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| Ald. Scott Waguespack. |
The alleged shootings and stabbings associated with the Green Dolphin Street nightclub at 2220 North Ashland Avenue don't always make the headlines, but Chicago News Report has been keeping a watchful eye on this venue for months.
On January 24, 2011, around 3:30 a.m., a woman in her twenties was shot in the back in front of the Green Dolphin. The shooting victim was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition.
So far, there are no updates on the injured woman's condition and no one has suggested a motive.
Unfortunately, that shooting was not the first time someone was seriously injured at the Green Dolphin.
On September 6, 2010, at approximately 12:40 a.m., a man was shot at the same Bucktown nightclub and several people were injured, according to police dispatch reports.
That information was never reported by mainstream media.
However, when a man was allegedly stabbed two months later, November 14, 2010, that incident made the news.
Here's my coverage of that event:
| Early Sunday morning, around 1:40 a.m., violence erupted at the Green Dolphin Street bar and restaurant at 2220 North Ashland Avenue, after several men got into a verbal confrontation. After words were exchanged, two of the men involved in the spat returned with broken beer bottles and stabbed a 23-year-old man. The partygoer sustained injuries to his face and body. The victim was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. The status of his condition has not been released. No arrests have been made. |
I reached out to Chicago's 32nd ward Alderman, Scott Waguespack, for his response to the apparent escalating violence at the Green Dolphin.
According to Elizabeth Gomez, a spokeswoman for the Alderman, Mr. Waguespack is very aware of the situation and is working with several agencies to rectify what is seen as a potential threat to the safety of the people in 32nd ward.
Here's a direct quote from an email I received from Elizabeth Gomez:
| "The Alderman is especially concerned with this establishment. He has been working directly with the Police Commander, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (Local Liquor Control Commission), and the Department of Buildings to address the problems with this venue even before this incident. The Alderman will continue to work with all these departments to ensure the safety of our citizens." |
After communicating with the Alderman Waguespack's representative, I decided to get as much information as I could on the owners of the Green Dolphin.
Hodo Menetti is listed as the club's Secretary and Sam Menetti is listed as the President, according to Green Dolphin's business license.
Digging a little deeper, I discovered a woman filed a personal injury claim against someone named Hodo Menetti in 2010. The lawsuit is seeking 30,000.00 in damages.
Truthfully, I was unable to confirm if the defendant named in the lawsuit has any ties to the notorious nightclub.
Some time this week, if our schedules permit it, Alderman Waguespack and I will have a telephone discussion regarding Green Dolphin's future.
Personally, I think when a nightclub is causing safety concerns for the residents in the area, it should be shut down or have it's liquor license re-evaluated. Doubt it will clean up it's act and I'm sure the residents lived there long before that nightclub appeared in the neighborhood. It's called respecting the neighbors and the neighborhood. If you move into a neighborhood where there are many nightclubs, well, you made that choice and have to deal with it, but when a nightclub opens in an established neighborhood, THEY should respect that neighborhood and NOT expect the neighbors to deal with them.
ReplyDeleteI have to give Alderman Waguespack credit. He REALLY seems concerned about what's going on at this bar.
ReplyDeleteThe owners at Green Dolphin are lucky. I have seen clubs shutdown for far less! I sincerely hope the city is not waiting for someone to die before they take action.
That's great. I think alderman should get involved like that. warnings, fines whatever it takes and than, if it continues, it should be shut down.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone learned anything from E2?
ReplyDeleteTimothy said: "I sincerely hope the city is not waiting for someone to die before they take action."
Goodness, that sounds like E2 and the Our Lady of the Angels' school fire. :(
Rudy, I member that incident at E2! I also remember watching the news video and swallowing my tears. The scene at that club was horrific and completely unnecessary.
ReplyDelete21 people died.
I will never forget the image of that woman's limp body being carried out onto the street.
The Green Dolphin isnt in a residential area. Also the club doesnt usually run the parties. They allow promoters to host events at their venue. Yes the owner has a responsiblity but it must be known if these events took place during the same promoters event or if they are just random acts occuring at the same venue during events hosted by different promoters. Violence needs to stop but the facts need to also be looked at clearly. Other venues with house's near by will definately be more of a "problem" than venues in industrial areas. The big difference between these situations from E2 is that they happened outside and not inside among a long list of code violations. Look at Shadow Bar and Chromium on Lake and Halsted. 2 Clubs next door to each other an only one is closed because of violence outside of the establishment. Road rage occurs without liquor and loud music....lets keep things in perspective.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous@2:26, well you're right there.. "Road rage occurs without liquor and loud music".
ReplyDeleteAll the beatings muggings, shootings and robberies going on in this city that don't involve liquor or music BUT, chances are, drugs are involved, either the using of them or the selling of them. I know some people who are the kindest people you could meet, but when you throw liquor and or drugs into the equation, they are real jerks and often get in trouble. Alcohol and drugs seem to be the root of all evil for SOME.
I "ass-umed (OOPS) that Green Dolphin was in a residential area because it's in "Bucktown" Most nightclubs and bars generally are. Just look at "Boystown" or Rush st/Division.
Still, there seems to be a lot of confrontations and incidents at that nightclub and the owners need to get it under control or they might get shut down. That's their responsibility,as you said, no matter who or what is having a party.
Is Ald. Scott Waguespack keeping his eye on the Green Dolphin? I think so, his aldermanic campaign office is south across the street. The club is not located in a residential area and borders the Chicago River branch, Ashland Ave., and industrial buildings. Joe Lake, Chicago
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Green Dolphin is located in a mostly industrial area is of little importance.
ReplyDeleteReal people are being injured at the bar.
Im not minimizing the importance of the senseless loss of life...I was responding to the opinion of this clubs location and it bothering the neighbors. I did also say..."Violence needs to stop but the facts need to also be looked at clearly."
ReplyDeleteI brought that up only to shed light on a possible reason why they have not been shut down as quickly as people would like.
Whether it's inside or outside and/or same or different promoter, the nightclub is attracting violence. Honestly, how many people would want this nightclub next door to them?
ReplyDeleteIf this was Starbucks, the inside/outside "debate" might make more sense. :)
Wow, the Alderman must command a lot of respect if this happens ACROSS THE STREET from his campaign office.
ReplyDeleteJust sent you an email, Mr. Fitz. I am really interested in this story! Wondering about their connections to the Lawrence House and possible other building in Rogers Park
ReplyDelete, as might as well close every bar in chicago then because people drink , fight and go nuts at bars all the time. green dolphin is a part of chicago nightlife history which has attracted many celebrity patrons and has outlived many of its predecessors for a reason.. that reason is people love going there to have a good time. Blame violence on the individuals who dont fear the system because the system is too kind to humans who dont appreciate the freedom theyve been given. If you want to stop violence, write your congressman to push for legislation so that violent criminals experience a beating of their own. Also if your that concerned with violence, take a look at chicago homicide rates in some neighborhoods where people die senselessly almost everyday.
ReplyDelete