On this day in 1912, Legendary Chicago-based journalist Studs Terkel was born in New York City.
The 47th Ward Office will be CLOSED on Friday, May 23rd and Monday, May 26th
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Three years ago today, I was sworn into office as the Alderman of the 47th Ward, and I am so proud of everything we have accomplished together. Over three years, we've advanced nearly half a billion dollars in economic development and public infrastructure projects. And in City Council, we passed six major pieces of city-wide legislation. Finally, we've built a responsive constituent service operation made up of a dedicated team of staff and dozens of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure you receive City services in a timely manner. 
Here is a summary of our legislative accomplishments, economic and public infrastructure projects we advanced, and a hint of what we will be working on over the next year, and hopefully in our second term.
Our City Council accomplishments include:
- In August of 2011, City Council passed the Urban Agriculture Ordinance. This ordinance creates the regulatory framework to allow for aquaponic farms, hydroponic farms, and the creation of urban farms in Chicago. I sponsored this ordinance along with Mayor Emanuel.
- In February of 2012, City Council passed amendments to Chicago's Human Rights Ordinance. The amendments prohibit employers from discriminating against job applicants on the basis of their credit history (with credit history added as a protected class). In addition, the ordinance prohibits employers from explicitly stating preference for currently employed job applicants. I sponsored this ordinance and was joined by over 40 of my colleagues.
- In January of 2013, City Council passed of one of the strongest anti-wage theft ordinances in the United States. I sponsored this ordinance along with Mayor Emanuel, Chairman Mitts and Chairman Solis.
- Also in January of 2013, City Council passed an ordinance to license debt collectors in an effort to curb predatory debt collection methods. I sponsored this ordinance with Mayor Emanuel, Chairman Mitts and Chairman Solis.
- In July of 2013, I passed the TIF Accountability Ordinance which substantially increases transparency, and requires the City of Chicago to ensure all job creation and development promises are fulfilled by TIF recipients. An online database to support the requirements set for by the ordinance will be launched in the summer of 2014.
- In July of 2013, I launched the City Council Asian American Caucus with 13 of my colleagues. As the first Asian American elected to City Council, I convened aldermen to begin addressing issues impacting the Asian community.
- In December of 2013, City Council passed an ordinance to create an independent budget office for City Council (i.e. Council Office of Financial Analysis). This effort was hailed as bona fide reform by the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board and supported by the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board, the Civic Federation and the Better Government Association. The ordinance was led by my office, Ald. Dowell and Ald. Smith. We expect to hire the Director of the City Council Office of Financial Analysis this summer.
Passing the legislation required collaboration from aldermen, the Mayor's office and external advocacy organizations. I want to thank Mayor Emanuel and my colleagues for partnering on all of the efforts.
In our community, we accomplished a great deal. Here is a sampling of our community highlights:
- With your help we built an office from SCRATCH!
- Weekly newsletter - We started with around 500 emails and now send our weekly blast to over 10,000!
- Launched #GROW47, the City of Chicago's first community led initiative to build a neighborhood K-12 system. Learn more by clicking here;
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As part of my campaign pledge, my office prioritized 47th Ward TIF spending for public projects including schools, parks and libraries. TIF spending includes:
- Lake View High School STEM $2 million
- Coonley Elementary addition $16.5 million
- McPherson Elementary campus project $400k est.
- Clark Park Boathouse $1.25 million
- Kerry Wood Cubs Field $1.25 million
- Clark Park soccer field, env. remediation $3.5 million
- Welles Park renovations $1.33 million
- Lawrence Ave Streetscape $13 million
- Sulzer Regional Library renovations $5 million
- Worked with the community and local chambers to develop a pedestrian and retail friendly vision for #ANewLawrence Avenue;
- Opened a new Mariano's at Ravenswood and Lawrence in April of 2014. This project created over 1k jobs, and millions in new tax revenue, and most importantly, opened a new grocery store the community had been seeking for nearly two decades;
- Partnered with Mariano's, Sy Taxman, Barrett & Porto, and the 47th Ward Senior Council to launch the FREE Mariano's Senior Shuttle;
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# GROW47 secured over $400k in private grants for neighborhood schools in the 47th ward:
- McPherson Elementary $104k
- Ravenswood Elementary $110k
- Waters Elementary $100k
- Audubon Elementary $50k
- Hamilton Elementary $50k
- Launched the 47th Ward Council and helped organize nearly two dozen NEW block clubs
- Broke ground on the new Lycee Francais campus;
- Partnered with the Kohl Children's Museum, Storybus, and GROW47 to bring reading enrichment program to every school in 47th Ward for grades K-2;
- Partnered with the Friends of McPherson to secure $600k in various funding (including aldermanic menu) for a new campus playground;
- Partnered with the Friends of Ravenswood to help secure $750,000 in Illinois EPA funding for a new outdoor campus and playground;
- Partnered with the 47th Ward Faith Based Transition Group and community volunteers to help launch Lincoln Square Friendship Center Food Pantry and Pet Food Pantry;
- Managed the completion of phase 1 of the Lawrence Avenue Streetscape; Phase 2 is currently underway;
- Opened the new Clark Park Boathouse;
- Opened the new addition at Bell School;
- Launched the Chicago Works smartphone application for iPhones and Android smartphones.
- Launched online voting for the aldermanic menu program where residents voted to help inform $1.3 million in infrastructure spending;
- Installed 22 Divvy bike sharing stations in the 47th Ward;
- Opened new businesses on Damen, Montrose, Ravenswood, Irving, Clark, Western and Ashland
- Ensured transparency to inform my decisions via multiple avenues for community engagement such as the 47th Ward Council, Senior Council, Transportation Planning Committee and Quality of Life Committee and Zoning Advisory Committee;
- Completed the Berteau Greenway, the City of Chicago's first neighborhood greenway!
- Celebrated the National Blue Ribbon Awards of St. Andrews and Queen of Angels Schools;
- Celebrated the National Blue Ribbon Award of Audubon Elementary;
- Celebrated the National Green Ribbon Award of Waters Elementary;
- Organized and hosted nine senior luncheons during which we served thousands of seniors over three years;
- Hosted three Heath & Wellness events attended by thousands where attendees were given free flu shots;
- Closed problem businesses - CENTRO & Fanta Sea Lounge;
- And much, much more!
 Here are some projects we will continue to work on this year and next:
- Completion of the Coonley School addition in the fall of 2014;
- Grand opening of the Chicago Fire Soccer Center in the summer of 2014;
- Completion of Phase II of Lawrence Avenue Streetscape in winter of 2014;
- Completion of Phase 1 and Phase 3 of McPherson campus project;
- Completion of new playground at Audubon Elementary;
- Completion of new outdoor/playground campus at Ravenswood Elementary;
- Grand opening of Lycee Francais campus;
- Completion of the Chicago Fire Soccer Center;
- Completion of Kerry Wood Cubs Field, a new soccer field, and track and field facility at Clark Park;
- Completion of the west side of the new Ravenswood Metra Station;
- Opening of Roots Pizza/Benjamin Shiller cocktail lounge on Lawrence;
- Band of Bohemia - brew house in Ravenswood;
- Create Friends of Lakeview High School;
- Expand #GROW47 work to link neighborhood elementary schools to neighborhood high schools to build a #NeigborhoodK-12 system.
I want to thank my amazing team: Erick, Ernie, Jim, Brad and Dara. They work incredibly hard in service of our community. I am grateful for their public service. Lastly, I want to thank all of our volunteers. We have a small army of nearly 60 volunteers who answer phones, take service requests, advise on zoning decisions, and so much more. I also want to thank former members of our team Bill Higgins (now at CDOT) and Charna Epstein (now the COO at the University of Chicago's Urban Education Institute).
Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for the opportunity to serve our community. I listed all these accomplishments to give you a snapshot of what happens when people in a community partner with government. These aren't just my accomplishments --these are things we accomplished together. Thousands of you attended community meetings, emailed, called, and came into our office to inform every decision I've made. Thank you!
I look forward to campaigning for a second term. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve our community!
Sincerely,
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Upcoming
Ward Nights
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Wednesdays5:00pm to 7:00pm
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LV2 Cubs Night Game Parking
If you live in the LV2 zone for Cubs Night Games, the first night game of the season is April 8, 2014. LV2 passes are not yet available.
LV2 passes will be mailed out in late March. We will announce when they are available in the 47th Ward Office through an email.
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Street Sweeping
From April 1 until December 1 the Department of Streets and Sanitation has sweepers working in the 47th Ward to clear debris and dust from residential and arterial streets. The schedule for street cleaning on residential and arterial streets can be found on chicago47.org.
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2013-2014 Residential Pickup Permits
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. The truck must be registered to your home address in the 47th Ward.
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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Chicago City Stickers
Your current City Sticker will expire on June 30, 2014. The City Clerk's Office will be ready to resume their online sales at chicityclerk.com next week. To learn more about the changes coming to the city sticker program this year, please see our newsletter from May 9. |
Report Graffiti
As the weather turns warmer, we are seeing more graffiti throughout Chicago. Be sure to report any graffiti to our office (info@chicago47.org, 773-868-4747), 311, or through the Chicago Works app. You'll need to know the address, type of surface tagged, and whether or not the tag is more than six feet from the ground. Graffiti that contains profanity, hate language or is done on a church or school receives special attention. The faster we remove graffiti the less likely vandals are to target that area again. Thanks for your help! |
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Faith & Action Summer Kick-Off Movement
Next Friday, May 23rd from 7pm to 9pm, Mayor Emanuel is inviting faith leaders, community organizations, businesses and fellow residents to Faith & Action Summer kick-off movement. This movement seeks to create positive activities in our public spaces. Along with CAPS and the Chicago Park District, Mayor Emanuel is planning 134 activities City-Wide. There will be activities happening at Chase, Welles and Winnemac Parks in our area. Please join neighbors as we unite as one city in solidarity to enjoy our public spaces and take action to ensure they remain places we can all enjoy safely. |
Department of Water Management is Hiring
This year, the Chicago Department of Water Management plans to replace 85 miles of water mains, 21 miles of sewer mains and complete 55 miles of sewer lining. They are currently hiring for the following positions: 60 Laborer Apprentices 18 Hoisting Engineers 24 Seasonal Plumbers 8 Operating Engineers A 28 Operating Engineers B If you are interested in applying for one of these positions, please call the Department of Human Resources at 312-744-4976 or check their website. |
North Center Senior Center Needs Items for Litfest
North Center Senior Center located at 4040 N. Oakley serving over 2000 seniors monthly is looking for items their annual LITFEST, Book Sale, Raffle and Tea Sunday June 22. Items needed are all things tea - tea cups, tea pots, tea cozies, clean vintage linen, teaspoons, tiered serving plates, candles, good books and new, slightly used but not abused items and white elephant items to be used for raffle, spa items, kitchen items. Items can be dropped off anytime at the center in a bag or box to the Attn: Liza Martin with your name, address and phone #. Pick-up available also. Call 312.744.4015 for more information. |
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Arts & Culture in the 47th Ward: The Public House Theatre & Child's Play Touring Theater
Weekly Articles by Office Intern Luis Lopez Reichling, Senior at St. Benedict Preparatory School
The Public House Theatre,a comedy venue and pub, has found a new home in the 47th Ward. Founded by Byron Hatfield in 2006, the well-regarded company performed at various locations in the Lakeview neighborhood before relocating last year to 3914 N. Clark Street. Initially Byron set out to write full-length comedy plays but eventually found a niche in long comedy sketches. Unlike improvisation, which can range in quality from hilarious to catastrophically awkward, The Public House comedy is remarkably polished and well-rehearsed. The company's repertoire includes "Bye Bye Liver," one of their first hits, "Cubs Day Show," and upcoming "Love Me Tinder" and "The Lord of Wrigley: The Fellowship of the Cubs." Performances feature pub specials which are included in the price of the ticket. Check their website for dates and times. Another 47th Ward theater with a different history and focus is the Child's Play Touring Theater. The acclaimed company is based in Chicago with administrative offices at 4161 N. Damen Avenue, but tours nationally and internationally presenting original works written by children and performed by professional actors. Founded in 1978 by June and Victor Podagrosi, Child's Play has evolved into a major children's theater performing to millions at some world's most prestigious venues. Locally, Child's Play Touring Theater has partnered with schools and organizations such as the Old Town School of Folk Music, YMCA and University of Chicago Lab Schools, collaborated with the Goodman Theatre and Ravinia. Don't miss their fundraising event (see www.cptt.org) on June 18th at 6:30 PM at the Second City Theater! |
47th Ward A&C*
*Arts & Culture, by Intern Luis Lopez Reichling
The New Colony, 4740 N. Western Avenue, 773-413-0862
Orville and Wilbur Did It!, June 13th to July 20th Witness firsthand the ups, downs and ego clashes of five actors and a stage manager traveling across the country www.thenewcolony.org Alibi Fine Art Exhibit, 1966 W Montrose Ave, 773-454-1512
Boldly, We Go Blindly, thru May 24th This photography gallery's theme is about works and people who have been overlooked and forgotten.
www.alibifineart.com American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron Street, 773-409-4125
Hair, starts April 25th A group of hippies explore the idea of love and civil rights in 1968 in this classic rock musical.
www.atcweb.org The Public House Theater, 3914 N Clark St. 773-904-8777
Bye Bye Liver, every Friday & Saturday 8PM & 10PM
A series of outrageous and hilarious comedic sketches, all centered around one thing...alcohol! www.pubhousetheatre.com Cornelia Arts Building, 1800 W Cornelia Ave, 773-316-9223
Open House, May 16th Friday 6-10PM
Take a look at some of the most cutting-edge artwork in our community and get a chance to talk to the artists themselves!
www.corneliaartsbuilding.com The Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., 773-769-4451 Pimprov, every Friday at 10:30 PM An improv sketch with "pimps" that may not be politically correct, but will leave you laughing on the floor! One Hit Wonders, May 18th Sunday at 3:00 PM A musical with mashup of the biggest hits of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, this unique play is a blast to teh past! Includes songs like Funkytown, Macarena, I Will Survive, among many others. www.blackensembletheater.org Ravenswood Community Orchestra Spring Concert, May 17th Saturday at 7:00 PM, Ackerman Center, St. Benedict Church, 2219 W. Irving Park Rd. More information here. Cornservatory Deathprov, thru June 29th, Sundays at 7:30pm Finding ways to kill someone may not seem that amusing, but in this improve sketch set in post Apolcalyptic world, it is. The only warning here is to not laugh yourself to death. www.cornservatory.com |
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News from Dept. of Family & Support Services
Area Plan on Aging The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services prepares an annual Area Plan on Aging that describes how we propose to deliver services to Chicagoans age 60 years and older, using funds allocated from Title III and Title VII of the federal Older Americans Act and State of Illinois General Revenue Funds. As part of the senior services planning cycle, we issue a Public Information Document that summarizes the major elements of the proposed Area Plan and gather comments and recommendations from individuals and organizations. Copies of the latest Public Information Document are available through May 23rd by clicking here, and at each of the DFSS Regional and Satellite Senior Centers. We welcome all comments and recommendations on the Public Information Document, and appreciate your support of the senior services planning process.
CSBG Scholarship Program 
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School Tours & Promotions
Waters Elementary
There are three more school tours this year. If you know parents interested in hearing about Waters School, please share the following dates with them. Please be prompt.
Tours start EXACTLY at 8:45am.
- Thurs, May 22, 8:45am in Annex
Tour dates also posted on the Waters School website.
Check out Waters School Green Notes to stay updated on the great things happening at Waters.
McPherson Elementary
McPherson School Tours are designed for neighborhood and Options for Knowledge parents to get a better idea of what makes McPherson unique. Come see for yourself and get all your questions answered live and in person! - Friday, May 30 @ 9:30 a.m.
RSVP: Marianne Turk, mturk@cps.edu, 773-534-2625, ext. 167874728 North Wolcott Avenue | Enter through the main office door (#1) from Wolcott and sign in at the office.  Ravenswood Elementary Ravenswood Elementary School offers comprehensive school tours on the second Tuesday of every month that school is in session. All tours begin at 9 a.m. in the multi-purpose room, where we'll grab a cup of coffee and set off to observe classrooms, discuss the curriculum and learn what makes Ravenswood Elementary School a truly hidden gem. Mr. Manaen, Ravenswood School principal, will meet with prospective parents for an open question-and-answer session following the tour. Not sure if you're in the Ravenswood Elementary School attendance boundaries? Please click here . The last tour of the school year will be June 10, all at 9 a.m. in the multi-purpose room. All are welcome! Amundsen High School Amundsen High School offers comprehensive school tours at 10 a.m. on the first Friday and the second Thursday of every month school is in session. Come learn more about Amundsen High School, its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and more great programs available at our neighborhood high school. To join the tour, meet in the school office at 10 a.m. (enter through the main doors on Damen Avenue). Remaining tour dates for this year are: - Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, June 12 at 10 a.m.
School tours are also available by appointment by contacting friendsofamundsen@gmail.com. CONGRATULATIONS!! Amundsen's Men's Varsity and Sophomore Volley Ball, Red North Conference Champs! Both teams have perfect 9-0 records! AMUNDSEN VIKING ART EXHIBIT Featuring the Outstanding Artistic Expressions of the Amundsen High School Photography Class (Teacher Ms. Jessica Gansz) Amundsen High School photography students are teaming up with Buzz, a neighborhood restaurant located at 1935 W. Irving Park Road, to hold an art show displaying the work of our young student artists! This show will be on display to all Buzz patrons through May 22nd. Through May 22, to raise badly needed funds for the Amundsen High School Photography Class, Buzz is offering the following to all restaurant patrons that mention Amundsen High School when ordering: Buzz will make a $2 donation to the AHS Photography Club on any food bill greater than $10 and provide a $3 discount on any food bill greater than $10. (To maximize proceeds to the AHS Photography Class, Buzz's will increase its donation to the AHS Photography Class to $5 for any patron who is willing to forgo the $3 discount. If you are feeling particularly generous, please feel free to leave your donation of any amount in the Photography Class Donation Box, which will be available to all Buzz patrons through May 22.) Lane Tech College Prep On Friday, May 16th and Saturday, May 17th, Lane Tech will be hosting 2 Days of Art & Music. Check out this website to learn more about this fabulous event. |
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Dara Reports
Green47 hosted a Recycling Seminar on May 6th that offered important information about how we can responsibly recycle here in Chicago. Several of you have asked us what was offered. Thanks to our neighbor Keri Lynch we can share this with you.
The Chicago Community Trust asked folks to gather on Monday, May 12 to discuss Community! Over 1,050 of these conversations took place all over Chicagoland; including 4 right here in our ward that Alderman Pawar attended. Thanks to the hosts and many participants who brought all of their ideas On the Table! Here's a photo of 14 diverse community members invited by Forward Chicago to discuss Community for All Ages. Check out this creative collaboration at: http://www.onthetable2014.com/  Our 1st Repair Café was a resounding success! Many thanks to LSFC for allowing us to use their sun-filled space and to Sarah Abu-Absi, of Green47, who is spearheading this monthly initiative. Also a Big Shout Out to our handy Repair Coaches; Ernie, Glen, Kathleen & Lenore! All were put to the test last Saturday! Each of them was successful in diagnosing and repairing everything that could be restored. Of course there was one toy that was beyond repair, but it was good to know before throwing it away. Please come to our next Repair Café on Saturday, June 14 at 10am, with an item you'd like fixed or just to see what it's all about. If you would like to be a Repair Coach, please let us know. Handy folks are always needed! Our Repair Café is part of an international movement, check it out. http://repaircafe.org/
We are neighbors sharing skills, keeping items out of the landfill and building community along the way.
47th Ward Repair Café
Lincoln Square Friendship Center
2733 W. Lawrence Avenue
2nd Saturday of the Month - 10am-1pm
June 14, July 12, August 6, September 13, October 11, November 8
Interested in volunteering? Please join volunteers from the 47th Ward Senior Council, Forward Chicago and students from Amundsen High School serving lunch to 500 of our neighborhoods revered seniors at noon on Friday, May 30 at the Maifest. I guarantee you'll have a good time and enjoy a tasty German lunch. Dara 773-868-4747 Kudos to Browntrout Owner and Chef Sean Sanders, for partnering with the 4th Grade Classes at Coonley School teaching the students about local, sustainable and healthy foods.
Kudos to Browntrout Owner and Chef Sean Sanders, for partnering with the 4th Grade Classes at Coonley School teaching the students about local, sustainable and healthy foods.
Jumping Jack Forms Are In! You can print them off of our website or stop into the office. Once again the city is offering a limited number of Jumping Jacks for Block Parties on Saturdays & Sundays from May 24 - August 31. Please fill out the form and email or mail the application directly to the city. If you really want one, plan your Block Party for a Sunday.
Hopefully the Polar Vortex has led to depletion in the rat population in the neighborhood. However, if you want a permanent, non-poisonous solution to rodents in your part of the block - look no further than Tree House Humane Societies Cats at Work Program! Watch this video and see for yourself how this win-win-win program works. The only losers are the RATS! Email me at dara@chicago47.org for more information.
On the 3rd Friday of the month The Lincoln Square Friendship Center 2733 W. Lawrence is the home to Friendship Pet Food Pantry. Pet food is provided to folks who are having a hard time feeding their beloved pets.
The Friendship Pet Food Pantry would like to thank our thoughtful neighbors and these generous businesses for donating pet food for our neighbors in need: Ruff Haus, Urban Pooch, Your Best Friend Pet Supply, Jack & Ginger's, Hello Doggy & Zulu.
We have been so successful that we are currently low on cat food. If you would like to donate bags or cans of cat food or cat litter, it would be greatly appreciated. You may drop off donations at the alderman's office or Lincoln Square Friendship Center on Thursday afternoons or during the monthly Pet Food Pantry at 2733 W. Lawrence. Thanks to all of our caring, generous neighbors in 6 months, which is 6 distribution days - we have fed 255 cats and 140 dogs! Your kindness is much needed and greatly appreciated.
Upcoming dates are: June 20, July 18 from 3-5pm
If you know anyone who needs assistance, please pass this along.
Lincoln Square Friendship Center Pantry Are you interested in our newest neighborhood pantry? Sign up for their newsletter: lincolnsquarefc@gmail.com
There are many ways for you to help - volunteer, help fundraise, hold a food drive, donate bins, pick-up donations, sponsor/manage a community garden bed. We are neighbors helping neighbors and making a difference.
Forward Chicago Bridge & Chess Club meets at Sulzer Library on the first and third Fridays of the month from 10:30am to 12pm. All are welcome.
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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47th Ward Infrastructure Update
Check out the infrastructure map on our webpage!
Lawrence Avenue Streetscape
- New pedestrian refuge islands (including ADA compliant ramps) have been installed between Damen and Clark, and center turn lanes have been striped. Sidewalk replacement continues and ADA ramps will be installed to line up with the street crossings at the pedestrian islands.
- Sidewalk, driveway, curb and gutter, and ramp work continues along various stretches of the corridor.
- Sewer and electrical work have started. Plantings along this section of the corridor are expected to be complete by the end of May. The remaining landscaping work will be completed in the fall or next spring.
- Work on the south side of the street near McPherson will be completed over the summer once school is not in session.
- Sreet resurfacing and final striping will be completed in the fall.
Water Main Replacement for Hutchinson between Lincoln and Damen
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have finished replacing the water main from 1897 under Hutchinson St. between Lincoln and Damen. Concrete restoration is complete. Street resurfacing will follow in the next two weeks. For full information, please click here.
Water Main Replacement for Hoyne between Irving Park and Grace
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the water main from 1895 under Hoyne between Irving Park and Grace. No parking will be enforced between 7am and 4pm Monday through Friday. During work, there will be no thru traffic allowed. For full information, please click here.
Water Main Replacement for Byron between Damen and Ravenswood
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the water main from 1891 under Byron from Damen to Ravenswood. No parking will be enforced between 7am and 4pm Monday through Friday. During work, there will be no thru traffic allowed. For full information, please click here.
Water Mains Coming Soon:
Berteau (Bell to Damen): Start in May.
Warner (Leavitt to Damen): Delayed until TBD.
Ashland (Irving to Lawrence): Delayed until July - Stay Tuned!
The Chicago Cubs have provided some additional funding for infrastructure improvements in the 44th 46th and 47th Wards. In the 47th ward we will be getting new residential street lighting on: W Byron (Clark to Ashland), N Janssen (Addison to Irving Park) and N Greenview (Addison to Irving Park).
Chicago River Work (east side) Berteau to Montrose (from Riverbank Neighbors)
Please check out this updated landscaping plan for the bank.
New to the plan:
- removal of all Ailanthus, honeysuckle and buckthorn (all invasives);
- add soil to the rip rap on the upper sections of the project area to make planting easier and recovery quicker;
- substitute for the elderberry, since we said we have a thriving e-berry community already;
- substituted a cover seed mix instead of the IDOT mix we objected to;
- four species of gray dogwood (stakes) that a vigorous colonizers for the new territories.
These will be substantial new lands, with the bank secured, and planting begun. Riverbank Neighbors will be able to enrich species diversity over time and introduce many new forbs. Habitat for birds and reptiles and amphibians and mammals will be greatly improved.
Horner Park Riverbank Project (from US Army Corps)
Tree cutting is complete. Erosion Control consisting of silt fence, silt curtain, inlet protection is installed. Excavation of topsoil, stripping, fill disposal and topsoil placement is underway. Excavation to install Limestone/Flagstone is underway. Root Wads will also be installed along the river bank in the coming weeks.
Brown Line Construction
Work on the Brown Line tracks near the Rockwell Station will continue through July. CTA is replacing ties on the bridge over the river to improve the slow zone. Some work will be done on weekends, where trains will operate on one side of the tracks.
METRA Traffic Closures and Detours Around Ravenswood Avenue
- Leland Ave Full Closure will be up until June 2014.
- Ravenswood from Lawrence to Leland Ave Full Closure will be up until June 2014 on the west side of Ravenswood.
- Ravenswood (east side) between Ainslie and Winnemac blockades may be in place on the street to make room for the work to be done however there is not a parking restriction when workers are not present.
- Ravenswood (west side) between Lawrence and Grace landscaping projects are expected to begin late April or early May along the base of the walls along the Metra tracks. Short closures will be necessary to install the new plants, so pay attention to parking restriction signs.
For more information, visit the infrastructure section of our website or contact Jim Poole at jim@chicago47.org or 773-549-4462.
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Community Events
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.
May 16 Friday 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
2 Days of Art & Music @ Lane Tech
Lane Tech High School, 2501 W. Addison
May 16 Friday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interstizi Opening
Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics, 1806 W Cuyler, 2F
May 17 Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Roscoe Village Community Garage/Yard Sale
Roscoe Village,
May 17 Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4900 Block of N. Leavitt Yard Sale
4900 Block of N. Leavitt,
May 17 Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Help-Portrait Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square Friendship Center, 2733 W. Lawrence
May 17 Saturday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Manor Garden Club Plant Sale & Bake Sale
Luther Memorial Church, 2500 W. Wilson
May 17 Saturday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Family Day @ Bezazian Library
Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie
May 17 Saturday 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
GlobalFest @ St. Matthias
St. Matthias School, 4910 N Claremont
May 18 Sunday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
C4's Be Healthy for Good Wellness Festival
Montrose Harbor, Montrose & Simmonds
May 18 Sunday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Patricia Gibbons-Carlson Memorial Bowling Fundraiser
Timber Lanes, 1851 W. Irving Park
May 20 Tuesday 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Midwest Pesticide Action Center 20th Birthday
Midwest Pesticide Action Center, 4611 N. Ravenswood - Suite 107
May 20 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beats 1911 & 1912
Kindred Hospital, 2544 W. Montrose
May 21 Wednesday 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
McPherson New Campus & Playground Groundbreaking
McPherson Elementary, 4728 N. Wolcott
May 21 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beats 1921 & 1922
Police Auditorium, 2452 W. Belmont
May 27 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beat 2031
Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona
May 28 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beat 2032
Ravenswood Evangelical Church, 4900 N. Damen
May 28 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The History & Archaeology of Chicago's Camp Douglas
Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln
May 29 Thursday 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Identity Theft & Scams - CCEJC Seminar
Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington - Courtroom 2005 (20th Floor)
May 29 Thursday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Court Advocacy Training Seminar
19th District Community Room, 850 W. Addison
May 31 Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
47th Ward City Sticker Sale
Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln
June 1 Sunday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Chicago Kidical Mass Family Bike Parade
Audubon School, 3500 N. Hoyne
June 4 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beat 2033
Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie
June 5 Thursday 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Common Pantry Summer Wine Tasting
Fine Wine Brokers, 4621 N. Lincoln Avenue
June 12 Thursday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
A Greener Ravenswood
Beyond Design, 4515 N. Ravenswood
June 17 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beats 1911 & 1912
Kindred Hospital, 2544 W. Montrose
June 18 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beats 1921 & 1922
Police Auditorium, 2452 W. Belmont
June 21 Saturday 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Gateway to Learning Battle of the Bands
Gateway to Learning, 4925 N. Lincoln
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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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