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4243 N. Lincoln Ave. | info@chicago47.org | Office Hours: M-F 9am to 5pm 
 
February 26, 2016
 
On this day in American History, two national parks were established in the United States 10 years apart-the Grand Canyon in 1919 and the Grand Tetons in 1929.
 
Dear Neighbor,

I want to update you on the investigation into the tragic shooting of Kamil Shamji. Mr. Shamji was found dead inside of his cab on the 4400 block of N. Leavitt this past Monday morning. Today, Lamon Weathers, age 19, of the 2000 block of W. Arthur Avenue, was charged with one count of first-degree murder.  For more information on the arrest, please click here.

I want to thank the men and women of the Chicago Police Department for everything they do for our community. We truly appreciate the dedication of everyone who worked so diligently to make an arrest in this case.

Western Avenue Viaduct Removal - FULL CLOSURE (3/4-3/7)
On Tuesday, March 1st, the Western Avenue Viaduct over Belmont will permanently close and crews will begin demolishing the structure. The viaduct will be demolished and replaced by a new five-leg at-grade intersection at Western, Belmont and Clybourn and is expected to be substantially complete by summer 2017. The demolition of the viaduct will occur during the first weekend of the project and will require the full closure of Western to vehicular traffic between Nelson and George Streets as well as the intersection at Belmont. After the weekend closure, there will be one lane of traffic open on Western Avenue in each direction for the first five to six months of this project, with two lanes of traffic in each direction expected, until the project is complete.

For the viaduct demolition to be completed safely, Western Avenue will be closed to through traffic in both directions from Nelson to Roscoe beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, March 4. Northbound Western will reopen at 5 a.m. on Monday, March 7 as will southbound Western south of Belmont. The intersection of Belmont, Western and Clybourn will also reopen to traffic at 5 a.m. Monday. Demolition work will continue through Monday, March 7, on southbound Western between Belmont and Roscoe. That stretch will re-open at 5 a.m. Tuesday, March 8.

Special care will be taken during the demolition of the viaduct to reduce dust and monitor vibrations. Vehicle traffic during the weekend closure will be detoured from Western at Diversey to Ashland to Irving Park, in each direction. Bicycle traffic on Clybourn and Belmont will be detoured via Leavitt, Roscoe, and Campbell, in all directions, and pedestrians will be directed north to cross Western at Roscoe. CTA will post information about its reroute at www.transitchicago.com, and I will share that with you next week. Large trucks will also be rerouted via Elston to Kedzie to Irving Park Road.

By working continuously through the weekend, no additional full road closures are anticipated for the rest of the project, easing traffic disruptions for residents and motorists. Further, the accelerated demolition process will reduce the overall project length by one month and will shorten the time period that Western is reduced to one lane in each direction from six months to five months. Also, the original demolition plan called for both a three and six day closure of Western Avenue and the intersection at Belmont. With the accelerated schedule, the decking demolition will be completed over one three-day holiday (Pulaski Day) weekend.

Throughout the project, the Chicago Department of Transportation is advising motorists to take alternate routes to avoid delays. The posted alternate route will be Western to Diversey to Ashland to Irving Park, back to Western in both directions for smaller vehicles (excluding large trucks). Motorists will be able to avoid the construction zone by exiting Western south of Diversey, or north of Irving Park, and using alternate north/south routes. Bus and large truck traffic will be maintained on Western Avenue during the project.

I will continue to update you as the project progresses. Please remember to support our Roscoe Village businesses while this project is underway. For complete information on the demolition of the Western Avenue Viaduct, please visit chicago47.org.

Primary Election - March 15th
The 2016 Primary Election is right around the corner. Early voting begins at Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside) on Monday, February 29th. Welles Park is a permanent early voting site, and will be open:

Mon., Feb. 29 thru Sat., March 5: 9 am-5 pm
Sun., March 6: 10 am-4 pm
Mon., March 7 thru Fri., March 11: 9 am-7 pm
Sat., March 12: 9 am-5 pm
Sun., March 13: 10 am-4 pm
Mon., March 14: 9 am-7 pm


Any Chicago voter may use any Early Voting site in the city, regardless of where the voter lives. For more information on early voting, including a listing of all the sites in Chicago, please click here.

You may also Vote By Mail. Applications for ballots must be delivered to the Chicago Board of Elections no later than 5pm on March 10th. To apply to vote by mail or learn more, please click here.

You can find your Election Day Polling Place location and verify your voter registration information by clicking here. Not registered? It's not too late. You can register to vote at any early voting site starting Monday. Be sure to bring 2 forms of identification with you. Acceptable forms of ID are listed here.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
Ameya  


 
 
This Week...
Simmer Brown Comedy
More Permits from the City Clerk
Car Seat Installation Event
Safety Strategies Workshop
Chicago Goes Bagless with Recycling
Snow Removal Guidance
Chicago Volunteer Expo
Chicago's Birthday Party
NNA Family Day @ Begyle
Become a Treekeeper!
47th Ward A&C
World Chicago
Life Matters Media @ Sulzer Library
CHA Property Owner Info Session
Community Garden Conference
Hawaiian Luau @ Epiphany
RCS Needs Reusable & Paper Bags
LSC Election Judges Needed
School Tours & Promotions
Columbia Links Program
Chicago Bungalow Association Spring Events
Nutrition Workshop @ Bethany Retirement
Events @ CMSS
T-Shirt Design Contest
47th Ward Adoptables
Dara Reports
Western Avenue Viaduct Project
Infrastructure Update
Free Meal @ Pilgrim Lutheran
Citizenship Workshops
Burger Night @ American Legion
Pasta Night @ American Legion
St. Patrick's Day @ American Legion
20th District Easter Egg Hunt
Community Events
Final Thoughts

Upcoming
Ward Night

March 16,
5pm-7pm

Follow us on Twitter
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News from
Our Partners

On Chicago47.org


March 15th Primary Election
The next Primary Election is on March 15, 2016. To check your voter registration and polling place, apply for a vote by mail ballot, or to learn more about early voting you can visit the Chicago Board of Elections website. Paper applications to request a Vote By Mail ballot are available in the 47th Ward Office as well.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
Everyone needs to use the sidewalks to get where they are going. Please remember to clear a path at least 5 feet wide on all of the sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any crosswalk ramps. Do not shovel the snow into the right-of-way, which includes: transit stops and bus pads, parking spaces, bike lanes, bike racks, Divvy stations, and any other space where snow impedes traffic of any kind.

You can get full information on the snow removal requirement on the City's website. To report violations, please contact the 47th Ward Office.
Chicago Dept. of Public Health Issues FAQ on the Zika Virus
The Zika (ZEE-ka) virus is impacting individuals in parts of Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. In most cases, symptoms are mild; but there are risks for pregnant women. If you are planning to travel to any of these regions, learn the facts. And if you are pregnant, reconsider your travel plans. You can get more information by clicking here. 
Chicago Goes Bagless with Recycling
The Chicago Blue Cart Recycling Program is going bagless. Now, the City of Chicago is requiring all recyclables be placed in your blue cart loose without a bag.
 
We know that everyone wants to do their part to protect the environment, but when you put the wrong items in a blue cart you contaminate not only your cart but a whole stream of otherwise useful materials.
 
Plastic bags damage equipment at sorting facilities and also keep workers from seeing whether other non-recyclables - like greasy pizza boxes or Styrofoam - have been placed in the cart. Going bagless not only helps our environment, but also reduces unnecessary costs incurred by the City as a result of contaminated blue carts.
 
So lose the bag, and keep the recycling!
 
Recycling in your blue cart is easy. Some simple tips for going bagless include:
  • Throwing recyclables directly into the blue cart throughout the week;
  • Using a garbage can, bin or container to collect recyclables in your house. Then bring the full container out and toss the items directly into your blue cart;
  • Using a bag to collect and carry recyclables out to your blue cart. Then toss the items out of the bag and directly into your blue cart. You can even reuse the bag.
The important thing to remember is to toss your recyclables loose into your blue cart. Recyclables contained in bags of any kind will no longer be accepted.
 
Recycling is an important step we can all take to protect the environment. I encourage residents to incorporate recycling into their daily household routines.
 
To help take away any confusion on what can and can't be recycled, the Department of Streets & Sanitation has launched a new website - Recycle by City Chicago - that will clear up misconceptions and provide a better visual representation of how to recycle correctly.
 
For more helpful tips on recycling, visit the City's new website at www.recyclebycity.com/chicago.

 
 
  
  
47th Ward A&C*
*Arts & Culture 
Special Events
 
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
 
Comedy
 
Corn Productions Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave.
Drink! Grives you (Holly)Wood, thru April 16. 
www.cornservatory.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. See website for improv and comedy sketches on other nights of the week. 
www.cictheater.com
 
Laugh Out Loud- Opening Soon at 3851 N. Lincoln Avenue!   Comedy created on the spot from audience suggestions like Whose Line is it Anyway? www.laughoutloudtheater.com
 
Theater
 
Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave.
Closed for Renovation-look for a Summer Re-opening 
www.davistheater.com
 
Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
Doo Wop Shoo Bop, Fridays 8PM, Saturdays & Sundays 3 PM February 14 thru January 24.
This melodic look at the Doo Wop era celebrates such iconic groups as The Platters, The Drifters and the Chantels.
 
Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park Rd.
Hogwash: An Improvised Tall Tale, improvised children's show on Saturdays 10:30 AM, adults free, kids $10.
CIS showcase, hosted by Chicago Improv Studio on Thursdays 8 PM, $5. 
www.bughousetheater.com

The Public House Theatre
, 3914 N. Clark St.
Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play, Fridays & Saturdays 8 PM & 10 PM, $18-$22
A series of outrageous and hilarious comedic sketches, all centered around one thing ... alcohol! 
http://pubhousetheatre.com

Music
 
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
 
Access Contemporary Music, 1758 W. Wilson Ave.  Showcasing exciting developments in contemporary classical music
www.acmusic.org/attend/concerts
 
Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. 
Small bar & live-music venue showcasing eclectic performers, with a menu of pizza & bar bites.  
www.martyrslive.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
 
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. 
www.silvieslounge.comSee calendar
 
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. 
http://chirpradio.org
 
Visual Arts
 
Cornelia Arts Building, 1800 W. Cornelia Ave.
Open Studio Event, See the working art studios of our talented artists and artisans, meet them directly without intermediaries, and explore their working practices up close, March 11 Friday from 6 to 10 PM. 
www.CorneliaArtsBuilding.com 
 
Alibi Fine Art, 4426 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Downstate: Photographs of Southern Illinois Circa 1975, a solo show of gelatin photographs by David Gremp, opening reception January 23 Saturday 5:30 - 8:30 PM, runs thru March 29. 
www.alibifineart.com 
 
OpenWall Chicago, 4243 N. Lincoln Ave.
Self Scape, featuring women artists, thru mid-April. 
https://www.facebook.com/OpenWallCurator/  
 
Chicago Mosaic School, 1806 W. Cuyler Ave.
Opus Pleiades, featuring contemporary mosaic works, while classically driven, speak in the feminine voice, thru March 25.
Please visit the website below to learn more about classes and workshops the Chicago Mosaic School offers throughout the summer. 
www.chicagomosaicschool.com 

 
 




                       

                         

                           

                   

                     

 
 
School Tours & Promotions    
 
Lane Tech High School
Lane Tech High School will host its annual International Nights, highlighting the student body diversity, the week-end of March 18, 2016 in the school's auditorium.   The event is an annual student council school fundraiser and features performances by 33 student ethnic clubs.  Two new clubs, Scottish and Israeli,  will join the production this year. 

Also new this year is a community event from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.  Clubs will be offering dance lessons, crafts, and information about their different cultures.  Anyone who attends the community event will receive $5 off the ticket price for the 2 p.m. show.  There are 4 total performances that highlight all 33 groups: Thursday, March 17 at 5 p.m. ($7), Friday, March 18 at 7 p.m. ($10), Saturday, March 19 at 2 p.m.($7) and 7 p.m. ($10).  Tickets for Friday and Saturday night will not be sold at the door, but may be purchased during school hours in the main office the week of March 14. 

Lane Tech's International Nights is in its 46th year of production.  Over 900 students are involved in the event and students prepare for 6 months.   Ethnic cultures highlighted cover Europe, South America, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East. "International nights is about embracing and celebrating ethnic diversity at our school and in the community," says principal Kathryn Anderson. "This event is an excellent opportunity for our students to give back to the community that supports them in their endeavors at Lane Tech."

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.  
   
Lake View High School 
Check out the latest newsletter from Lake View Partners.
 



Coonley Elementary


Hamilton School


Ravenswood School 
This year, Ravenswood's Spring Forward Benefit is Made in Chicago! Our children's education, friendships and memories are being made here in this amazing city. Come celebrate with us all things Chicago and show your support for Ravenswood's unique community.    
Spring Forward features an open bar, an exciting live auction, fantastic raffles, a silent auction full of local goods and entertainment, Ravensbooks, experience parties, live entertainment by some of our own talented parents and more!

This year's event will also kick off the sale of personalized pavers to be placed permanently in the sidewalk in front of our school.
Tickets are now available! Click here to purchase. 
We are also accepting donations for the auction. Click here  to fill out a donation form. 
If you will be unable to attend the event, but would like to make a general donation of any monetary value, please click here.
Interested in sponsoring our event? We have sponsorship packages as low as $300! Click here to purchase a sponsorship package or email springbenefit@ravenswoodelementary.org if you have questions. 

We are ready to help you plan your Experience Party! Fill out this form and email it to springbenefit@ravenswoodelementary.org to get your party in the auction line-up today! 

If you are interested in helping with the event or if you have any questions, please contact event chair Marta Hardacre at springbenefit@ravenswoodelementary.org . 

Thanks and we hope to see you there!


Blaine School
Help support strong schools in our community!
Friends of Blaine (FOB) is excited to announce the 2016 Annual Fundraising Gala - "Casino Night at the Wishlist Gala." The event takes place March 5th. Friends of Blaine's mission is to raise funds for Blaine and remove some of the financial obstacles. The annual Gala represents FOB's most important fundraising effort of the year.  By working together as a community, we can raise the bar and make this year the best yet. Friends of Blaine aims to best serve all Blaine Elementary students, faculty and the community at large. For event details and to purchase tickets, please click here

Waters School 
Please support the Water School Garden! This wonderful program is not funded by CPS, but through parent and community donations. You can learn more by clicking here. 

McPherson Elementary
   
 
St. Andrew School


St. Benedict School


Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School 
 
   
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Dara Reports

Friendship Pet Food Pantry would like to thank all of the animal lovers who came out to support For the Love of Pets, their yearly benefit. FP2 helps families with a monthly distribution of pet food during difficult economic times at. Begyle Brewing's event space and beer made the party even more enjoyable. For a complete list of the many folks and businesses in our community who opened their hearts to these neighbors in need, please visit: www.friendshippetpantry.org 
 
When does your State of Illinois license plate tag expire? You will not receive a renewal notification.
Please mark it on your calendar; there is no grace period. The new tag must be displayed by the end of the expiration month.
 
Congrats to Lake View High School Senior Damian Medina. He won an app-creating challenge from the 5th Congressional District. Check it out: https://vid.me/nloW 
His app is about a subject that is dear to my heart; voting.
 
Know someone who cares about flooding and is looking for a new position? You can't get better than Rain Ready Chicago. http://rainready.org/what-is-rainready/careers 
This next job posting is with Openlands. If you love trees this might be for you.
 
Rain Gardens: Design & Plant Your Own
Rain Gardens help prevent flooding and they're lovely. The plants require very little care, as they are natives. You can also, choose plants that will attract bees and butterflies.
Wednesday, March 30 - 6:30-8pm at Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.


Save the Date - Start planning for our annual Spring Cleaning on Saturday, April 23. Talk to your neighbors, get together to clear your storm drains, pick up trash, weed the alley, lend a hand to an elderly neighbor and have a pot luck! Box up your unwanted books, get that unused bike out of the garage and gather your electronics, televisions, batteries; anything with a plug will be accepted at our Spring Recycling Event. This is a perfect opportunity for high school students to earn Community Service hours. Let us know where you'll be working and we'll drop off treats & large black garbage bags.
 
Have a home shredder? You may recycle your shredded paper in your Blue Cart (unless you have other uses for it). Place the shredded paper in a paper bag, staple or tape the bag shut and write Shredded Paper on the bag. Voila, just as easy as that.
 
If a parkway tree has been removed from in front of your house or residence and you would like another one planted, please let us know and we will enter your request.
   
The EPA no longer recommends recycling single use batteries, as they don't contain heavy metals. They can be tossed into your regular black cart garbage.

Please bring your rechargeable batteries to our office anytime. We will be collecting single usebatteries during our twice yearly, spring and fall recycling events only. They will be sent to a recycler in Michigan.
 

We will continue to collect winter coats, scarves, hats & gloves through the winter. The need is there and so are our unwanted items. Thanks.
 
How often can eating a pancake breakfast and running a 5k along with like-minded neighbors, make a difference in someone's life? Please join in the Ravenswood Run, April 24th. The proceeds benefit the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry at All Saints Episcopal Church and the student Health Centers at Lake View & Amundsen High Schools. 
Winter Safety Tips for Dogs & Cats can be found on our website. 
 
If you know a senior or someone living with a disability living in a single family home, please let us know if they need help with snow removal.
  
Good Books Wanted!
It feels so satisfying to give books you or your children have already read or outgrown, to others who enjoy reading. Or perhaps the book you give away becomes that special one that propels someone to love reading? We always need good books for our Little Free Library. We're here 9-5 Monday-Friday. Check out the newest Little Free Library on the east end of the 2400 block of Cullom; just steps west of Western. 

With winter comes SNOW! Please be a Snow Angel for an elderly neighbor or a neighbor living with a disability in a single family home. All that is required is when the snow is over 2", shovel the front walk and stairs. The reward comes from the great feeling you get from helping a neighbor.

Know a student? They can earn community service hours by volunteering.
Our first request is for a Snow Angel on the 3400 block of Marshfield.
Please call or email dara@chicago47.org

We've had several coyote sightings in the neighborhood this fall. If you're interested in our wild neighbors, please take a look at our website. They're so important they have their own page.                                                                                                        

Friendship Pet Food Pantry (FP2)

FP2's priority wish list includes dry cat food and Friskies canned cat food. Drop off cat (and dog) food at Alderman Pawar's 47th Ward Service Office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or at the Friendship Center (2733 W. Lawrence Ave.) on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m.
 
In 2016, pet food distribution will shift to the third Saturday of every month, from 9 to 11 a.m. Any one high-school age or older is welcome to volunteer, though a brief training is required. Other volunteer opportunities exist for all ages. Visit FP2's website, www.friendshippetpantry.org to learn more.
Thank you! 
 
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).

FREE, yes FREE, Rain Barrels are available to everyone who wants to disconnect their downspouts. Thanks to the 47th Ward partnership with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District & Chicago Historic Bungalow Association. You may request up to 4 rain barrels! The next helpful step you can take is to plant a rain garden for your overflow; instead of having water in your basement, alley or the street.

Requests for FREE Rain Barrels are coming in. Disconnecting your downspouts has many benefits. Check it out: http://www.rainbarrelguide.com/

There is less open land in our neighborhood, with that comes more water with nowhere to go. Our streets are designed to hold water, then to slowly drain - but with these larger rain events there is more water than our combined system can handle. Does your alley flood? Does storm-water runoff from your garage go into the alley; does it seem that there is more water on your property than ever before?
  
Talk to your neighbors. Help one another to disconnect gutters. The more houses on your block that use rain barrels the less flooding you'll have.   Please contact Dara@chicago47.org
  
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.
 
Thanks to all of you who donated blankets/towels for the shelters. A car load was taken to PAWS. Please keep them coming.
  
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.
  
Please be sure to report any drain that does not clear within 24 hours of rainfall to the 47th Ward Office or 311.
  
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  
 
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, eyeglasses, unwanted CD's can become part of an art project. Artists and teachers need them. Bring these to the alderman's office.
Western Avenue Viaduct Removal Project
The half-century old viaduct over Belmont on Western Avenue has been deteriorating for some time, and is reaching the end of its useful life. CDOT hosted an open house to discuss their plans to remove this viaduct.
 
This project will not only remove the viaduct, but will also rehabilitate the Western Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River, reconstruct/resurface the roadway on Western from Jones to Waveland, provide 13'-wide sidewalks, add a third travel lane in each direction during peak hours, provide over 80 new on-street parking spaces, and make pedestrian-minded intersection improvements like the addition of countdown timers and pedestrian refuge islands at unsignalized crossings. To review the design and other project details, please click here.

This project is expected to take 18-24 months to complete, and traffic lanes on Western Avenue will be reduced/shifted during the various phases of the project to allow for this work.

Work begins March 1st. See the alderman's letter above for more information. Check out this section over the coming weeks to keep updated on the project.   

Stage 1, expected to begin in March of 2016 will include: removal of the viaduct, deck replacement on the River Bridge, and roadway construction. The work zone during this phase will extend from the south approach of the Chicago River Bridge north to Roscoe. During this time, there will be only one lane in each direction along Western Avenue. This is the most severe restriction in place during the project, and will last approximately 6 months. Once stage 1 is completed, there will be two lanes of traffic in each direction for the remainder of the project (approx. 18 months).  To review the stages of construction and traffic control plan, please click here.

This project will have a profound impact to the travel times along Western Avenue. We will keep you updated as information becomes available on start dates and other important notices once the project gets underway. If you have any questions, please contact the 47th Ward Office. 
47th Ward Infrastructure Update 
Check out the infrastructure map on our website. 
 
Water Main Replacement Lincoln Avenue from Belmont to Addison, Marshfield from Roscoe to School, Newborth from Ravenswood to Lincoln & School from Marshfield to 130' east of Marshfield 
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management are replacing the water mains from 1890 under the streets detailed above. No Parking will be posted M-F from 7am to 4pm. The first few days will require posting no parking on every street for prep work. Once completed, no parking will be staged to the greatest extent possible. For more information, please click here.

Water Main Replacement for Lincoln Avenue from Lawrence to Montrose and Wilson from Lincoln to Leavitt 
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management will be replacing the water mains from 1892 under the streets detailed above. The water main replacement starts NEXT WEEK. No Parking will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm, and will be staged to the greatest extent possible once the prep work is completed over the first few days. Work on the 4700 block of Lincoln will require closure to traffic during working hours, but should not be more than a day or two at a time over the course of this work. For more information, please click here.
 
Water Main Replacement Damen & Lincoln from Addison to Irving Park  
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management  have replaced the water mains from 1890 under Damen & Lincoln from Addison to Irving Park. Contractors have capped their trench with concrete on Lincoln. Full restoration will come when the weather warms in the Spring. For more information on this project, please click here.   

Sewer Main Replacement for Wolcott from Lawrence to Winnemac 
Contractors woking with the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the sewers from 1905 under Wolcott from Winnemac to Lawrence. Temporary concrete is in place and parking is restored on the 4800 block.

Intersection work at Lawrence has wrapped up, the crew has mobilized to do the same at the intersection of Winnemac and Wolcott. This closure will be in place until the beginning of March. The 1800 block of Argyle can be accessed via the N/S alley just east of Wolcott. Crews will return to Wolcott to continue installing the new sewer main under the street between Ainslie and Winnemac.

Final asphalt, concrete, and landscaping restoration is expected to be completed in May of 2016.

For complete information on this project, please click here
  
Water Mains Coming Soon:
Ravenswood (east side) from Waveland Avenue to Irving Park Road. (Winter 2016)
Dakin from Western Avenue to Campbell Avenue (Winter 2016)

For more information, visit the infrastructure section of our website or contact Jim Poole at jim@chicago47.org or 773-868-4747. 

      

              

                

              

                

              

Community Events 
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of 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 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.
Final Thoughts
Have a suggestion or comment for Ameya or the 47th Ward Team?  Please contact us at 773-868-4747 or info@chicago47.org.