News from the 44th Ward 
Dear Neighbors,
  
Happy New Year!   
  
The 44th Ward is home to the "Best Gay Neighborhood in the World!" Boystown has been voted the world's most "incomparable" gay neighborhood by readers of Out Traveler MagazineThis huge distinction truly showcases all of the things that make our neighborhood great and all we have to offer to both residents and visitors alike.  I am looking forward to a great 2014 filled with new development and greenspace, as well as improvements to infrastructure and public safety.
  
Overall crime in Lakeview decreased by 17% in 2013.  Public safety remains my top priority, and while we still have a lot of work to do, I am pleased to see that overall crime has decreased in our community, notably with a 39% reduction in burglaries, 18% decrease in motor vehicle thefts and a 4% reduction in robberies.  We had zero homicides in 2013. For more information on statistics, please click here. Please remember that the CAPS schedule for 2014 has changed.  Beat 1924 will now be meeting at the 19th District Police Station along with beats 1923 & 1925 on the first Wednesday of each month.  Beat 1933 will meet on Thursday, January 9 at Illinois Masonic and will most likely be moved to the second Tuesday of every month after.  Stay tuned for more details.  Beats 1934 & 1935 will meet the third Thursday of every month at the Inn at Lincoln Park. Click here for the 19th District 2014 beat meeting schedule.
  
Residents can visit www.ChicagoShovels.org to track snow removal efforts in real-time through Plow Tracker and sign up to volunteer with the Snow Corp program, which helps to pair volunteers with senior residents or people with disabilities who require assistance with snow removal.  
 
Over the next few days, the National Weather Service has reported extreme cold temperatures. Please check on elderly or disabled relatives and friends, or those who live alone and may need help during this time.  If you or someone you know are in need of a warming facility, the closest location for 44th Ward residents is the new Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) facility at 845 W. Wilson. Additional facilities such as libraries, Park District buildings, senior centers and other community venues serve as Warming Centers when needed.  Transportation is provided for the elderly and the disabled who cannot get to a Warming Center on their own.  The DFSS Human Services Mobile Outreach Program in partnership with Catholic Charities will ensure vehicles and drivers are available during periods of extreme cold.  Their goal is to ensure that everyone in need has convenient access to a safe and warm facility.  Click here for information on the Warming Centers citywide.  

 

  

Have a great weekend and stay warm! 
  
Sincerely,

 

Alderman Tom Tunney

  
  
Frequently Asked Questions about Sidewalk Snow Removal
 
Many people rely on walking and transit as their primary way to get around, and without a wide, clear path through snow and ice, it is especially difficult for people with disabilities, seniors, and children to walk safely
. It is crucial to our vibrant neighborhood that property owners keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice.
 

Who is responsible for clearing the snow and ice from sidewalks?

According to the Municipal Code of Chicago, "Every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground abutting upon any public way or public space shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk..."

 

It is everyone's responsibility to make sure the sidewalks are clear of snow and ice.  We are all pedestrians and benefit from having a safe, clear, and continuous path to travel.

How long do I have to clear the sidewalks?

If the snow stops falling before 4 p.m. you have three hours to clear except on Sunday.

If the snow stops falling after 4 p.m. or on Sunday, you have to clear before 10 a.m. on the next day.

How much snow do I need to clear to comply with the ordinance?

The Municipal Code of Chicago requires individuals to clear a 5 foot wide path along the sidewalk, where conditions allow. 

This width allows pedestrians in wheelchairs, people with children in strollers, students walking to school, and individuals with assistive devices mobility and access.

What is the best way to remove snow from the sidewalk?

- Remove snow and ice along ALL sidewalks adjacent to your property
- Move snow to your yard or the parkway adjecent to your property
- Do not push snow from the sidewalk into the street
- Do not cover the crosswalks with snow
- Do not block alley entrances with snow
- Do not pile snow around fire hydrants

What happens if I don't clear my sidewalk?

Individuals who do not comply with the sidewalk snow removal ordinance can face fines of $50.

Businesses who do not comply with the sidewalk snow removal ordinance can face fines from $250 to $500 per day of violation.

 
 


2014 Blue Cart Recycling Pick-Up Schedule 

*Next week will be our recycling week
  
  
Save The Date
  
 
     

Annual Wrigley Field Community Meeting:

When: Tuesday, January 28, 2014.

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: 19th District Police Station - Community Room

 

 

Sidewalk Caf� Permit Renewal for 2014
 
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will be sending renewal applications to all businesses that held a Sidewalk Caf� Permit in 2013. Each year businesses must reapply for their Caf� Permit. Please review the renewal packet and submit to our office as quickly as possible. The application process takes 30-60 days. In light of the past warm winters, please anticipate submitting your application for renewal in early January to ensure you are permitted and ready to open mid-March.  Click here to be directed to the application and contact Denise Poelsterl in our office for more information or questions.  
 
January 3, 2014
   
Christmas Tree Recycling
FAQ about Sidewalk Snow Removal
2014 Blue Cart Recycling Pick-Up Schedule
Annual Wrigley Field Meeting
Sidewalk Cafe Permit Renewal



44th Ward Service Office
3223 N. Sheffield Ave.
44thward.org

Office Hours
Monday-Thursday
 8am-6pm
Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: 8am-12pm

Contact us:

Phone: 773-525-6034
CAPS Meetings

Beats 1923, 1924 & 1925
Wednesday, February 5
19h District Police Station
850 W. Addison
 
Beat 1933
Thursday January 9
7:00-7:30 pm
Illinois Masonic Hospital
836 W. Wellington
  
Beats 1934 & 1935
Thursday, January 16
7:00-8:00 pm
Inn at Lincoln Park
601 W. Diversey
 
 
Upcoming Street Cleaning
  
The 2013 street cleaning schedule has ended for the year.  Streets & Sanitation will continue with street cleaning off schedule until consistent snowfall.  Please pay attention to your vehicle on a regular basis to see the signs.
  
Alderman Tom Tunney - 44th Ward