Diag Update

South Lakeview Neighbors President Perry Castrovillari opened the meeting with a few quick announcements and then introduced Angela Pennisi, owner of Lakeshore Sports Physical Therapy. They have been around for little while, but are just introducing themselves to the neighbors. They have many specialized programs and provide individualized attention. Patients are usually referred by their physician.

Pat Corcoran from the Governor's office came to talk to the neighbors about the Affordable Care Act and GetCoveredIllinois.gov. It was signed into law in 2010 and everyone is encouraged to sign up to get healthcare. Each state opened a marketplace. Everyone has to be covered by January 1st, 2014, otherwise fines will start accruing. If you are covered by Medicaid, that is sufficient for medical coverage. Corcoran reports that there are still some bugs and asks for people to keep patient when going through the website. People were reminded that they should check all of their doctors since not all doctors may be covered under the new health insurance, or under the different levels of different insurance companies.

There is an update about Diag Bar & Grille (Michigan) after many neighbors spoke up about complaints at the September meeting. Erik Baylis and Ryan Marks, of Big Onion Tavern Group and owners of Diag, and previously, Jack's, came to address the neighbors to update them since the September, and subsequently, October meeting, about the violations.

There had been many complaints due to speakers and loud noises, as well as food violations. Cops have been called numerous times due to noise violations. Their license is until Midnight. Diag owners have had meetings with the Alderman's office. There is still a complaint about cups being left in neighbor's yards. They have increased their garbage pick-up and now have their staff walking the neighborhood after hours to do pick-up in and around the neighborhood.

Elizabeth Gomez, Director of Operations of Alderman Waguespack's office, says that the owners have come into Waguespack's office to respond to the complaints that have been coming in from neighbor's. The speakers and a sub-woofer have been removed or disconnected from the Patio area, which is what lodged most of the complaints. There are still complaints coming in from neighbors regarding everything from bags on the sidewalk to a smoker, or grill, blocking a sidewalk. There is a tent that is up for two more weeks along Southport with a propane tank.

Will's Northwood's Inn was brought up as being another college bar (Wisconsin Badgers), but that there have not been any complaints in regards to them being around for 20+ years. Elizabeth wishes that there were more bars like Will's. She also complimented Erik for being responsive to the neighborhood complaints. Diag will hang signs that say Respect Your Neighbor outside of the bar to help with the noise levels at the end. They will also have their ID checker wear an orange vest to make him more visible to the neighbors. They will return at the February meeting to get updates on the holiday traffic.

There have been complaints about trolleys in the area, but they are private rental and the bars don't provide them. There is no ordinance regarding the use of liquor on trolleys.

Diag wasn't originally supposed to be at the meeting, but they came to the meeting as a courtesy.

The South Lakeview Neighbors holiday party is December 10th at Will's Northwood's Inn, located at 3030 N. Racine. For more information about South Lakeview Neighbors, or to become a member visit their website.