Mag Mile Borders to close
Borders announced it plans to close its store on Michigan Avenue, across from Water Tower Place, in January 2010. The company said it remains committed to the Chicago market, which has 19 stores, and will continue to operate nearby stores, including the State Street location. The store, which has been open at that location since 1995, has not met profit objectives for some time, Borders executive Steve Davis said. It employs about 100 workers.
Trotter, restaurant break up
Charlie Trotter, who was scheduled to open a fine-dining restaurant in the new Elysian Hotel, has pulled out of that deal. A spokesperson for the hotel, scheduled to open in June at 11 E. Walton St., said a replacement would be named quickly. The split was amicable, Trotter spokeswoman Rochelle Smith confirmed: “There was no drama, no hard feelings.”
Huberman to take closer look at gangs
Following the latest wave of student killings, the new city schools chief told Chicago aldermen Thursday that the district will evaluate the role gang turf boundaries play in escalating violence. Ron Huberman, chief executive officer of the Chicago Public Schools, said he wants to embrace a district-wide effort with police to evaluate how gangs affect school attendance boundaries, what gang boundaries students must cross to get to school and even how CTA bus routes intersect boundaries as they carry students to class.
No jail for Vrdolyak
Former Chicago Ald. Edward Vrdolyak was sentenced Thursday to 5 years of probation for his role in a $1.5 million kickback scheme, a far cry from the 3 1/2 years in prison sought by federal prosecutors. “To me it would be the wrong message to send here to impose a [prison] sentence,” said U.S. District Judge Milton Shadur. The judge also fined Vrdolyak $50,000 and ordered him to do 2,500 hours of community service.
