Update/News on Bryn Mawr & Kostner

Are you asking yourself "What is going on with the empty lots at the corner of Bryn Mawr & Kostner?" Ask no more. Just come here for an update.

Patrick and Donna Lau (and their neighbor) have done their best to beautify the neighborhood. They paid landscapers to clean the debris that used to exist here. They planted flowers along Bryn Mawr Ave., even outside of their properties! They cleared garbage on the street. When you get a chance, please come take a look at their great accomplishments and take the time to thank them for their contributions to our community!

July 7, 2005
The following letter was sent to the Alderman today regarding the current condition of Bryn Mawr & Kostner:

As we discussed today on the phone, we have attached pictures of the barricades, cement blocks and cement filled drums that reside between Kostner and the railroad tracks on Bryn Mawr. They are quite unsightly!

On behalf of the residents of Sauganash, we are requesting the cement blocks and cement filled drums be removed. Regarding the large cement temporary barricades, if given the choice, rather than have them removed altogether, it would be nice to have them placed in strategic locations that would prevent motorbike, RV and car traffic from circumventing the permanent cement and steel enforced barricades. If this is not an option, removal is the second best option. We hope the pictures we attached will assist in identifying the "sore" spots for cleanup.

In the picture titled "Main Barricade 3.jpg," note the tire treadmarks on the sidewalk and in the dirt from motorbikes that bypassed the permanent barricades. Unfortunately, the cement barricade pictured was not in a position to prevent the bypass.

It is good to know that cleaning up this area is on your list of things to do. We are happy to hear that it is likely to occur sooner than the bike trail construction is scheduled to begin. Please call us when you have a timeline for this cleanup.

August 14, 2004
The paving should be complete within the next week or two. The Alderman plans on billing Mr. Yousef for the paving. We are unaware of any plans to widen the street during paving; we hope it happens soon and is finished with as little inconvenience to the neighbors as possible.

Also, the barricades have been removed without authority by unknown person(s). They will be put back in place. A beautification of the area is in the plans; however, for now the barricades will have to do the job. Below are pictures of the barricade after they were removed and then after the Alderman replaced them with new steel enforced ones. Please send an email to the Alderman thanking her for putting them back up and with better material and strength.

July 13, 2004We have been told the Alderman is going to have the city pave this street. We do not have a start date on the paving. The city will be paving in the area, and it will be completed at the same time.

June 25, 2004
We checked with Alderman Laurino's office regarding Kostner and Bryn Mawr. The Alderman met with Mr. Zach Joseph this week (the week of 6/21). He told her the street would be completed within the next three weeks. Again, we will be in contact with the Alderman to keep the pressure on Mr. Joseph.

May 16, 2004
We spoke with the Alderman this morning regarding the fact that the street has not been paved for about a year now. We were informed that the developer, Mr. Zach Joseph, is responsible for finishing the street paving. The Alderman is having Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) meet with Mr. Joseph next week (the week of 5/17) to discuss what needs to be done and when. As we receive more information, we will post it on this page.