Jazz bassist Matt Ulery performs June 12 at the Polish Triangle. Tuesdays at the Triangle concerts begin June 5 at the Polish Triangle, the intersection of Ashland Street, Division Street and Milwaukee Avenue. Jazz guitarist Ishmael Ali and Je'raf open the sixth season of free concerts from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Division stop of the CTA Blue Line. Scheduled performers for the month include Matt Ulery (jazz, June 12), Cremona (chamber music, June 19) and Przybysz Quartet (jazz, June 26). The plaza performance are organized by the Polish Triangle Coalition, a volunteer group organized by West Town community organizations and institutions. The coalition works for programs and improvements to make the Polish Triangle a welcoming and nurturing destination.

A storefront mural stands out at Chicago Truborn, 1741 W. Chicago. East Village Association membership meeting May 9, 2018 Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Presiding: Michael VanDam, president Sprout Home: Urban Gardening Chicago presents challenges for the gardener, according to Stephen Hill, general manager at Sprout Home , 745 N. Damen Ave. Nevertheless, "be a little daring," Hill told members gathered at the Happy Village patio. The city is more plant-hardy than the rest of northern Illinois, and four hours of sun most likely will support "full sun" plants. For inhospitable backyard decks, trees and shrubs can thrive in big pots insulated with foam board . Chicago Truborn: West Town Street Art A mural from Rotterdam artist Eelco van den Berg makes the storefront stand out at Chicago Truborn , 1741 W Chicago Ave. Gallery owner Sara Dulkin described how the West Town SSA business district administers grants to support murals on buildings, scaffold...

Drew Bayley updates EVA members on Polish Triangle plans. East Village Association membership meeting March 5, 2018 Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Presiding: Michelle Hayward, VP By Neal McKnight Business Minute Bar Biscay is a Spanish brasserie restaurant at 1450 W. Chicago Ave. that features cuisine from the northern coast of Spain and western coast of France such as Galicia, Gascony and Brittany. Partner Scott Worsham explained the restaurant's concept and passed out menus. Bar Biscay’s chef is Johnny Anderes, previously of Avec. Hours Pintxos: Tues - Sat 3pm-5pm Dinner: Tues - Sat 5pm-10pm Bar open until 1:00 am Telephone: 312-455-8900 Web: barbiscay.com Main Presentation: Polish Triangle Coalition Design for the Polish Triangle (Ashland, Milwaukee and Division) polishtrianglecoalition.org Stephen Rynkiewicz, EVA board member, webmaster and Polish Triangle Coalition representative, explained that that the coalition is a group of neighborhood organiza...

Bugaj Architects drafted Polish Triangle conceptual drawings. As the CTA plans Division Street subway station repairs, the Polish Triangle Coalition is floating a proposal for long-term improvements at the Ashland-Division-Milwaukee intersection. "The CTA has told us that 'we can't build this," said coalition board member Drew Bayley, who on March 5 showed EVA members the conceptual drawings presented to the city. Transportation planners consider the improvements "a heavy lift." Nevertheless, the coalition hopes the city will adopt similar design features in capital plans 5 to 12 years away.

Nelson Algren poses at a viaduct (Library of Congress) A fountain at a major intersection quotes his writing. A community garden is named for one of his characters, played by Frank Sinatra. But what do you really know about Nelson Algren in East Village? Chicago Tribune transportation writer Mary Wisniewski is here to help. She visits the East Village Association on Monday to tell the tale of Algren's days and nights on Division Street. Wisniewski's biography Algren: A Life , published by Chicago Review Press, is a fine Christmas gift for East Village neighbors and friends who drop by to visit Algren's Gold Star barstool . As usual, we'll meet in a tavern, The Happy Village at 1059 N. Wolcott. The program starts at 7. The agenda includes Ald. Proco Joe Moreno on the State of the 1st Ward, Bridgette Flagg of Soule Restaurant, 1931 W. Chicago Ave., and an update on development at the Polish Triangle , where Algren's quote appears (“For the masses who do the city...

Ald. Brian Hopkins and EVA president Michael VanDam discuss landmark buildings at the Happy Village patio. Ald. Hopkins asked EVA to find threatened structures that should be preserved, and gave details on his attempt to shore up the landmark ordinance. East Village Association membership meeting Oct. 2, 2017 Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Ald. Brian Hopkins hopes to discourage neglect of landmark buildings. East Village Association members Monday gave him feedback on his plan to add teeth to the city's landmark ordinance. In calling the meeting at Happy Village to order, president Michael VanDam said member Rich Anselmo had proposed an EVA committee to monitor and prevent teardowns. In discussing the issue, 2nd Ward staff brought up Hopkins' draft ordinance , now in the city's Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards committee. A damaged Logan Square landmark spurred Hopkins to action. The owner proposed that the structure was beyond saving and should be raz...

Taiko Legacy drummers perform last August at the Polish Triangle. Tuesday commuter concerts resume May 23 at the Polish Triangle, the fountain plaza at Ashland, Division and Milwaukee. The East Village Association, Wicker Park Committee and other groups in the Polish Triangle Coalition are finalizing performers, food vendors and sponsors. Blue Line commuters and neigbors can catch the concerts from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Tuesdays through August. The Tuesdays at the Triangle schedule includes nationally recognized performers such as Matt Ulery’s Loom , along with neighborhood ensembles such as the series-opening Near North Montessori school band, Latino Experimental Theater and the Adventure Stage Chicago Trailblazers. Ald. Brian Hopkins has expedited utility connections for the plaza to give this year's performers a silent power source. Businesses and residents can donate to support not only the concerts but also planters and other beautification efforts at the Nelson Algren...

A drawing in the WPB master plan envisions a wider Milwaukee Avenue sidewalk. An updated Wicker Park master plan calls for sidewalk cafes to "reclaim space for bikers and pedestrians" at the Polish Triangle. In a 163-page document unveiled in November, the Wicker Park Bucktown retail-service district SSA 33 proposes "shared street" strategies to increase foot traffic at the Division, Ashland and Milwaukee intersection. Its wish list includes ideas aired in a May community workshop, including widening the Milwaukee Avenue sidewalk and converting parking spaces to "parklets" for community use. The report says wider sidewalks "would have a big impact on the potential for streetlife and commercial vitality" and make for shorter street crossings at Division and Ashland. The report does not say how to widen the sidewalk, but a sketch in the report suggests that parking would be eliminated.

Coffee and sandwiches will be served from a trailer at Division, Ashland and Milwaukee. East Village Association board minutes for August 8, 2016, by Daniel Navarro Wolcott moratorium lift: Lucky's Sandwiches will show up either on September or a set meeting. Neal McKnight will coordinate for the pre-meeting and the general board meeting in terms of date and location. This is a pre-meeting prior to the general meeting. Ald. Brian Hopkins may attend. Aiming for October general membership meeting. 1019 N. Wolcott: Bathhouse is no longer requesting EVA review of zoning change.

A Polish Triangle concessions applicant proposes a food truck covered in plastic vines. Sandwiches, ice cream, coffee and doughnuts will be on the menu as a mobile kitchen prepares to park on the Polish Triangle plaza this summer. Latent Design, the East Village architecture firm that manages city plaza concessions, has been negotiating with Rays Five Star, a mobile-kitchen startup. The Polish Triangle Coalition recommended the vendor for the Division-Ashland-Milwaukee plaza after reviewing applications May 25. Balkan pita-sandwich vendor Cevapcici will contine serving during Tuesdays on the Triangle after-work performances through Labor Day. The Zebek jazz quartet will perform June 7. The summer entertanment schedule features Latino Experimental Theater, the CSYO Steel Band and Adventure Stage Trailblazers.

Delays in CTA Blue Line renovations are giving community members a second chance to influence design of a new Division station entrance. The CTA expects work to begin at yearend, community liaison Jeff Wilson tells local architect Scott Rappe, who represented community groups in late 2014 talks with the city. "The project will still be awarded to a design-build team," Rappe tells members of the Polish Triangle Coalition , "but there appears to be time to influence the process, and a willingness on the part of the CTA to make sure this happens." The East Village Association, Wicker Park Committee, Near North Montessori and other community representatives formed the coalition to support public-space improvement and maintenance at the Division-Milwaukee-Ashland intersection. The group produces summer performances at the Polish Triangle. A contractor will plan and execute updates. The Grand, Chicago and Division stations would get new entrances with granite st...

Detroit's Michael Melis Trio performs in July at the Polish Triangle. East Village Association board minutes for Nov. 9, 2015, by Michael VanDam December Membership Meeting Catherine Garypie suggested the Aussie Pet Mobile dog-grooming service as a potential Business Minute for the Dec. 7 meeting. Polish Triangle Coalition Neal McKnight said EVA needs a new liaison to the Polish Triangle Coalition planning committee. This could be a rotating position, with a different EVA rep attending when available. Stephen Rynkiewicz will help draft bylaws for the group, which has been operating through Friends of the Parks. The East Village Association is a founding member of the coalition, which sponsors summer performances at Division, Ashland and Milwaukee.

A chess class meets at the West Town branch library, 1625 W. Chicago Ave. East Village Association minutes for June 1, 2015, submitted by Michael VanDam Polish Triangle Speakers: Katherine Darnstadt and Kristen Moreau of Latent Design. Based at 900 N. Ashland Ave., Latent Design won the city contract for Activate, a placemaking program designed to create People Plazas throughout Chicago. Locally, they will be working on sites at Mautene Court, 1260 N. Milwaukee Ave., and the Polish Triangle at Division, Milwaukee and Ashland. The installations will feature a popup kiosk with a rotating schedule of art, music and other creative programming. They will be working closely with local neighborhood organizations to ensure that the programming reflects the neighborhood. Artists and musicians, as well as anyone else with a creative idea, should contact them directly . Chicago Public Library EVA is sponsoring part of the West Town Library chess series for the second year. There’s be...

Plans for improving the Blue Line station at Division and Milwaukee and other Polish Triangle features will be reviewed at the June 1 East Village Association meeting. Katherine Darmstadt and Kristen Moreau of the Latent Design architecture firm have been involved in "placemaking" efforts to create a more pleasant and lively plaza. They'll speak to EVA members at 7pm in the Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. The Chicago Department of Transportation, which controls the park above the CTA station, is planning renovations with EVA and other community groups in the Polish Triangle Coalition . Separately, Centrum Partners plans a walkway between Division and Milwaukee, as part of a retail and apartment development at 1660 W. Division St. The coalition's Tuesdays at the Triangle events have started for the summer. June 2 activities include sidewalk games and an Adventure Stage Chicago performance. The schedule through September includes jazz, folk and ethnic ...

Ashland Church of God, 1062 N. Ashland East Village Association board minutes for May 11, 2015, submitted by Michael VanDam Planning, Preservation & Development 1062 N. Ashland: PP&D heard prospective owner Mark Sutherland 's proposal for new apartment construction around the Ashland Church of God's existing façade. Such a plan would require the city to change its zoning map, expand its new transit-oriented development zones and further loosen parking requirements. The PP&D committee and board felt the proposal was too preliminary to weigh in. Concerns revolved around added height and lack of interior preservation. 1838 W. Chicago (Fifield Cos. development): Fifield has obtained building permits and has begun marketing the development as Luxe on Chicago. Construction should start soon. Upcoming General Meetings A representative from the city forestry service is scheduled as speaker for EVA's June 1 meeting. A representative from the Active Transp...

East Village Association board minutes for Jan. 12, 2015, submitted by Catherine Garypie Aldermanic debate planning At Wells High School, on Jan. 29 (1st Ward) and Feb. 5 (2nd Ward), both 7-9pm. Better Government Association will moderate. Waiting for confirmation from Andy Shaw; he'll likely do at least one of the debates. Partnership: CGNA , UVNA , EVA , new group south of Chicago Avenue and west of Damen Avenue. Format: opening remarks (including: “be civil, respectful, etc., and ask your supporters to do the same"), Q&A, close. Volunteers needed for setup and breakdown. Equipment being planned includes podiums, tables, microphones (hopefully lapel mics), possible digital timer. Approval to spend $560 to rent auditorium? Board votes Yes. Planning conference call with other neighborhood associations will be on Thursday. No one on EVA board cares if there is campaigning going on at the event. Can people park in high school parking lot? NM will find out. Will...

A "traditional" subway canopy can double the CTA's cost. East Village Association board minutes for Nov. 10, 2014, submitted by Catherine Garypie Aldermanic debate Dates are Jan. 29 (1st Ward), Feb, 15 (2nd Ward). Andy Shaw of Better Government Association will host, Wells High auditorium is rented, other associations are on board. Shaw may have format ideas. Wells students can submit questions. December meeting/holiday party Neal McKnight will check venues for Monday evening Dec. 8. Aldermanic speakers at upcoming meetings Dec. 1: Wilson, Shaw, Hopkins; Jan. 5: Moreno, Pattison; Feb. 2: Pfingsten, Buenrostro. Polish Triangle An online survey drew 1,200 responses; the majority want a traditional entrance design for the Blue Line station at Division, keeping the fountain and placing canopies over the subway. The traditional design costs $600,000, twice the price of the "modern" choice. McKnight will propose that we get specifications for the canopy fo...

Andrew Hamilton and Steve Niketopoulos speak at the Oct. 6 meeting. Other 1st and 2nd Ward candidates will give presentations at upcoming meetings. EVA will organize a separate debate. East Village Association board minutes for Oct. 13, 2014, submitted by Catherine Garypie ALDERMANIC DEBATES NOTE: EVA & EVA Board must be politically neutral. Individuals can support candidates in their individual capacity, but not as EVA reps. Talk to McKnight with any concerns on this as the aldermanic races heat up. Wells HS (rents for $280/night) Dates: 1/29 (2nd Ward) & 2/5 (1st Ward) btwn 6 & 9pm Partners: CGNA (YES), UVNA (YES - Kim), New Group South of Chicago & West of Damen (YES), others? NOTE: Wicker Park Committee may join in. Invites will go out 60 days in advance (Nov 29). Ideas for a moderator? Possibly Tony Sarabia from WBEZ. May use these as a fundraising opportunity. The Winchester (restaurant) will hold pre-date cocktail party w/proceeds go to local charity ($10/...

Building on previous surveys , the Polish Triangle Coalition is aligning community input with upcoming Blue Line renovations and public space improvements coming to the Ashland-Division-Milwaukee area over the next two years. Results of this poll will be posted on the Polish Triangle Coalition website in early November. Take the Polish Triangle Design + Development survey

The Polish Triangle's prototypal transit-oriented development has a long history. The 1611 West Division location was a YMCA , a Pizza Hut and (at least on the drawing boards) a Walgreens drugstore. Next month it opens with 99 apartments above a PNC bank and Intelligentsia coffee bar. This site has posted more than 700 articles since 2007, not counting archived editions of the East Village Association newsletter . Names have changed for prominent sites: News about the 1611 West Division address is filed under Pizza Hut and lead anchor PNC Bank. Similarly, the several Fifield Cos. apartment proposals for 1822-50 W. Chicago Ave. are known for the vacant site's last building, the AAA Distributing news agency, and its onetime prospects for renovation as the Chicago Bowl nightclub. Search engines and real-estate blogs such as Curbed cite this site for background on these developments. Some of our most often-viewed posts date from several years back, including stubbornly p...