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Dear Neighbor,
This was a very busy week in City Council. Here is an overview of this month's City Council meeting:
Zoning Change for Concept Charter
An ordinance was put forward to rezone an area in the 12th Ward to allow for the Concept Charter School to open. I voted "NO" on this ordinance, both in the City Council Zoning Committee and in the full City Council meeting. I made this "NO" vote because the Concept Charter School application was denied by the Chicago Board of Education (CBOE) and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Instead of enhancing their application and addressing the concerns of CBOE and CPS, Concept appealed to the State of Illinois Charter School Commission (ICSC). ICSC approved the Concept Charter School application, completely overriding the concerns of the CBOE and CPS. For me, the actions of the Concept Charter School and ICSC are troubling. Rather than reapplying to CPS with a better application, the charter school pulled an "end-around." Concept Charter School's process is concerning and sets a poor precedent for our city. It allows any charter school operator that is denied by the CBOE and CPS to go to the ICSC, gain approval and open in Chicago, completely circumventing the CBOE and CPS. I could not in good conscience vote to approve this zoning change. Chicago Inspector General Ordinances I co-sponsored a series of ordinances introduced by the Progressive Reform Caucus to ensure Chicago's Inspector General (IG) has the proper budget, tools and authority to provide robust oversight over the City government. The ordinances will: - Establish a budget floor for the IG's office. This means that the office cannot be defunded in an act of political retribution by the legislative or executive branch.
- Empower the IG the power to enforce subpoenas.
- Provide the IG independent spending authority so the office will not have to seek permission to spend funds from the authorities it may potentially investigate.
Office of Independent Budget Analysis
In December of 2012, I introduced an ordinance with Ald. Pat Dowell and Ald. Michele Smith to create an Office of Independent Budget Analysis (OIBA). The purpose of the OIBA is to study, vet and provide independent analysis to City Council on major legislation impacting the City's finances prior to a vote. Had the OIBA been in place today, City Council would have access to an objective and independent analysis on the proposed parking meter contract amendments. So this week, the Paul Douglas Alliance and the Progressive Reform Caucus joined forces in an effort to obtain a hearing for the ordinance to establish the OIBA. Both groups also developed a plan to fund the office. To view our joint-statement, please click here. Parking Meter Contract Amendments The proposed parking meter contract amendments were provided to City Council this week. My office is currently studying the proposal, pouring over every page of this agreement. Obviously the 2008 deal is among the worst ever negotiated by a municipality, and it's extremely difficult to make any positive changes to it. I do have serious reservations about the deal and I will keep you posted on this issue. Have a great weekend! Sincerely, 
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Upcoming
Ward Nights
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Wednesdays
May15
4:30pm-6:30pm
Summer Hours Begin
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LV2 Parking Stickers for Night Baseball
Cubs season has started. If you still need your LV2 parking pass you can come into our office. Bring proof of residence, your license plate number and your city sticker number. More information on the LV2 parking zone can be found on our website.
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Jumping Jack Form Now Available
The Jumping Jack Application is now available on our website. If you've already applied for your block party all you need to do is fill out the form and fax or email it to the Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. If you haven't applied for your block party yet, we've included it in the application packet. |
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2013 Street Sweeping
The 2013 Street Sweeping Schedule is now available on our website. |
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The Berteau Neighborhood Greenway
After over a year of gathering community input, and revising designs and engineering drawings, the Chicago transportation department (CDOT) is preparing to construct the Berteau Greenway. The project addresses traffic concerns and by implementing traffic calming techniques to make the street safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. After reaching out and listening to neighbors at several community meetings, Alderman Pawar and his staff worked with the CDOT project team to finalize a plan that will be effective. Coordinating with Department of Water Management to avoid unnecessary and redundant work, the construction will begin in June, after the century-old water main between Ravenswood and Ashland is replaced.
The Greenway project will include:
- Contraflow bike lane for eastbound bicyclists in one-way sections
- Shared lane markings for bicyclists and motorists in two-way sections
- Signage and signalization to improve awareness and traffic flow
- Highly visible, enhanced crosswalks for pedestrians
- Curb extensions to narrow the crossing distance and infiltrate stormwater
- A reduced 20 MPH posted speed limit
- A pedestrian island will be included on Clark Street
CDOT has provided these design drawings to show you what will be built following water main installation and resurfacing.
To clarify, there will be NO CHANGE in direction of traffic or number of lanes. In the two-way sections there will NOT be separate bike lanes. Also there will be NO turn restrictions or impaired access of any kind. A design for a chicane was proposed that would have reduced Berteau to a one-lane pass in the two-way section between Honore and Wolcott but was rejected by Alderman Pawar; we believe this was too restrictive. The section of Berteau from Damen to Ravenswood WILL get shared lane markings, improved crosswalks and other signage, though this section is not detailed in the design drawings. We will monitor the effectiveness of these infrastructure elements after they are installed.
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Attention 47th Ward Students Seeking Internships
Would you like an internship opportunity right in your own community? Check these out!
American Indian Center. Here are two unpaid internships for a unique learning experiences.
Internship 1 involves tutoring/mentoring with our summer program, helping with our garden and urban explorer program, and assisting with research and documentation. Email Cythnia Soto, Director of Education, at [email protected].
Internship 2 involves exploration into Grant writing and individual giving support, admin assistant for grant management and communication special programs for Public relations. Contact David Spencer [email protected].
ArtReach. We are always accepting interns and volunteers from a broad array of fields and interests. We have had interns from North Shore Country Day High School, School of the Art Institute, Columbia, Loyola, UIC, University of IL at Champaign Urbana, Indiana University, Berea College, and more. Their fields have ranged from Social Work, to Art Therapy, to Fine Arts, to Design, to Non-profit management. Interested parties can contact the director about internships here.
Jane Addams Resource Corporation. We have internships available for social work and nursing students. We also have internships available for people wanting more experience in nonprofit management, accounting, fundraising and marketing. Contact Susan Tybon at [email protected].
Chicago Mosaic School. We offer arts-related experience including some front-end office work as well. The internship is unpaid position. Prefer college student. Contact the Chicago Mosaic School at [email protected].
Chainlink Bicycle Community Website. This communications and marketing internship is with Chicago's only online community and social network that serves to connect Chicago area cyclists, www.thechainlink.org. Over 8,500 members share their rides, purchases, events and experiences on the site. We are looking for a smart and highly motivated communications intern to help us with our marketing, press and general online community management projects and membership outreach. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative self-starter to make a difference at the ground level of an exciting local community platform. Responsibilities include: writing press releases and pitches, sharing and connecting with partners via facebook and twitter, event planning, member outreach, data research, light graphic design and website content enhancements. The ideal candidate will work well autonomously and have an organized approach to accomplishing tasks, possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, be fluent in how to use social media as a promotion tool, be articulate with proper and professional phone and email etiquette and have basic html and css coding knowledge. Preference is given to applicants with an interest in PR and marketing, have at least 2 years of college credit, live in the Chicago area, enjoying cycling and have a passion for community building. $400 stipend will be given at the end of this 120 hour internship. There is an 8 hour minimum requirement per week. To apply, please email a resume, cover letter, and optional writing sample to: [email protected].
Afterschool Matters Summer at Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club. Our program is growing and we need YOU! ASM Summer Interns are responsible for assisting the Site Director with the daily operations of our Summer program. Responsibilities include: keeping youth safe, helping to build a sense of community, supervising and leading recreational activities and chaperoning field trips. Candidates must work well with a team and respond well to supervision and re-direction. Program Dates: June 26th - August 23rd. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. Must be 16 - 18 years old. Rate of pay: $8.25 hr. Stipend. Please contact Maria Gomez at 773-463-4161 ext 117 or [email protected] for additional information. Deadline June 3.
Program Volunteers at Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club. For All Ages! Responsibilities include: keeping youth safe, helping to build a sense of community, supervising and leading recreational activities, assisting youth with their academic homework, chaperoning field trips on school days off and summer. Candidates must work well with a team and respond well to supervision and re-direction. Earn your Community Service Learning Hours by helping out the NBGC! Please contact Tim Mondl at 773-463-4161 ext 112 or [email protected] for additional information.
Alliance for the Great Lakes. See available internship positions online at www.greatlakes.org/internships. Currently, we have the following positions open: Dale Bryson Water Quality Intern - Fall 2013 and Education Intern-2013. We also have the following job opportunities available: Stewardship Coordinator; September Adopt-a-Beach Assistant 2013, Minnesota; and Adopt-a-Beach Assistant 2013, Michigan.
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Bike Commuter Challenge
 The best way to celebrate Chicago Bike to Work Week, June 8-14, 2013, is by taking the Bike Commuter Challenge! Just sign up your company and be a Team Leader or join an existing team and start logging your trips during Chicago Bike to Work Week. It's easy, free, and most of all, fun! We'll even help you get ready for the Challenge with tips and tricks on how to ride to work. The Bike Commuter Challenge is brought to you by the Active Transportation Alliance. Active Trans is a non-profit advocacy organization that works throughout Chicagoland to improve conditions for bicycling, walking and transit while engaging people in healthy and active ways to get around. For more information about the Bike Commuter Challenge, Active Trans, or to volunteer, please email [email protected], or call Maggie Melin at (312) 427-3325.
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Coyotes in and around the 47th Ward
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Coyote Babies by Lake Michigan in Edgewater, courtesy of Association of Sheridan Road Condo Owners
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In Illinois, coyotes are protected as a furbearer. If coyotes in urban areas become a problem they may be removed if a nuisance wildlife permit is issued by an Illinois Department of Natural Resources District Wildlife Biologist. But note there have been no human attacks by coyotes in Illinois in 30 years. See our webpage for more information on living with coyotes in our urban environment.
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Fabulous Free Programming at Sulzer
Pharmacy Services for Seniors
Mon., May 13 at 10:00 a.m. Join us as pharmacy manager David Paris discusses vaccines, prescription drugs, testing supplies and other services available at Walgreens; along with services covered by Medicare.
eBooks at the Library
Tue., May 14 at 2:00 p.m. Would you like to know how you can download eBooks for free through the library?
Live a Gluten Free Lifestyle
Tue., May 14 at 7:00 p.m. Please join Dr. Kristen Bobik, D.C., L.A.C. who will provide information on the effects of gluten on your health and how you can eliminate many health problems by enjoying a gluten free lifestyle.
Active Kids and Detecting Breathing Disorders
Wed., May 22 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Lauren Camarda, a pediatric pulmonary medicine physician, and Dr. Joseph Camarda, a pediatric cardiologist, both of Swedish Covenant Hospital and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, will discuss ways to identify exercise-induced asthma, common cardiac issues and how to keep your kids safe while participating in sports.
Blues Fest @ the Chicago Public Library
Barrelhouse Chuck
Sat., May 25 at 12:15 p.m. The Chicago Public Library joins the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in pre-season concerts celebrating the 30th Annual Chicago Blues Festival being held in Grant Park, June 6-9. This year the festival theme is Rollin' Up the River celebrating the evolution of the blues from South to North up the Mississippi.
Book Discussion GroupsGreat Books Club Thu., May 16 at 7:00 p.m. Comic Operas by W.S. Gilbert Thu., May 30 at 7:00 p.m. Come join us as we discuss some of the most important literary works ever written with classics scholar Peter Amberson. It's sure to be an enlightening experience. Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card Tue., May 14 at 7:00 p.m. Do you enjoy a good science fiction or fantasy book? Are you interested in meeting other fans and discussing books? Join us for a lively discussion in our science fiction and fantasy book club! Art Display Nature Spirits Paintings by Stella Zee May 1, 2013 through May 31, 2013 For Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, the Sulzer Library is proud to display a series of paintings by Stella Zee depicting nature as sanctuary and animals as spirit guides. The paintings will be on display for the month of May. Book Buddies Tuesdays, May 7 through May 21 at 4:00 p.m. Children in kindergarten through second grade are matched up with an adult volunteer. They will meet in the children's library for twenty minutes every Tuesday for eight weeks, so that the child can practice their new reading skills. Parents must register at the children's reference desk. The Mad Hatters Sat., May 18 at 11:00 a.m. Come have fun with the Mad Hatters, a community project of the Junior League of Chicago, as they perform books, poems and songs while wearing crazy hats to encourage each child in the audience to expand his/her mind through reading. No registration is required for this interactive children's story time for children ages three to nine and their parents. Pre-Steam Book Club A Black Hole Is Not a Hole by Carolyn DeCristofano Wed., May 29 at 6:00 p.m. Please join us for a night of informational reads related to science, technology, engineering, art and math! We will begin by looking at A Black Hole Is Not A Hole, talk about some other interesting nonfiction picks, watch some book trailers and preview all the related programs coming up over the summer for pre-teens and teens. The program is intended for those ten to eighteen years old, and advance registration is required. Author Event City in a Garden by Julia S. Bachrach Thu., May 30 at 7:00 p.m. Join us as Julia S. Bachrach, historian and preservationist for the Chicago Park District, discusses the fascinating history behind Chicago's green spaces as well as the latest park renovations and newly designed facilities. Questions about any of the programs? You can reach the Sulzer Regional Library at (312) 744-7616. Want to see the listings in their entirety? They're just a click away!
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Celebrate Hops, History, and Craft Beer Week!
 Hops, History and Craft Beer Week
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:00pm-9:00pm
The Fireside Restaurant
5739 N. Ravenswood, Chicago
At 6:30 Denise Neu Edgewater Author of Chicago By the Pint will make a presentation
Come enjoy a beer while learning about Chicago's urban and social history. Using a variety of local breweries as the gateway, the author provides pint sized history lessons, and "historic vignettes" in a fun adult program that's not just another bar tour. With two nearby breweries featured in the book, there will also be some interesting information about Edgewater. For more information, click here.
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Dara Reports
Please read about one of our longtime neighbors, Bea Tersch. We appreciate Bea everyday. Thanks to Center Square Journal for this well-written article.
A group of gardeners in the ward met this week here are several initiatives that we think are important to our entire community. We hope you will agree that they are worth our efforts. How can we help save our ash trees from the Emerald Ash Borer? All of the white and green ash trees in the city will get emerald ash borers. If the ash tree is not inoculated every 2-3 years, it will die. The city has said they will treat all of the parkway ash trees this year or next. However, that leaves thousands of trees on private property. You, your neighbors and all of us want those ash trees to be saved.I don't know if you are involved in your block club or neighborhood group, but I will send this same information on to them. We all need to take a bit of time with our neighbors to let folks know about this, identify where those ash trees are in back yards and pool resources to get as many trees treated at once, as possible. The more trees in an area that you schedule to have treated by an arborist, the less money it will cost per tree. www.saveyourash.org
Be a proponent of planting in the public way. In order to help with the flooding we know will continue to occur in between times of drought - it is recommended that we plant as many native plants as possible. To that end, we want to promote planting not only on your private property, but also in the public way. That means corners and parkways can become community gardens. We have resources to share. Please let's advocate and help our neighborhood to be the "greenest" in the city. All it takes is to remove grass and hardscape and replace it with mostly native plants and some perennials.
Create Communities to Garden and Create Gardens in our Community. We well know that if we want our gardens to flourish, it takes commitment. If you need help in your personal garden let us know, we will do our best to help you. Do you have space that you are not gardening? There are neighbors who would love to plant and share the bounty of a vegetable garden with you. Some of us are involved in community gardens in parks, corners and parkways and need more help. Other's want to get more involved, learn and help green our community. Let us know if you need help in a community garden or if you can be of help in a community garden.
 Here's an inspirational photo of West Ravenswood Neighbors working on the Leland & Winchester garden.(Pictured from left to right are Todd & Janet Agranoff and Xochitl Javier).
In case you want a one-stop-shop for your native, perennial and annual plant needs, go to the Paseo Prairie Garden in Logan Square this weekend. They have partnered with the City's Sustainable Backyard Program to offer on the spot rebates for native plants. This weekend, May 11 & May 12. The Paseo Prairie Garden (phone 773-489-0167) is located at 2614 N. Kedzie, right next to the Blue Line El entrance. Get your 50% rebate on the spot!
Lurie Garden Spring Festival and Plant Sale. This Saturday, May 11, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Spring is a perfect time for planting! The Lurie Garden Spring Festival & Plant Sale will offer a variety of perennials and grasses to provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as food and shelter for local fauna. All proceeds support Lurie Garden public programs. The event also includes tours, hands-on gardening tips, plant-based crafts for kids, face painting, activities by local organizations and more. Quart size plants cost $5 and gallons cost $10. Please bring your own bags or boxes to transport your plants. Click here to view the plant list for the 2013 sale!
Lectures & Worshops. The Main Players of the Mixed Perennial Garden. Thursday, June 13, 12:30 p.m.Beneficial Bugs in Your Home Garden. Thursday, May 16, 12:30 p.m.Let's Explore Spring- A Special Toddler Workshop! Saturday, May 18, 10a.m.
Just a friendly reminder that registration for the summer Green Tech U program is officially open! You can now register for classes on the website. They will soon have the speaker bios posted, as well as the Semester-At-A-Glance form available for download over the next week.
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.
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.
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Infrastructure Update
Check out the infrastructure map on our webpage!
Water Main for 1600-1800 W Berteau
City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management will begin replacing the 1899 water main under Berteau between Ravenswood and Ashland starting in the near future. To see the residents' notice, please click here.
Water Main for 4000-4400 N Hermitage
City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management arereplacing the 1890 water main under Hermitage from Irving Park to Montrose. Parking restrictions south of Berteau will be lifted until the restoration phase. This work will will be completed by June of 2013. To see the residents' notice, please click here. Please Note: Parking Restrictions ONLY enforced M-F.
Water Main for 3900 N Marshfield
City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the 1906 water main under Marshfield from Irving Park to Byron. Work will be completed by early May 2013. To see the residents' notice, please click here.
Gas Main for 2500 W. Gunnison
Peoples Gas and their Subcontractor are replacing the gas mains on the 2500 block of Gunnison. The main is in, and now they will begin doing the individual service connections to each residence. Please respond promptly to have the service installed so that restoration is not delayed.
Metra Traffic Closures and Detours Around Ravenswood Avenue
Parking restrictions and detours may be opened, when possible, and re-closed once work is ready to resume. Walsh Construction is continuing to work with our office to minimize closures and parking restrictions, and reduce their construction footprint as much as possible while getting their work done.
For more information, visit the infrastructure section of our website or contact Bill Higgins at [email protected] or 773-549-2745.
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Community Events
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.
May 11 Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Electronics Recycling at Blaine School
Blaine Elementary School, 1420 W. Grace Street at N. Southport
May 11 Saturday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Chicago Art Girls 2nd Annual Spring Pop Up Shop
RAVENSWOOD EVENT CENTER - INDUSTRIAL BALLROOM, 4011 N. RAVENSWOOD AVENUE
May 11 Saturday 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Children's Garage Sale at Saint Andrew Parish
Saint Andrew Gym, Addison & Paulina
May 11 Saturday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Boy Scout Troop 894's Mostaccioli Dinner
Queen of Angels Parish, lower church, 2330 W. Sunnyside Avenue
May 14 Tuesday 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Tour of St. Matthias Elementary School
St. Matthias Elementary School, 4910 N. Claremont Avenue
May 14 Tuesday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Andrew School Tours
St. Andrew School, 1710 W. Addison Street
May 16 Thursday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Greener Ravenswood
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Avenue
May 17 Friday 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Save the Paramount, documentary film screening
St. Augustine College, Charlie Chaplin Auditorium, 1333 W. Argyle Street
May 18 Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Electronics Recycling, Paper Shredding & Clothing Drive
40th Ward Yard, 5333 N. Western Avenue
May 18 Saturday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Parents' Night Out!
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Maring Hall (basemen), 4300 N. Winchester Avenue @ Cullom
May 18 Saturday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Buddha's Birthday Celebration
Zen Buddhist Temple, 1710 W. Cornelia Avenue
May 18 Saturday 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
International Night Celebration of World Cultures
Ravenswood Presbytarian Church, 4300 N. Hermitage Avenue
May 18 Saturday 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
GlobalFest
St. Matthias School, 4910 N. Claremont Avenue
May 19 Sunday 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Buddha's Birthday Celebration
Zen Buddhist Temple, 1710 W. Cornelia Avenue
May 21 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
1,001 Afternoons in Chicago, a live radio play
Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue
May 30 Thursday 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
City in a Garden, Author talk & book signing
Sulzer Regional Library Auditorium, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
June 6 Thursday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
JASC Art Show & Auction
Floating World Gallery, 1925 N. Halsted Avenue
June 15 Saturday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
3rd Annual Craft Beer Day
Fizz Bar & Grill, 3220 North Lincoln Avenue
June 17 Monday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thresholds Golf & Tennis Benefit
Northmoor Country Club,
June 22 Saturday 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Come Celebrate Chicago's Diversity on World Refugee Day!
Foster Beach Soccer Fields, 5200 N. Lake Shore Drive
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 [email protected]. 19th District CAPS Office (All areas of the 47th Ward south of Lawrence) 312-744-0064 or [email protected]. 20th District CAPS Office (All areas of the 47th Ward north of Lawrence) 312-742-8770 or [email protected].
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