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Dear Neighbor,
Today, I want to update you on the current and upcoming water and sewer main replacement projects around the ward. While these projects bring disruption, every new water or sewer main is a significant investment in our community's infrastructure.
Leavitt(Sunnyside to Lawrence), Wilson(Leavitt to Hamilton), Eastwood(Lincoln to Leavitt), Leland(Lincoln to Leavitt), Giddings(Lincoln to Leavitt)
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management have completed the work on the water mains in the entire project area and concrete now covers the trenches where the new mains were installed. Restoring the asphalt surface on the street will begin next week along with the landscape restoration. This project will be fully completed over the coming weeks.
Paulina(Montrose to Lawrence) & Sunnyside(Paulina to Ashland)
Crews from the Department of Water Management will be finishing service transfers on Paulina south of Sunnyside, service transfers on Sunnyside and the final connection at Sunnyside and Paulina next week. They have removed no parking restrictions in the project area except for those areas still needed for staging, or those which still have work to complete. Restoration will follow soon after the completion of the project next week.
Damen(Irving Park to Montrose), Cullom(Lincoln to Damen), Pensacola(Lincoln to Damen)
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management are working on installing the new main pipe on Damen. All the streets in the project area have been prepared, and the no parking signs on Cullom and Pensacola have been removed on the south side of each street until the crews return to perform their work there. The water mains on all streets will be completed in October with restoration following before the winter.
Patterson(Lincoln to Damen)
The water main replacement is complete and landscape, concrete and the street surface have been restored. There are a few areas near Damen Avenue that are still in need of landscape restoration, and that will be completed soon.
Oakley(Addison to Cornelia), Claremont(Addison to School), Roscoe(Western to Leavitt)
The crew from the Department of Water Management currently working on the Paulina water main will be moving to this project on the week of August 24th. Work is expected to last through November. Once completed, concrete will be poured in the trench and the roadways will be made passable. Final restoration will not happen until weather warms in the Spring.
Sewer Main Replacement - Paulina(Montrose to Cullom) & Cullom(Paulina to Ravenswood)
Crews working to replace the sewer mains on Paulina and Cullom near Ravenswood School have completed their work. Restoration work will being in the alleys close to Ravenswood next week. The Department of Water Management anticipates having the area fully restored before Labor Day, before the start of the school year.
I want to thank everyone in all of these areas for your patience. I know that these projects are disruptive, and that they impact the quality of life for the neighborhood. We will continue working closely with the Department of Water Management to mitigate the issues caused by these projects as we continue working toward the goal of updating all our century-old water and sewer mains.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
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LV2 Parking Pass Information
Cubs season is in full swing. The map of the LV2 parking area can be found on our website.
You can come into our office any time during normal business hours to pick up your passes. Bring proof of residence along with your license plate & city sticker numbers.Complete information on LV2 and what you'll need to bring with you is available on our website.
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Street Sweeping
The new ward map takes full effect on May 18th. The rest of the season's street sweeping schedule is available on chicago47.org. The arterial sweeping schedule can be found here and will be updated soon.
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Uncle Dan's Outfitters Coming to Lincoln Square
Uncle Dan's Outfitters is thrilled to announce it will be opening its fourth store in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. The Chicago based, family-owned business plans to open its doors in the late Fall of 2015 at 4724 North Lincoln, across from The Giddings Plaza Fountain. It is also conveniently within walking distance from the Western brown line and Ravenswood Metra stops.
"We scouted many locations for several years and kept coming back to Lincoln Square," said Brent Weiss, owner of Uncle Dan's Outfitters. "Lincoln Square encompasses a family friendly, active and engaged community. When we observed that time and time again, we knew we had found our next home for Uncle Dan's."
The close-knit urban community is a perfect for an independent retailer. "We value being in a neighborhood so in tune with the importance of supporting small stores and restaurants. We pride ourselves on having an intimate connection with the streets, outdoor spaces and people of Chicago," said Weiss.
The Uncle Dan's team is eager to share their knowledge and passion for the outdoors. Whether it's navigating the cold Chicago winters, backpacking through the mountains, or planning a trip to an outdoor summer concert, Uncle Dan's is prepared to outfit you with the best items for your needs.
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Coming again to the 47th Ward the weekend of October 17-18
VOLUNTEER at the 5th Annual Open House Chicago (OHC), the largest architecture and urban exploration festival offering FREE behind-the-scenes access to 200 great places and spaces around Chicago. Help the 47th Ward introduce visitors to the coolest buildings in the Ravenswood-Lincoln Square area! Benefits include an OHC T-shirt, discount to the Chicago Architecture Foundation store and a Priority Access Pass which allows you to skip long lines during the event! For more information and to sign up visit: www.openhousechicago.org/volunteer. For more info on the event see factsheet.
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47th Ward A&C*
*Arts & Culture
Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
Men of Soul with a tribute to Bill Withers, thru August 31
A fascinating journey featuring the music made famous by some of the greatest soul singers of all time including, Peabo Bryson, Joe Cocker, Billy Ocean, Billy Joel, Luther Vandross, Tom Jones and the incomparable Bill Withers - just to name a few. This uplifting and powerful celebration helps us to understand the struggles of these men and the strength that it took for each one to find their - soul!
Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park Rd. Hogwarsh: An Improvised Tall Tale, weekly show where kids create and sing with Bughouse improvisers, Saturdays at 10:30AM
Simmer Brown, stand up showcase, August 29, select Saturdays 8PM. $10
Thursday Night Improv, hosted by Chicago Improv Studio, Thursdays 8PM. $10, discounts and 2-for-1's available
Peaches and HotSauce, live podcast, Thursdays 10PM. $10, discounts and 2-for-1's available www.bughousetheater.com
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. See website for improv and comedy sketches on other nights of the week. www.cictheater.com
Chicago Mosaic School, 1806 W. Cuyler Ave. Please visit the website below to learn more about classes and workshops the Chicago Mosaic School offers throughout the summer. www.chicagomosaicschool.com
CHIRP Radio
With studios near Irving and Rockwell, this independent radio station for and by Chicago's true music fans is celebrating its fifth birthday this year and later this summer you'll be able to hear it over the air as well at 107.1FM! CHIRP also hosts an array of music, arts and culture focused events throughout the year.
Corn Productions Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. Drink! The Sketch Comedy Drinking Game: Video Game Edition, thru October 3rd, Saturdays from 11:00PM to Midnight. www.cornservatory.org
DANK HAUS, 4740 N Western Ave. The German American Cultural Center for Chicago: check out the many diverse events that they sponsor. http://dankhaus.com/events
Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. Now Playing: Fantastic Four, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation, Trainwreck. www.davistheater.com
High-Hat Club, 1920 W Irving Park Rd. Serving up nightly live entertainment including comedy, jazz, rock, Creole-Italian style food and fine cocktails. www.highhat.club/event
Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave.
Small bar & live-music venue showcasing eclectic performers, with a menu of pizza & bar bites.
www.martyrslive.com
Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago's premier institution dedicated to the preservation and performance of folk and other music.
www.oldtownschool.org/concerts
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.
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School Tours & Promotions
Amundsen High School
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.
McPherson Elementary
St. Andrew School
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 hosts school tours every Tuesday at 10am. For More Information or to register for one of our open houses or to schedule a one-on-one tour call us at 773.477.4824
Or visit www.pilgrimchurchandschool.org
"Academic Excellence with a Heart"
4300 N. Winchester Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
St. Benedict School
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Dara Reports
With the heat back in town, please be certain the elderly or folks living with a disability are doing well. If all of the windows are shut and no air conditioning is running, knock on the door. Know who lives on your block and what they might need.
MMCG wants to thank Adrian Guerrero, Union Pacific's Director Public Affairs/Corporate Relations for a great meeting this week to remediate the accidental spraying along the gardens. They are good neighbors and are working to ensure this doesn't happen again.
Join us on Saturday at 11am in the garden for our first talks on fall planting and composting.
Mark Your Calendars for two highly anticipated events:
September 26, 10am-2pm; 47th Ward Health & Wellness Event * Free Flu Shots & much more at Sulzer
October 17, 10am-1pm; Electronic, Paper, Book & Bike Recycling * Ward Yard, 5333 N. Western
...and now a word from our Summer Intern Julian Ehsan, life-long 47th Ward resident, entering his sophomore year at NYU.
During my internship I worked on public art proposals, wrote a report on the state of affordable housing, combed through 3-11 reports to explore trends in the Ward, and, with help from other office interns, repurposed a newspaper box into a Little Free Library. These projects were gratifying not only because of what I learned-how to analyze and visualize data, how to work as a team, among others-but because of the impact that they can have on anyone on any given day. It is a fulfilling feeling to know that anyone can stop by our Little Free Library and take a book for themselves, a fulfilling feeling to know that public art that I helped propose will be freely enjoyed by everyone.
Rather than staring at a screen and pushing pencils for the past 10 weeks-as so many of my college friends do during their internships-my time at the Ward office has been filled with eye-opening experiences: I never realized or appreciated the immense amount of time and collaboration that is necessary to institute policies, physical projects, or events within the Ward. Living in North Center for 19 years, I always took the Ward's working as an inherent truth-everything runs as it does because that is the way that things happen. Never was I able to peek behind the curtains and obtain a sense of the work that helps make the Ward a vibrant place, an experience that I am fortunate and grateful to have had.
St. Vincent DePaul 4040 N. Oakley, has opened their wait list. While it may be a 2 yr. wait, it is well worth getting your name on the list. 2yrs. goes by in no time... More info here.
Safe Cycling Classes
Are you interested in the fun and convenience of bicycling but feel nervous about getting out on 2-wheels? Consider taking the Save Cycling Class, a 3-hour introduction to the basics of riding a bike safely in traffic, offered by the Active Transportation Alliance. Covering the rules of the road for cyclists, handling intersections, commuting tips/tricks, as well as picking out the right bike and basic maintenance, you will spend 1/5 hour in the classroom & 1.5 hours in a practice area before practicing on low-traffic streets. Classes will be held the 2nd Saturday of every month: September 12, October 10, November 14 & December 12. Click here to see the full course description.
Want to play or learn how to play Mah Jong? Join other like-minded women for a couple hours of bam, crack, east, dot...1pm; 2nd & 4th Friday of the month at Northcenter Senior Center.
The newest Forward Chicago Newsletter is now available. You may find it in various neighborhood locations including our office and Sulzer Library, among many others. Pick up some and bring them to your neighbors or a favorite local store. Forward Chicago is an all-volunteer, grass-roots non-profit that connects neighbors, businesses and local organizations to build a stronger community. Together we're creating a neighborhood where people of all ages are active, engaged and influential.
We've had some gorgeous weekend weather for Block Parties this year. It isn't too late for you to request one; we've had many more scheduled for September than ever before. Not only are they a fun way to enjoy the day, but you get to know your neighbors; which is key to creating a resilient, strong neighborhood. Just the kind of block we all want to live on! http://chicago47.org/block-parties/
Back to School Shoes for Cornerstone Shelter Kids
Help us help some wonderful kids get new shoes for the upcoming school year whose families live at
Cornerstone Community Outreach Shelter. The Santa Program is starting a shoe fundraising drive for the children of Cornerstone Community Outreach so they can go and pick out a new pair of shoes for their first day of class! The more money that is raised means more kids with new shoes for the school year. How amazing will it be for a needy child to start the school year with a new pair of shoes! Click this link to make a donation today. http://santaprogram.org/shoes.html.
 We are so very fortunate to have JARC right here in our ward! A non-profit organization that offers free job training! Over two million skilled manufacturing jobs will go unfilled in the next decade. Gain the skills, and get the job!
Wondering how you can get one of these high-paying jobs? Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) offers FREE training in the manufacturing field for low-income or under/unemployed men and women, focusing on in-demand skills such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC), welding, and press brake machine operation. JARC places over 93% of its graduates in jobs starting at $12 - $15 an hour (with ample opportunities for overtime and growth)!
Want to learn more about a career in manufacturing? Come to JARC's application sessions every Wednesday at 9 a.m. (4432 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, 2nd floor).
Have questions? Email crystalh@jane-addams.org or call 773-751-7106. Thanks to all of you who donated blankets/towels for the shelters. A car load was taken to Treehouse. Please keep them coming. Thursday, August 27 - Chase Park - Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure Movies start at dusk; check out the website for the entire schedule and cancellations due to weather. If you or a neighbor is a shut-in, a Hot Meal is available every Saturday afternoon from the kind volunteers at Pilgrim Lutheran Church; call Janet Taylor 773-777-4052 or Jackie Mokszycki 773-961-8740
Do you garden on a corner or parkway? Please take a look at the list of upcoming water main projects in the 'infrastructure update' section of the newsletter. You may have to move your plants so they won't be destroyed or disappear. This is the perfect time to sweep or rake you curb gutters and sewers. Clean up all of the debris that the rain washed down. Keep those drains clear. Please be sure to report any drain that does not clear within 4 hours of rainfall to the 47th Ward Office or 311. Please bring in your old batteries for recycling. Keep them out of the landfill. 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.
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
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.
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47th Ward Infrastructure Update
Check out the infrastructure map on our website.
Lawrence Avenue Streetscape
LANDSCAPING UPDATE: Plants were installed this past week in the bio-swale planter areas along the entire project corridor (Western to Clark)! All of the planter areas were cleaned out recently and replaced with new topsoil prior to planting. Landscaping continues as the dead and damaged trees, which are under warranty, will also be replaced along the corridor no later than 8/27. Supplemental waterings will be provided to help the plants establish themselves.
CONCRETE UPDATE: Concrete replacement work is expected to start on Tuesday, 8/18 and some of the worst sections (near Paulina) will be addressed first. The large section of sidewalk along McPherson Elementary will be replaced shortly (before school starts). There have been some issues with sidewalks and curbs/gutters spalling and the contractor will be removing and replacing a number of sections along the corridor. The entire process to remove, frame, and pour each section will take about 3 days and they will work along the corridor with multiple crews so the areas that require replacement can be framed and poured immediately after removal. The contractor will do their best to get in and out as fast as possible to reduce the impact on residents, businesses, and others.
PUNCH LIST ITEMS UPDATE: The stamped asphalt project to connect Claremont Plaza to Giddings Plaza will be completed by 8/21. The majority of the stamped asphalt was recently installed, but a short stretch remains near Giddings Plaza at the southern end of the project. Work on a new fence to shield the dumpsters in Claremont Plaza is expected to start in mid-August and be erected by the end of August. New traffic signals at Damen were recently installed and timings have been adjusted. Gateway identifier poles and bike arcs have been installed and neighborhood identifier poles and banner arms are in place. New benches and trash cans were also installed along the corridor. New bike symbols were completed on 7/22 and the remaining punch list items are scheduled to be addressed by the end of August.
As always, pay close attention to parking restrictions. Ravenswood Metra Station - The new station opened in early May (west side, for outbound trains)!
- Metra Phase II: Design and engineering work is currently being performed for improvements to the east side of the tracks and will be put out to bid once complete. Construction of the 11 new bridges and new station (east side, for inbound trains) is expected to start in spring 2016 will last approximately 18 months. Work on the east side will move faster than on the west side since the track is currently in place there and extensive retaining wall work is not necessary. The middle track will also be removed as part of this project.
Water Main Replacement Damen from Irving Park to Montrose, Cullom from Lincoln to Damen and Pensacola from Lincoln to Damen Contractors working with the Department of Water Management are replacing the water mains from 1891 under Damen from Irving Park to Montrose, Cullom from Lincoln to Damen and Pensacola from Lincoln to Damen. Contractors are currently working on Damen Avenue. Where needed, Parking will be restricted M-F 7am to 4pm and restrictions will be staged to the greatest extent possible. For more information on this project, please click here. Water Main Replacement Paulina from Lawrence to Montrose and Sunnyside from Paulina to Ashland Crews from the Department of Water Management are replacing the water main from 1899 under Paulina from Lawrence to Montrose and Sunnyside from Paulina to Ashland soon. No parking will be necessary from 7am to 4pm. After the project is sawcut and milled, no parking will be staged to the greatest extent possible. For more information on this project, please click here. Water Main Replacement Oakley from Addison to Cornelia, Claremont from Addison to School, and Roscoe from Western to Leavitt Crews from the Department of Water Management will be replacing the water main from 1889 under Oakley from Addison to Cornelia, Claremont from Addison to School and Roscoe from Western to Leavitt starting the week of August 24th. No parking will be necessary from 7am to 4pm. After the project is sawcut and milled, no parking will be staged to the greatest extent possible. For more information on this project, please click here. Water Main Replacement for: Leavitt (Sunnyside to Lawrence), Giddings (Lincoln to Leavitt), Leland (Lincoln to Leavitt), Eastwood (Lincoln to Leavitt), and Wilson (Lincoln to Hamilton) Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the water mains from 1890 under the streets listed above. Concrete has been poured in the trenches on every street and restoration will begin next week. No parking is in effect, where needed, from 7am to 4pm M-F. For more information on this project please click here. Sewer Main Replacement for Paulina from Montrose to Cullom & Cullom from Paulina to Ravenswood Crews from the Dept. of Water Management have replaced the sewers from 1889 under Paulina from Montrose to Cullom & Cullom from Paulina to Ravenswood. Restoration will begin next week and will be fully completed by Labor Day. For complete information on this project, please click here. Water Mains Coming 2015-2016 Season: Damen - Irving Park to Addison
Lincoln - Addison to Irving Park (Winter 2016)
Lincoln - Lawrence to Montrose (Winter 2016)
Lincoln - Addison to Belmont (Winter 2016)
Marshfield - Roscoe to School
Newport - Ravenswood to Lincoln
School - Around intersection with Marshfield
Sewer Mains Coming 2015-2016 Season
Wolcott - Lawrence to Winnemac
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.
August 15 Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Need Clothes for your Growing Ones? Concordia Place give-away (and donation drive) Concordia Place - Whipple, 3300 N. Whipple Street August 15 Saturday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Urban Composting and Fall Vegetable Planting & Winter Cover Crops at MMCG Gardens Montrose Metra Community Gardens, W-side of Ravenswood, S of Montrose August 15 Saturday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Filbert Park Summer Party Filbert Playlot Park, 1822 W. Larchmont Avenue August 15 Saturday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Party in the Park at Chase Park Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Avenue August 15 Saturday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM St. Benedict High School - All Class Reunion St. Benedict Parish & Preparatory School, 2215 W. Irving Park Road August 18 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beats 1911 & 1912 Kindred Hospital, 6th Floor, 2544 W. Montrose August 19 Wednesday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM WARD NIGHT with Alderman Pawar--Aug. 19 47th Ward Alderman's Office, 4243 N. Lincoln Avenue August 19 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beats 1921 & 1922 , August 21 Friday 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Hawaiian Night w/ Royale Polynesian Dancers Bethany Retirement Community, 4950 N Ashland Avenue August 22 Saturday 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Women in Buddhism--The Hidden Lamp Ancient Dragon Zen Gate, 1922 W. Irving Park Road August 22 Saturday 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dancing in the Square! Free Dance Performances, Lessons & Fun Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N Damen Avenue August 27 Thursday 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Reverse Mortgages: What You Should Know to Make an Informed Decision Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington - Courtroom 2005 (20th Floor) August 29 Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Home Buying Certification Workshop North Side Community Federal Credit Union, 1011 W. Lawrence Avenue September 2 Wednesday 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Introduction to Meditation class each month at Sulzer Regional Library Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue September 14 Monday 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM When a Mental Illness Requires Protective Care Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Courtroom 2403, 24th Floor September 15 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beats 1911 & 1912 Kindred Hospital, 6th Floor, 2544 W. Montrose 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.
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