Major Taylor Trail events this weekend

We have two events this weekend: a workday and a trail ride.

The workday happens tomorrow (Sat. 7/20) from 8-11 a.m.  We're meeting at the Major Taylor mural (approx. 1050 W. 111th St.) and will be working along the trail south of 111th, doing tree pruning and invasive species removal.  Work boots or hiking boots are recommended. (If you don't have either, we suggest fully enclosed shoes that are comfortable for being on your feet all morning.)  If you have work gloves and tools, feel free to bring them.  If not, we will have some available for use.

The ride is Sunday afternoon, starting at 2:30 p.m.  We meet at 119th & Halsted for a casual ride of about 15 miles or so.

Friends of the Major Taylor Trail meeting on Wednesday

If you're interested in events and stewardship on the Major Taylor Trail, please join us for our monthly meeting on Wednesday 7/17 at Ridge Park fieldhouse, 7:00-8:30 p.m. This month's discussion will include the upcoming addition of bike lanes on Vincennes, the needs of various community members and organizations relative to that project, and building connections between south side communities to advocate for needed bike/ped improvements connecting with and near the trail.

Major Taylor Trail workday tomorrow 7/28

If you'd like to help Friends of the Major Taylor Trail and TreeKeepers in their efforts to maintain good trail conditions, please join us for a workday tomorrow morning from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

We'll meet by the Major Taylor mural (approx. 1050 W. 111th St.) and do some tree pruning to eliminate branches that are blocking part of the trail.  If you have work gloves and tools, please bring them, otherwise some will be available for use.  After our recent rains, insect repellent might be a good idea, too.

Click here for more info.  We hope to see you there.

blast from the past

I ran across an interesting web site while looking for something else - Cinema Treasures, a site dedicated to old movie theaters.  I love the old theaters.

Here's the one that used to be at 95th & Beverly/Ashland.  I'd never pictures of what it looked like before its current use as a church.  Roseland and West Pullman used to have several: the Roseland, Parkway, and others.

This one in Rogers Park was demolished several years ago.  The Ramova in Bridgeport has been closed a long time, but is still standing.   Blue Island had the Lyric.   My first loss was the Valencia in Evanston, a vintage gem with twinkling lights in the ceiling.  I saw that one demolished in 1975, and a bland high rise office building was built in its place in 1976.  Don't even get me started about the Uptown.

The Patio on the northwest side was recently reopened after being closed for several years.  They're having a fundraiser to upgrade to digital projection, since film prints are becoming harder to get and will eventually go out of widespread distribution.

Hyde Park had the Hyde Park, later known as the Harper, which is currently being renovated.  Those are the bright spots on this list.  I'm looking forward to that reopening at 53rd & Harper.

HB 3884 has potentially disastrous environmental consequences

I just learned about a bill that is scheduled for hearing before the IL House Public Utilities Committee on 2/28/12 - this Tuesday.

Help protect our trees! Illinois House Bill 3884 (Utility Damage Prevention Act) says that trees/vegetation planted within 20 feet of an electric utility pole or overhead electrical conductor could be removed. If this bill passes, many of our beautiful mature trees could be in jeopardy.

The presumed goal of this bill - preventing power outages due to tree damage - makes sense.  However, this is a heavy-handed way of going about it, which could have many disastrous consequences for our environment.

The bill, as proposed, could authorize the removal of most existing trees in many of our back yards, potentially many thousands of mature trees.  Removal of these trees would reduce the ability of our ecosystem to absorb heavy rains, increasing flooding; increase the urban heat island effect; destroy habitat for many wildlife species; remove shade from many yards and houses; greatly increase summer air conditioning costs; and result in a significant increase in air pollution from power plants created by the additional demand for electricity.   

It is possible to maintain trees in such a way as to minimize risk to utility lines and poles.  Our trees should not be condemned when there are workable alternatives.

Please contact your State Representative to ask for these amendments to the bill:
1. a specific definition of "20 feet" regarding the proximity of planted vegetation to utility poles or overhead conductors;
2. a requirement for utilities to consider specific impacts before removing trees;
3. a requirement that utilities give any affected property owners 30 days written notice of any potential tree removal, with contact information to work out a compromise plan; and
4. a requirement that utilities should pay for replacement trees.

Urge representatives to amend HB 3884 or oppose it if it is not changed.

Here's more info on the bill as proposed:

Synopsis As Introduced: Creates the Overhead Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to plant restricted vegetation within 20 feet of an electric utility pole or overhead electrical conductor located within the State. Provides that any restricted vegetation planted, whether by a person or by natural means, within 20 feet of an electric utility pole or overhead electrical conductor located within the State shall be subject to removal. Provides that any person who sells restricted vegetation within this State shall affix a label to each piece of restricted vegetation identifying it as restricted vegetation. Permits the Illinois Commerce Commission to adopt rules concerning the removal of restricted vegetation. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with an electric utility while performing vegetation management and removal activities. Also creates provisions concerning findings, definitions, and Commission enforcement. Effective immediately. 

Short Description: UTILITY DAMAGE PREVENT ACT
House Sponsors: Rep. Jack D. Franks
Hearings: Public Utilities Committee Hearing Feb 28 2012 3:30PM Capitol Building Room 114 Springfield, IL
Last Action Date: Chamber Action 1/24/2012 House Assigned to Public Utilities Committee
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance: New Act

Please contact your State Representative TODAY!