, Wolf and Front, Mokena. $2. (773) 379-7759.
8: For the Love of Art Street Fair, Downtown Whiting, Ind. (219) 659-0901.
8-9: Lake View East Fine Art Festival, Broadway from Belmont to Roscoe. Free. (847) 926-4300; www.amdurproductions.com.
9: Guinness Oyster Fest, Roscoe Village. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.

9: Misericordia Family Fest, 6300 N. Ridge. $7. (773) 273-2766.
13-16: Festival de la Villita, 26th and Kostner. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
14-16: Festival of the Vine, Downtown Genveva. Free. (630) 232-6060; www.genevachamber.com.
14-15: Naperville Wine Festival, Naper Settlement, Naperville. (847) 382-1480; www.napervillewinefestival.com.
15: AIDS Run and Walk Chicago, Grant Park. $20-$25. (312) 334-0946; www.aidschicago.org.
15: The Wine Crush in Old Town, North and Wells. $5 donation. (773) 868-3010; www.chicagoevents.com.
20-23: Italian Style 2007, Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier. Free. (312) 553-9137.
29: Chicago Antique Market, W. Randolph. $8. (312) 951-9939; www.chicagoantiquemarket.com.
29: Johnny Appleseed Festival, Downtown Crystal Lake. Free. (815) 479-0835; www.downtowncl.org.

OCTOBER

6-7: Midwest Literary Festival, Aurora. Free. (630) 844-4731; www.midwestliteraryfestival.com.
27: Chicago Antique Market, W. Randolph. $8. (312) 951-9939; www.chicagoantiquemarket.com.
Note: All events are subject to change without notice. Information was accurate as of press time.

Call and write to your legislator today and urge them to vote against the proposed Real Estate Transfer Tax for the RTA.

Senate Bill 572, as amended includes the authority for the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to impose a real estate transfer tax of $3 per $1,000 within the city of Chicago WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS and the Chicago Association of REALTORS STRONGLY OPPOSE this proposal and urge you to contact your Representative and Senator and urge them to REJECT this proposed transfer tax increase.

It is very troubling to give this statutory authority to levy a real estate transfer tax to a special taxing district governed by an APPOINTED Board.

This is ANOTHER LAYER OF TAXING authority on property owners in Chicago where a very high home rule municipal real estate transfer tax is already in place ($7.50 per $1,000 paid by the buyer) in addition to the State and county real estate transfer tax (combined $1.50 per $1,000 on the seller).

Illinois law also is very clear in that VOTER INPUT is required to impose a new or to increase an existing home rule real estate transfer tax. This proposal contravenes that public policy.
As you are well aware, the real estate transfer tax is a "hidden" property tax because most property owners are not aware of it until they buy or sell property.

SB 572 is sponsored by Representatives Julie Hamos, Paul Froehlich and Kathy Ryg and Senator John Cullerton and Ira Silverstein. To send an e-mail to your Senator and Rep., follow the prompts below. To call your state legislators, go to www.ilga.gov and look in the "Members" section for your legislators' Springfield phone numbers (the one with a 217 area code)

Click the link below to log in and send your message:

HOUSE passes version of the 7% bill Late Wednesday night (Thursday morning) the Illinois House passed House Amendment #1 to SB13.

The votes:
101 Aye
9 No
6 Present
Click HERE to see the Votes

The bill now goes to the Senate, with expectations that it may be called for a vote today (Thursday).

The language of this bill became available to us Wednesday morning, and has MANY components. TRAC will need time to review and fully understand the bill.

In essence, House Amendment #1 increases the Alternative general homestead exemption (the 7% cap) to $30,000 in the first year (previously $20,000); $24,000 in the second year; and $18,000 in the third year.

The bill aslo includes:
- Disabled veterans exemption
- Returning Veteran's homestead exemption (one-time benefit)
- Disabled persons' homestead exemption
- Disabled veterans standard homestead exemption
- An increase to the senior citizens homestead exemption
- An increase in the senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption
- An increase in the general homestead exemption
- The long-time occupant homestead exemption
- An abatement for the residence of a surviving spouse of a fallen police officer or rescue worker

The bill also establishes a Property Tax Reform and Relief Task Force selected from the House and the Senate.

There is a lot to review in this bill - and we look to have more information as it passes the Senate and makes its way to the Governor for his signature.

P.S. the House also passed a budget bill last night.

May 2007 - 2nd Edition

Edgewater Developments

Greetings

Red Line Meetings are your chance to create better Red Line Stations and craft a vision for the retail districts around the stations.

Final Red Line Meeting this coming Monday
by Adam Burck

Focusing on Thorndale & Granville Stations

This coming Monday, 5/7, we are holding the final meeting for the community to refine its vision for the Thorndale & Granville Red Line Stations. At the last meeting in March, over 50 people provided input on what they want the Granville & Thorndale to be like when the Red Line is revamped. Come out and help finalize that vision as well as your vision for the retail districts adjacent to the stations.

EDC has partnered with the UIC's City Design Center and Voorhees Center to create these charrettes, which are a form of community planning meetings. The results of the charrettes will be compiled in a final report that will be provided to State Representative Harry Osterman and our other elected officials to help them secure the funding to renovate the Red Line. We thank Harry Osterman for his help in securing the funding for these charrettes.

We welcome and encourage all community members to participate in the second round of charrettes. There is no need to have participated in the first charrettes. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 and the charrettes will begin at 7 p.m. See below for the details:

Thorndale & Granville Stations:

Monday, May 7th, 7 to 9 pm, Loyola University's Simpson Living & Learning Center, 6333 N Winthrop

Contact Information
email: info@edgewaterdev.org
phone: 773-506-4016
web: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fydmq4bab.0.4ipg7jbab.evywm8n6.2241&ts=S0238&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edgewaterdev.org

Greetings!

Red Line Meetings are your chance to create better Red Line Stations and craft a vision for the retail districts around the stations. Read below for more information.
EDC has a brand new and improved web site, thanks to a generous grant from Harris Bank.

More details below.

Red Line Meetings next two Mondays!!
by Adam Burck

This coming Monday, 4/30, and the following Monday, 5/7, we are holding the final meetings for the community to refine its vision for the Red Line Stations in Edgewater. At the last two meetings in March, 100 people provided input on what they want the Red Line Stations to be like when the Red Line is revamped. Come out and help finalize that vision as well as your vision for the retail districts adjacent to the stations.

EDC has partnered with the UIC's City Design Center and Voorhees Center to create these charrettes, which are a form of community planning meetings. The results of the charrettes will be compiled in a final report that will be provided to State Representative Harry Osterman and our other elected officials to help them secure the funding to renovate the Red Line.
We welcome and encourage all community members to participate in the second round of charrettes. There is no need to have participated in the first charrettes. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 and the charrettes will begin at 7 p.m. See below for the details:

Berwyn & Bryn Mawr Stations:

Monday, April 30th, 7 to 9 pm, St. Andrews Church, 5649 N Sheridan Rd

Thorndale & Granville Stations:

Monday, May 7th, 7 to 9 pm, Loyola University's Simpson Living & Learning Center, 6333 N Winthrop

Contact: Mary SchaeferDirector of Communications
MSchaefer@iar.org
217/529-2600

Illinois Home Sales Rise Again in March; Statewide Median Price at $198,000

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — March home sales in Illinois rose for the second consecutive month in 2007 while a mix of factors including weather and consumer confidence add up to a drop in sales compared to the record for March set in 2006. According to the Illinois Association of REALTORS latest report, total home sales (which include single-family and condominiums) were up 36.2 percent in March 2007 to 11,979 homes sold compared to 8,792 homes sold in February 2007. Sales were 20.3 percent below the all-time high for March of 15,024 homes sold in March 2006.

The Illinois median home price in March was $198,000, up 0.1 percent from $197,900 a year earlier. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half sold for less.

Year-to-date, home sales were down 14.2 percent to 29,390 compared to 34,235 homes sold January through March in 2006.

“In March we experienced the usual jump into the spring season with sales up well over February but we’re definitely in a market that is still finding its legs. The severe weather in February and March certainly took a toll on housing activity in Illinois,” said Robert Zoretich, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS. “Tentative buyers and sellers are still trying to read the market and are taking their time in deciding whether to list or buy. This is a time when market conditions including favorable mortgage interest rates and inventory levels bode well for those who are ready to purchase.”

The monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Central region was 6.19 percent in March 2007, down 0.06 points from the 6.25 average rate during the previous month, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Last year in March it averaged 6.40 percent.

The statewide average home price in March was $256,185, up 4.0 percent from $246,434 a year earlier.

In the Chicagoland Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), home sales totaled 8,087 in March 2007, down 22.1 percent from 10,387 home sales in the same month last year.
The median home price for the Chicagoland PMSA was $245,000, up 0.4 percent from $244,000 in March 2006. The average home price for Chicagoland was $319,434, up 6.0 percent from $301,324 in March 2005.

“With home sales moderating, we expect to see smaller gains in price appreciation for now,” said Zoretich, broker-owner of Zoretich Realty Group in Chicago. “Spring is when many people begin to look at homes and with the season comes better weather and more activity in the housing market. REALTORS remain optimistic that this year will offer buyers a very good opportunity to begin their dream of homeownership. Buyers should look at housing as an excellent long-term investment.”

Sales and price information is generated from a survey of Multiple Listing Service sales reported by 35 participating Illinois REALTOR local boards and associations. The Chicagoland PMSA, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, includes the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS is a voluntary trade association whose over 60,000 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, the Illinois Association of REALTORS works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation that safeguards and advances the interest of real property ownership.

The gender gap still around in buying a home

Differences show up in dramatic fashion
By Lew Sichelman
United Feature Syndicate
Published April 15, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Single men and women make up about one-third of the nation's 111 million households. Toss in unmarried moms and dads living with children younger than 18, and singles account for almost half.But when it comes to housing, about the only thing the 55 million single households have in common is that they are not married.Face it: Men and women are different. And when housing is concerned, the incongruities rise to the same level as how the two genders use TV remote controls, ask for directions, judge distances and hunt or gather.For example, they operate differently in the buying process.

Guess which sex wants to make a decision as quickly as possible and which one wants to take more time?According to a small survey taken early this year by Countrywide Home Loans, men run while women saunter. In fact, nearly half the women polled said they did not take enough time when they bought their current residence while almost a quarter of the men surveyed said the process took way too long.Countrywide's findings are based on a telephone poll of just 219 owners, so they are not statistically significant.

But plenty of other evidence shows how differently the genders approach housing and homeownership. And none of it surprises Wanda McPhaden, a partner in BCA Real Estate Investments, a female-centric company in New York City.BCA, which stands for believe, create and achieve, was created to show women how they, too, can create wealth by investing in real estate."Women usually don't think about the benefits of homeownership until they are older," says McPhaden, a 20-year real estate veteran whose new company is working with a female builder in Westport, Conn., and is backed by several women investors. "Men get it because they are taught very early on.

Women aren't."Perhaps that's why male buyers tend to be younger than their female counterparts. The median age of single men who purchased houses between 2000 and midyear 2003 was 37, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In the same period, the median age of single female buyers was 42.An even deeper look at the numbers shows that men account for the largest share of single buyers younger than 25, while women make up the largest share of single purchasers in the 45-to-64 age group and the older-than-65 set."My theory is that women don't think they can be homeowners until they are older," says McPhaden, who is also starting a small investors club for women with less than $50,000 to put into real estate.A lot of that has to do with money, she believes.

Of course, there are no mortgage products aimed specifically at one sex or the other. Men and women are supposed to be treated equally when it comes to financing. But the investment adviser maintains that men instinctively know how and where to find financing while women have to be taught.Here's another big difference between the sexes: In the same 3 1/2-year period, the census found that 53 percent of the male buyers had never been married versus 35 percent of the female buyers.

Indeed, the largest group of single female buyers, 49 percent, were divorced or separated versus 41 percent of the men. The rest were widowed.Everyone knows by now that women are paid less than men, though they are sometimes doing the very same work as the guy in the next cubicle. But Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies put an exclamation point on that fact in last year's report that found more than an $11,000 disparity on the median incomes of male and female home buyers -- $48,000 for the men, $36,800 for the women.Looking at income a little differently, the Joint Center found that 62 percent of the women purchasers earned less than 80 percent of the median for their areas compared to 49 percent of the men. On the other side of the spectrum, 28 percent of the males earned more than 120 percent of the median versus 17 percent of the women.

Despite it all, single female buyers outnumber the males. Always have, says the National Association of Realtors. But in 2006, NAR's annual survey of buyers and sellers found the gap has widened to its greatest spread ever -- 22 percent of all buyers were single and female, and just 9 percent were unmarried males.According to another piece of research, this one by the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank, the suburbs now contain the largest portion of non-family households, which includes singles, roommates and elderly people living alone. And just like married folk, singles buy mostly single-family houses.In fact, according to Rachel Drew's analysis of unmarried female home buyers for Harvard's Joint Center, single women bought 3.1 million houses between 2000 and midyear 2003 and men purchased 2.7 million.

That single-family houses are more popular than condominiums among unmarried people runs contrary to popular perception. But singles also bought a lot of condos. Women purchased 554,000 condos in the 3 1/2-year study period, and men purchased almost 380,000.McPhaden, who has taught real estate at Norwalk (Conn.) Community College for 14 years and is active where she lives in Ridgefield in an organization aimed at improving the lives of young inner-city women, understands this phenomenon, too.Men often don't want the aggravation of taking care of a large house or apartment, she says. "They look at their pads as places to entertain women."Women, on the other hand, tend to see their houses as homes, as places to live."They may never get married, but they want a home to live in because they are much more social," McPhaden maintains.

The NAR's annual survey of buyers and sellers confirms what McPhaden senses. While half the unmarried buyers told researchers they bought a house because of the desire to own the roof over their heads, women placed more importance on living near family and friends. Men, on the other hand, placed more weight on living close to work or school.And finally, there's this other difference between the sexes. Women, according to NAR's research, are more likely to compromise on the size and cost of the houses they buy to obtain "other characteristics" that are more important to them.

----------You may write to Lew Sichelman c/o Chicago Tribune, Real Estate, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 4th floor, Chicago IL 60611. Or e-mail him at realestate@tribune.com. Sorry, he cannot make personal replies. Answers will be supplied only through the newspaper. E-mail this story
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