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Dear Neighbor,
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system is struggling to deal with a $1 billion structural deficit. Neighborhood schools around the City of Chicago are facing cuts between $400,000 and $2 million. These cuts will force schools to eliminate art, music, gym and technology programs. In addition to devastating school programs, class sizes will surely go up. To bring attention to the proposed cuts, Rep. Ann Williams, Rep. Greg Harris, Commissioner John Fritchey, parents from our community and I held a press conference in July to propose immediate and long term solutions. In addition, GROW47, our ward wide education committee, came together and sent a letter to CPS CEO Dr. Barbara Byrd-Bennett. We proposed the following solutions:
- Request the surplus of unencumbered TIF dollars to offset the CPS cuts city-wide. This is a one-time fix but certainly an option while we wait for Springfield to address structural issues.
- Responsible pension reform is critical. However, we understand there is currently no bill in Springfield that addresses CPS teacher pensions. We ask that all parties, the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) work together and find a compromise on pensions. The blame game needs to stop now.
- It is time for the State of Illinois to institute a fair income tax. By leveling the playing field, we can reduce state income taxes for over 90% of Illinoisans and raise revenue for our schools. Everyone must pay their fair share.
And so today I want to reiterate my position. I am asking Mayor Emanuel to scrub every TIF district in Chicago to identify unencumbered funds and surplus those funds. Declaring a TIF surplus is a stopgap for this year but will keep critical learning programs in place and keep families from fleeing to the suburbs.
I also believe it is important to reinforce how critical pension reform is to both the short- and long-term stability of our city and CPS. And more importantly, I want to emphasize that pension reform does not equate to busting pensions. Pension reform is compromise and can happen in varying forms. It could mean compromise on compounded retiree health care costs and compounded cost of living increases. But more importantly, we need legislators, CPS and CTU to accelerate their discussions and come to a solution.
We have received many calls, letters and emails from constituents with questions about TIF and requests to surplus. Thank you for your feedback. Please see below for answers on some frequently asked questions:
How much money is available via a TIF surplus?
It appears there are about $200 million in unencumbered funds (i.e. dollars not allocated to existing projects). If the entire $200 million is declared for a TIF surplus, about 53% will go back to CPS (since 53% of a tax bill is for CPS). This amounts to $106 million. I believe that every TIF district must be thoroughly evaluated and we must squeeze every last unencumbered dollar to help CPS this year.
How have TIF funds been spent in the 47th Ward?
During my time in office, I have allocated our TIF money almost entirely for public projects (approx. 90%) and most of those dollars are going to our neighborhood schools such as for Coonley Elementary School ($18M) and Lake View High School's STEM program ($2M). In addition, my office initiated TIF projects to fund improvements to Sulzer Library ($5M), the Lawrence Avenue Streetscape ($7M) and Clark Park ($2.5). The Ravenswood Station Retail Center project (featuring Mariano's/LA Fitness, $4.5M) is the only private development to receive TIF dollars during my two years in office; it has been matched with $38M in private investments.
What are you doing about TIF reform?
In April of 2012, I introduced the TIF Accountability Ordinance which passed City Council in July of this year. In short, the legislation requires the creation of an easily accessible online database where final project performance is measured against the original redevelopment agreement's promises to the community. For far too long, developers and companies have been getting away with broken promises to communities. This legislation will require developers and companies receiving TIF money to be publically accountable for their commitments to helping their surrounding community and the City. For example, the database requires the City to display job creation promises versus jobs delivered. By making the promises public and requiring the City to go back and verify promises, the TIF program will be more accountable to taxpayers and shed light on good projects and ensure we don't repeat bad ones. For more information on this ordinance see my newsletter from April 11th. You can find the legislation on our website:
Finally, I call on Mayor Emanuel to declare a TIF surplus to help restore cuts to our neighborhood schools. Just as important, I call on Governor Quinn and the Illinois legislature to take up pension reform for CPS and City of Chicago pension systems.
Sincerely,
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Upcoming
Ward Nights
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Wednesdays5:00pm to 7:15pm
August 14
August 28
September 11
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2013-2014 Residential Pickup Permits Now Available
If you drive a pickup truck or van for your personal use, you need a residential permit to park legally overnight on a residential street.
Simply bring your truck/van into the 47th Ward Office. Note your city sticker and license plate numbers. 47th Ward staff will ensure the truck is not used for commercial use and issue you a permit.
More information is available here. If you have any questions please contact the 47th Ward Office.
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LV2 Parking Stickers for Night Baseball
If you 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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2013 Street Sweeping
The 2013 Street Sweeping Schedule is now available on our website. |
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Intern's Report and Reflections by Ian Reeves
Growing up in the 47th Ward has been one of the greatest impacts in my life. I learned the meaning of community, what it means to respect your neighbors and your city. One would never guess that such a small town feeling could be created in such a large city like Chicago and this ward particularly. In a city of over 2.5 million residents, would you believe there are many quiet neighborhoods like the one I grew up in on Hutchinson Street near busy Montrose and Western Avenues. And we had plenty of kids on my block of which I carpooled to school with eight of them every day. I joined others around my block when I attended nearby Northside College Prep High School. These neighborhood kids became some of my best friends growing up and some of them still are!
Now coming back to the 47th Ward as an intern with Alderman Pawar's office, I've been working on many different projects. I began my internship working on a restaurant guide for the ward, focusing on eateries along Lawrence Avenue. The goal of this project was to inform our local restaurants about the streetscape project and some general changes being made to Lawrence. After finishing my work on the database, I created an electronic survey using Survey Monkey to email to our businesses in the ward to check on their progress and understand their views on the alderman and if they would like our office to do anything differently to help their businesses. I attended several community meetings where a business or property owner would present an idea to the residents of the ward and conduct an open discussion to address any concerns the neighbors had about the business. Among the meetings held by the office, I attended one about a local restaurant requesting a permit for an outdoor café, a request by a building owner to change the zoning code for a building so he could build condos over storefronts on Lawrence Avenue, and I attended the community meeting about Band of Bohemia where the architect and future owners were requesting a zoning change from an industrial space to a brewpub/restaurant. I was lucky enough to meet the head sommelier of Chicago's famous restaurant Alinea at this meeting and the architect for their new restaurant, and one of the brewers of Half Acre, Michael Carroll.
After getting a taste of the local political scene and understanding how the neighbors interact with the alderman and the ward office, I attended several City Council meetings and even had the chance to meet the mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel. I also toured the Office of Emergency Management & Communications with a group of other interns to understand how the city absorbs 311 and 911 calls and responds to them. Overall, I got a very good idea of the City of Chicago's inner workings and my internship in the 47th Ward Office enhanced my interest in government and public policy.
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Volunteer to Help CPS Students
Did you realize that there were thousands of Chicago Public Schools high school students eagerly studying specific career paths (including yours) in your ward but they need your help? For you, members of your office, or businesses in your ward to help us in our goal of preparing these youth for careers and college, encourage :
Click here for a more detailed Information Sheet on both initiatives.
Speakers and Qualifying Interviews will aid thousands of students in over 60 community, selective enrollment, and career high schools throughout the city. These students are pursuing career training in a particular area (e.g. business, IT, health, pre-engineering, transportation, etc.) while still completing their core CPS academic requirements.
EVALUATION FEEDBACK FROM LAST YEAR
- "I enjoyed participating because it is always gratifying to see young adults engaged in meaningful activities. To be a part of this is rewarding."
- "It is refreshing to see students who are motivated and willing to give up their Saturday to better their skills."
- "This was a great event. I will encourage my peers to participate."
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Busy professionals often say that they do not want to recreate the wheel; by participating in these initiatives you will be playing a vital role in an efficient continuum process that needs a large number of volunteers to work. [Based upon data from respondents to Qualifying Interview evaluations collected last year]
* 99% of students said that they felt more prepared for interviews after participating
* 99% of volunteers said that they enjoyed participating in the event.
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REGISTER
Please click here to volunteer. Also, please feel free to forward this email to other professionals in your office or ward who you believe would be good volunteers.
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File Consumer Complaints Online
 If you have been scammed, let us know about it. BACP prosecutes businesses for unlawful business practices. In some cases, BACP may collect restitution for the consumers that have been ripped off.
Once a complaint is filed, either online or by calling 311, you will be sent a consumer complaint affidavit. This affidavit allows you to fully explain what occurred in detail. It also requires a notarized signature so that BACP can begin to investigate your case. It is important that you compete the affidavit and mail it back within the allotted time frame so that we can assist you. Forms that are not returned will not be investigated.
You can get started by Filing a Consumer Complaint.
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Last Concert for the Summer Next Wednesday in Northcenter
 All brass and percussion. No strings or electric instruments. The Four Star Brass Band isn't new to Northcenter. They have performed at Ravenswood ArtWalk, Ribfest Chicago, as well as at Martyr's, Big Bricks and the Save More. This Wednesday, August 14, Wintrust Community Banks and the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce bring The Four Star Brass Band to Town Square for a blow-out, New Orleans's style, concert.
Bring your blankets and join your neighbors and friends in Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Ave. (across from CVS) for what is sure to be a rousing end to our musical concerts for the summer.
But they have one more night together with our Northcenter friends and neighbors on Wednesday, August 28 when we screen the movie, The Goonies, in Town Square.
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Dara Reports
Congratulations! WATERS SCHOOL WINS $1,000. Waters was one of nine national finalist schools in Global Green USA's Green School Makeover Competition. Waters will receive a $1,000 Office Depot gift card to be used for much-needed supplies.
Volunteers Needed to Help our Neighbors! There are several upcoming events in the neighborhood that can use your help.
Friday, September 6th, 11am-1pm. Help serve at the Senior Luncheon at German-American. Contact Dara: 773-868-4747
Saturday, September 28th, 9am-12pm. Join us for a kick-off and training for volunteering to help neighborhood seniors. Individuals, church groups, businesses, scout troops or high school students can volunteer for this new initiative which will be led by The Salvation Army Family & Community Services. Contact Shanell Allen: 773-642-9207
Saturday, October 12th, 9:30am-1pm. 1st Annual Community Services & Disability Fair. Contact Dara: 773-868-4747.
47th Ward School Supply Drive. Thanks to all of you who have generously donated school supplies. There is still plenty of time to bring supplies here to our office. Nine year old James C. stopped by with his mom and little brother wanting to help in the office. James will be helping organize the school supplies prior to our delivering them to Common Pantry and Ravenswood Community Services on August 20.
Like bikes? Looking for experience in marketing and social media? The Chainlink, Chicago's online community and information hub for biking in Chicago, is looking for a marketing and communications intern to help run their website that serves over 9,000. E-mail internship@thechainlink.org for more information. College credit and a small stipend available.
Native Plants and Hardy Perennials will be available through the fall for anyone who wants to garden on a parkway or corner. We have a sample corner plot drawing from Designer Rinda West, a neighbor and gifted landscape designer. Lists of native plants and other resources are also available on our website. Volunteers wanted for Dancing in the Square on Thursday evening August 15. This free family friendly fun event combines performance and dance lessons by three of Northcenter's best dance groups-Perceptual Motion, Inc. (Modern dance), Flamenco Arts (Flamenco) and Read My Hips (Middle Eastern Dance). The event is from 7:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday August 15 in the NorthCenter Town Square at Belle Plaine and Damen. We need help with a variety of tasks both prior to the event and day of. Please contact Lin Shook at pmidance@gmail.com or call 773 549-3958 for more information. What can we do to enhance life and build a strong sense of community in our neighborhoods? - Know your neighbors: party together, garden together, share tools, and offer to help.
- Have a Block Party in the summer, for Halloween and a Christmas Potluck at a Park Fieldhouse.
- Form a Block Club or a Neighborhood Group - we can help.
- Join the "Friends of your local school" - even if you don't have children there.
- Kids can earn money babysitting, shoveling, taking in mail for neighbors on vacation, walking a dog after school. A 10 yr. old can be a "mother's helper" for a younger child on the block after school while the parent is home.
- Create an email list and phone tree (for those without email), to stay in touch with neighbors.
- Email & phone folks as a reminder about street cleaning. Knock on doors if cars are on the street close to 9am.
- Do you have an elderly neighbor or person living with a disability whose home/lawn is in disrepair, or is the house always dark at night or is there no a/c on or windows open? Please contact them. Call us or 311
- Talk to each other about situations & solutions for your area. Let us know about them.
- Don't leave toys, bikes and strollers outside. Lock doors and windows when you're out.
- Install motion detector lights in your gangway or yard and backs of garages.
- Walk around the neighborhood more. Consider positive loitering. Hang out on your front porch.
- Suspicious people hanging around or knocking on doors, especially after dark? Call 911. Email & activate the phone tree
- Clear leaves & debris from the curb line and tops of sewers routinely.
- If there is standing water in your gutter for more than 24 hours, call us to report it or 311
- Low branches hanging over the sidewalk or stop sign? Clip them; Forestry is working on 2011 requests.
- Tell everyone to sign-up for the 47th Ward Newsletter - it's a great way to stay informed!
- Please help us add to this list - call or send in suggestions.
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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 | Please click here to visit the Friends of McPherson website.
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Upcoming Events at Sulzer Library
Author Event
Roger Wright
Finding Work When There Are No Jobs
Thu., August 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Roger Wright will be visiting us to discuss his new book, which outlines five key principles to help you improve your job search skills. Join us and start charting your own unique career path!
Classes, Lectures & Workshops
POV Film Screening
Five Broken Cameras
Mon., August 12 at 6:30 p.m.
In this Oscar®-nominated documentary, a Palestinian filmmaker records the birth and development of his youngest son, creating a deeply personal first-hand account of life and nonviolent resistance in Bil'in, a West Bank village where Israel is building a security fence.
Don't be "Branded" by Your Criminal History
Wed., August 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Have you ever been arrested? Even if the charges were dismissed, you have a criminal arrest record that can limit your job prospects. Learn how criminal background checks are done and how to correct an inaccurate background report.
Global Film Initiative Screening
Cairo 678
Thu., August 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Three Cairene women from different backgrounds warily unite to combat the sexual harassment that has impacted each of their lives - and become a citywide plague - but their unconventional response provokes a dogged police hunt.Arabic, with English subtitles. 100 minutes.
eBooks at the Library
Mon., August 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Would you like to know how you can download eBooks for free through the library? Then you'll want to come to this presentation, where a librarian will show you what you need in order to download eBooks through the Chicago Public Library website. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.
POV Film Screening
The World Before Her
Mon., August 19 at 6:30 p.m.
This documentary records two young girls who follow two utterly opposite paths in modern India. The film creates a lively, provocative portrait of the world's largest democracy at a critical transitional moment - and of two women who hope to shape its future.
Global Film Initiative Screening
Life Kills Me (La Vida Me Mata)
Thu., August 22 at 6:00 p.m.
Life and death come wrapped in a mutual embrace, absurd and poignant at once, in celebrated director Sebastián Silva's debut film about the unlikely friendship between a grieving, young cinematographer and a morbidly obsessed drifter. Spanish, with English subtitles. 92 minutes.
Poetry Saloon at Noon
Wed., August 28 at 12:00 p.m.
Come enjoy some poetry with a live reading from renowned artist Janet Kuypers.
Global Lens Screening
Modest Reception (Paziraie Sadeh)
Thu., August 29 at 6:00 p.m.
Two sibling sophisticates from Tehran travel the mountainous northern countryside, maniacally pushing bags of money on locals - a hilarious and alarming exercise that unfurls with unexpected force amid subtle themes of power and corruption. Farsi/Persian, with English subtitles. 100 minutes.
Book Discussion Groups
Great Books Club
Thu., August 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Poetry by Petrarch
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.
Nonfiction Book Club
The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard
Tue., August 13 at 7:00 p.m.
The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard teaches us how our patterns of consumption and disposal are controlling our lives and our relationship to the planet. Come join in the discussion.
Adult Book Discussion
The World We Found by Thrity Umrigar
Wed., August 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Four women, who were inseparable during their university days in 1970s Bombay, have drifted apart over the years, but find themselves coming together again when one of them becomes ill. As three of these women travel to America to visit their dying friend, they find themselves forced to decide what matters most in their lives.
Family Programs
Preteen Book Club
Doll Bones by Holly Black
Wed., August 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a discussion of this chilling adventure in which three children set out on a quest to bury a doll that might just be made from the ashes of a dead girl.
Questions about any of the programs? You can reach the Sulzer Regional Library at (312) 744-7616.
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Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. 773-769-4451
Now Playing through August 11, Aint No Crying the Blues: In Memory of Howlin Wolf.
This highly acclaimed musical returns to Black Ensemble Theater and has been impressing critics of many Chicago newspapers.
http://boxoffice.printtixusa.com/blackensemble/eventcalendar
Julius Meinl Events, 4363 N. Lincoln Ave. 773- 868-1876
August 10, Saturday, 8-11 PM (free) Beau Sample & Joel Paterson-Guitar/Bass (Jazz)
For complete list of Julius Meinl events: http://northamerica.meinl.com/events_music
Katerina's, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd. 773-348-7592
August 10, Saturday, 6:30PM Spider Saloff (cover $10)
"A wicked way with a lyric and a glint of well-controlled mischief."
For complete list of Katerina's upcoming events: http://www.katerinas.com/entertainment.php
The Public House Theater, 3220 N. Lincoln Ave. 800-650-6449
Through August, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 PM-10 PM Bye Bye Liver
"Bye Bye Liver is a series of outrageous sketches, all centered around the one thing that connects all of Chicago...alcohol!"
http://pubhousetheatre.com/
Cornservatory Corn Productions, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave 773-650-1331
Through Aug 17th Saturdays, 11 PM The Variety Show: A Drinking Game Performance!
"Corn Productions is putting up a revue of all of our favorite sketches from the past four years of Variety Show in The Best of the Variety Show - A drinking Game Performance. Each show is so packed full of crowd pleasing favorites, we're not sure you're going to be able to fit any drinking in between laughs."
http://cornservatory.org/
Transistor Chicago, 3819 N Lincoln Ave 773-642-9539
August 9 Friday 7:30PM (donation) Rows of Arrows, Protman, BYOB
http://www.transistorchicago.com/calendar
Martyr's, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-404-9494
August 10, Saturday, 9:30 PM, J-Roc and the Biz (tickets--$10 advance, $12 at the door)
http://www.martyrslive.com/
Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-728-6000
August 9, Friday, 6:30 PM First Friday (tickets--$5)
"It's the Old Town School's night of music, dance, and community! Bring your instrument, dancing shoes, a date, or a few friends. Come with any level experience to join a jam or a sample class, or spend the evening watching some of our awesomely talented ensemble classes perform. It's fun for the whole family! Come on out!"
http://www.oldtownschool.org/concerts/
Dancing in the Square, North Center Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Ave. 773-549-3958
August 15, Thursday, 7-8 PM (free)
A FREE evening of performances, dance lessons, food and fun!
Tribal Bellydance by Read My Hips, Flamenco by Flamenco Arts and Modern Dance by Perceptual Motion Inc. www.perpetualmotiondance.com
Summer Festivals & Series
Lincoln Square Summer Concert Series, Giddings Plaza 4731 N. Lincoln Ave.
August 15, Thursday, 6:30-9 PM Melanie Budd-Pop Country (free)
For the complete Summer Concert Listings Series, click here.
Shakespeare at Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. 312-742-7511
August 16 and 17, Friday and Saturday, at 6:30pm (free)--Two free performances of The Comedy of Errors at the Welles Park Gazebo (2330 W. Sunnyside) on Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Movies in the Parks-Chicago Park District,
Through September 14th Movies in the Parks are here! The Chicago Park District will be showing free movies through September 14th (free)! For a complete schedule of the summer movie series, click here.
Ravenswood ArtWalk
October 4-October 6: Friday 7-10:30PM, Saturday 11AM-9:30PM; Sunday 11AM-6PM
Outdoor location is parking lot, SW corner Ravenswood/Wilson
http://www.ravenswoodartwalk.org
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Friends of the Chicago River's Canoe Trips
Have you always wanted to canoe along the Chicago River - the western boundary of the ward!?
Saturday August 17th - 10AM - 4 PM - North Branch - Paddle the Ralph Freese Trail starting at Willow Road and paddling through the prettiest sections of the Forest Preserves down to Linne Woods just north of Dempster St. (This route was by far, my favorite trip!)
Saturday September 7th -11AM - 3PM - Downtown Canyons - If you missed the 6/29 trip definitely sign up for this one; it's a spectacular trip.
Saturday September 28th - 6PM - 10PM - Moonlight Paddle - The premier trip we offer. Paddle out into the Skokie Lagoons as the sun sets. See lots of wildlife; including all three species of heron and possibly even cormorant, all native to our area. After a stop on land to hear the story of how the Lagoons were made and a snack, you'll get back in your canoe and paddle back to the launch site under the moonlight. It's a truly magical night. Friends Canoe Program is unique in that each trip is led by trained canoe guides. Before getting in the boat you'll receive safety & paddling instructions. Then when you're on the water, the guides will offer you paddling advice, assistance, answer questions about the ecology or history of the area, and ensure your safety.
By taking these tours, you're supporting the ONLY non-profit that is working to make the Chicago River one of the world's greatest metropolitan rivers. To register on line go to www.chicagoriver.org or call Friends of the Chicago River at 312-939-0490, X10. For more information contact Claire Snyder at 312-939-0490, Ex 14. csnyder@chicagoriver.org.
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47th Ward Infrastructure Update
Check out the infrastructure map on our webpage!
Lawrence Avenue Streetscape
The Lawrence Ave. Streetscape is underway. We have posted a draft of the streetscape design on our website if you would like to review the details. There may be slight variations but the project will include:
- 3 traffic lanes (east, west, and center bi-directional turn lane)
- improved stop light timing
- marked bike lanes
- widened sidewalks with landscaping and permeable pavers
- bump-outs narrowing pedestrian crossing distance
- intersections without turn lane requirements there may be pedestrian islands
- improved crosswalk timing
- over 200 trees along the sidewalks
- improvements to Claremont Plaza
- pedestrian friendly alley connection to Giddings Plaza
Work on the sidewalks has begun on the north side of Lawrence at Damen working to Western Ave. and back to Damen by November. Next year the project will be completed from Damen to Clark St.
Berteau Neighborhood Greenway/Water Main for 1600-1800 W. Berteau
City Crews from the Dept. of Transportation have marked out sidewalk repairs and traffic calming installation along Berteau between Lincoln and Clark. Construction on these will begin next week (8/12) and will be completed by September 1st after which the resurfacing of Berteau between Ravenswood and Ashland will take place. The final phase of the Greenway will be installing the contraflow bike-traffic light eastbound at Damen and adding street markings and reduced speed and wayfinding signage.
Water Main for 2000-2220 W. Berteau (Bell to Damen)
City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management will begin work replacing the 1894 water main under Berteau Ave. from Bell to Damen. Parking restrictions will be posted and are enforced during designated times M-F. To see the residents' notice, please click here. Water Main for 2000-2100 W. Hutchinson (Damen to Lincoln) City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management will begin work soon replacing the 1897 water main under Hutchinson St. between Damen and Lincoln. Parking restrictions will be posted and are enforced during designated times M-F. To see the residents' notice, please click here.
METRA Traffic Closures and Detours Around Ravenswood Avenue - Leland Ave Full Closure will be up until April, 2014.
- Ravenswood from Lawrence to Leland Ave Full Closure will be up until April, 2014 on the west side of Ravenswood
- Irving Park at Ravenswood Full Closure August 15, 2013
- Irving Park at Ravenswood Lane Restrictions August 9 through August 30, 2013
- Ravenswood (west side) from Berteau to Irving Park Intermittent Closures for finishing through August 30, 2013
- Ravenswood (east side) Ave from Ainslie to Winnemac Full Closure August 12 through September 28, 2013
- Ravenswood (west side) from Irving Park to Grace Full Closure while wall panels are installed until October 11, 2013
Parking restrictions and detours may be re-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 bill@chicago47.org or 773-549-2745. |
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Welles Park's Wonderful Summer Concert Series
Each Tuesday through August 27, Welles Park plays host to some amazing local performers in all genres in this family-friendly, picnic-friendly series. All shows begin at 6:30pm and most consist of two sets with a short intermission, wrapping up before it gets dark, at around 8:30pm. Bring a blanket, some dinner or beverages, and some friends, and enjoy music in the park every week! They'll also offer light snacks for sale at most shows. Download a pdf flyer to print here.
8/13: Merit School of Music Wind Symphony
8/20: Jim Gill children's show
8/27: Aloha Lives joined by students of Ke Kula
The Welles Park Advisory Council would like to extend very special thanks to this year's series sponsors: Welles Park Parents Association Baseball, The Gene and Rosemary Schulter Foundation, State Senator Heather Steans, and Alderman Ameya Pawar.
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Community Events
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.
August 9 Friday 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Huge Church Rummage Sale
Ravenswood United Church of Christ, 2050 W. Pensacola Avenue
August 10 Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Huge Church Rummage Sale
Ravenswood United Church of Christ, 2050 W. Pensacola Avenue
August 10 Saturday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Lincoln Square Garden Walk
Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Avenue
August 11 Sunday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Back-to-School Sports Bash at Chase Park
Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Avenue
August 15 Thursday 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Melanie Budd (Pop Country)
Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Avenue
August 15 Thursday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Dancing in the Square
Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Avenue
August 16 Friday 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Shakespeare at Welles Park (Friday)
Welles Park Gazebo, 2330 W. Sunnyside Avenue
August 16 Friday 6:47 PM - 7:30 PM
Hawaiian Evening at Bethany Retirement Community
Bethany Retirement Community, 4950 N. Ashland Avenue
August 17 Saturday 3:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Battle of the Bands, GTL Fundraiser
Phyllis' Musical Inn, 1800 W. Division Street
August 17 Saturday 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Shakespeare at Welles Park (Saturday)
Welles Park Gazebo, 2330 W. Sunnyside Avenue
August 22 Thursday 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Check with Lucy (Americana)
Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Avenue
August 23 Friday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Best Served Hot: Ceramics for the Coffee Ritual
LillStreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Avenue
August 24 Saturday 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Lillstreet's Fall Open House
LillStreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Avenue
August 24 Saturday 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lillstreet & Ravenswood Block Party
LillStreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Avenue
August 25 Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Makers Mini Conference: Chicago Craft and Business
LillStreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Avenue
August 29 Thursday 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Drop Steady (Reggae)
Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Avenue
September 14 Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Baby & Kids Green Garage Sale
St. Benedict School Gym, 3941 N. Bell Street
September 21 Saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lincoln Square AppleFest
4700 block of N. Lincoln Avenue,
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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.
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