By Susan Fong The Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community (CBCAC) is completing its audit of a parking study as a part of the Chinatown Vision Plan (CVP), after publish- ing an early walkability study in 2017. Both studies form part of the CVP unveiled in 2015, as parking and walkability go together as key elements to improve connectivity within, as well as to and from, Chi- natown for residents, businesses, By David Warren Will you finish reading this arti- cle before checking your phone to read the newest notification? Who but the most disciplined person can resist the distraction? While most of us know we are in an anx- ious new world of social media, few know how good or bad this world really is for our mental health. This topic was the latest in a University of Illinois at Chicago Campus Conversations lecture ti- tled "What's Going On and Why? Social Media and Mental Health," held on the UIC campus in Oc- tober. Sponsored by the provost's office, the event featured presen- tations from a panel of three pro- fessors followed by questions from the audience. According to Susan Poser, pro- vost and vice chancellor for aca- demic affairs, Campus Conversa- tions are designed "to have faculty, students, and staff engage with each other about some of the big issues of our time going on now and affecting all of us." The panel of speakers included assistant professor Alexis Lauri- cella of the Erikson Institute, asso- ciate professor of communication Adrienne Massanari of UIC, and professor and head of UIC's de- partment of communication Zizi Papacharissi, who moderated the By Patrick Butler The first of what Ald. Patrick Thomp- son (11th) promises will be a series of community meetings on plans to create a major entertainment venue out of the long-shuttered Ramova Theatre and adjoining grill received a positive reception from most of the approximately 200 Bridgeport residents at a Nov. 19 meeting at Nativity of Our Lord Church, 652 W. 37th St. Tyler Nevius, the project's devel- oper, who grew up in Wicker Park and became a New York City-based financial director for Endeavor, the entertainment agency headed by Ari Emanuel, brother of former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, explained the project. Nevius said he plans to settle in Bridgeport permanently, because "for us, this isn't about a commer- cial or financial investment, but something for a bigger cause and purpose." Another major player in the project is Kevin Hickey, an owner of the Duck Inn restaurant, 2701 S. Eleanor St. As alderman, Thompson help- ed put together the deals between Nevius and City officials. Nevius said he founded the company Our Revival Chicago to focus on renovating the Ram- ova Theatre and next door grill. He expects the project will start this spring and probably take sev- eral months. When completed, the renovated Ramova will present live entertainment such as plays and concerts two or three nights a week, with shows ending by 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends, Nevius promised.
December 6, 2019 Vol. 37, No.8
CHICAGO
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UIC lecture focuses on social media and mental health Redevelopment plan calls for $22.9 million investment in Ramova Theater for live entertainment, dining venue
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INSIDE
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Chicago Lions and Chicago Hope Academy collaborate on new rugby field to benefit community. See page 16. Local institutions offer an array of religious services and programs to celebrate this holiday season. See page 28. Gazette Chicago's Christmas wish for a better nation and world comes from unlikely visitor. See page 34. Parishioners bid emotional farewell to Santa Lucia-Santa Maria Incoronata; welcomed at St. Jerome's Parish. See page 6. Opportunities are limitless this season to help those in need. See Spirit of Giving section beginning on page 24.
New Vision Plan addresses parking in Chinatown area
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Bridgeport Alliance invites community to offer feedback on a wide-range of issues. See page 2.
The Museum of Science and Industry's Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Light exhibit is just one of the many indoor and outdoor events to enjoy this holiday season. Enjoy our "Christmas in Chicago" guide to all the fun for the entire family, beginning on page 18.
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