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4243 N. Lincoln Ave. | info@chicago47.org | Office Hours: M-F 9am to 5pm 
 
May 20, 2016
 
On this day in 1873, San Francisco businessman Levi Strauss and Reno, Nevada, tailor Jacob Davis are given a patent to create work pants reinforced with metal rivets, marking the birth of one of the world's most famous garments: blue jeans
 
Dear Neighbor,

For many years, the Northcenter Town Square at Damen & Belle Plaine has been the center of public events in the Northcenter neighborhood. It is in need of updates and improvements, and my office has been working with the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce and the Northcenter Neighborhood Association on creating a vision to revitalize the space. After doing some basic reviews of the space, we want to hear your thoughts on what you like, don't like, and would like to see in the Town Square.

Please click here to take a survey and share your thoughts on the Town Square. If you know someone who needs a paper copy, please direct them to my office at 4243 N. Lincoln Avenue. Getting improvements underway in the Town Square is a priority for me, and I am looking forward to moving this process along. Your feedback will help inform the design options we hope to bring out for community review later this year.

47th Ward City Sticker Sale Day - TOMORROW
Staff from City Clerk Mendoza's Office will be at the Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue, from 9:30am to 1pm tomorrow, May 21 to sell new city stickers. They will only accept credit cards and checks. Be sure to bring your renewal notice, vehicle registration card, or vehicle insurance card. If you can't make tomorrow, you can find additional dates and normal purchase locations at ChiCityClerk.com.

Operation Help A Hero 
The 47th Ward and Operation Help-A-Hero will be collecting basic household items and toiletries throughout the month of June in an effort to help the hundreds of Chicagoland veterans who are homeless. All donations will be delivered to the United State's Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA). The VA will distribute materials to qualifying veterans in need of assistance.

Complete information on the collection can be found on the flyer immediately below this letter. I want to that Alderman Matt O'Shea for spearheading this initiative, and helping bring support to those who have sacrificed so much for all of us.

Thank you and have a great weekend.

Sincerely,
Ameya  


 

This Week...
Operation Help A Hero
Montrose Green Update
Larviciding for Mosquitoes
No More Grace Period on City Sticker Tickets
Under El Parking
Lakeview Chamber Updates
GWCA Garage Sale
MMCG Spring Plant Exchange
Undy Run 2016
Wilson Bridge Mosaic Fundraiser
Lane Tech Carnival
Bike the Drive with the Piggery for NBGC
Roscoe Village Wine Stroll
NNA Community Yard Sale
Forward Chicago Speaker Series
Green & Growing Speaker Series
Book Signing @ Savory Spice Shop
47th Ward A&C
Library Events
Need Health Insurance?
Free Enrollment @ Galter Life Center
Jookie Kids 10th Anniversary
World Chicago
Spring Senior Guide
Life Matters Media @ Sulzer Library
North Center Senior Center Needs Donations
Bethany June Fest
RCS Needs Reusable & Paper Bags
Sip & Sample for Common Pantry
One Summer Chicago
Roscoe Village Kidical Mass
GROWCommunity
School Tours & Promotions
SOPO Families @ Blaine
Google Science Fair
Memory Singers @ Old Town School of Folk Music
47th Ward Adoptables
Dara Reports
Western Avenue Viaduct Project
Infrastructure Update
Free Meal @ Pilgrim Lutheran
Community Events
Final Thoughts

Upcoming
Ward Night

June 8

5pm to 7pm at the Ward Office

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On Chicago47.org
LV2 Cubs Night Game Parking
LV2 Passes can be picked up in our office. Bring your proof of residence, license plate number, and city sticker number. For further information, please click here.
2016 Block Parties
This year's block party application packet can be found by clicking here, or simply come into the 47th Ward Office to pick one up. The Jumping Jack applications are now completed online
   
For complete information on block parties, please click here.
Montrose Green (1819 W. Montrose) Update
At the City Council Meeting on May 18, Montrose Green LLC applied for a Type I amendment for their previously approved development at 1819 W. Montrose. Over the past year they have been in discussions with neighboring property owners, and have been able to resolvemany of the issues raised with the project.
 
Montrose Green LLC has granted easements for the benefit of the apartment building to the west to allow for vehicle ingress and egress off of Wolcott and behind the apartment building.  As part of the development of 1819 W. Montrose, the developer will be able to move the dumpsters which are currently on Wolcott to some location behind the commercial buildings at 1825-1835 W. Montrose.  The buildings at 1825-1835 West Montrose, however, are not part of the Type I amendment application.
 
While the building envelope and height at 1819 W. Montrose has not changed there are changes to the number of units and parking spaces. The building will now have 38 dwelling units, four off-street parking spaces, and at least 34 bike parking spaces.  The city's new transit-oriented development ordinance seeks to encourage developers near transit stations to increase units and decrease parking and the proposal at 1819 W. Montrose follows this planning policy.  Montrose Green, LLChas also agreed to provide all 4 required affordable units on-site.
 
To see a summary of changes to the development, please click here.
To see updated drawings of the development, please click here.
Larviciding for Mosquitoes Begins
Starting this week and continuing through the next several weeks, staff under contract with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will drop larvicide in catch basins throughout the City. This annual activity is done to decrease the number of mosquitoes that are hatched and can transmit the West Nile virus. Crews are easily identifiable as they will be wearing orange vests. 
 
What is a larvicide? A larvicide is a type of insecticide used to kill or interrupt the development of immature forms of mosquitoes, preventing them from becoming adults. The brand name of the larvicide that we use is Altosid® XR-Briquets.  
 
Is the larvicide safe? This larvicide is registered for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is safe for humans as well as for animals that may come in contact with it, including fish and birds. 
 
How will I know when the larvicide is being placed in my neighborhood? Crews will be easily recognized: They will be wearing orange vests and will be walking up and down the street placing the larvicide in catch basins. They will be escorted by a City van. 
 
How is the larvicide used? The larvicide is uniquely shaped to fit between the small openings in the catch basins. Once in the catch basin, small amounts of the active ingredient is released over time. 
 
Which areas of the City will larvicide be placed? Larvicide is placed in areas of the City where data have shown an increased likelihood of identifying mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus. North of 83rd Street, this includes areas west of Ashland Avenue. South of 83rd, this includes areas west of Stony Island Avenue.   
 
Does this effort help address Zika virus? This effort is primarily focused on combating West Nile virus by decreasing the number of mosquitoes that can transmit this virus. Though Zika virus is also transmitted by mosquitoes, the risk for Chicagoans for contracting Zika virus is low, as the main species of mosquito that transmits this virus is not native to Chicago. However, CDPH will be placing traps throughout the City to monitor for the types of mosquitoes that can transmit Zika virus. For more information regarding Zika, CDPH has created fact sheets in English and Spanish. 
No More Grace Period on City of Chicago Vehicle Stickers, Beginning July 1
Chicago City Clerk Susana A. Mendoza is urging Chicago motorists to be aware of a change in grace period rules regarding deadlines for purchasing and displaying their Chicago City Vehicle Sticker.

Beginning July 1, 2016, changes to the Chicago Municipal Code regarding the grace period will make motorists eligible to be ticketed immediately following their vehicle sticker's expiration.

For example, if your vehicle sticker expires on June 30, you are eligible to be ticketed on July 1. The $200.00 ticket can be issued daily.
The grace period for late fees will be extended from 15 to 30 days effective July 1. A motorist with a vehicle sticker expiring June 30 will have until July 30 to purchase a sticker without paying an additional $60.00 late fee.

The Office of the City Clerk wants motorists to avoid tickets and additional fees at all costs. Please purchase and display your vehicle stickers in a timely manner. Also remember that our Office has over 350 community partner vendors, including currency exchanges, which are open to serve you on weekends and holidays. It is the goal of our Office to ensure every customer has a positive experience when buying their vehicle sticker.

Please visit ChiCityClerk.com to conveniently purchase your Chicago City Vehicle Sticker online via EZ>BUY or to find the nearest location to buy in person. 

Lakeview Chamber Updates

20th Annual Lead Off Luncheon, June 1
Come celebrate the fantastic start to the Cubs season and the impact that Wrigley Field has on Lakeview's neighborhood economy. Join the Lakeview Chamber for an afternoon of exciting conversation and networking with the Chicago Cubs. Featuring guest speaker, Tom Ricketts, Chairman of the Chicago Cubs. For more information or to register, click here. 
 
 
#BikeLakeview and Win This May!
Spring is a great time to #BikeLakeview, and throughout National Bike Month in May, bike-friendly businesses are offering prizes every week to lucky winners. Visit www.bikefriendlylakeview.com to see a list of special offers and participating businesses. Then, shop at one or more of those businesses by bike and share your experience on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #BikeLakeview for a chance to win gift cards and other great prizes. Good luck, and ride safely!
 
Shop Local with the Lakeview Gift Card
Celebrating something? Give the gift of Lakeview!
 
Accepted at more than 80 local businesses, the Lakeview Gift Card will help you gear up for spring while supporting local stores, restaurants and institutions. You can purchase the Lakeview Gift Card online or by visiting the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, 1409 W. Addison St., during regular office hours. Gift cards are available in any denomination from $5-$500 per card.
 
For more information or to view a list of participating businesses, visit www.ShopDineLakeview.com.

 
 

 

                  

  
  
 
Book Signing at Savory Spice Shop in Lincoln Square, May 22 
Local author Colleen Taylor Sen will sign copies of her books Feasts and Fasts: A History of Food in India and Curry: A Global History at the Savory Spice Shop, 4753 North Lincoln from 12.00 noon to 2.00 pm on Sunday May 22.  She is the author of six books, including Street Food around the World: An Encyclopedia of Food and Culture; A Guide to Indian Restaurant Menus;  and Turmeric: The Wonder Spice. Her articles have appeared in Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, Travel and Leisure, Food Arts and other publications.  
 
Some reviews of Feasts and Fasts:
 
"An irresistible edition to your kitchen shelf, the history inside is richer than any Indian dish you've ever tasted." (Vogue)
 
' . . .a comprehensive addition to any library. Not only does the book examine India's history and culinary developments from the prehistoric through present day eras, it also interweaves snippets of literary works and recipes that are now enjoyed worldwide." (Saveur
 
Savory Spice is a full-service spice shop in Lincoln Square (4753 N. Lincoln) that features over 400 spices, including 175+ hand-crafted blends, dozens of extracts, cocoas, and gifts.  Our spices are ground and blended about weekly to ensure the utmost freshness.  Patrons are not only encouraged to sample most of the spices and blends before they buy, but are then able to purchase in quantities as small as one-half ounce.  We love to talk about all things spices so please ask us questions!  
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.
Spider Man: The Musical: The Musical, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8 PM thru May 28.
We Are Handsome: The Good Ole' College try, Friday 11 PM thru May 27. 
www.cornservatory.org 
 
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd.
Free Open Mic every Wednesday at 9 PM
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 LoudChicago, 3851 N. Lincoln Ave. 
 
Comedy created on the spot from audience suggestions like Whose Line is it Anyway?
 
www.laughoutloudtheater.com 
 
American Legion Tattler Post 973
, 4355 N. Western Ave.   
Tattler Tales Stand-Up Showcase every third Friday of the month, doors open at 7 PM, show at 8 PM (18+ recommended).
 
Theater
 
Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
Dionne, Thursdays 7 PM, Fridays 8 PM, Saturdays 3 PM & 8 PM, Sundays 3 PM, thru May 15.
Don't Make Me Over (In Tribute to Dionne Warwick) is a historical journey that explores Ms. Warwick's accomplishments over the decades and details her musical contribution, including 23 of Ms. Warwick's biggest hits including "Walk On By," "Message To Michael," "Alfie" and "I Say A Little Prayer," just to name a few.
 
Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park Rd.
Pigpen, sing-a-long story time for kids aged 6 months to preschool, FREE.
Hogwash: An Improvised Tall Tale
, improvised children's show on Saturdays 10:30 AM, kids $10, adults FREE.
CIS showcase,
hosted by Chicago Improv Studio, Thursdays 8 PM, $5.
Skull Mountain, improv variety show hosted by The Comet and Fun Fun Boys, Fridays 8 PM, $10.
Improv TONIGHT, long form improv, Saturdays 8 PM, $10.
BugHOUSE Party, improv because our parents are out of town, Saturdays 10 PM, $10.
Writer's Block Party, a writer's room, workshop, meet up and forum, Sundays 4 PM to 6 PM FREE.
Upcoming:
Tablula Rasa,
24hr Short Play Festival, May 22, 7 PM, $10.
The Crowd Works, improvised talk show Chaos, not for the easily offended, May 20, 10 PM, $10.
Minimum Rage and Guests, improvised from stories of people and their jobs, dates TBA, 7 PM, $10.

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 

Belmont Theater District,
Ravenswood-Irving Park-Diversey-Lake Michigan  Free & Discounted (under $15) Theater Tickets. The Belmont Theater District is Chicago's largest theater district with over 30 theaters located within a 1 mile radius. Visit www.BTDChicago.com to find the perfect show, enjoy exclusive discounts & packages from neighborhood businesses within walking distance of your theater and join their mailing list for first crack at ticket offers, exciting BTD events like the recent sold-out BTD Open House Tour - and insider theater info!

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
 
OpenWall Chicago, 4243 N. Lincoln Ave.
Self Scape, featuring women artists. 
https://www.facebook.com/OpenWallCurator/ 


    

Chicago Public Library Events 



   
    
     

                       

                         

                         

 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
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.  
   
Lake View High School 
Lake View Spring Numbers for how students are planning for their futures.
 
* 265 (92% of seniors) students have applied to 3 or more colleges/universities
* 47 juniors applied to the DePaul College Connect enrichment program
* 31 juniors advanced to the next round for Chicago Scholars
* 12 freshmen advanced to interview for the Northwestern Academy
* 79 students admitted to attend DePaul University
* 32 students admitted to attend UIUC (Go Illini!)
* 5 students earned full-tuition scholarships to IIT (9 students admitted to IIT)
* 2 students interviewing for the Chicago Cubs Scholars Program
* 1 Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship Recipient (full tuition and housing to UIUC)
* 1 Gates Millennium Scholarship Finalist (full tuition from undergrad to doctorate)
Visit www.lakeviewhs.com to learn more.

 

McPherson Elementary
   

St. Andrew School
 

St. Matthias School


St. Benedict School

North Park Elementary School


Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School 
 
 
   
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Dara Reports

Does your city sticker expire in June? Purchase a new one at Sulzer Library Saturday, May 21 from 9:30-1pm. Purchase with a check or credit card; they don't accept cash.
 
City Sticker Expiration Information: You must display your new city sticker before your old one expires at the end of the month. There is no grace period for expired city stickers. The day after your city sticker expires you may receive a $200 ticket every day until you display a new city sticker. There is no additional fee if you purchase your city sticker within 30 days of the expiration of your current city sticker. After 30 days, a $60 late fee will be added to the cost of your city sticker.
 
Non-commercial pick-up trucks must have a city sticker to park on residential or business streets.
Non-commercial pick-up trucks owned by non-Chicago residents may only park on business streets.
Commercial trucks may not park on any street in Chicago, unless they have a sign in the window indicating where they are currently working.
 
One Month Only! Check out Operation Help a Hero http://www.operationhelpahero.org/ we're collecting dozens of household items for homeless vets in Chicago. Let's all help them.
 
Look at your State of IL License Plate Sticker. What month does it expire? The state will not send you a reminder via the mail. Register online at: www.cyberdriveillinois.com for an email notification and to renew your license sticker online.
 
Join neighborhood dog lovers for a fundraiser benefitting the future Horner Dog Park. If you've never been to Lagunitas this is a perfect opportunity; a win-win.
 
Help Wanted in the neighborhood:
Cliff Surges American Family Insurance: csurges@amfam.com  
Wonderland Activities Center: Jodi@wonderlandactivities.com 
 
Certify your habitat garden as a commitment to wildlife with the National Wildlife Federation.
Birds, bees and butterflies will thank you by living in and visiting your garden.
 
Caring neighbors wanted! Join us when we serve hundreds of senior lunch at Maifest on Friday, June 3rd from 11am-1pm. Not only do I guarantee you'll have fun, but you'll also enjoy a delicious lunch. Call or email Dara@chicago47.org
 
Recycling Reminder! Shredded paper goes in the Black Cart and everything that goes into the Blue Cart must be loose - not in a bag. If you find that neighbors are using your Blue Cart incorrectly, we have signs for you to affix to your cart which is a reminder of what goes where.
 
Montrose Metra Community Garden Volunteer Days - benefit our community and enjoy the garden. The garden is hosting reoccurring community volunteer days on the 15th of every month. 11am-1pm on the weekend and 5-7pm during the week. Wednesday, June 15; Friday, July 15; Monday, August 15; Thursday, September 15; Saturday, October 15; Tuesday, November 15.
We will tend the vegetable plots that benefit our neighborhood food pantries, care for our pollinator garden and fruit bushes and trees. Bring your children.

 
The calendar says it's time to garden in Chicago! We continue to encourage you to create gardens in the public way; parkways and corners.  Not only are these gardens lovely they also provide many benefits. They help keep water out of the street and basements, are necessary for pollinators like bees and butterflies and they help build a strong sense of community.  Grass is a close second to concrete in contributing to the increase of flooding.
 
For anyone who is planning to plant in the public way; we have resources for these beautiful additions to our community. Also, if you want to plant a corner garden, but don't live on the corner, we have forms for you. If you see an area that could use a "gardening lift", call us - we'll help you get started.

However, there are a couple of caveats for those of us who garden in the public way: city departments, utilities or private contractors may need access to this area, without warning.  This means they can remove your plants and are under no obligation to replace them. Personally, I don't plant perennials that I really love and can't stand to lose. Also, anything that is a permanent structure such as a bench or fence requires a permit; which is on our website. Please take a look at the Infrastructure Update in our newsletter for scheduled work.
 
There is no better way to insure you live in a safe, cohesive, friendly neighborhood than to be a member of a Block Club or Neighborhood Group.  If there is one in your area, please join and get involved. It isn't hard to start one; I promise. We have a simple way to reach out to folks and to make it fun for everyone. Below are some offerings for you.
  • Organize a Block Party; everyone who has one really enjoys a day with neighbors; not to mention a day of no traffic on their street.
  • Montrose Metra Community Gardens has created an informative gardening series at Sulzer Library.
  • Our annual Plant Exchange is coming up on May 21st. Clean out your garage, separate perennials, pick up some new plants or just stop by to visit. Rain or Shine
  • Rain Barrels are available (up to 4!) for free. Want less water in the street? Rain barrels are one piece of the puzzle.
  • We have signs to remind dog owners of their obligations & to tell others that We Call Police. Stop in for these.
  • Our office is looking for a college intern and a high school volunteer for the summer. Know anyone who fits the bill?
Please share this with your neighbors. If you have any ideas about other ways we can help build a strong community, please let me know
 
Stop in for the Spring 2016 Life Enrichment Programs for Chicagoans 60 years and Better Schedule. It lists the wide array of programming available in our two excellent local Senior Centers; Levy Regional and North Center Satellite Center. Whether you need a refresher in Rules of the Road, want to try your luck at Bingo, love old radio performances or are ready to discuss end of life decisions - these are the places for you.
 
Have an old television you want to donate? There's a resale store that accepts televisions (not just flat screens!): Unique.www.savers.com/unique 

Have extra plastic bags in your house? Take these items to the local Jewel: plastic grocery bags from any retailer, dry cleaning bags, produce bags, trash can liners bread bags. These recyclables are used to make durable fencing and decking. Another win-win-win: keeping these out of the garbage, getting them out of your house and creating items that are good for the environment.

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.
 
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 
    
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 use batteries during our twice yearly, spring and fall recycling events only. They will be sent to a recycler in Michigan.
 
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.
                                                                                                   
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
 
Thanks to all of you who donated blankets/towels for the shelters. A car load was taken to Treehouse. 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 on Stage 1 will continue through August 2016. There will be one lane of traffic open in each direction of Western Avenue for the duration of this work.

Construction on Western Avenue requires sewer work to occur in the middle of the Belmont intersection.  Unfortunately, based on the depth and the location of the new connection the work will affect Belmont traffic for approximately one week. 
 
The current schedule for this work is:
 
On Monday 5/16 and Tuesday 5/17, traffic on Belmont will be reduced to a single lane in each direction through the Western intersection.  Left turns will be restricted during this time. 
 
On Wednesday 5/18, westbound Belmont & Clybourn traffic will be prevented from crossing through the Western Avenue intersection.  Traffic will be detoured north on Western to Roscoe and south on Campbell back to Belmont.  See the attached detour for clarification.  We anticipate the detour being in place for 3 - 5 days.  Eastbound Belmont traffic will be allowed to pass through the intersection, however, left turns will be restricted. 
 
This work will affect the CTA bus stop at the northwest corner of Belmont.  The CTA is aware of this work and will be posting the appropriate route modifications.

ComEd is also completing emergency repairs at Addison & Western. They will be working continuously through the weekend.  
 
Stage 1, currently underway, includes: removal of the viaduct (complete), 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 5 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 this article 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, Newport 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. The contractor has capped the trench and restoration is mobilizing. No Parking will be posted M-F from 7am to 4pm where needed for curb and sidewalk work. 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 are replacing the water mains from 1892 under the streets detailed above.  No Parking will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm, and will be staged to the greatest extent possible. The new water main on Lincoln is complete and services have been transferred. The trench has been capped and restoration will continue. 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. Crews have resumed installation of sewer main on Wolcott from Ainslie to Winnemac. The 1800 block of Argyle can be accessed via the N/S alley just east of Wolcott.

Sewer installation is complete. 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. (Spring 2016)
Dakin from Western Avenue to Campbell Avenue (Spring 2016)
Winchester from Lawrence to Wilson & Leland from Damen to Wolcott (Spring 2016)

Metra Project- Phase II
Metra and Union Pacific expect to start construction on the second and final phase of their project along Ravenswood in late 2016 or early 2017.  The project is expected to last approximately 3 years and this work is funded by the Federal Transit Administration.  Phase II work on the east side will mirror much of the Phase I work on the west side, which was completed in 2015.  Phase II includes the construction of a new inbound Ravenswood station on the east side of the tracks between Leland and Lawrence, and the replacement of 11 bridges on the east side of the tracks from Grace up to Balmoral.  Design and engineering work is being completed and the project will go out to bid this spring/summer.  A community meeting will be scheduled for this summer to notify residents and businesses of the work that is planned. For more information, please click here.

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.