displaced ramblings of a reformed urbanite Part 2

Aug 8

More of Chicago’s Downtown Residents

“They don’t make ‘em like they used to”
Anonymous

Some things get destroyed or demolished.
There is some type of construction activity taking place in the downtown area of Chicago. Some buildings are being removed, like the building in the photo on the left.

Growing up in Chicago, I became familiar with the term “Urban Renewal.” I associated the term with the demolition of large, older apartment buildings in my community of Englewood on the South Side, leaving the land vacant and barren for decades. So, when those cranes, bulldozers, and dump trucks visited the community, I knew what would follow.

Sometimes, those people or those departments in Chicago’s city hall would deem it appropriate to convert the vacant lot into a play area with swings, see-saws, slides, and other devices made of galvanized steel that sat on a bed of crushed white rocks. Imagine, as a child living next to a play area composed of a bed of crushed white rocks. The white dust and small white rock chips would find their way onto your clothes, your shoes, and onto the carpeted floors of the apartments. What a nightmare. As a child, if one did not get seriously injured from playing on the steel “Playground Equipment” and violently falling onto the bed of crushed white limestone rocks, one would survive the corporal punishment issued by “Mama”.

Even worse, whenever there was heavy rain, the adjacent street and sidewalks would hold small white lakes where rainwater would pool from the white limestone mini rapids flowing from the white limestone play area. So, without the crushed limestone covering the vacant lot, the rainwater would soak into the ground and be absorbed by the vegetation- weeds and other wild plants native to Chicago- and release small streams of dirt-laden rainwater onto the streets and sidewalks. In my opinion, leaving the natural habitat in place was much more efficient for the existing vegetation and neighboring lawns compared to the crushed limestone method, which harmed children and clogged neighboring lawns with limestone dust.

Some vacant lots were converted into locations for abandoned vehicles and vehicle repair yards; pseudo “open-air" garages. Those vehicles needing that one part. Or those vehicles needing a specialist mechanic that does not live within the neighborhood.

‘I’m still saving the money to get it running again. All I need is a couple hundred more and a good mechanic to fix it. I could do it myself, but I don’t have the tools’

One day, the vehicle will be running again. In the meantime, the air has seeped out of the tires. The weeds have developed into small trees and bushes. Rodents have chewed through the wiring and made their nest on the motor. The weather seal on the windows has dry-rotted, and the interior is growing mushrooms due to rainwater and the thawing snow seeping in and dripping on the vehicle interior.

(Huh … Pink Floyd was right with the lyric: ‘ And then one day you find. Ten years have gone behind you’ …)

Revised Thompson Center Chicago

Some older buildings are being renovated, such as the former Thompson Center, which is being converted to become the new Google Chicago headquarters.

I got on that tangent or diatribe in an attempt to make a point or come to one. The building being demolished in the top left photo is within the Chicago business district. Smart money will say that once the demolition is complete, the lot will be cleaned, leveled, and prepped for construction. The lot will not be converted to a play area composed of crushed white limestone and marble. The area could possibly be surrounded with a fence until the conversion is completed.

Anyway, I warned you. This blog is the ramblings of a reformed urbanite. I have witnessed how different areas or communities are treated based on the population type and level of taxable income and revenue. Communities with few vacant lots, no abandoned buildings, and streets lined with open and active small businesses will receive attention from city leaders. The larger the tax base, the more infrastructure projects can be initiated: street paving and resurfacing, and new water and sewage lines will be implemented.

Let’s not forget the local schools. Local schools will benefit from more amenities for the student population. As opposed to communities with shrinking populations, declining enrollment, abandoned property, and a lack of vibrant small business communities.

It comes down to economics and economies of scale. A larger population growth means the cost to maintain the infrastructure is spread across the community’s growing taxpayers. With shrinking populations in certain communities, infrastructure costs are shared by a smaller group of taxpayers, who are then burdened by tax increases.

Enough of that rant. That was something I wanted to get off my mind. I was looking for a photo of the urban renewal white limestone playgrounds to post here, maybe later.

As I continue my urban safari, aka my quest to improve my photography skills, I am finding items, objects, and things I either don't see or don’t notice. For instance, who should be responsible for picking up the debris on the Metra line at the Waukegan station? Just something I notice whenever I take the Metra to Chicago. Some of the items have been lying there for some time. I’m sure Metra has a track maintenance department.

***Whose job is this?***
Then there are objects I do see and wonder why I am offended, or should I even be offended? Why doesn’t someone clean up this mess? Is that person overwhelmed? Does that person even know about this mess? Or is it just me who is concerned that someone should clean up this mess? Just sayin’ …

Waukegan Metra Station south bound track

Reflection From Across The Street

I thought this would be a nice touch. The store window acted as a mirror, and the lettering gave me the idea to frame this shot. The people were standing on the steps of the Chicago Cultural Center across the street from the window. My intent was to use the “PHOTO” lettering to frame up the shot. There is a double reflection within the mirrored glass. The outside environment is reflected in the glass. Also, there is a faint hint of lettering on the wall inside the store.

***stated with a smile, “I don’t have on any lipstick”***

I encountered this woman, who had taken residence within a CTA bus shelter. When I spoke with her, she told me she came to Chicago from California. She was a singer who was cheated out of her money and not paid for her studio performances for some recordings, and fell on hard times. Her arrival in Chicago was more than ten years ago.
I politely ask for permission to take her photo.
She smiled and said, *“I don’t have any lipstick on”*
Goes to show that no matter the circumstances or the difficulties, some people will maintain some sense of pride and dignity; and vanity.

***I’m from the Chicago South Side***

This gentleman said he is from the Englewood community on the South Side of Chicago. He’s a U.S. military veteran who is experiencing some difficult times. Despite his being homeless, he was very humble and did not mind posing for a photo.

*This one surprised me*

I was caught off guard by this person. My attention was distracted in another direction as I was walking, before I saw him. I intentionally retained the color due to the green and red vegetation. Not sure of his situation. I did not bother to ask.

Mother and Daughter

These two individuals were seen sitting on the window ledge of the Marshall Fields building on State Street a week before. I did not speak to the woman. However, she and her child are together. The experiences of this young person have to be troubling. Although they could be better than the family’s previous experiences.

This statue is called the Flamingo. I don’t see it. Maybe I’m not looking at it from the right angle.
The statue is located in Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago

There is a reason many experienced photographers say, ‘Have your camera ready at all times’.
I was distracted by another visual image and just happened to turn my head to capture this image.
This individual has their fingers protected or covered with …
… is that a kilt? Just asking for a friend …

I must admit. I’ve seen a number of homeless individuals lying on the pavement with heavy foot traffic.

These individuals are out here day-after-day asking for money.

Whenever I visit Millennium Park, which is twice a week, I buy fruit snacks from this guy. Next time I will get his name and background. He is always around Millennium Park. The Mangos and watermelons are cut fresh while you wait. It just occurred to me that the watermelons don’t have seeds. Huh …