Three weeks ago, we began the process for the 2016 Aldermanic Menu Program by releasing our block audit survey. Through the menu program, each ward is allocated $1.32 million annually for infrastructure and other capital improvements. The block audit gives residents an opportunity to examine the conditions of infrastructure on their block, and if you haven't had a chance to complete one it isn't too late.

The 47th Ward Office will accept block audits until December 11th. To complete the audit online, please click here. Paper copies are also available for pick-up at the 47th Ward Office. You can use this note sheet to walk your block and take notes before  complete the audit. The 47th Ward Team will then score the audits, and we will hold our annual vote for menu spending in February of 2016.  We expect our 2016 menu requests to be ready for submission to the City in April.

I want to thank all of you who have already sent in your audit for the 2016 Menu Program. I appreciate you taking the time to participate and inform how our dollars are spent in the 47th Ward.

Wolcott Sewer Main Replacement
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management have been working to replace the sewer main from 1905 under Wolcott from Lawrence to Winnemac for the past several weeks. Today, we received confirmation that there has been a change in the schedule for this project.

Once the crews currently installing the sewer main are north of Ainslie, they will halt their progress on Wolcott and mobilize to put a temporary concrete surface on the 4800 block. We expect to have this concrete poured before Christmas. Once it is down, parking will be restored on the 4800 block.

Work will continue in the intersection at Lawrence Avenue while the 4800 block is restored. Once the work in the intersection at Lawrence is complete, the crew will mobilize to do the same at the intersection of Winnemac & Wolcott. Upon completion of the work in the intersection at Winnemac, crews will return to Wolcott and continue installing the new sewer main under the street between Ainslie and Winnemac. They expect to return to the sewer main installation under the street in March of 2016.

Final project completion, including asphalt, concrete, and landscaping restoration, is expected in May of 2016. Thank you for your patience as crews continue their work. If you have any questions, please contact my office.

Shop Local
I encourage everyone to shop local and support our neighborhood businesses this holiday season. We have some of the greatest small and mid-sized businesses in Chicago right here in the 47th Ward. They, along with their Chambers of Commerce, support our neighborhood and add tremendous value to our commercial corridors. There are wonderful promotions and other holiday programming happening throughout the ward. You can find information on chamber of commerce promotions below.

Have a great weekend!