Chicago 4th Ward "Politics" Shuts Down Legendary Hyde Park Jazz Society at Room 43 and Other New 43rd St Business?

by Mark S. Allen on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 10:53am

Chicago 4th Ward "Politics" Shuts Down Legendary Hyde Park Jazz Society at Room 43??
Where is Andy Shaw and Better Government??? IS THIS HOW GOVERNMENT IS SUPPOSED TO WORK??

Norman Bolden and Room 43 HAD the proper Building Commission Licence to operate and offer local entertainment at Room 43 and a new Indoor/Outdoor Restaurant on 43rd, BUT all those final Zoning approvals negatively changed when he announced plans to be a 4th Ward Aldermanic candidate? Come On Alderman Preckwinkle, Mayor Daley, Do NOT preside over this type of process and stop people from working or new businesses from opening !!!!



Dear Jazz Friends,

This is such a painful email to write. Because of a City order, our performances in ROOM 43 are cancelled on SUNDAY, 9/5 AND 9/12. Furthermore, unless our licensing problems are settled by October 17th, we will no longer be able to offer you jazz in the beautiful ROOM 43.


This is a huge blow to us and, frankly, to the neighborhood that brought in so many people--black, white, Asian, Hispanic--to listen to the music they love. Sadly, we are still fighting the battle with City Hall. The "we" is the Hyde Park Jazz Society, founded by Jim Wagner, and Norman Bolden, owner of ROOM 43, who took us in 14 months ago when we were thrown out of the Checkerboard.

Norman applied for a Public Place of Amusement license (PPA) so that we could have our music. He received approval from the Building Commission, leaving only the stamp from the Zoning Department remaining. The PPA should be issued if these two departments sign off.


I will spare you the painful details, but the bottom line is that the Zoning Department has chosen not to respond in a timely manner. The Hyde Park Jazz Society has now had to spend what is left of our resources on a Special Events License and Insurance, both of which expire on October 17th.


Without a PPA, the Sunday night Jazz Series becomes homeless. All that we ask is that the Zoning Department give Norman Bolden an administrative adjustment and sign off on his parking. Those of you have been with us know how available and simple parking is for Room 43- much better than in Hyde Park. With the Zoning stamp, there should be no further excuses for the City to withhold the PPA.

It does strain credulity that an organization should be dealt with so poorly when it brings to the heart of the mid south side middle class people who pay their taxes and vote. We have been treated by some (definitely not all) City officials and departments indifferently at best; punitively, at worst.


We'll keep you posted. But please stick with us!


Judith