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* Keep it local, keep it polite and keep my thanks in your heart.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 4:06 am

Comments

I am asking everyone to please wear your masks. I am no expert, I did not go to school for infectious disease or pandemic studies, I do have common sense. Common sense tells me that a mask does stop the majority of virus from being spread. A mask is not 100% effective, but nothing is.

If you have some spare time on your hands, search the history of pandemics. Some come and go under different names, but the same virus was involved. Look at the measures people have taken before, and how we evolved our understanding. We are still learning. Interesting stuff in light of the times we live in.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 5:59 am
NBC 5 is now claiming they have IDPH’s “secret list” of statewide coronavirus outbreaks which the department was allegedly keeping confidential. Even though only numbers and locations of outbreaks were listed (no names of sick victims):

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/top-videos-home/nbc-5-obtains-illinois-officials-secret-list-that-privately-tracked-coronavirus-outbreaks/2361462/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjI1MzNjYmZhYmE4ZjRkZWY6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEOD_up_lds0YDy_b8L6sQ9v473dQ

Comment by Chatham Resident Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 8:06 am
Was in the city yesterday, we had tickets for a ‘dining event’ I got back in January or February at a well-known restaurant. It was kind of weird knowing that you were the last people to dine inside the place for the foreseeable future. Also walking out and every bar, restaurant and club closed.
Was a hell of a meal and did feel very safe doing it.

Comment by OneMan Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 8:39 am
“…and keep my thanks in your heart.” Sniff…..unicorn quotes always choke me up…..sniff, sniff:”. Just KIDDING….

Comment by Sayitaintso Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 8:51 am
Was thinking about Bill Brady’s press conference yesterday with the anti-shutdown restaurant owner and was wondering if anyone asked Brady if he sees any conflict of interest in his push to keep bars and restaurants open despite public safety concerns?

His video gaming profits would take a big hit when restaurants and bars are closed, wouldn’t they?

Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 9:12 am
Jon Lester is a class act. He posted this on Twitter. Also knows you need a reservation to go to a bar now.
Regardless of what’s next I want to thank the fans for the past 6 years. So this weekend (10.30-11.1) Im buying y’all my favorite beer. Make a res at
@Hopsmithchicago

@LodgeTavern

@ButchMcGuires

@ShenannigansHOB
& your 1st
@MillerLite
is on me. Just tell em to put it on #JonsTab

Comment by Bruce( no not him) Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 9:14 am
=It was kind of weird knowing that you were the last people to dine inside the place for the foreseeable future.=

Yes, a very strange feeling. A couple of us were the last to dine at our club yesterday evening. It was the only place where I’d felt comfortable dining in because I knew all the protocols were in place.

It was sad to leave, and say good-bye to the staff for who knows how long. But, again, I’d rather we all stay healthy.

Comment by JoanP Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 9:19 am
In follow-up to yesterdays’ dialogue on city property taxes, I did a random search via realtor.com of high end properties near Michigan Ave.

Sample property sold in 2012 for $348k (with property taxes of $10k). The property has recently sold for $450k (with property taxes of $42k)

So property value increased by 29% over 8 years. While property taxes went up 320%. And, in fact, the property owner, while having a gain of $102k over the eight years, spent in excess of $335k in property taxes in the same time period.

Folks, this is unsustainable.

Comment by Sarah Smile Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 9:20 am
Team Davis working it in the thirteenth district. Volunteer rang my doorbell yesterday P.M.

Comment by Al Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 9:32 am
- Sarah Smile -

I can’t remember… do you live in Chicago?

Do you live near Michigan Ave?

Why or why not?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 9:39 am
=Sample property sold in 2012 for $348k (with property taxes of $10k). The property has recently sold for $450k (with property taxes of $42k)=

Check your math because I can assure you this isn’t correct. The published average property tax rate in the city in 2019 is 6.890% on the assessed (not market) value. The average market value in the area is $297,500 which generates an average tax bill of $5,288.14. All of this is available on the county website.

Comment by Pundent Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 9:41 am
“Keep it local, keep it polite and keep my thanks in your heart.”

My heart’s already pretty full of plaque and bacon grease, Rich, but I’ll try to make some room.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 9:42 am
“I can’t remember… do you live in Chicago?
Do you live near Michigan Ave?”

Ow,
And that is relevant how? Are you suggesting we are strictly limited to commenting only on places where we live…..like Oswego?

Comment by Sarah Smile Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 9:47 am
- Sarah Smile -

1) I was kinda busy and while it seemed interesting.

2) You seemed obsessed now helping the millionaires on Michigan Avenue and your math seems suspect.

=== Are you suggesting we are strictly limited to commenting only on places where we live===

Nah, I’m just confused why you feel a need to worry about the wealthy on Michigan Avenue.

Are you living on Michigan Ave or are you just inclined to worry about wealthy folks?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 9:51 am
OW,
Res ipsa loquitur

Comment by Sara Smile Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 10:02 am
- Sarah Smile -

Sarah… Sarah… no time is a good time…to ignore your bias.

:)

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 10:04 am
-Sarah Smile-

Let’s do the math on your example. If you purchased a home for $450,000 and put 20% down you would be left with a mortgage of $360K. At an interest rate of 3% over 30 years that would translate to about $1,500 a month in principal and interest. You’re suggesting that the property taxes on that same property would run $3,500 a month. What buyer (or lender) would possibly agree to this?

Comment by Pundent Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 10:05 am
OW,
A $345k condo is hardly a millionaires abode. I guess we’ll agree to disagree. I think the escalating property taxes in Chicago will continue to suppress prices, discouraging investment, and lead to lower prices and an increasing property tax burden (as a percentage of home value). Clearly, you think otherwise.

Comment by Sarah Smile Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 10:27 am
- Sarah Smiles -

Aren’t you late for a Latin class somewhere?

=== $345k condo===

What did you say the taxes are?

Specifically.

Again, what an odd choice. A condo on Michigan Avenue?

If you don’t live on Michigan Ave, or in Chicago, why choose Michigan Avenue condo to relate to “normal folk”?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 10:31 am
=I think the escalating property taxes in Chicago will continue to suppress prices, discouraging investment, and lead to lower prices and an increasing property tax burden (as a percentage of home value).=

Average tax increase on the north side of the city from 2018-2019 was 1.44%. Average tax bill change was $75.30. Again, all of this is publicly available.

Comment by Pundent Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 10:32 am
- Pundent -

Thanks for adding the honesty to this discussion

I’d say something witty in Latin, but…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 10:39 am
=Sample property sold in 2012 for $348k (with property taxes of $10k). The property has recently sold for $450k (with property taxes of $42k)=

So…..$42,000 - is that before or after the taxes were appealed?
All is not necessarily as it seems.
Cook County property taxes have to be appealed.
They jack up the taxes and then you have to file an appeal. (The tax attorney full-employment act.)
I appeal my own taxes and almost always get them lowered.

Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 10:50 am
I notice that while property taxes over the ownership life of a property was mentioned, the following were not:

Electricity
Gas
Water
Garbage
Maintenance and repair
Remodeling
Homeowners insurance
Liability insurance
Association fees

The purpose of property taxes, like all of these, is to pay your fair share of costs while you live there. Don’t expect to somehow make up the cost of any of these when you sell the property.

Comment by thoughts matter Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 11:46 am
If public knowledge is Sunshine…what are secrets?

Comment by Dotnonymous Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 11:55 am
My daughter and I voted early at the Islamic Center in Naperville. No waiting. Well organized staff. Using q tips for touch screens was nice.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Friday, Oct 30, 20 @ 12:58 pm