Update on the Shedd School property

Photo shot March 2025

I'm sorry to say I missed the meeting with regards to Shedd School, however, upon Googling found that this was hosted by CPS and found this recent update. Shedd is among three other closed schools where there were bids and plans for these properties.

BlockClubChi:

The potential buyer for the old Shedd Elementary building at 99th and Indiana Ave. is the Peace for Preston Foundation, led by Dionne Mhoon, the mother of slain Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Preston. Two years ago, Mhoon launched a GoFundMe to support the foundation and raise money for a community center in honor of her daughter. Mhoon’s bid for the old Shedd school is $25,000.

Elected school board member Carlos Rivas said Wednesday he was Preston’s college counselor in the 2015-16 school year when he worked at Noble’s UIC College Prep.

“She was such a determined young lady and graduated from Illinois State in three and a half years because of her determination,” Rivas said. “She had such a bright life ahead of her, and she did so much for her community.”

“I am so incredibly proud that we’re going to be honoring her and using this building in this way for the Peace for Preston Foundation,” Rivas added.

There was some interest in the old Shedd school in 2017 from a private Christian school and another buyer, but neither bid had the backing of the local alderperson, according to South Side Weekly.

The board resolution says Peace for Preston wants to offer youth recreational programming, educational programming, youth mentoring and counseling, mental health support, job readiness and vocational training, wellness programs, and access to health care support, as well as GED and financial literacy courses.

Check out this list of closed schools that are up for bid. Perhaps you have a solid plan for these properties.

Here's the listing for Shedd.

Community meeting: Former Shedd Elementary School - TONIGHT

 Just saw this today via Concerned Citizens of Chatham. How many you already know about this? This meeting is with regards to the shuttered Shedd School property.

This meeting is happening tonight at Harlan Community Academy High School - 9652 S. Michigan between 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Set your clocks back an hour

Credit 94thepoint.com

 Fall is here and it's that time to set your clocks back an hour. Daylight saving time is ending on November 2, 2025. And never fear, we'll have to reverse the process again on March 8, 2026 at which point spring is around the corner again.

Tribune Editorial: A hardheaded rethinking of the Red Line Extension is needed now

RLE Extension Project

 I've seen articles about the cost of the Red Line Extension, and now this recent Chicago Tribune editorial. Here's an excerpt:

In the meantime, though, the Trump-induced uncertainty surrounding the project, combined with the push in Springfield this month to reform the Chicago area’s transit agencies and infuse them with more revenue as they face budget shortfalls, should resurface the lingering and legitimate questions about the wisdom of the Red Line Extension. Even if that nearly $2 billion is restored, the overall project cost that now sits at $5.75 billion — an ungodly $1 billion per mile, about twice what an above-surface train line should cost — is impossible even for fervent transit advocates to justify.

We’ve spoken in recent weeks to officeholders with a keen interest in the initiative, among them state Rep. Kam Buckner and U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, both of Chicago. What we heard from both — and they clearly reflect how many others in local and federal government feel — is disbelief and consternation about how high the RLE cost has gotten but fatalism, too, that Chicago simply can’t afford to say no to $2 billion in federal cash.

Buckner, who knows this part of the city well, went beyond criticizing the eye-watering price tag to questioning whether extending the Red Line from its current 95th Street terminus south to the city limits makes practical sense. The neighborhoods through which that extension would run simply are hollowed out, and while project advocates hope the line will galvanize development and repopulation, there’s plenty of reason to be highly skeptical. The risk of a new $5.75 billion (or likely higher when all is said and done) train line that serves just a smattering of riders is high.

We understand the point of view that so much federal help is politically difficult to refuse, but we also disagree with it. A project that only a few years ago was penciled at $3.7 billion now requires even more than that total in financing from the Chicago Transit Authority and other local resources — and that’s after the $2 billion in federal cash.

Even if city officials are able to reverse the Trump administration’s decision, does the RLE make sense anymore given the cost?

Read the whole thing. 

Commissioner Larry Rogers: Hyde Park Township Property Tax Appeal Forum

Hat-tip Chesterfield Community Council

Commissioner Larry Rogers of the Cook County Board of Review - that body that hears appeals of property tax assessments is hosting the Hyde Park Township Property Tax Appeal Forum which will be follwed by a dedicated Q&A session.

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Petition Season Begins: Meet a Candidate for 2026

 Over the weekend I observed some people in yellow safety vests going from door to door in my neighborhood and found two flyers in my mailbox they were handing out. They did actually have clipboards and it is petition collection season - 2026 is an election year.

As you may know State Rep. Nick Smith will not run for another term in Springfield so here's one possible contender for his seat. 

Cleopatra Cowley as you see in the flyer is quoted talking about her daughter Hadiya Pendleton - the one who was shot to death in Bronzeville in 2013. It’s a moving message that underscores her motivation to serve.

I want to add that the people who were working the neighborhood over the weekend also handed out flyers for State Sen. Elgie Sims, who is running for re-election. That flyer will be shared on this blog at a later time.

Does Ms. Cowley have your vote to go to Springfield? Do you know anyone else who's running for the 34th District State Representative? If you do, who has your vote?

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Columbus Day.

Sun-Times: Trump freezes $2.1B for Chicago projects, Red Line extension in shutdown fight with Dems

Red Line Extension

This is terrible and thanks to the feud between Trump & Pritzker and we could include the Mayor also. It's a shame because the Red Line extension is a worthwhile project.

Sun-Times:

19th Annual Silas Purnell College Expo

Hosted by the Chesterfield Community Council and sponsored by among others Seaway/Self-Help FCU.

19th Annuel Silas Purnell College Expo

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025

11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Tuley Park Fieldhouse

501 E. 90th Place

For more information

chesterfieldcommunitycouncil.org

chesterfield @ ameritech.net

(773) 651-3958

Follow Chesterfield Community Council on Facebook

 Oh and how about this for an added bonus. Are you interested in becoming a Morehouse Man?

Capitol Fax: Rep. Smith won’t run for reelection

Nicholas Smith has been a state representative since 2018 representating District 34 in the Illinois House of Represtatives. Here's the statement posted at CapFax

After much thought and careful consideration, I’ve decided not to seek reelection. Serving as a member of the Illinois General Assembly in the House of Representatives has been an honor of a lifetime. Serving the people of the 34th Representative District and the state of Illinois has been an absolute privilege. As I look forward to the next chapter in my life, I’m confident the next representative of the mighty 34th District will serve with distinction, integrity, and honor.

It was reported that he plans to serve out his term and has no favorite to replace him. I do hope he doesn't leave this process to an appointment denying voters an opportunity to make their choice at the ballot box.

I see comments in that post talking about District 34 map, I will show you an available map of it.