August 15, 2013
On this day in 1967, the Chicago Picasso sculpture was unveiled.
|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
This week I want to provide some updates on economic development in our ward. It has been a priority of my office to ensure we work to bring family-friendly businesses to our community. For a brief snapshot of economic development activity in our ward, see the projects we are working on below (for more detailed information visit the PROJECTS page our website).
Ashland Avenue & Irving Park Road: After closing Centro at 3819 N. Ashland, my office began working with block clubs and neighborhood organizations in the area to focus on revitalizing Ashland Avenue. Today, we have Zia's Lago Vista opening soon in that location. The owners of Tango Sur will be opening a tapas bar called Pampas Lounge at 3938 N. Ashland Avenue. And, my office just approved a development located at the southwest corner of Ashland and Irving Park. After fighting off fast food chains at that location for over a year, I was very happy to approve a mixed-use development there. Finally, we worked with the owners of The Piggery to redevelop their restaurant after it was damaged by fire. The Piggery is back open for business so please drop by and enjoy their newly refurbished space!
Western Avenue: I am pleased to report that a drive-thru Starbucks and a Potbelly's Sandwich Shop are slated for the new retail center for 3636 N. Western Ave. This project is a major upgrade for Western Avenue as we hope to transform this street into a more pedestrian and retail friendly area. Another project on Western and Hutchinson will convert an old laundromat into an 18-unit condo development. I also want to thank the Northcenter Neighborhood Association (NNA) for working closely with us on these development projects and for identifying locations on Western for additional tree plantings. We are also partnering with NNA on an initiative to beautify existing light poles on Western as a public art initiative.
Lincoln Avenue: I want to congratulate the owner of the Golden Angel Pancake House 4344 N. Lincoln Avenue on his retirement. This famous diner has been an institution in our neighborhood for many decades and I'm sad to see it go; I especially enjoyed their omelets and grilled cheese! I am, however, excited about the possibility of another great Chicago establishment residing in this Lincoln Avenue space: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. This project proposal is being considered by the 47th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee this week. We will also schedule a community meeting on this proposal. Additionally, I am pleased to inform you that the Vaughan Hospitality Group, which operates a host of Irish-themed bars in the city, will be opening a new gastro-pub called Monty Gaels Tavern & Grill located at 4356 N. Leavitt Street, site of the old Bowman's restaurant.
Damen Avenue: A couple weeks ago I attended the grand opening of Johnny Casserole located at 4019 N. Damen Avenue. I believe this is the sole casserole-only restaurant in the Midwest! Also Turin Bicycles opened on Damen Avenue at 4710 and Brew Camp relocated to 4639.
Addison Street: We worked with the owners of Endgrain to open their new restaurant at 1851 W Addison Street. They have been getting great reviews!
Lawrence Avenue: Lawrence Avenue streetscape, Ravenswood Station (Mariano's/LA Fitness) Retail Center, Ravenswood Terrace (Belgravia) residential development (150 units north of/behind Ravenswood Station), a new Metra station, Band of Bohemia restaurant (4710 N. Ravenswood Avenue) and Roots Homemade Pizza (Lawrence & Leavitt).
This is just a brief snapshot on our economic development efforts. There is more to come! In the meantime, I hope you will join me in supporting these businesses and shop and eat local. As always, we work very hard to attract and retain businesses that enhance and serve our family-friendly community. And, I want to extend a big "thank-you" to Ernie Constantino in my office who works so diligently to support the business community in the 47th Ward making all of these great projects possible. I also want to thank Jim Poole in my office for successfully bringing together neighbors and businesses surrounding respectful business development; and Bill Higgins for the continual management and coordination of all the transportation/infrastructure work on the Lawrence Avenue projects. These guys work so hard every day in support of our community and neighborhoods. Thanks guys!
One final note, on August 16th and 17th the Chicago Shakespeare Theater will be presenting The Comedy of Errors in Welles Park. The event is free, and for information please click here. Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
Upcoming
Ward Nights
|
Wednesdays5:00pm to 7:15pm
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
2013 Street Sweeping
The 2013 Street Sweeping Schedule is now available on our website. |
|
|
August 16 | 9am - 12pmOpenlands, TreeKeepers and Friends of the Parks will work with the 47th Ward to prune and mulch street trees. They will be working on Lincoln Avenue starting at Lawrence and working their way south. Contact Jim, 312-863-6259 or Daniella to RSVP. Meet 9AM at Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Avenue. Treekeepers Classes begin in September TreeKeepers learn how to help keep trees green and growing. They volunteer in a variety of situations from street tree care and tree planting to woodland stewardship. Learn more and register online.
|
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."
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
|
Dara Reports
A Neighborhood Man is being hailed as a hero! A man who lives in the North Center neighborhood is being called a hero after police say he saved a 14-year-old girl from being sexually assaulted. The story starts with a broken-down van. It was around 10 p.m. Monday in the 1800-block of West Cuyler. A Good Samaritan neighbor came out to help move the van to the side of the road. But as the neighbor was assisting, the girl inside secretly got his attention and said, "Help ME, hide me". The hero neighbor's quick thinking paid off. After bringing the girl into his home, he called 911. Police say the teenage girl is physically alright and back home with her family.
The alleged abductor is being held on $300,000 bond and will next appear in court Sept. 3, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office. Full story here from WGN.
Lakeview named 3rd best big city neighborhood by Money Magazine. Proud to have some wonderful parts of Lakeview in the 47th Ward.
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.
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.
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.
|
 | Please click here to visit the Friends of McPherson website.
|
|
|
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
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.
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.
|
|
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.
|
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/
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.
German-American Fest, at Lincoln and Leland
September 6 - September 8 (Friday, 5pm-11pm; Saturday 12pm-11pm; Sunday 12pm. Come share in the Gemütlichkeit in Lincoln Square at the annual German-American Fest. Remember to attend the Von Steuben Day Parade that steps off from Lincoln and Berteau at 2pm on Saturday. For more information, please click here.
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.
Lincoln Square Apple Fest, 4700 block of N. Lincoln Ave.
September 21, Saturday, 8am to 5pm
Visit their website for more information.
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
|
|
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 Lane Restrictions 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. |
|
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.
8/20: 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.
|
 For a full schedule of events Lillstreet is hosting in honor of their tenth anniversary, click here. |
|
|
|
Community Events
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.
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 3:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Paper Shredding
Saint Luke Church, 1500 W. Belmont Avenue
August 24 Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Paper Shredding
SW corner of N. Broadway & W. Buena, 4150 N. Broadway
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 7 Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Paper Shredding & Recycle cartridges, phones & prescription eyeglasses
GreenChoice Bank, 2545 W. Diversey Ave.
September 7 Saturday 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Taoist Tai Chi Society Open House
Taoist Tai Chi Society, 1629 W. Montrose 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,
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.
|
|
|
