Publisher’s note

Although they may not admit it, pretty much everyone at city hall knows the current “landscape requirements” imposed on commercial developers to “green up” new properties is a joke. Just take a look at the new national chain store that will soon open at 4th and South Grand. Uninspired architecture is made worse by blacktop that runs from store front to nearly street’s edge. But worse yet, the landscaping includes just a few skinny trees and some itty bitty “bushes” but together (sadly) this combination meets the requirements set out in our city code. It will surely take years before there will be branches strong enough to support a even a bird’s nest let alone provide shade for a passerby to enjoy. (Actually it seems likely that the trees may outlive the national store, so the next developer won’t have to plant so much as one more anything.) It is heartbreaking to think that this is all we expect, what we’re willing to settle for in Illinois’ capital city. –Sharon Whalen, publisher

On the cover: Jeff Williams in 2012, surrounded by the tools of his trades. PHOTO BY JOE COPLEY