|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
I am pleased to share with you that I am getting married this Saturday, December 20, 2014, to my very best friend, Charna Epstein! Thank you to everyone who has shared in our excitement and the overwhelming amount of well-wishes and congratulatory notes. I will be sure to include a picture from our wedding in next week's newsletter!
The year is coming to a close and it has been a great one. I look forward to working with you in 2015 and beyond. Please read on to learn more about the highlights of our major accomplishments from 2014.
I am very proud of what we accomplished in 2014 in City Council and in our community.
Our 2014 City Council accomplishments are listed below.
- In July, City Council passed a six-month moratorium on all single-room occupancy demolitions and conversions. I sponsored this ordinance along with Mayor Emanuel and Chairman Burnett.
- In July, City Council passed the Chicago Sweat-Free Procurement Ordinance with the Asian/Latino Caucuses. I was one of the lead sponsors of this ordinance which was also sponsored by Mayor Emanuel and the aldermen from the Asian and Latino Caucuses. Chicago Fair Trade worked incredibly hard to write the legislation, move the legislation through committee, and secure the ordinances passage in City Council.
- In November, City Council passed the Single Room Occupancy Preservation Ordinance. This ordinance helps preserve thousands of units of critical affordable housing for our City's most vulnerable. I sponsored this ordinance with Chairman Burnett and Mayor Emanuel. ONE Northside was instrumental in writing the legislation and building the political will to secure its passage.
- In December, City Council passed a $13/hr minimum wage for Chicago employers. I was honored to serve on the Minimum Wage Task Force which provided the Mayor and City Council with the recommendations for creating a Chicago minimum wage. Read more here.
Learn more about our 2013 legislative accomplishments here.
Passing the legislation required collaboration from aldermen, the Mayor's office and external advocacy organizations. I want to thank my City Council colleagues and Mayor Emanuel for partnering on all of the efforts, and I look forward to working them in 2015.
In our community, we accomplished a great deal. Here is a sampling of our 2014 community highlights:
- Opened the new addition at Bell School addition
- Opened the new addition at Coonley Elementary this fall
- Broke ground on the upcoming Lycee Francais Campus - opening in 2015
- In April, opened the Ravenswood Station Mariano's and LA Fitness
- In April, opened Ravenswood Terrace behind the Mariano's and LA Fitness, and making 15 new affordable units available in our community
- Completed Phase 1 and 2 of the Lawrence Avenue Streetscape - punch list to be completed in Spring of 2015
- Replaced aging water mains and resurfaced Ashland Avenue between Irving Park Road and Lawrence Avenue
- Partnered with Mariano's, Sy Taxman, Barrett & Porto, and the 47th Ward Senior Council to continue providing the FREE Mariano's Senior Shuttle
- 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
- Continuedonline voting for 2014 aldermanic menu where residents voted to help inform $1.3 million in infrastructure spending
- Installed new DIVVY bike stations in the 47th Ward
- Allocated over $1 million in TIF funds for improvements to Welles Park - community meeting in January of 2015
- Secured over $2 million in capital funding for a new turf field at Chase Park - thank you Mayor Emanuel and the Chicago Park District
- Completed Phase 1 and 3 of the McPherson Elementary playground and learning gardens
- Cut ribbon on Ravenswood Elementary School's new outdoor campus, playground, and track
- Secured over $400k in private funds for neighborhood schools in the 47th Ward via GROW47
- Completed a major capital improvement at EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD School in the 47th Ward
- 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
- Celebrate the IB designation of St. Matthias
- Opened new businesses on Damen, Montrose, Ravenswood, Irving, Clark, Western and Ashland and secured many more slated for opening in 2015
- Organized and hosted three senior luncheons in which we served over 1,500 seniors this year!
- Hosted our third Heath & Wellness event attended by over 500 with over 250 flu shots given
- Celebrated the $750k IEPA State grant for Audubon Elementary's Field of Dreams project - this money follows over $350k secured with aldermanic menu and GROW47 funds
- Partnered with the Amundsen and Lake View High School communities to accelerate the process of building a neighborhood K-12 in our community
- I announced my intention to run for reelection as Alderman of the 47th Ward
- And much, much more!
 In 2015, I look forward to building on almost four years of hard work. Together, we've advanced over a quarter of a billion in economic development, allocated over $40 million in TIF funds for schools, parks, libraries, and public infrastructure, and created over a 1000 jobs. I look forward to serving you in 2015 and beyond.
Sincerely,
|
|
Upcoming
Ward Nights
|
Wednesdays5:00pm to 7:00pm
|
|
2015 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
Does the sidewalk adjacent to your property need some tender loving care? You should consider enrolling in Chicago's Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. The program allows you to split the cost of new sidewalk squares with the City.
The application period is always very short because of limited funding. This year the application period opens on Tuesday, January 13th at 12:01am.
To apply for the program please call 311 or use the city's website. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Brad Gregorka, in the 47th Ward Office at brad@chicago47.org.
|
|
2014-2015 Residential Pick-up/Van Permits Available
If you are the owner of a pickup truck or van, you need a special permit to park on the residential streets in the 47th Ward.
The permits for the 2014-2015 season are now available. Please bring your registration and city sticker information into our office along with your truck to receive your permit.
|
|
|
News from the City of Chicago
|
47th Ward A&C*
*Arts & Culture American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St. The Humans, Nov. 14-Dec. 21 Take a fresh look at the American family.. as you've never seen it before! www.atcweb.org Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. At Last: A Tribute to Etta James A critically acclaimed celebration of the highs and lows of James' brilliant musical career. Plays With A Purpose: BoBo The Bully, thru Dec. 17 A series of four interactive musical plays that teach school kids how to live life in a positive and meaningful way. Teachers are provided with workbooks and activities to reinforce the lessons taught in the plays. www.blackensembletheater.org Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd.
Free Open Mic every Wednesday at 9:00PM
All art forms from music and acting sketches to comedic stand up will be presented to the public from local artists. All are welcome! Process-The Holiday Production, 8PMDec. 12 Pimprov, 10:30PM Dec. 12 Saturday Night at CIC, 10:30PM Dec. 13 The Blender, 8PM Dec. 14 Gigantic, 8PM Dec. 17 www.cictheater.com Corn Productions Conservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. DRINK! The Sketch Comedy Drinking Game - Best of Year One, Saturdays at 11pm Nov. 8-Jan. 10 BYOB to a series of 'mind-altering' comedy bits! The Rain Dance with Rainstick, Tuesdays 8 PM, thru Nov. 18 Join in the fun with the Rainstock group as they perform sketch comedy, improv, musical numbers and maybe even some break-dancing! www.cornservatory.org Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. Now Playing: Exodus: Gods & Kings, Birdman, Big Hero 6, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 www.davistheater.com The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St. Bye Bye Liver, Fridays & Saturdays 8 PM & 10 PM A series of outrageous and hilarious comedic sketches, all centered around one thing ... alcohol! http://pubhousetheatre.com Silvie's Lounge, 1902 W. Irving Park Rd. Enjoy a wide variety of musical genres, local talent as well as touring acts in one of the most acoustically appealing venues in Chicago. See calendar |
School Tours & Promotions
Amundsen High School Tours
New Brochure for Prospective Amundsen Students and Families
Amundsen High School offers a top-performing International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, 25 varsity sports, more than 40 clubs and a thriving cultural environment where every student feels challenged and valued. Learn more about what our neighborhood high school has to offer in Amundsen's new brochure.
Ravenswood School
McPherson Elementary
 Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School  Academic Excellence... Pilgrim uses a "whole child" approach, focusing on academic, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical development. Pilgrim prides itself on a play-based preschool and kindergarten, high test scores and our graduates, 95% of whom attend competitive high school programs.
...With a Heart
Faith development is an integral part of the growth process and enables students to achieve success and a positive place for themselves in society. Want to Learn More? Pilgrim's next Open House Date is January 20, 2015 For More Information or to schedule a one-on-one tour call us at 773.477.4824 Or visit www.pilgrimchurchandschool.org
Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School "Academic Excellence with a Heart" 4300 N. Winchester Ave. Chicago, IL 60613 St. Benedict School Explore Our Unique PK-12 Catholic, College Prep Campus! St. Benedict Preparatory School, at Irving Park Rd and Leavitt Street, is the only PK-grade 12 Catholic, co-educational parish school in the Archdiocese of Chicago. We offer a unique college prep program in a welcoming, inclusive, diverse community. Tours of SBPS are conducted weekly or scheduled at your convenience. Preschool tours take place on most Tuesday mornings at 9:00am. Kindergarten through grade 5 tours take place on most Wednesday mornings at 9:30am. Secondary School tours (grades 6-12) are conducted by appointment. Visit our website at www.stbenedict.com.
|
|
Dara Reports
The 2015 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program (previously called 50/50 Sidewalk Program) will be open for requests on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 12:01am. Call 311 as close to 12:01am as possible. Last year this program closed in less than 2 days. The Early-Bird will be getting a new sidewalk in 2015... Thanks to all of our generous neighbors who donated these wonderful presents for the children of clients of our local pantries. I know that every one of these toys, games, books and puzzles will be enjoyed and greatly appreciated! 
We also want to say a special thank you to Gaia Movement. They donated hundreds of gifts for American Indian Center and our neighborhood pantry clients. Please take a look at the caring work the Gaia Movement does on behalf of the planet. They are a 501c3; they maintain the large green donation boxes. www.gaia-movement-usa.org Chicago Snow Corps is a program that connects volunteers with residents in single family homes in need of snow removal - such as seniors and folks living with disabilities. While winter can be hazardous for everyone here in the City of Chicago, it can be especially difficult for elderly and physically disabled residents, who may not have the ability or resources to remove snow from their sidewalks and walkways. Chicago Snow Corps aims to help minimize potential heavy-snow emergencies by pairing volunteers with blocks where elderly and disabled citizens have requested help.
To request a volunteer, or become a volunteer, to shovel your block in case of extreme snowfall, call 311 or call or email Dara in the 47th Ward Office at 773-868-4747. This is a volunteer-matching service. The City will do its best to match those who have requested assistance. Also, if you have a neighbor who can use a hand, please let your neighborhood group know or call the office.
We have a request from a senior on the 3600 block of Artesian. If you live near there and can lend a hand, please let me know. Keep your home safe when you travel: Give a friend a key. Ask them to shovel if it snows. Stop your newspaper delivery. Tell the post office to hold all of your mail. Put a sign on your door for packages to be sent to an alternative address. Don't blab about your trip on Facebook. Put timers on lights and a radio. Unplug television, computer, toaster, etc. Remove your spare key from its hiding place. Generous neighbors would like to donate a 6' tree on December 16, to someone who needs one. Please email: freexmastree@hotmail.com Don't have a use for your old cell phones? Drop them off at the alderman's office. We collect year round for Cell Phones for Soldiers. There couldn't be an easier way to help our soldiers stay in touch with family & friends.
Bring your used alkaline batteries to the alderman's office. Thanks to C3 and our C3 volunteer, neighbor Andres H, we are the grateful recipients of two collection buckets for batteries. Once the buckets are filled they will be sent via FedEx to a recycling center in California. Look at all of the excellent work they do: http://chicagoconservationcorps.org/
Ravenswood Elementary is collecting new and gently used ballet, tap and jazz dance shoes to support our new dance program and students' learning of various dance styles. To donate, please drop shoes off at Alderman 47th Ward's office or at one of our many neighborhood partners' facilities including Lill Street Arts Center, Old Town School of Folk Music or Ravenswood Community Services. These shoes will benefit Ravenswood Elementary dancers for years to come as they embark on a journey to learn many styles and techniques of dance. ComEd Residential Special Hardship Program Effective December 1 until December 25 Customers of Record aged 60+ will not be required to provide proof of hardship. Seniors aged 60+ will also be eligible with any income. This temporary change will remain in effect until December 25 unless otherwise notified. For full information on the program, please click here. Senior Council looking for members. Are you interested in issues facing our neighborhood seniors, finding solutions and enjoy planning events? Meet others who share your interests and are "doers". Please join our 47th Ward Senior Council - being a senior is not a prerequisite. We're quite efficient; we meet 9 times a year for an hour! Call Dara 773-868-4747 Please bring your unwanted or outgrown coats, hats, scarves and gloves to our office. We will distribute them to the clients of: Common Pantry, Heartland Human Care Service & Lincoln Square Friendship Center. These non-profits are in our neighborhood, caring for those who need our support Forward Chicago, a grass-roots, all volunteer, non-profit brings active, involved, engaged folks together. Whether you enjoy walking in the neighborhood, are looking for a Book Club, into handcrafts, ready to learn or already play bridge, relish going to new restaurants for lunch or dinner or have another idea you'd like to bring to life, join us. www.forwardchicago.org We are very fortunate to live in a safe neighborhood. It's safe because of many factors; there is still more we can do. Please create a phone tree for your block to use as an alert system. Participate in "positive loitering" with a neighbor and your dog. Another good reason to have a dog - a barking dog in your house or apartment is a deterrent to burglars. See more tips on chicago47.org. CAPS Meetings! Why should you attend? Learn how to be proactive in preventing crime, have your concerns heard. http://chicago47.org/beat-meetings/ You may attend any CAPS Meeting in your district (south of Lawrence is #19; north of Lawrence is #20). Ongoing Collections:pet food for Friendship Pet Food Pantry,blankets and towels are always needed for clean bedding at area pet shelters. Used games for Sulzer Library's Game Night, unwanted CD's can become part of an art project. Artists and teachers need them. Bring these to the alderman's office. |
|
47th Ward Infrastructure Update
Check out the infrastructure map on our website.
Lawrence Avenue Streetscape
- Street paving on Lawrence between Ravenswood and Clark has been completed and thermoplastic striping and stamped asphalt crosswalk markings have been installed along this stretch. Sidewalks, ramps, curbs/gutters, and bus pads have also been completed, meaning the great majority of hardscape work has been finished along the project limits (Western to Clark).
- New pedestrian refuge islands (including ADA compliant ramps) have been installed along the entire stretch between Western and Clark. ADA ramps are being installed to line up with the street crossings at the pedestrian islands. Damaged trees are under warranty and will be replaced in the spring.
- Bike racks, chairs, trash receptacles, and benches were recently installed and new signage has also been erected along the entire corridor.
- Sewer and electrical work continues. Most of the new street light poles have been installed and old poles have been removed. As the remaining poles are removed, these areas will be filled in with brick pavers or concrete. All traffic signals will also be re-timed to help improve traffic flow and pedestrian countdown clocks will be programmed as well.
- Landscaping work for fall plantings in Claremont Plaza and elsewhere between Western and Damen has been finished up for the season and the remaining plantings will be done in the spring. Fencing in Claremont Plaza is expected to be completed by the end of the winter. Infiltration planters have been addressed in preparation for the winter.
- Neighborhood identifiers are expected to be installed on street light poles in January and punch list items are currently being addressed.
As always, pay close attention to parking restrictions.
Water Main Replacement for Berteau from Damen to Bell
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have replaced the water main from 1894 under Berteau Avenue between Damen and Bell. Parking restrictions and road closures should no longer be needed. Crews have poured concrete in the trench pending full asphalt restoration in the spring as soon as weather allows. For more information on this project, please click here.
Water Main Replacement for Rockwell from Lawrence to Montrose & Eastwood from Virginia to Western
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have begun replacing the water mains from 1906 under Rockwell from Lawrence to Montrose and Eastwood from Virginia to Western. Parking restrictions and road closures will be in effect, where posted, M-F from 7am to 4pm. The main installation on Rockwell is complete north of the CTA tracks. The work on Eastwood (except for the adjoining work at the intersection with Rockwell) is complete. Concrete will continue being poured in the trench on Rockwell through the end of this week. The work is nearly done. The only exception is the small stretch of Rockwell from Wilson to Eastwood where work is still pending. The entire project is expected to be completed in January 2015 and concrete has been or is being poured in the trench to grade to make the road passable, with resurfacing and landscape restoration following in Spring 2015. For more information on this project, please click here.
Please note that if you live on a dead end street and crews are in your way, you are encouraged to talk with the workers and they will find a way to get you to your home.
Water Main Replacement for Seeley from Montrose to Wilson
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have replaced the water main from 1890 under Seeley from Montrose to Wilson. No parking will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm. The trenches are being filled wiht concrete this week, and street resurfacing to be completed in Spring 2015. For more information on this project, please click here.
Water Main Replacement for Leavitt from Grace to Irving Park
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the water main from 1896 under Leavitt between Grace and Irving Park. No parking will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm. Final connections will take place early next week. The project is expected to be complete by early January with street resurfacing to follow in the Spring of 2015. For more information on this project, please click here.
Water Mains Coming Soon:
Western (Roscoe to Addison) - Scheduled to begin in late December/Early January. Sign boards have gone up north of the project area to alert drivers to the extensive work that is beginning at Logan Blvd (Kennedy) and Western Ave. Crews will work their way north. They are currently not slated to arrive in the 47th Ward until January 2015.
METRA Traffic Closures and Detours Around Ravenswood Avenue
- New Metra Station (west side): Restoration work has been completed and the station is set to open as soon as track work is completed (weather permitting).
-
METRA Phase II: Design and engineering for improvements on the east side of the tracks will be starting soon and will be put out to bid once complete. Construction is currently expected to start in Fall 2015 and will last 18 months.
For more information, visit the infrastructure section of our website or contact Jim Poole at jim@chicago47.org or 773-549-4462.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Event @ Chicago Jiu Jitsu, 4900 N. Lincoln Avenue
|
|
Community Events
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.
December 17 Wednesday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Forward Chicago Craft Circle
Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
December 17 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beats 1921 & 1922
Police Auditorium, 2452 W. Belmont
December 17 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Axiom Brass Holiday Concert--FREE
Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church, 4900 N. Damen Avenue
December 18 Thursday 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Chanukah in the Square, Grand Menorah Lighting
Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Avenue
December 19 Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Forward Chicago Bridge & Chess Club
Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
December 19 Friday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Pet Food Distribution
Lincoln Square Friendship Center, 2733 W. Lawrence Avenue
December 19 Friday 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Home for the Holidays concert--Friday
Nettelhorst School Auditorium, 3252 N. Broadway
December 20 Saturday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Forward Chicago Meet & Greet
St. Matthias Convent, 4927 N. Claremont
December 20 Saturday 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Home for the Holidays concert-Saturday
Nettelhorst School Auditorium, 3252 N. Broadway
December 22 Monday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Scrooge & Marley, A Holiday Movie
Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street
January 7 Wednesday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WARD NIGHT with Alderman Pawar--Jan. 7
47th Ward Alderman's Office, 4243 N. Lincoln Avenue
January 10 Saturday 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Trivia Night Live, Pilgrim Lutheran School
Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School, 4300 N. Winchester Avenue
January 16 Friday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Pet Food Distribution
Lincoln Square Friendship Center, 2733 W. Lawrence Avenue
April 18 Saturday
Spring Fling, Coonley School Fundraiser
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.
|
|
|
