Former 46th ward Ald. ShillerKeeping up with former Ald. Helen Shiller:Machine politics lives, and Mayor Johnson makes sure to reward his supporters! As you may recall, he appointed Shiller to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2024. Johnson appointed more people from the Shiller  universe to the school board in late 2024. Now, despite actions that emailers tell us led to an ethics complaint from a neighborhood organization in Streeterville (SOAR) (Ed. Note: We have not seen the ethics complaint and cannot confirm), Johnson has removed the widely respected current chair of the ZBA in favor of Shiller, who would take the lead seat.From Crain's [...]

A view of "Immaculata Living" (website)A project announced and approved during Ald. Cappleman's final term has resurfaced.You might recall the plan: convert the historic Immaculata School building into 245 apartments and include a 22 story high-rise for senior adults with supportive amenities to be constructed on the interior parking lot. This historic building has been used for over 2 years now as a temporary migrant shelter.  The new announcement on the project suggests the contract with the city is likely winding down and re-development plans are revving up. We expect the shelter will close, but no official word on that.The project will [...]