OTL: Episode #265- Wood St. Police Station, Sustainable transportation, Inside Grand Bizzare Gallery

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “grand bizarre” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a resident about the possible closing of the Wood St. police station, chats about sustainable transportation with the co-founder of GridChicago.com, and travels to a new unique art gallery in Wicker Park.   Anne Shaw— Resident of Chicago Police District #13 In Mayor Emanuel’s proposed budget, three Chicago police stations are on the chopping block.  We visit the Wood St. station in the 13th District (Wicker Park/East Village) to hear from Anne, a concerned citizen.  She started on online petition to save the station here. The Wood St. Station (Photo courtesy of the EVA website)   Steven Vance– Co-Founder of GridChicago.com We hear about local sustainable transportation issues such as a proposed local bicycle sharing program and the state of the CTA Transit Tracker.       Justin Markin— Owner of the Grand Bizzare Art Gallery This new art gallery is described as an “anti-gallery” by its owner.  We visit the space at 1418 W. Division that is also his home. The Grand Bizzare Art Gallery at 1418 W. Division     OTL #265 local music provided by The Artist Formally Known As Vince…

OTL: Episode #264- FoodTruckFreak.com, CitySwarm Chicago update, Domestic abuse help in Chicagoland

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “food truck freak” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a local food truck freak, checks in with the founder of CitySwarm Chicago, and discusses domestic abuse in Chicagoland.   Alex Levine— Founder of FoodTruckFreak.com and LetThemCook.com If you’re into food trucks, you need to check out FTF.  We learn about the site and a new video project that lets YOU show your support for local food trucks.   Lindsay Saewitz– Founder of CitySwarm Chicago Mike originally talked with Lindsay on OTL #226 back in January.  We get an update on her business and what it’s like being a young entrepreneur in Chicago.     Dawn Dalton— Executive Director of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network Domestic violence is a serious concern in Chicagoland.  We discuss how the Network helps those affected by this kind of abuse.   OTL #264 local music provided by They All Have Legs…

OTL: Episode #258- Chicago Justice Project update, Future of Division and Ashland, Apps For Metro Chicago competition

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “down with Pizza Hut” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a Chicago Justice Project research update, discusses the future of the old Pizza Hut site on Division and Ashland, and talks Chicago apps that benefit residents.   Tracy Siska— Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project The CJP has some new analysis of the Chicago Police Board and the City Council’s Committee on Police and Fire Departments.  We discuss what this new research means. Eleanor Mayer– Program Manager of Special Service Area #33 in Wicker Park We’ve all seen the abandoned Pizza Hut on the corner of Division and Ashland in Wicker Park.  It’s finally gone and now the question of what to put in its place remains.  We discuss the future of this property. The old Pizza Hut Site on Division and Ashland. Katie Auerbach— Project Manager of the Apps For Metro Chicago contest There is an ongoing competition happening in the city where participants create apps using data provided by local governments and agencies.  We get the lowdown on how these apps benefit Chicagoans.   OTL #258 local music provided by About the Mess…

OTL: Episode #257- Parking with SpotHero.com, Logan Square Kitchen vs. City Health Dept., Smart Chicago Collaborative

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “smart Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns an easier way to get a parking spot in Chicago, chats with the owner of Logan Square Kitchen about city inspections, and explores how a new group brings the Internet to low-income citizens.   Mark Lawrence— Co-Founder of SpotHero.com This site allows you to reserve a parking space in Chicago before you even leave your house!  We get the details from Mark this week. Zina Murray– Owner of the Logan Square Kitchen In the last two years the Chicago Health Department has inspected the LSK 19 times.  Zina explains why she feels her shared kitchen has been smothered by city government.   Dan O’Neil— Executive Director of the Smart Chicago Collaborative We hear about how this new entity works to bring Internet access to low-income areas of Chicago.   OTL #257 local music provided by Jon Drake and The Shakes…