The Urbanophile's "State of Chicago" Series (Lincoln: best neighborhood, gangs)

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by ChiNaan

That's not a problem with Chicago, that's a problem with you not utilizing most of the city.

"doc, we've tried nothing and we're all out of ideas!"

- Ned Flanders' beatnik dad

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by Aleking

lol @ smartGXL, such a broken record

At least he put his money where his mouth is, and got out. Have to give him credit for that. It's better than someone who gripes incessantly yet never takes any action.

[Aleking]

Originally Posted by andrew61

At least he put his money where his mouth is, and got out. Have to give him credit for that. It's better than someone who gripes incessantly yet never takes any action.

It's the internet, I have no reason to believe what he says. For all we know he had no choice but to leave and simply has sour grapes. Either way, who cares. He only posts to troll.

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by andrew61

At least he put his money where his mouth is, and got out. Have to give him credit for that. It's better than someone who gripes incessantly yet never takes any action.

That's my annoyance with the "Urbanophile" in a nutshell.

Blogging about the city doesn't actually do diddly to improve it. Getting off your duff and volunteering/getting more engaged with civic activities does.

What has been missing from his Seinfeld-esque "observations" from day 1 is any sense of actual commitment to the City.

This comes from having no respect or skin in the game regarding the social fabric. Little kids can't just up and leave Chicago when they get bored, nor can the elderly who rely on our transportation, medical, and other infrastructure.

[Kamms]

Originally Posted by Chi-town Native

That's my annoyance with the "Urbanophile" in a nutshell.

Blogging about the city doesn't actually do diddly to improve it. Getting off your duff and volunteering/getting more engaged with civic activities does.

What has been missing from his Seinfeld-esque "observations" from day 1 is any sense of actual commitment to the City.

This comes from having no respect or skin in the game regarding the social fabric. Little kids can't just up and leave Chicago when they get bored, nor can the elderly who rely on our transportation, medical, and other infrastructure.

For starters, get the politicians to get off their duffs and do their civic duties instead of bilking the taxpayers. People with money can get up and leave the city and state. This Renn guy lived in Chicago for 20 years or so I'm sure how he didn't have skin in the game. Believe it or not but people need change for a variety of reasons. Mr. Renn is simply stating the current issues that need to be addressed so the city can stabilize and grow again.

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by Kamms

For starters, get the politicians to get off their duffs and do their civic duties instead of bilking the taxpayers. People with money can get up and leave the city and state. This Renn guy lived in Chicago for 20 years or so I'm sure how he didn't have skin in the game. Believe it or not but people need change for a variety of reasons. Mr. Renn is simply stating the current issues that need to be addressed so the city can stabilize and grow again.

Mr. Renn is not a journalist. And yep, people with money can leave. But those of us with kids, elderly parents etc are the ones who quite literally have the skin in the game. Except of course, it isn't a game, that's a huckster's term.

[Chicago South Sider]

I wonder how much Chicago has to do with Illinois' current fiscal situation? Having the second-highest budget deficit and credit rating in the country is something to be proud of:

The Best- and Worst-Run States in America - Yahoo! Finance

[Link N. Parker]

Originally Posted by Aleking

It's the internet, I have no reason to believe what he says. For all we know he had no choice but to leave and simply has sour grapes. Either way, who cares. He only posts to troll.

Just because you dont believe someone, or dont agree with what one may say here, or you dont like the fact that he needed a change and moved away, doesnt mean that he is an internet troll or that he is lying...sorry to break this news to you, but sometimes people will do things in life that you dont like or agree with, that is reality and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it, other than sit behind a keyboard and fume about it.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by Kamms

For starters, get the politicians to get off their duffs and do their civic duties instead of bilking the taxpayers. People with money can get up and leave the city and state. This Renn guy lived in Chicago for 20 years or so I'm sure how he didn't have skin in the game. Believe it or not but people need change for a variety of reasons. Mr. Renn is simply stating the current issues that need to be addressed so the city can stabilize and grow again.

According to the 2011 Census estimates, Chicago is already growing again:

Population 2010: 2,695,598

Population 2011: 2,707,120

Percent change from April 2010 to July 2011: +0.4%

Source:
Chicago (city) QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by andrew61

According to the 2011 Census estimates, Chicago is already growing again:

Population 2010: 2,695,598

Population 2011: 2,707,120

Percent change from April 2010 to July 2011: +0.4%

Source:
Chicago (city) QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau

Furthermore, Chicago - at least in places - has finally reversed the trend of the middle class leaving for the burbs when their kids get to school age.

The fact so many people are underwater with their mortgages is the primary factor IMO; people have chosen to get involved and take a hands-on approach to public schools instead of selling their condo/townhouse for less than they paid.

But regardless, the population losses are largely being driven by the destruction of the public housing high rises. So yes, I think Mr. Renn's analysis tells us more about his limited understanding of the City than anything else.