Latest news with #MichelleHarris
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago storefront sign restriction efforts a ‘quality of life' issue for some, but others worry about overreach
Driving past a gas station two blocks from her Chatham office, Ald. Michelle Harris can't see inside as bright green vinyl signs cover the station's windows, promoting pop, chips and tobacco products. Similar obstructions abound on the storefront windows near her house. Light barely pierces through the tall orange stickers pushing items for sale inside a Family Dollar store, while massive photos of painted fingernails block the public's view into a beauty shop. The veteran South Side alderman sighs as she drives by the stores. The signage that has popped up all over her ward in recent years has begun to cause a twofold problem, she said. It's become a safety issue that prevents the public and police from seeing inside businesses, and it's marred neighborhoods with tackiness that's bordering on blight. 'We know you do nails!' an exasperated Harris said as she drove past the salon last week. 'You tell me that this would be something that you would be proud to have in any community?' So, in a move she describes as a 'quality of life' issue, Harris, 8th, is spearheading a citywide effort to rein in businesses' use of large signage on windows as part of an ordinance that would allow generally untapped, preexisting city rules restricting retail displays to be more easily enforced. The ordinance would also block businesses from using non-reflective window tints and LED lights bordering their windows. While the measure is being backed by many aldermen who represent the South and West sides, other aldermen, business owners and several heads of North Side chambers of commerce said they fear the move could go too far in clamping down on free enterprise and, in particular, hurt small businesses that should be allowed to act on their marketing and creative urges. Lincoln Square's popular Del Sur Bakery on Damen Avenue wrote in a post on Instagram that the measure would 'erase the creative displays that make our neighborhoods feel festive, unique, and alive.' 'From holiday decorations to imaginative ways shops express character and offerings, window displays have always been an extension of a business's identity,' the mid-July post stated. 'Taking that away feels not only unnecessary but disheartening.' What's more, the ordinance could have the opposite impact on safety by potentially preventing employees from drawing curtains after hours to close, clean and cash out, 'leaving our staff visible and vulnerable, even when we're closed,' the Filipino bakery wrote. 'That's not just inconvenient, it's a potential safety issue,' the post said. But advocates argue that some covered storefronts make it difficult for the public to know what kind of businesses they are walking into and tougher for police to respond when problems arise. They also note that highly covered windows help hide illicit activity that could be happening inside. The change, introduced and supported by Mayor Brandon Johnson, would make it easier for the city to fine stores and restaurants that cover more than one-quarter of their windows with signage, use tints or have the bright LED lights Harris likens to those that would be found on alien spaceships. Businesses would first be warned if they were in violation and then, after a 10-day 'cure' period, fines could be as high as $500 per day. Harris withheld the ordinance from a planned vote last month as dissent mounted during a City Council Zoning Committee meeting. But she told the Tribune she plans to push it forward in the coming months, even as aldermen head toward a politically daunting budget season this fall. The ordinance would shift enforcement of the city's display restrictions from the Department of Buildings to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, a move proponents say would allow the city to finally confront rule breakers because BACP has greater capacity to enforce the rules. At last month's zoning meeting, BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali tried to assuage over-enforcement concerns by promising that his team would be 'complaint-driven' and focus on severe violations. The city is 'not going to come after festive decorations,' he added. 'The purpose here is public safety,' Capifali said. 'We are looking for locations that are completely covered.' 'The goal is not to be punitive,' added Ciere Boatright, commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development. 'The goal is to ensure that we have aesthetically pleasing corridors that welcome the foot traffic that our neighborhoods are known for.' Capifali also promised an extensive outreach effort in the 90-day window that's proposed between the ordinance's passage and when it would be first enforced. He flagged carveouts allowing blocked windows at hotels, marijuana dispensaries, medical facilities and child care sites. Store owners also would be able to apply and pay for permits for signage beyond the 25% limit, according to Harris. The version of the ordinance Harris sought to pass in July won neutrality from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. The organization had led a coalition of business groups to oppose an earlier version that included stricter rules and did not offer a 10-day period for businesses to correct violations without penalty. The retail group's lobbyist, Michael K. Harris Jr., praised the concessions, though he said he wanted tinting exceptions for more business types added. 'We recognize that this was not an attack on business, that this was a tool that they wanted to try to clean up their neighborhood,' he said. Still, several aldermen argued during the zoning meeting that they do not trust the city to gently enforce rules that many respected businesses might already technically violate. 'In past practice, we have seen many of our good businesses really hit with the fines,' said Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd. While acknowledging earlier outrage from critics who blasted the proposal as a money grab, Ald. Anthony Quezada, 35th, said the measure is 'misunderstood,' even while he said the threat of over-enforcement must be taken seriously. 'The last thing we want is for people who have not caused or not contributed to any public safety issues to somehow be inadvertently affected,' he said. In Quezada's Northwest Side ward, Logan Square's Fleur flower boutique last month also took to social media to rally Chicagoans against the measure. The ordinance has vague language that could spark hefty fines, and it just might ruin the sort of colorful window displays that the shop has become known for, the company wrote in an Instagram post. 'We understand the need for thoughtful design and safety. But we also believe there's room for that alongside the creativity, personality, and individuality that make small businesses so special,' the post said. But it's a different story on the South Side, said Ald. William Hall, 6th, who called the ordinance 'a matter of the reality we have.' He said blocked storefronts allow for drug deals and illegal gambling machines to be hidden from police and public view. 'They don't have the problems we have,' he said of some neighborhoods, many on the North Side. 'What we want is to be able to have neighborhoods where there's no hide-and-go-seek.' Ald. Ronnie Mosley, 21st, cited Eddie's Food Market in his Far South Side ward when asked why he supports the ordinance. The store's windows are covered by a sprawling, outdated 'Now Open' sign, menus and brown paper. Several other businesses at the intersection of 111th Avenue and Halsted Street look similar. Red and white advertisements entirely block the windows of the Citgo gas station across 111th. Inside Tony's Philly Steak across South Halsted, sunlight barely cracks into the dining room beyond the signage. Managers and owners of all three businesses did not return calls from the Tribune about the displays. In areas where many buildings are vacant, such as some South and West side neighborhoods, storefront ads can be a critical way for businesses to show customers they are open, said Beth Kregor, director of the University of Chicago Law School's Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship. Kregor also said that enforcement could easily differ across the city, forcing businesses to change signs and potentially pushing clientele away if they can't offer privacy. 'I don't think it's the city's role to decide what looks pretty and what doesn't look pretty. I think businesses should be allowed to do whatever they think is best,' Kregor said. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to getting hurt by the ordinance, said Garrett Karp, executive director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. The ordinance — which would count all window obstructions, including furniture or refrigerators lining windows — could deepen duress by forcing stores to reconfigure, he predicted. 'People are disappointed because logistically, it's a problem. Marketing-wise, it's a problem,' Karp said. Karp said his group was not consulted before Johnson's team tried to pass the ordinance through the City Council. The Edgewater chamber sent a letter objecting, placing the group alongside 'pretty much all the North Side chambers' that are in 'complete opposition,' he added. Capifali cited discussions with various business coalitions during negotiations, including the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Johnson's administration did not respond to repeated requests for interviews. As she works to pass the measure, Harris has already begun taking matters into her own hands in her ward. She and her staff have begun knocking on the doors of businesses where they see likely violations of the city's unenforced rules. A recent stroll took her to Big Daddy Express, a corner store in Avalon Park in Harris' ward. Owner Mahmoud Shaltaf walked up to the alderman as she stood outside his shop, which is freshly painted white with windows largely blocked by vibrant, multi-color advertisements for the sort of fare one could predictably expect inside, including energy drinks, crackers and milk. Harris took credit for closing a business at the same storefront before Shaltaf took over, when a 16-year-old was shot and killed in 2023 in a nearby alleyway. When Shaltaf began renovating the store, city inspectors shut him down during renovations for four months, he said, because the site's electrical box was too old. He opened earlier this year, and since then has already torn off part of the vinyl ads in two windows to appease Harris' concerns. One reason he said he likes the signs, beyond the advertising, is that the large signage hides a fissure in the store's bulletproof glass. 'The other reason is I do have the register behind the glass,' Shaltaf said. 'It's not good to let people see you count the money.' 'This would be a perfect opportunity to get it permitted,' Harris responded. 'Get the permit to protect the front of the store.' Asked about the LED light strips bordering his windows, Shaltaf said they help the store 'show up a little bit.' 'It's showing up, baby, you've got a brand new sign,' Harris told him. 'The problem is that the community is a more established, settled community, and the lights around the windows, they just hate them.' Shaltaf said he could take the lights down, and Harris offered to send someone to help walk him through the sign-permitting process so he could block the register area with signs. He said he planned to plant flowers beside the store, and she offered advice on how he could get a pile of freshly cut tree limbs removed for free. 'It's going to be looking good,' Shaltaf said. 'I want it to be looking good,' Harris responded. 'That's my thing. Looking good, looking clean.'
RNZ News
28-07-2025
- RNZ News
Man arrested after armed robbery at Kensington Tavern in Whangārei
A man with a gun entered Kensington Tavern about 10 o'clock on 25 July fired a shot into the ceiling before demanding money. Photo: Supplied Police have arrested a man they say was behind a brazen robbery of a Whangārei bar in which one person was injured and a shot was fired into the pub's ceiling. Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, of the Whangārei CIB, said the man entered Kensington Tavern about 10 o'clock on Friday and discharged a firearm before demanding money. She said officers put in long hours throughout the weekend to track down the offender, which culminated in a police operation outside an Okara Drive business on Monday afternoon. A 35-year-old man was arrested and would face serious charges when he appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Tuesday. Those charges included aggravated robbery with a firearm, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm to intimidate. The gun was also recovered on Monday afternoon, Harris said. Police would oppose bail when the man appeared in court. Harris said she was proud of her team's work. "There's no place for callous violence in which puts law-abiding members of the public in harm's way. You will be held to account." Harris acknowledged Whangārei residents who contacted police with information throughout the weekend. Earlier, Kensington Tavern owner Craig Woods told RNZ a man wielding a gun burst into the premises via the smoker's area, went behind the bar, and demanded staff give him money from the till. He said two staff members and three customers were still in the pub at the time. "The staff did the correct thing by giving them the till, and it all happened pretty quickly. But one of the patrons intervened. The offender sort of broke free, and so the patron backed off." Woods said the patron fell after his tussle with the robber and hit his head, which required stitches. St John Ambulance said one person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
05-06-2025
- RNZ News
Woman forced out of car by armed offenders after robbery in Whangārei
The men appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Thursday charged with aggravated robbery and demands to steal. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon Police are appealing for information about an aggravated robbery in Whangārei on Wednesday, in which two armed men forced a woman out of her car. Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris said the pair then drove off at high speed, damaging four other cars as they fled. She said police found the men with help from the public and arrested them at a nearby property. Officers also seized their weapons. Members of the public were left shaken after witnessing the robbery, she said. The men appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Thursday charged with aggravated robbery and demands to steal. Harris said police wanted to hear from anyone who was at Paramount Plaza, in Tikipunga, between 12.30 and 2pm Wednesday and saw anything that could be connected to the robbery. Police would also like to see any CCTV or cell phone footage of the incident. Harris urged anyone with information that could help the investigation to lodge a report online or call 105, quoting file number 250604/4542.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Canadians buying food face the prospect of credit card bill eating them up
Canadians are increasingly relying on credit cards to afford groceries as food prices continue to rise, exacerbating household debt. Despite overall inflation easing, food inflation remains high, driven by factors like the US-Canada tariff battle. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, leading to increased food bank usage, prompting calls for government and industry action to address the crisis. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Cost of Food is Rising Inflation Rates in Canada Credit Card Use on the Rise Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Impact of the US-Canada Tariff Battle Impact on Vulnerable Populations Government and Industry Response Looking Ahead Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads With grocery store prices still rising throughout Canada , more and more Canadians are resorting to credit cards to pay for staple food items, fuelling worries of soaring household debt and financial inflation has been a stubborn Canadian problem for the last few years. Even as overall inflation rates have moderated, supermarket prices have refused to budge. Recent Statistics Canada figures indicate that food prices are up over 20% since 2021, with basics such as bread, milk, and vegetables experiencing some of the largest many families, these higher prices are straining already tight budgets. 'We're seeing more people forced to make difficult choices at the grocery store—buying less, switching to cheaper brands, or even skipping meals,' said financial analyst Laura McKay. 'But for some, even those measures aren't enough, and they're relying on credit to get by,' according to Global average inflation rate decreased to 1.7% in April from March 2025's 2.3%, and from 2.6% in the prior month, as there was a widespread moderation of price increases in the economy. Yet, food inflation still lags behind the general Consumer Price Index , with food bought at stores increasing 3.8% from a year earlier in April 2025—up from 3.2% in March and the fastest rate since January 2024. This ongoing divergence underscores how grocery prices remain one of the greatest stress points for Canadian families, despite headline inflation slowing.A recent Canadian Bankers Association report points to an alarming trend: credit card balances are increasing, and more Canadians are taking debt from one month to another. In the first quarter of 2025, the average credit card balance hit a record high, with food purchases representing an increasing proportion of that advisors say such a dependence on credit is not sustainable. " Charging for groceries on credit cards can quickly become a debt trap, particularly when interest rates are at 20%," said debt specialist Michelle Harris. "You're actually paying more for the same groceries, and it's a lot more difficult to crawl out once you get behind," said Global recent tariff war between the US and Canada is also driving food inflation. The retaliatory tariffs on American food products, imposed by Canada in response to new US tariffs on Canadian products, have resulted in higher costs of imports for Canadian retailers and producers, especially for perishables and essential ingredients that come from the a consequence, consumers are paying more for impacted products at the supermarket, on top of already record inflation levels. The tariff war is likely to maintain upward pressure on food prices over the next several months as supply chains retool and companies transfer more costs to and middle-income Canadians are suffering most. Food banks nation-wide are experiencing record use, with clients at those charities frequently citing grocery costs and credit card debt as main reasons they need assistance.'We're seeing working families—people with jobs—coming to us for the first time,' said Samir Patel, director of a Toronto food bank. 'They simply can't keep up with the cost of living, and credit cards are a temporary fix that can make things worse.'The government has also instituted targeted relief programs, including the Grocery Rebate, to mitigate the increased cost of food among lower-income families. Critics suggest, however, that these measures are insufficient to tackle the underlying reasons for food inflation as well as the increase in the use of consumer groups are urging grocery stores and credit card issuers to do more. "We want greater transparency in food prices, and credit card issuers should reduce interest charges or initiate hardship programs for people struggling with necessary expenses," said a spokesperson for advocacy no relief in the near future to high food prices at the grocery store, Canadian financial experts caution consumers against dipping into their credit to pay for everyday items. "It's a bad situation, but getting advice sooner rather than later—whether from a financial counsellor or a community agency—can keep a short-term setback from turning into a long-term crisis," said the cost of living increasing, the squeeze on Canadians' pocketbooks—and their credit cards—doesn't let up, and food inflation stands as a signature economic story of 2025.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Scoop
Parakao Homicide Investigation: Updated Appeal
Northland Police are continuing an appeal for information in relation to the death of Whangārei man Geoffrey Ware. A homicide investigation has been underway since the 55-year-old's body was found at his Parakao home on May 9. Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, of Whangārei CIB, says a portal has been set up for any photos or video that could assist the case. 'Police are still seeking information and sightings in the areas Mangakahia Road, Otaika Valley Road and State Highway 14 towards Whangārei, between 2pm and 8pm on Friday, May 9,' she says. 'We are also interested in sightings of a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 ute, and a man reportedly seen walking along SH14 that afternoon and evening.'That portal link is Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says the enquiry team is continuing to follow strong lines of enquiry. 'Police would like to thank members of the public who've provided information to the enquiry team to date.' Anyone with additional information can also update Police online now or call 105 using the file number 250509/6749. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
