What is happening at the 28 th Park is simply a symptom of the way this city is managed from the Mayor down to the committee level. They act first and think after the fact.
As you can see from the pictures the court was initially built too close to the residences which were there before the park. When a petition was circulated by the same Grabowski family to build a tennis court in the park, the petition stated it would be built in the NE corner. Without telling the people who signed this petition and agreeing to the placement of the tennis court, it was constructed in another location 20 feet from 2 residences. In fact when you are in some of the residence yards you can hear all that takes place on the courts and now it will be worse because you will get all the sound of loud and noisy pickleball. In fact you may get some pickleballs too, I picked one up out of the neighbors yard. Well maybe it is mine anyway, since our tax dollars paid for it. Hopefully they won't hit anyone resting in the back yard too hard.
The reason you are seeing a picture of the advertising bicycle is because several months ago, our city council spent several meetings discussing signs, how big should they be, where should they be allowed, who can put them up etc. I have the ordinance, I have read the ordinance and no where does it describe this moving sign on a bicycle advertising pickleball and then parking in several locations where it will be visible to people driving by. The ordinances than states that if the sign is not described in the ordinance it is not allowed.
I guess that all depends upon how well the city officials like you as the Bldg and Zoning Inspector Frank Taylor was called and asked and he said it was ok even though we have nothing in the ordinance that gives it the OK. Ditto from the Mayor. I don't think there will be any campaign contributions or workers from this neighborhood in 2013.
40 comments:
The very first picture is of 2 poles meant for playing volley ball or badminton. Whey don't you see the net?
It just never happened and I have more to come on what has not happened that should have in our city parks.
The biggest problem with this whole issue is not pickle ball itself but how it was shoved into people's faces.
Years ago an individual complained that a baseball dented his rain gutter. Immediately a sign was posted and baseball was taken away from the neighborhood kids.
People of all ages enjoyed the 28th street tennis court for years. Whether it be to play tennis, stick ball, or a mother playing with her small child the court was occupied often.
Today this court has been turned into 4 pickle ball courts. Despite other alternative methods suggested an individual was determined to permanently alter this court. He won and now the court can only be used for pickle ball.
The aldermen in that ward chose to turn their backs on an issue that would affect the residents that surround the park. No consideration was afforded them and not one question was posed to them.
Much thought and footwork was put into a one day event that was proposed for Baker Lake. Then, a decision was made. This pickle ball decision was made by an individual and the committee that his wife is on. It will affect the park for a period of 3 years yet no footwork or effort was given to those who live in the area.
Once again - THERE IS NOT OBJECTION TO PICKLE BALL. ONLY THE WAY IT WAS HANDLED AND THE LOCATION! There were better choices!
I thought there was a big to do about how sloppy our town looked during the last election with all the big signs all over town. This sign is surely not pretty and why is it in a park and on a city roadway? Remember the big fiasco made over the tiny yard sale signs? No consistency in rules and regulations.
Back in 2003-04 I was at that city council meeting where 28th street tennis court was discussed. Many neighborhood families along with their kids were also in attendance. Topic of stickball (tennisball being used) was discussed. After public comments council and mayor baker determined that tennis to be played only. So the kids ages 10-13 years old could not play stickball anymore!
9:59 That's not the story I heard. I was told mayor Baker defended the kids and allowed them to play until someone came to play tennis. Would someone who was involved in this please verify.
Does that bicycle have a DMV plate? If that were a motorcycle parked with no DMV plate , the chief of police would have one of his guys giving a ticket because it's parked on a city street! Very Tacky looking. Also, what's the ordinance with boats parked in driveways???does anybody know?? I thought that boats had to be parked at side of house.
I am not sure who our code enforcement officer is but heard rumors that it is the deputy police chief. Borostowski used to come to meetings last year.
10:36 You are right. The parents went to the rec commission and were told to go to the council. We attended the next council meeting with the broomstick and ball the kids played with. By the way, the west gate was locked and there was a sign stating tennis only. We stated our case and Mayor Baker said to take the lock off the gate and remove the sign. He just asked that if tennis players came to play that the boys leave the court. Never had a problem after that. Imagine that, two activities played on the same court with no problems. Jill Bernal
And while we are on the subject, this court sits idle all day now, until the pickle ball is played. No tennis players, no stick ball, no ANYTHING! Shame on everyone who had any input into this court. That is what upsets me the most, there WERE kids and adults who used this court on a regular basis, and now it sits empty. Next time a little common sense please. Thank you, Jill Bernal
Thank you for posting those pictures. I was worried that the noise of people enjoying the city park may disrupt the nearby residents, but now I see they have a fence that will help mitigate the noise. I am no longer worried about these residents.
2Cool you are really funny and hope you are smarter than your post. Noise does not travel over a fence lol.
I live at least a mile from Centennial Park and when they have music there, I hear it over hills and schools and trees and ravines.
2 cool: Why don't we place the new pickle ball court in your back yard? The people who live closest to the park have been very patient with idiots like you. Maybe you'd like to see them become more aggressive and take action. COOL IT!
Hey 2cool, guess what? The neighbor whose yard takes up the other half of the court does not have a fence.
Lois, I don't think Mayor Harl is worried about your support anymore. He is swimming with bigger fish now. You got him in office and a new group of others. 2024 is right around the corner, this new group has it all locked up for a long time. Enjoy the ride!
4:08 PM
You are very perceptive but not sure the future is all locked up for them for along time.
Hey 2 Cool: You don't have to worry about the people who live close to the park because the pickle ball court is surrounded by a fence and, according to you, that mitigates the noise. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if the court isn't sound proof.
Lois,
This Regime along with the Township Ragime will be locked in as long as it takes to get out the vote! Yes, I'm the one that posted on the other posting.Its going to take a whole new campaign drive to get out the vote.Someone needs to run that has a name with a sense of respect behind them,one that can lead with integrity,one that can convince people to get out and vote.Rumors have surfaced over the past year about Alderman Perez running for mayor.I don't think at this time he is the one.However Alderman Perez has many of the non-political followers and seems to be respected by many people in the IL.Valley. I'm telling you people if you want change in your township and in city hall you need someone with the drive, energy and popularity amongst your citizens that could encourage new voices in the voting booth or expect the same ole same ole for many years to come. Harl and members of the township are locked in until this happens. Keep my posting then post it the day before elections and you'll see how right i am.
MR.Political Analysis
Taylor is as dumb as a sack of hammers!
5:14 PM
We did get out the vote at the last aldermanic election in the first, I believe It took lots of walking and talking and the candidate himself getting out and meeting the people himself. Of course there was name recognition there too.
I have to admit that many times it is very depressing to see the government of Peru and how it functions and not being able to get them to work for the people of Peru.
Short/Long Range Plan for Peru:
* Act first think later
*Be the greatest of starters poorest of finishers
*Always be starting a new project so that there is no evaluation of all other ongoing projects - Referred to as the Peru cover up theory
*Upon being elected do the most for those who can do the most for you - Always start a conversation with "What have you done for me lately".
*Always, always promise more than possible, this is political B.S. but obtains votes.
*The closer to election the more you want to utilize the "Laws of Political B.S.
*Remember it is the city council's vote that you must control, 5 to 3 deciding vote, the mayor only votes in a tie breaker.
*Make your political promises as you choose your friends. The more influential they are the more you promise them. Remember some people swing the swing other people swing the entire park.
*Add or delete as fitting to obtain next elections vote.
**** Say hi to everyone on your way up because it nice to have them say hi back on your way down****
Lois- If you are referring to Harl?He was a phony to start.Sorry you didn't see that but you and the others that backed him were manipulated.Take a hard look and you'll see you were.I think Harl did some good but now he came to fruition. you should have made him an alderman for at least 4 years first to see if he had what it took.To Late
Mr. Political Analysis
I was talking about the election of Alderman Mike Radtke.
True politicians make all kinds of promises before elections. After they become acclimated to their positions they forget who helped them get where they are. They also forget who they are supposed to work for and represent. It's a sad state of affairs but it's reality many times.
9:24, I'm in full agreement with you. The game isn't the problem. The manner in which it was introduced was. The commission made a decision to introduce this sport to our City. No problem. They should be proactive. They also purchased equipment for the purpose of conducting clinics. I don't really take issue with that, as long as it actually happens. They have their reasons for choosing 28th St. park. I believe I read somewhere that all of the tennis and basketball courts in town were going to be resurfaced this year, except one that needed replaced. In my opinion, given that fact, they should've striped the courts at 28th St, and maybe another park or two in varying parts of town, for dual pickleball and tennis use. To my untrained eye, there isn't a substantial height difference between a pickleball and tennis net, so that shouldn't be too much of an issue, maybe I'm wrong. That would free up the portable pickleball nets so that the clinics could be offered at the different City parks, maybe even at or near the retirement homes, since that is one of the targeted demographics.
9:14 PM
What needs being replaced is the basketball court at McKinley Park but they are not sure they want to do that.
All courts are fine and have been resurfaced.
Your advice would have eliminated all issues and everyone would be satisfied.
Lois- I think you need to really investigate ones you choose to support before you put your walking shoes on. Alderman Ratke and Mayor Harl had that election wrapped up. For the fact Harl needed his yes men such as Aldermen Ratke, Lukosus, Perez, and Mayszak. Harls kronies got Ratke and Perez locked in as yes men. Well maybe not Alderman Perez. Proof of Alderman Rafkes affiliation: here is a trivia question: where is alderman Ratke's Grandpa affiliated? Perhaps as a Township trustee? Bingo! My point here is.. The new regime saw Mertel as a threat to Harl so the "Ugly" side of the democratic regime recruited Alderman Ratke.
Business sense you make sense, it's just too bad the people who make the decisions do not have any. How hard would it have been to think this through before making the court permanently pickle ball. Take your time talk to the people who want the court changed and then talk to those who live around the park for their opinion. They are the ones that witness on a daily basis the activity in the park.
Business Sense if you watch the ambassadors video you will see him in locations all over the LP area, which supports the idea that pickle ball can be played anywhere, right? Wrong! He wanted those courts permanently in place close to his home so he would not have to set them up every time he wanted to play. So everyone else who wants to play tennis has to suffer or as one alderman stated, go find another place to play.
10:32 PM
No one talked me into supporting Radtke as I was very unhappy with Ald. Mertel. I knew of his affiliations but did think he would be more independent than he is. Now as you know Mike will no longer be first ward alderman because of the redistricting. No regrets on Mike winning the election, he did work for it and Ald Mertel had been so unresponsive to so many 1st ward residents that they were glad to remove him.
I don't believe that Ald. Mayszak is a "yes" alderman nor is Perez.
Lukosus mostly is but believe me Mertel was never a threat, he made so many mistakes like his famous bike path to nowhere which put $3000 in Chamlins pocket for nothing.
Lois, speaking of the bike path, do you think the ambassador had anything to do with that idea?
Lois: you are correct on your assertions of the current alderman, but we all know nothing will change unlessvsomeone else gets voted in. I just hope someone is up to the task against the incumbents for the next election.
I noticed Alderman Radke's brother also works at the police station as a dispatcher. When was he hired?
Lois, I cannot find the minutes of the May rec commission meeting. I cannot find them on the city web site.
1:27 PM
City Clerks office has been notified of this issue.
8:59 AM
hired quite a while ago.
Menards has a driveway tennis set on sale untill the 4 th of July for $21.99 . Looks just like the pickleball set up but way less expensive! !
Come on rec commission. Where are the minutes from your May 8th meeting? They should have been approved at your June 12th meeting and posted on the city web-site by now.
Still waiting for the minutes of the May rec commission meeting.
11:31 PM
Rec Commission member Janice Grabowski has not turned those minutes into the city clerks office according to Clerk Bartley. He was asked this question last evening.
Who is responsible for getting these minutes to Clerk Bartley if Ms. Grabowski has not turned them in yet and why haven't they been turned in? Maybe someone has found a new interest such as pickle ball and no longer has sufficient time for the Park Commission.
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