Beat 2431 News - Rogers Park 24th Police District

March 2010 beat meeting notes: burglary task force, bad buildings team

A speaker from the city's Troubled Buildings Unit told attendees at the March Beat 2431 meeting how her team works on bad buildings throughout the city.

Sgt. Cassandra Bradshaw said the best way to improve a bad building is to involve the police and the owner. She said that unfortunately, sometimes the building owner doesn't know criminal activity may have taken over a building. That's why it's important for neighbors to watch for signs of trouble, such as open doorways, loitering outside the building, or constant traffic to a particular apartment. She urged those who see such signs to call her unit at 312-745-6231.

A local building manager warned of people loitering around a secure gate, trying to enter behind a tenant with a key. Also, citizens were warned about buzzing in someone you don't know.

About 25 people, including half a dozen officers, attended the March meeting. Police reported that the following were the Top 10 crimes on the beat in February 2010:

1. Criminal damage to vehicle -- 6
2. Theft from building -- 3
3. Criminal trespass to land -- 3
4. Armed robbery with a handgun -- 2
5. Strong-armed robbery, no weapon (mugging) -- 2
6. Domestic battery, simple -- 2
7. Simple assault -- 2
8. Theft, $300 and under -- 2
9. Narcotics, possession of cannabis, 30 grams or less -- 2
10. Criminal sexual assault (domestic-related) -- 1

Citizens discussed the four robberies. The police noted there were eight recent arrests in the area for robbery, and hoped those arrests would result in fewer future robberies. There was one robbery in January.

Police also noted that they are increasing patrols along the Red Line north of Thorndale after noticing a pattern of home burglaries near stations. They speculate that perpetrators are "commuting" to work on the Far North Side and using the Red Line as a convenient escape route.

CAPS Sgt. Joseph Delgado discussed way to stop burglaries. In particular, he asked citizens to watch out for people either parked or double-parked in cars, just looking around. He noted tips to watch for in the fliers "Eight things a burglar won't tell you" and "Thirteen things your burglar won't tell you."

A neighbor from the 1500 block of Pratt noted that the kids hanging out at Pratt and Bosworth lately seemed to be older and possibly better organized. Police suggested they might just look older, but are of high school age. Pat Kenny, beat facilitator with Beat 2432 directly to the south of 2431, said the new CHA manager of the scattered site housing at Pratt and Bosworth has been extremely responsive to beat concerns. She's installed new fencing, better lighting, and has a security car patrolling there. Kenny noted that community walks around that area had been successful in the past. He said he would inform Beat 2431 if walks are scheduled in the future.

Police said a traffic stop at Morse and Paulina resulted in the seizure of 122 grams of marijuana and the arrest of a man, who had rolled through the stop sign at the intersection.

Finally, a representative of 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore's office announced a community is scheduled for 7 pm Wednesday, March 24, at the United Church of Rogers Park to discuss the Morse Avenue streetscape project, scheduled to get under way this spring.

She also mentioned voting on the alderman's participatory budgeting project would take place at Chicago Math and Science Academy, 7212 N. Clark St., from 9 am till 3 pm on Saturday, April 10.

The April beat meeting is scheduled for 7 pm Monday, April 19, at the Rogers Park Community Council, 1530 W. Morse.

Notes for February 2010 Beat 2431 meeting

Under the threat of 12 inches of snow, about a dozen citizens attended the Feb. 8 Beat 2431 meeting. In addition, five police officers attended, including 24th District Cmdr. Michael Wick.

Police reported that the following were the Top 10 crimes on the beat in January 2010:

1. Domestic battery, simple -- 11
2. Criminal damage to vehicle -- 6; hint: don't leave valuable in your auto to tempt thieves
3. Simple battery -- 4
4. Simple assault -- 3
5. Theft over $300 -- 3
6. Motor vehicle theft -- 3
7. Possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis -- 3
8. Theft under $300 -- 2
9. Theft from building -- 2
10. Robbery with a handgun -- 1

Police noted that a man who lives on our beat was arrested in January and charged with robbery with a handgun, though not the crime noted above.

In January, there were 20 arrests made on the beat, and 360 district-wide. There were a total a 750 calls for service on the beat, compared to 11,302 district-wide. 

Sgt. John Delgado shared some tips on how not to become a victim. He reminded people to always beware of their surroundings, especially while talking on a cell phone or listening to an MP3 player. Try to walk in well-lit areas, walk in groups if possible, and avoid alleys.

A neighbor from the 1100 block of W. Morse reminded police that spring is just a couple of months away, and asked them to stay in front of the homeless problem. Homeless people often camp out in Loyola Park and intimidate park-goers, including children. He said the police and 49th Wark Ald. Joe Moore were both helpful in the fall in alleviating the problem.

The meeting ended with a reminder that meetings for the rest of the year will occur on the regular schedule -- the third Monday of the month. The next meeting is March 15. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.

Minutes from Jan. 11, 2010, beat meeting

About a dozen hardy Beat 2431 residents and business owners braved cold weather and heard good news that crime on the beat was down about 20% in 2009 compared to 2008.

Index crime (eight crime categories - homicide, criminal sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and battery, burglary, theft, car theft and arson) was down 19.4% in 2009 over 2008. Non-index crime was down 20.5%, and crime overall dropped 20.1% in 2009 compared to 2008. See this post for more details.

Police reported that the following were the Top 10 crimes on the beat in December 2009:

1. Domestic battery, simple -- 9
2. Simple battery -- 5
3. Simple assault -- 4
4. Burglary by orcible entry -- 4
5. Possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis -- 4
6. Criminal trespass to land -- 3
7. Possession of crack cocaine -- 3
8. Aggravated assault, dangerous weapon -- 2
9. Theft over $300 -- 2
10. Theft from building -- 2

There were 38 arrests in December. Police noted there were two arrests for robbery in the area. One person was arrested and charged with three robberies/muggings, while another juvenile was expected to be charged with up to 13 open robbery cases.

Some of the robberies occurred around the Lunt exit of the Morse El stop. And often, the perpetrators would target victims with iPhones. Police were hopeful these arrests would reduce the number of robberies in the area.

Cmdr. Michael Wick of the 24th District told attendees that a burglary bike mission team was working in the area.He also mentioned that an Area Three midnight Tactical Unit had begun operations. One mission was in response to a complaint at the November beat meeting from the owner of the Glenwood Bar about a patron being mugged. The team targeted the area and made an arrest for robbery.

Also, a narcotics arrest was made at Morse and Greenview after complaints of drug dealing at 6957 N. Greenview were made at the November beat meeting.

Bottom line: bring your crime problem to the beat meeting and police will give it top priority.

Two neighbors reported problems with drug dealing and general nuisance-making at 6812 N. Ashland. A resident noted there were almost 300 calls for service to that address in the last 18 months. It was suggested he work with Alderman Joe Moore and his office to arrange a meeting with the building owner, Willie Barker.

Under general announcements, we noted that the Morse Theater was due to reopen under new management and a new name: Mayne Stage and Act One Cafe.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm. The February meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 8, a 7 pm at 1530 W. Morse.

Minutes from November 17, 2008, beat meeting

You can download a PDF of minutes from the 7/21/2008 Beat 2431 meeting here. Below is the text version of the minutes.

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, November 17, 2008
Rogers Park Community Council Office
 1530 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626

Officiates:
Kevin O’Neil, Beat Facilitator
Jayne M. Hoffman, District Advisory Committee (DAC)
Sergeant John Delgado, CAPS Team Leader, Chicago Police Department
Sanfilipo, Sgt. Marafino-Internal Affairs Division.

I.    Welcome and introductions – Kevin O’Neil. Announced no meeting in December, and the January and February meetings are scheduled for the 2nd week of each month due to National holidays.
Sgt. Maravolo presented on racial profiling, which is defined as arrest, detention, interdiction solely on perceived race, color, national origin of person. Biased-based policing: Activities expressly prohibited. The Chicago Police Department provides annual training to prevent biased-based policing and when there are changes to policies.
Complaints or compliments: 99% of cops do good job. We try to weed out bad apples. Tel: 312-745-3594, or web site www.iprachicago.org. Anonymous or not. Can also call as a third party complainant, on someone else’s behalf.
Review of accomplishments in Beat 2431 for 2008. (See details at the Beat 2431 Web site post.)
O’Neil: Showed CAPS training book: Can get copies from Sgt. Delgado.
Stats at first are pretty straight forward and sometimes boring. But the analysis tell a story.
Sgt. Delgado: Contact cards tools used to document interaction with the public. Individual selling drugs, offering the overall description of the individual. In database, and other like descriptions matching similar crimes get references.

Some Key Arrests:

• Milton Ervin on multiple narcotics in 2432 at Pratt/Bosworth resulted in significant decrease in activity on Morse. CHA is taking steps to evict him. Last hearing was October 24, 2008. O’Neil: Beat Facilitator of 2432 will notify when the next hearing is (February?).
• Sgt Delgado: August, one-man robbery spree on Sheridan, suspect arrested.

O’Neil: This year we celebrate the formation of three new block clubs, and opening of two RoPA, The Morse Theatre, and Century Public House.

II.    Police crime report. Index crimes were flat. Narcotics were the highest in the top ten crimes which is unusual for this beat..

III.    On-going issues: An update.
Citizen: Reminded us to stay aware of neighboring buildings that are abandoned or boarded up. Watch for signs of activity, forced entry, etc., and Call 911 if you see anything suspicious.

Monitoring children to-from school is in some cases, police assigned.

Sullivan High School. Citizen: 5-6 gang members, 11pm (November 1st & 6th) both had police response. Wolf-pack mentality. Citizen from Methodist Youth Services on Touhy. Student at Sullivan High School has been beat up twice. Sgt Delgado: Try to get the student to take different routes to/from home. Citizen: We need to strategize on diverting students from Gang recruitment. Hoffman: Contact the CAPS office at District 24 at (312) 744-6321 to get involved with programs to help students at Sullivan High School. Citizen: Why is it such a problem? Sgt Delgado: Sullivan High School has approx. 2000 students arriving/leaving at the same time each day which results in issues. Officers apprehend juveniles, takes 3 hours to complete the process, which takes the arresting officer off the street. Juvenile arrests attached to point system. Zero points for gang loitering.

IV.    Announcements

• Public Safety Town Hall Meeting at 7 pm Monday, Nov. 24, United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse. Co-sponsored by State Rep. Harry Osterman, 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore, State Sen. Heather Steans and 24th District Police Cmdr. Steve Caluris.
• The next beat meeting will be Monday, January 12, 2009. Happy Holidays!

Minutes from October 20, 2008, beat meeting

You can download a PDF of minutes from the 7/21/2008 Beat 2431 meeting here. Below is the text version of the minutes.

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, October 20, 2008
Rogers Park Community Council Office

Officiates:
Kevin O’Neil,  Beat Facilitator
Sergeant Delgado, CAPS Team Leader, Chicago Police Department

I. Welcome and introductions, Kevin O’Neil, Meeting Chair.
II. Guest Speaker, Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Officers Francesca Masurkiewicz and Valerie Howard gave a presentation about the OEMC, also known as the 911 center. About 15,000 to 18,000 calls for service are made to the OEMC each day – and about 25,000 to 35,000 daily in the summer. Event types are assigned a priority level. Level 1 is a threat to life, such as a battery in progress. A Level 2 is assigned to an incident that has occurred in the last 10 minutes. A Level 3 event is the lowest priority, such as parking problems or loud music. Calls are ordered by priority to the dispatcher.
The officers stressed the need to gives call takers accurate descriptions from top to bottom. They also said cell phones don’t always give police a precise location. They can usually pin down a location within 600 feet. Finally, they reminded citizens to call police when they need to see an officer immediately – such as if your driveway is blocked. Call 911 for incidents that don’t require immediate police presence.

III. Police crime report. Officer Acquilly outlined the stats for September. The top three crimes for the month of September were Battery (13, mostly due to fights among Sullivan students), Theft from Buildings (10), and Criminal Damage to Buildings (7). There were 58 arrests in September;  there were 67 arrests on the beat in August.

III. On-going issues: An update.
Sullivan High School: Fights after school have continued north of Sullivan High School. Police are at the school every day. Regular officers also go to the school at 1 pm daily to see what’s going on after school.

Pratt & Ashland: Milton Irwin of the 1500 block of Pratt was arrested in early September. Police said criminal activity in the beat and on Morse had fallen while he was in jail. But he was bailed out. He lives in a CTA property, and the CTA is trying to evict him. An eviction haring is set for 2 pm Friday, Oct. 24, in Room 1402.

1340 W. Morse/1345 W. Lunt: A representative from Reside on Morse said the rehabbed units are 62% leased and 50% occupied. The Morse side is nearly fully occupied. He said security will continue indefinitely.

Soo Liquors, 1420 W. Morse Avenue: A second community hearing with the Bureau of Business Licenses was Oct. 16.  The Soo owners showed a log listing calls to 911 in the last two months. Police and neighbors reported it has been fairly quiet with little gang loitering. A final hearing will be held Jan. 15, 2009 at City Hall, Room 805.

IV. Identify new problem areas.
Morse cul de sac at Loyola Park: A citizen reported that the problem of homeless people partying at Morse and the park is continuing. Police said they patrol the park daily at the beginning and end of their shift. But ultimately, they said the problem of homelessness is much more difficult than the police can solve alone.

The last beat meeting of the year will be Monday, November 17, 2008.
Meeting adjourned by Kevin O’Neil at 8:10 pm.

Minutes from Sept. 15, 2008, beat meeting

You can download a PDF of minutes from the 7/21/2008 Beat 2431 meeting here. Below is the text version of the minutes.

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, September 15, 2008
 
Officiates:
Kevin O’Neil,  Beat Facilitator
Sergeant Delgado, CAPS Team Leader, Chicago Police Department

I. Welcome and introductions, Kevin O’Neil, Meeting Chair.
II. Police crime report. Officer Acquilly outlined the stats for August. The top four crimes for the month of July were Theft over $300 (8), Narcotics (8), Domestic Battery (7) and Thefts Under $300 (6).  There were 67 arrests on the beat in August; there were 39 in July.

District Advisory Committee notes: 24th District Cmdr. Steve Caluris has posted a “bait” car at various district locations to try and lure potential auto thieves. Also Cmdr. Caluris stressed the need for bike owners to register their bikes. He suggested putting a business card somewhere inside the bike frame.

III. On-going issues: An update.

Pratt & Ashland: On Sept. 3, there were multiple narcotics arrests at 1433 W. Pratt. Since then crime has dropped dramatically in the area.

1340 W. Morse/1345 W. Lunt: A representative from Reside on Morse said the rehabbed units are 50% leased and 32% occupied.
 
Sullivan High School: With continuing problems of fights and gangs of students roaming the streets, officers from other districts have been assigned to patrol Ashland north of the school. Police are continuing to increase patrols around the school.

Soo Liquors, 1420 W. Morse Avenue: The next license hearing is set for Oct. 16 at 10:30 am, City Hall, Room 805.

IV. Identify new problem areas.
Morse cul de sac at Loyola Park: A citizen reported that more homeless people have been gathering and partying at Morse and the park. Police stressed the importance of calling 911.

The next beat meeting will be Monday, October 20, 2008.
Meeting adjourned by Kevin O’Neil at 8 pm.

Minutes from Aug. 18, 2008, CAPS meeting

You can download a PDF of minutes from the 7/21/2008 Beat 2431 meeting here. Below is the text version of the minutes.

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, Aug. 18, 2008
Rogers Park Community Council Office
1530 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626

Officiates:
Kevin O’Neil and Jayne Hoffman, Facilitators
Sergeant Delgado, CAPS Team Leader, Chicago Police Department

I. Welcome and introductions, Kevin O’Neil, Meeting Chair. O’Neil began by holding a moment of silence for Detective Soto, who recently was fatally shot.

Changes in staffing the CAPS program. Sgt. Delgado announced that due to budget cuts and a reduction in overtime by the City of Chicago, only on-duty officers would attend CAPS meetings. Thus, first and second watch Beat2431 officers who previously attended no longer would come to the meetings.

National Night Out was a big success. Hoffman thanked the RPCC, Alderman’s office and all of the local retailers who provided volunteers and give-a-ways which made NNO 2008 a success.

School safety program overview. Kevin offered anyone who is interested in reinstating this program to see him. Last school year, volunteers walked the streets of the beat after school, trying to create a positive presence and working with students.

II.    Police crime report. Officer Acquilly outlined the stats. The report is available here in pdf. The top four crimes for the month of July were Simple Battery (8), Simple Domestic Battery (7), Theft under $300 (7) and Criminal Damage to Property (7). Hull House building at 6700 block of Bosworth in question with teens loitering out on the street.

III.     On-going issues: An update.

Pratt & Ashland: Call to construct a fence so that teens protected. If the teens linger outside of the fence, CPD can call a dispersal.

1340 W. Morse/1345 W. Lunt: Peter Tortorello of Newcastle Realty Ltd., is on hand to answer any questions. Units at Reside on Morse continue to lease at market rate.

6916 N. Lakewood: Jayne Hoffman summarized problems brought up at the last meeting about graffiti, odors and noise issues in the building. Hoffman introduced Dan Koulianos, General Manager for Bil Mar, who provided an update on safety and maintenance upgrades to the building. Historically, rental were made at market rate in accordance with good credit, etc. Helping out people with some issues has resulted in evictions: Over the past year, six people have been evicted. Improvements: repainted all hallways, laundry room and corridor. Carpets cleaned and all glass doors and ground-level windows replaced. New pumps, fire extinguishers, and pipe replacements went in last winter. An off-duty Cook County Police Officer works on the weekends. Tenants have received a handout requesting complaints, suggestions.

A citizen offered a letter from a neighbor not present. Citizen2: lives in the building, called 911 Friday night with issue on problem tenant and is nervous about signing complaints. Koulianos: Part-time janitor John said he would sign complaints. Citizen3: How about refusing rent from problem tenants to speed up the eviction process? Citizen4: Is it worth it to stick around after calling 911? Officer Acquilly: by the time we arrive to a scene after a 911 call, so much has happened that we really benefit from callers who stay on and sign a complaint.

Soo Liquors, 1420 W. Morse Avenue: License hearing is scheduled for August 19, 2008, at 11 am at City Hall in Room 805. Jay Kim, owner of Soo present. Alderman Moore: How can you still have stock that we asked you to quit selling more than six months ago? O’Neil: Morse L Liquors voluntarily signed the same agreement and stopped selling small packaged liquors immediately. Have you been calling 911 about loitering in front of the building? One citizen who walks passed twice daily two & from work has noticed great improvement. Citizen2: How late can you sell liquor? O’Neil: 2 am: However, the liquor stores on Morse both close at 11 pm.

IV. Identify new problem areas.
1328 Morse Avenue, Morse Theatre: Devin McGhee gave a summary about the fire started just after 3 am on Sunday, August 10. The update included that the Morse Theatre will open soon and impressed that the entire community has been influential in helping in the recovery process.

6932-6934 Lakewood/1301-1307 Morse: Citizen distributed a picture of a white female allegedly living on this property or being allowed entry to the premises. The female, known as Amanda Sabin, or Diamond, may be a prostitute and selling drugs. Attempts to contact Pana Properties were unsuccessful as the phone number was disconnected. The Alderman’s office will contact Pana Properties.

1523-25 Morse, Smart Mortgage: Owners of 4 years have had a problem with tenants not paying rent. Owners were verbally threatened by former tenants who now live down the alley. Their building has been vandalized. The owners called 311 and filed a police report once, and have upgraded the security system. Monday, August 11, recorded conversation of a possible conspiracy. Sgt. Delgado offered to talk with them after the meeting. 

Increased activity at Field School. Officer Acquilly: the activities are from people who live at Lunt and Greenleaf. Kevin: Call the police (911): give good descriptions.

V. Announcements
Rogers Park Garden Group, Tuesday, August 26, 2008, “Keeping your trees terrific”
The next beat meeting will be Monday, September 15, 2008.
Meeting adjourned by Kevin O’Neil at 8:10pm.

Minutes from July 21, 2008, CAPS meeting

You can download a PDF of minutes from the 7/21/2008 Beat 2431 meeting here here. Below is the text version of the minutes.

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, July 21, 2008
Rogers Park Community Council Office
1530 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626

Officiates:
Jayne Hoffman, meeting Facilitator
Sergeant Baranowski, Beat Team Leader, Chicago Police Department
Jayne Hoffman, notes. Meeting notes are paraphrased, quotations are marked accordingly.

I. Welcome and introductions, Jayne Hoffman, meeting Chair. Hoffman welcomed everyone to the Beat meeting, and introduced 24th District Commander Steve Caluris is who greeted everyone. She continued with a brief outline of the longevity of the CAPS program and Kevin O’Neil’s extensive knowledge of Beat 2431.

II. Police crime report. Officer Zaccanino summarized last month’s crime report.   

III. On-going issues: An update.
* 1340 W. Morse/1345 W. Lunt: Rick Lopez from Wexenthaler Management announced that they are leasing apartments as units become available during renovations. Parking spaces are still available. Lopez confirmed one citizen’s comment that they were also marketing to Loyola students.
* Soo Liquors, 1420 W. Morse Avenue: Jay, business owner and an advocate were on hand to respond. Hoffman provided an overview of why Soo Liquors is undergoing this challenge: Gang-related activity takes place near the storefront and out in the street during the overnight hours. The same faces are seen entering and leaving the store, often without a purchase in hand. It took Soo Liquors more than four months to comply with most of the demands on the agreement with the Alderman’s office and signed by the owner. Soo Liquors’ advocate spoke for the owner claiming that the agreement was not a legally binding contract. Hoffman stated that the premise of tonight’s discussion was to provide updated information, and that the status of the agreement was not in question, but could be presented at the hearing. The license hearing is scheduled for August 19, 2008, at 11:00am at City Hall in Room 805, and is open to all concerned citizens.
* Duke’s Bar, 6920 N. Glenwood Avenue: Owner Neil Lifton responded about the noise and smoking complaints from tenants residing at 1430 W. Farwell. None of the complainants were present. Lifton stated that the business passed inspection from the Health Department and he received a clean bill. Lifton stated that he would keep his patrons out of the alley.

IV. Identify new problem areas.
* 6916 N. Lakewood: Bad smell in building, Bil Mar not taking it seriously. Graffiti inside. Citizen called the management who “whited out” the graffiti within reasonable time. Lots of yelling, fighting heard from inside the building by neighbors living to the north of the building. Currently no lock on the outside door. Hoffman stated that this building has been an issue in the past. Management needs to address tenant issues in addition to building upkeep. Hoffman referred the tenant to Sgt. Baranowski to exchange contact information so that District 24 could obtain keys to the building.
* Citizen: Still there is loitering and panhandling during am rush hours at the CTA station. One loiterer, known as Laura, greets passersby and hands them the Red Eye news. It’s a nuisance.

V. Announcements
* National Night Out 2008 is on Tuesday, August 5th. Anyone interested in helping out with preparations can contact Jayne at jayne1mh@gmail.com. 
* Benefit for Mary Jane Haggerty on Tuesday, July 15th at Heartland Cafe was a big success. More than $23,500 were collected by 8:30pm and the checks were still rolling in. The house was packed. To give something, contact Jennifer Caruso at the Rogers Park Community Council at jennifer@rogerspark.org.
* Rogers Park Garden Group meeting, Tuesday, July 29th. 
* Next beat meeting is on Monday, August 18th, 2008.
* Meeting adjourned by Sgt. Baranowski at 7:38 pm.

(Our apologies for the delay in posting these minutes.)

Minutes from June 16, 2008, CAPS meeting

You can download a PDF of minutes from the 6/16/2008 Beat 2431 meeting here. Below is the text version of the minutes.

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, June 16, 2008
Rogers Park Community Council Office
1530 W. Morse Avenue

Officiates:
Kevin O’Neil, Facilitator
Sgt. John Delgado, in place of Bet Team Leader Sgt. John Baranowski
Jayne M. Hoffman, notes taker
Meeting notes are paraphrased, quotations are marked accordingly.

I. Welcome and introductions.
Questions from attendees:
Can I install cameras in front of my property? Officer Aquilly: Yes, but you cannot prevent people from walking on the sidewalk.

II. Police crime report. Officer Acquilly outlined the crime report.

III. Update on issues from last meeting.
* 1340 W. Morse/1345 W. Lunt. Pete Tortorello with Newcastle Realty gave update: purchased the building in September 2007, emptied the building, and began leasing in early May and 20% of the apartments in the complex are leased. They identified that many women who want to rent feel unsafe, others on Morse noticed new people hanging around in front, may be identified as drug dealers. 24-hour security continues along with security cameras. Wexenthaler Management, Mr. Rick Lopez. Leasing begins for September 1st move-in. Go to www.ResideonMorse.com for more information. Forty-three parking spaces will also be available. Will have two Zip Cars on site. Kevin: Are you monitoring the cameras in an attempt to ID loiterers? Pete: We can. Also, no children are being exploited in anyway in regards to property renovation.
* Soo Liquors: Both Soo Liquors and Morse L Liquors, owners who are present this evening, asked not to sell the cheap bottles of liquor under $3. Morse L Liquors, located beneath the Red Line L responded appropriately. Soo Liquors failed to respond in a timely manner. Alderman Joe Moore’s office intervened by discussing the issues with the proprietors of Soo Liquors and Soo began to abide by the contract it had signed. Soo Liquors failed to comply with terms of the contract which required the removal of all small packaged liquor items priced under $3. This further resulted in complaint forms being filled out by Rogers Park citizens and submitted to the Department of Business Affairs who then conducted a series of investigations resulting in one minor violation. A narcotics investigation is the final assessment to take place. Beyond that, five letters from citizens identifying the issues and how it is a detriment to the neighborhood are required in order to go to the next step which is have a community meeting.
* Los Portales restaurant: Owner present asking for continued assistance with loiterers in restaurant.

IV. Identify new problem areas.
* A Citizen reported that her children are being exploited on the internet. A neighborhood blogger has been identified as the person recording children and posting on the internet. Police recommended the citizen ask the blogger to remove the photos.
* Pratt/Ashland: Girls jumping rope around 9 pm in the middle of Bosworth last evening. A call was made and responded to. Officer said the girls immediately moved to the sidewalk. Beat 2432 has been conducting Friday night walks targeting Bosworth and Pratt.
* Duke's Bar: Citizen 1: Noise issues affecting the senior housing on Farwell. Cookout in the alley at 11:30pm. Officer Aquilly: spoke to owner who said would try to keep people away from the back. Kevin: spoke to owner who said would refrain from letting patrons smoke in the alley. Citzen 2: Smoking out front is illegal within 15 feet of the doors. Sgt: Is there an ashtray out there for people? Citizen 2: not that I have seen.

V. Announcements
* National Night Out 2008 is on Tuesday, August 5th. Note: Date correction. Anyone interested in helping out with preparations can contact Jayne at jayne1mh@gmail.com. 
* Garden Meander sponsored by the Rogers Park Garden Club on Tuesday, June 24th. Cost $10. Contact rpgardengroup@comcast.net for more information.
* Benefit for Mary Jane Haggerty on Tuesday, July 15th at Heartland Cafe. For more information, contact the Rogers Park Community Council at www.rogerspark.org.
* The next beat meeting will be Monday, July 21, 2008.

Meeting adjourned by Kevin at 7:55 P.M.

(Our apologies for the delay in posting these minutes.)

Minutes from May 19, 2008, CAPS meeting

Rogers Park, 24th Police District, Beat 2431
CAPS Meeting, May 19, 2008
Rogers Park Community Council Office
1530 W. Morse Avenue

Officiates:
Kevin O’Neil, Facilitator
Sergeant Baranowski, Beat Team Leader, Chicago Police Department

I.  Welcome and introductions. 7:02 pm: Kevin greeted newcomers & outlined how CAPS works along with the geographic boundaries of Beat 2431. Introductions went around the room. About 30 citizens and police are in attendance.

II. Police crime report. Sgt. Baranowski said there was a computer problem with getting complete police reports, and thus the report was incomplete.

III.  Identify new problem areas.
Duke’s Bar, 6920 N. Glenwood: A neighbor of the bar complained about late night noise coming from the rear of the bar, mainly caused by smokers who must smoke outside. The police and Kevin both said they would talk to the owner, Neil Lifton, about keeping the door shut.

IV. Progress on current issues
Soo Liquors, 1420 W. Morse Ave: Proprietor was present. Kevin said the city’s license department had begun an investigation based on citizen complaints. Soo’s owner said he’s been telling loiterers to move on. The police said problems have subsided somewhat. They said for the most part, problems have migrated across the street to Sub Brothers.

Golden Mini-Mart, 1337 W. Morse. The owner complained about gang-bangers hanging in and around the store. Officer Acquilly told the owner to post signs for No Loitering and No Trespassing. He was told to call the police and sing complaints.

Rene Camargo of DevCorp said the Morse Avenue Special Service Area would be posting cameras east of the El – one pointed to the El, another to Glenwood and another to 1340 W. Morse.

1340 W. Morse. The on-site manager said rehab would begin in late May. They are currently showing seven models. The Web site is http://www.resideonmorse.com.

V. Announcements

• Morse Theater. The owner of the theater, Andy McGahee, stopped by to say construction was proceeding on schedule for a September opening. The Web site is http://www.themorse.com.
• The next beat meeting will be Monday, June 16, 2008.

Meeting adjourned by Kevin at 8:10 P.M.