News from Alderman Tom Tunney

News from the 44th Ward

Dear Neighbors,

My staff and I have been working closely with Commander Voulgaris to address robberies in our community and create solutions. We will have a saturation team in the 19th District on weekends and administrative officers in the department are being redeployed to work midnight shifts. Additionally, officers will be reassigned to foot patrols everyday during peak hours.

We have been dealing with late night crime on our streets for years. As a victim of a robbery myself, I understand everyone's concern and I share it. We all need to be aware of our surroundings and not be afraid to call 911 with as much information as possible when you see someone behaving suspiciously or committing a crime. We must all work together with the police to effectively fight crime.

We have organized a community walk for Friday, August 9th at midnight. We will meet in front of 7-Eleven at 3407 N. Halsted and walk through the Lakeview community with members of the 19th District Police Department. Please join me on this walk and spread the word to your neighbors.

During my tenure as Alderman, I have consistently worked with the 19th District police department to identify crime hotspots, install police cameras at major intersections, improve lighting on residential and arterial streets, and restrict late night parking on commercial streets. I have worked hard to stimulate positive economic development that has helped transform Lakeview into one of the most desirable communities to live, work and visit. I am committed to doing all I can to address crime issues in the 44th Ward and am confident that working together with the community, businesses, police, and CAPS we can improve safety in the area.

My office hours will be restricted to 9am-1pm tomorrow, August 2nd for a Staff Retreat. We will be open on Saturday, August 3 from 8am-12pm to sell parking permits and assist constituents.

Sincerely,

Alderman Tom Tunney

Community Alert

Wanted for Armed Robbery with a Handgun- 19th District

About this Crime:

This alert gives notice to citizens in the 19th District of several armed robbery incidients that have occurred during the month of July. In these incidents, two offenders approached victims on the street or in alleys and robbed them of their wallets, money, and cell phones at gun point. The incidents have occurred in the late evening and morning hours.

Incident time and location (by block of occurrence):

1500 block of W. Altgeld St. - Jul. 21, 2013, 1:05 a.m.
1500 block of W. George St. - Jul. 21, 2013, 1:15 a.m.
1300 block of W. Grace St. - Jul 27, 2013, 11:00 p.m.
1200 block of W. Belmont Ave. - Jul 30, 2013, 4:08 a.m.
4700 block of N. Hermitage Ave. - Jul 30, 2013, 10:30 p.m.
1400 block of W. Roscoe St. - Jul 30, 2013, 11:35 p.m.

About the Offenders:

There are two offenders described as male African Americans or male Hispanics,18-35 years of age. In two incidents, one of the offenders is described as having a shaved or bald head. In each incident, the offenders are seen exiting a vehicle prior to the armed robbery or seen leaving in a vehicle. Vehicle descriptions vary but include a red 2 door Toyota; a beige sedan; and a black Chevrolet.

What you can do:

Report any suspicious people or vehicles in the area.
Be aware of this crime and alert neighbors in the area.
Pay special attention to anyone loitering in the area.
Call 911 and provide a detailed description of the offender(s) including any vehicle description, license plate information and direction of flight.

If you have any information about these incidents, contact the Bureau of Dectectives- Area North at (312)-744-8263. Anonymous Tips can be submitted to TIPSOFT.COM.

To download and print this alert for your building and neighbors, please click here.

Click here for additional safety tips.

Wrigleyville Summerfest

Saturday, August 3 from 12-10PM and Sunday, August 4th from 12-9PM

Location: 3300 N. Seminary

Wrigleyville Summerfest features a Kids Zone with interactive games and family-friendly activities during the day in addition to the live music, beer, and savory flavors that Chicagoans know and love. Local vendors showcasing their products and services will also be on-site.

There will be NO PARKING on Seminary from School to Roscoe beginning at 4am on Saturday, August 3rd and continuing through Sunday, August 4th until midnight. All vehicles on premise during this time will be ticketed and towed.

Proceeds benefit the Lakeview Pantry, The Night Ministry, and the children's programs and other ministries of Resurrection Lutheran Church.

For more information, please click here.

Alderman Tunney's 44th Ward Mobile App

Alderman Tom Tunney welcomes you to download the official 44th Ward App. Our goal is to provide updated information to residents about the community and provide an easy way to communicate back with our office.

Please download and visit this App often for timely information regarding the City of Chicago's 44th Ward, including latest news and updates.

- Receive important up-to-date information about the 44th Ward, Chicago.

- Report potholes, request City Services and communicate directly with the Alderman's office

- Updated parking information for street cleaning, Cubs games & other useful information

- Read about updated news, events and announcements

- Read safety tips,community alerts and learn about important City programs

- Find City of Chicago parks, arts & culture exhibits and other great attractions.

To download the app for Android users, click here.

To download the app for iPhone users, click here.

A list of JCAR Members can be found here. State Fire Marshal Sprinkler Mandate Proposal

I have heard from numerous constituents regarding the State Fire Marshall's proposal for a Rule Change that would require the installation of sprinkler systems in all residential high-rises, newly constructed Single Family Residence and Single Family Residence where fifty-percent or more rehabilitation is occurring. This proposed mandate has serious financial implications for all residential buildings in Chicago. Additional information can be found here.

The City's Law Department has briefed the Alderman on the proposal and the actions they have taken to address the proposal. The City shares the OSFM's goal of making all buildings and other structures within the City as safe as reasonably possible from fire and other dangers. The Chicago Life Safety Ordinance is one of the most comprehensive Fire Safety Ordinances in the entire country.

The City believes the best way to advance the objective is not by the imposition of an unworkable and financially devastating mandate, but rather by engaging in a dialogue that respects both the State's and City's respective powers and interests. The City is committed to engaging in such dialogue and reaching common ground.

At the end of next week, I will be sending JCAR, my letter of opposition to this proposal along with a copy of all letters and emails sent to my office. It is imperative that you contact the 12 state representatives and state senators who will vote on whether or not to approve the State Fire Marshall's recommendations on August 13th. All comments and objections must be submitted by August 12th. A list of JCAR Members can be found here. Full details of the OSFM proposal and the City's response, can be found here.

Redefine The Drive

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) have initiated a study to improve North Lake Shore Drive from Grand Avenue to Hollywood Avenue.

Although the Drive has been repaired and resurfaced many times since initial construction, the bridges and appurtenances have reached the ends of their useful lives, and may warrant complete reconstruction or major rehabilitation. The proposed project involves improvement of seven miles of the 8-lane Lake Shore Drive boulevard, including the 12 highway junctions.

The citizens of Chicago and all regional users will have the chance to provide input on how they use the Drive and how IDOT and CDOT can meet travel demands of all users in the corridor. Below is a list of upcoming public meetings to provide your input on this important study.

Gill Park

825 W. Sheridan Road, 3rd Floor

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Open House: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Truman College

1145 W. Wilson Avenue, Atrium

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Open House: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N. Cannon Drive, South Gallery

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Open House: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.