February 14, 2013
The 47th Ward Office will be closed on the following City Holidays:
Monday, February 18 (President's Day) Monday, March 4 (Pulaski Day)
|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
At this month's City Council meeting we passed an ordinance to strengthen the ethics code. I voted 'Yes' on this ethics ordinance. The ordinance:
- imposes a one year lobbying ban on alderman after leaving office;
- creates an employee bill of rights so that all City employees know and understand their rights under the law;
- requires lobbyists to report their actual compensation per client, not rounded to the nearest $1,000;
- creates an annual public hearing on ethics featuring presentations by the Legislative Inspector General, the Inspector General, and the Board of Ethics to the City Council and the Mayor, to review major activities, including trainings, investigations, settlements, and opinions;
To view the ordinance detailing all the reforms, please click here.
LV-2 Permit Parking Zones
In recent years, the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field have hosted more special events. These special events can stress already limited parking supplies within the LV-2 areas. To limit the impacts of these events on your daily life, I have been working to amend the LV-2 ordinance which sets the terms of permit parking for Cubs night games. So this week, I introduced an ordinance amending the existing LV-2 permit parking ordinance. Specifically, I amended the definition of "Cubs Night Games" to also include concerts. By doing this, residents in LV-2 zones will be able to use their parking passes during concert events at Wrigley Field. I chose to amend the definition because I did not want to replace all of the signage in the LV-2 zone. This saves the City and taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in labor and supplies. I am optimistic about passing this ordinance and will keep you posted as we move forward.
Chicago Works app
Great news! The Chicago Works app is now available on iPhone and Android phones. You can download the iPhone app in iTunes and the Android version in the Google Play Store. The app is free so download it today!
Here is some background on the app:
I originally developed this app with my friend Dimitrios Tragas (2Pens Media) during my campaign for alderman; I talked about how Open 311 can transform the way we deliver city services, make them more efficient and provide you with context on how your tax-dollars work for you. After taking office, I was asked to sit on the Mayor's Open 311 Steering Committee, and was able to inform and provide an aldermanic perspective to the development of Chicago's Open 311 system.
Here is how the Chicago Works app functions:
- Once you open the app, it recognizes which ward you are in.
- Next, you will have the option to choose from 14 types of service requests and attach a photo.
- Once you select a service request, the app will ask you the same questions a 311 operator or someone in my office would. These questions help city departments better respond to a request.
- Finally, once your service request is complete, it is sent directly to 311 and you are sent a tracking number. The alderman of the area where the service request was made is also sent your tracking number.
Happy Valentine's Day and have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
Tax Information from Cmsr. Fritchey
The first installment tax bills are being mailed the end of January, so people will have them in their mailboxes by February 1, 2013. Due date will be March 1, 2013. Right now Cook County is on track to mail the second-installment bills out the end of June, with a due date of August 1, 2013. That is subject to some change, but August 1 is the state mandated due date, so they are working very hard to meet it. Senior exemption and senior freeze applications were already mailed. The deadline has been extended until February 20, 2013. Long-Time forms have not been mailed out yet, but we can expect those to go out in the next couple of months.
|
|
Upcoming
Ward Nights
|
Wednesdays from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
February 20
February 27
March 13
March 20
|
|
Snow Related Parking Bans
From December 1, 2012 to April 1, 2013 certain arterial streets in Chicago have two additional types of parking restrictions related to snow fall. One pertains to times when there is 2 inches or more of snow on the street and the other restricts overnight parking, regardless of snowfall. See maps here. Please call or email the 47th Ward Office with any questions. |
|
Commission on School Utilization Meeting
The CPS Commission on School Utilization has issued its first report. A copy of the report can be found here. They will be holding their next round of community meetings soon. The meetings for the Ravenswood-Ridge Network, which covers the 47th Ward, will be on Saturday, February 16th 11am-1pm at Truman College (1145 W. Wilson).
More information on the Commission on School Utilization and this process can be found on the CPS website.
|
|
CAPS Meetings
Please check our website to find the location of your CAPS beat meeting. Many locations in the 19th District have changed.
|
|
|
|
Notice: Brown Line Service Disruptions
As part of the Chicago Department of Transportation's (CDOT) ongoing reconstruction of the 90-year-old Wells Street Bridge over the Chicago River, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will temporarily cease train service on the bridge for two 9-day periods in early March and late April.
- March 1, beginning at 10 p.m. and resume in time for the morning rush on Monday, March 11;
- Friday, April 26, beginning at 10 p.m. and resuming in time for the morning rush period on Monday, May 6.
Upgrades to additional track and structures in the area will increase safety and reliability for customers and is part of the CTA's $33.8 million Loop Track Renewal project launched in March 2012. By performing the work while CDOT completes the Wells bridge repairs, CTA will reduce the duration of the work by eight days. Additionally, combining the work will save CDOT and CTA $500,000 in construction coordination costs.
The CTA has developed a comprehensive alternative service plan incorporating additional bus service, shuttle buses, some rerouted trains, and a Loop shuttle train to alleviate some of the temporary inconveniences for both weekday and weekend riders.
Click here for more information.
|
|
Education Update
Hamilton Elementary School - 2013 Auction. Come to the 2013 Hamilton Auction on Saturday, March 2nd at the Ravenswood Event Center and bid for some fantastic items generously donated by Lakeview businesses. Dinner certificates, clothing, unique experiences and sports tickets are just a few of the many items up for bidding. The Auction is Hamiltons's biggest fundraiser of the year. The goal is to raise $65,000 at the auction to complete more than two years of fundraising to start construction on an artificial turf field. The event includes dinner, open bar, music and dancing and will have raffles and silent and live auctions. Tickets are on sale here.
St. Matthias School Tours. Interested in St. Matthias School? Please join them for a tour with Principal Adam Dufault. Feel free to bring your questions and your kids! Free parking is available in the lots to the north of the school and Church on Claremont Ave. St. Matthias is a progressive Catholic School located in Lincoln Square (4910 N. Claremont). They welcome students from all faiths and backgrounds. Parish membership not required. More information is available on their website.
Tours are scheduled for:
Tuesday, February 19 at 8:30am
Tuesday, March 19 at 8:30am
Tuesday, April 16 at 8:30am
Waters School Fundraiser (Below):
Let us know what great programs, awards and initiatives are happening at your children's school by emailing info@chicago47.org.
|
|
Welcome New Business: Egghead Diner
 We are pleased to announce the opening of Egghead Diner near the intersection of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park at 2012 W. Irving Park Rd. Located in the old Alps East space, the Egghead Diner offers Breakfast and Lunch service 7 days a week. The space is bright and sunny and the menu features diner classics like reuben sandwiches, omelets and matzo ball soup with some Latin specials like chilaquilles, enchiladas mamacitas and a chorizo breakfast sandwich called the Sloppy Jose.
The owners are father and son team, Danny and Ascencio Coronel, the kitchen team behind What's Cooking Chicago in Lincolnwood. It is a family affair as all four brothers work together with their father. Barbara Coleman of Edgewater's Broadway Cellars manages the weekend brunch. Family friendly and full of smiles, they hope the 47th Ward community stops by to check them out and they look forward to being a big part of the neighborhood.
|
Click the flyer to learn more.
|
|
Ravenswood School Fundraiser Goes Black & White
Support the 47th Ward's rising gem for public, fine arts-focused education. Black & White for Green will set the mood as the Ravenswood Elementary School community gathers at DANK Haus in Lincoln Square on Saturday, March 16, from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m., for our 5th annual Spring Forward celebration and auction. Hosted by Friends of Ravenswood School, guests will enjoy this year's theme with gourmet food, a signature drink, décor, event favors, and the crisp stylings of live classical guitar. Show Ravenswood unity by wearing--you guessed it-black, white, or both. That's ladies and gents. Go for dressy cocktail garb. Your best accessory? Green! That is, your generous donation to the deserving students and teachers at their highly ranked, diversely populated school. In addition to the live auction that evening, they'll kick off their online silent auction beginning that weekend, which allows them to bring in even more family, friends, and neighbors to help their rising school, located at the corners of Paulina and Montrose. Get information and event tickets, or make a cash or auction donation, by visiting ravenswoodelementary.org. Click on the Spring Forward button on the home page. Check back for an auction preview on the site in early March. Thank you! With neighborhood help, Spring Forward has raised a cumulative $130,000 put right to work in Ravenswood's classrooms.
|
|
Green Tech U
The Chicago Center for Green Technology is offering a series of seminars over the next few months that will teach you about leading trends in green technology. The new Green Tech U program will be bringing in an array of speakers to discuss a wide range of green topics. For more information and to register for classes, visit their website.
|
|
|
Game Night at Sulzer Library
Remember when people actually played board games at home? Well, they are bringing back the good old days at Sulzer Library. Join them for an enjoyable evening of socializing and meet some new friends! Sulzer Regional Library will be hosting "Game Night at the Library" this coming month on Monday, February 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at 4455 N. Lincoln Ave. There will be an assortment of board and card games available, and you are welcome to bring your own favorites as well. They will try to match you up with others who enjoy these games on a chilly winter evening. Their next Game Nights will be on Monday, March 11 and Tuesday, March 26.
|
|
Dara Reports
Bring in Your Old Linens. When you clean out your linen closet please think of the abandoned pets who are awaiting their forever homes at local shelters and foster homes. Bring us your old towels, blankets and sheets and we will deliver them.
Volunteer Opportunities at Common Pantry.
- 1 or 2 people to pick up milk from the Chicago International Charter School on Wednesdays at 1:00. You must have a car as it is approximately 2 milk crates each week. The Chicago International Charter School is located at Spaulding and Grace. This is a weekly or every other week commitment.
- 2 or 3 Lunch volunteers for Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Volunteers will prep and serve lunch as part of the Wednesday team. Food certification is preferred but not a requirement. This is a weekly or every other week commitment.
For more information, please contact Lenore Kimmel, Volunteer Coordinator at
773-327-0553.
Sulzer needs your old games. Thanks to our neighbors who have donated games for the Sulzer's Game Night! If you have games that your family no longer uses, please bring them to the 47th Ward Office or to Sulzer Library. Their ever-popular "Game Night" could use a few more board games like Sorry, Chess, Life, Uno, Jenga, Rummy Cube, etc.
|
|
Infrastructure Update
Check out the infrastructure map on our webpage!
Water Main for Hermitage
City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management will begin replacing the 1890 water main under Hermitage from Irving Park to Montrose. This work will begin in February and will be completed by May of 2013. To see the residents' notice, please click here.
Water Main for Marshfield
City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management will begin replacing the 1906 water main under Marshfield from Irving Park to Byron. This work will begin in the coming week. To see the residents' notice, please click here.
Water Main for Leavitt
City contractor has replaced the 1895 water main under Leavitt St. from Irving Park to Montrose. Crews are now restoring the concrete base course. The work should be completed by early March 2013 with asphalt resurfacing to follow in the spring. To see the residents' notice, please click here.
Sewer Mains for Wolcott and Ravenswood
City crews have finished installing sewer pipes on Wolcott (Addison to Bradley) and Ravenswood (Belmont to Roscoe). Curbline to curbline asphalt resurfacing will take place in the Spring once temperatures allow. To see the residents' notice, please click here.
Metra Traffic Closures and Detours
- Montrose has a partial closure at Ravenswood until 2/26/13.
- 4500 to 4600 North Ravenswood Avenue parking closure will be up until February 28, 2013.
- Leland detours and bridge closure will be up until April 2013.
- Ravenswood from Montrose to Berteau will have intermittent closures and parking restrictions through February 28, 2013.
- Ravenswood from Lawrence to Leland will have parking restrictions until February 26, 2013.
Parking restrictions and detours may be opened, when possible, and re-closed once work is ready to resume.
For more information, visit the infrastructure section of our website or contact Bill Higgins at bill@chicago47.org or 773-549-2745.
|
|
Community Events
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.
February 15 Friday 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Global Explorers Kids Carnival Fundraiser
Luther Memorial Church, 2500 W. Wilson Avenue
February 15 Friday 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Daddy/Daughter Valentine's Dance
Sheil Park, 3505 N. Southport Avenue
February 17 Sunday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Pilgrim Lutheran Fundraiser
Revolution Brewing, 2323 N. Milwaukee Avenue
February 19 Tuesday 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
St. Matthias School Tour
St. Matthias School, 4910 N. Claremont Avenue
February 19 Tuesday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
CUB Utility Choice Event
Indo-American Center, 6328 N. California Avenue
February 19 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Richard Clark Park Advisory Council meeting
Revere Park, 2509 West Irving Park Road
February 20 Wednesday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Forward Chicago: Sewing Circle
Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
February 21 Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
47th Ward Council
Resurrection Covenant Church, 3901 N. Marshfield Avenue
February 23 Saturday 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Stitch in Time Gala: A Celebration of St. Matthias School's 125th Anniversary
DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave.
February 24 Sunday 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Feelin' Chili Open House
Bethany Retirement Community, 4950 N. Ashland Avenue
February 25 Monday 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Game Night at Sulzer Library
Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
February 27 Wednesday 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Forward Chicago: The Brain: Unraveling the Mysteries & Making it Work!
Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
March 2 Saturday 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wearin' the Green
Saint Andrew Gymnasium, 1658 W. Addison
March 2 Saturday 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
2013 Hamilton Auction
Ravenswood Events Center, 4043 N. Ravenswood Avenue
March 2 Saturday 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
North Park Elementary School - Blue Jean Ball
Revolution Brewing, 3340 N. Kedzie Avenue
March 7 Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
RCC Community Open House
Dolce Casa Cafe, 4947 N. Damen Avenue
March 9 Saturday 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Scrappers, documentary on Two Chicago metal scavengers
Sulzer Regional Library Auditorium, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
March 9 Saturday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
German School Chicago Spring Gala
Ravenswood Event Center, 4011 N. Ravenswood Avenue
March 10 Sunday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Help Nancy Heal: Fundraiser Event
O'Malley's, 3551 N. Sheffield Avenue
March 11 Monday 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Game Night at Sulzer Library
Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
March 16 Saturday 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Ravenswood Elementary Spring Forward Auction and Celebration
DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Avenue
March 16 Saturday 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Ravenswood School Fundraiser - Black & White for Green
DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Avenue
March 19 Tuesday 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
St. Matthias School Tour
St. Matthias School, 4910 N. Claremont Avenue
March 26 Tuesday 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Game Night at Sulzer Library
Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
March 30 Saturday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
20th District Egg Hunt & Bake Sale
20th District Police Station, 5400 N. Lincoln Avenue
April 16 Tuesday 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
St. Matthias School Tour
St. Matthias School, 4910 N. Claremont Avenue
Want to put your community event in our newsletter? Check the guidelines on our website.
CAPS Meetings. If you would like to get to participate in community policing or express concerns about crime happening in your area, please consider attending your beat meetings. A schedule of beat meetings is available on our website. If you have any questions about CAPS or need additional information, please contact Jim Poole at 773-549-4462 or jim@chicago47.org. 19th District CAPS Office (All areas of the 47th Ward south of Lawrence) 312-744-0064 or CAPS019District@chicagopolice.org. 20th District CAPS Office (All areas of the 47th Ward north of Lawrence) 312-742-8770 or CAPS020District@chicagopolice.org.
|
|
|
