The history and culture of this neighborhood, once known as "Polish Downtown" has been and continues to be influenced by Poles who still live, work or worship in our neighborhood.
The corner where Milwaukee, Division and Ashland streets converge is officially known as The Polish Triangle and the fountain is dedicated to Nelson Algren with a quote encircling it from one of his writings. In the late 1950's the PolishTriangle was home to many a soap box ranter - whether political or just a bit fanatical. This summer, thanks to Ald. Moreno and the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, we had our first "Market Days" with a fresh fruit and vegetable vendor, bread from Logan Square's french bakery "Le Boulangerie", Artisan Cheeses from Wisconsin, specialty"Bangers" to eat or take take home and grill on your own, et al. The Market Days will be returning in 2012 thanks to the local Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce.
Friday evenings there have been some art performances happening at the Triangle. A consortium of the local neighborhood groups, schools, and chamber of Commerce are looking at the official "Polish Triangle Placemaking report" and are exploring what we can all do to keep improving the look, feel and activities at the Triangle. Currently they are looking into providing some additional fencing around the fountain, flowers planted by the Montessori children as part of their urban farming curriculum, canopy for the CTA entrance, neighborhood kiosk information, a possible food/coffee kiosk, spot for a foodtruck and most importantly de-pigeoning the triangle. Pigeons are the main source of the dirt, debris and garbage that exists on the triangle. If you would like to get involved or have any ideas about pigeon control please contact PPNA.
The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber will be submitting a proposal this sprint to CDOT for the Triangle to be considered as one of their pilot plaza projects to assist with many of these desired changes. Check back here for more information as it becomes available.
