From October 1 through November 30, eligible Chicago homeowners affected by the increase in property taxes can apply for the City of Chicago Property Tax Rebate Program. The
eligibility requirements limit the number of properties but please check to see if you may be eligible to apply for a rebate to offset the property tax increase. Visit
here- City of Chicago Property Tax Rebate Program - for details.
Early voting has opened for the November Election. You can find your voting location and status at
the Chicago Board of Elections. The Presidential Election, and many other offices elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 8, 2016.
Many of you have asked about the police manpower issues since for instance the closure, or "merger" of the 19th District Belmont police station into the station at Halsted and Addison in 2012. After several years of relying on a failed policy that put overtime as a priority over new staffing the police department will be hiring 500 new officers over the next two years. The 500 new officers may balance out the number lost to retirement or attrition, and the other "hundreds" are promotions of officers to supervisory roles or detective positions. The mayor's
budget has not yet been released so we are waiting for detailed information on how we will pay for the new staff. Meanwhile, the City Council is being ask to vote on an additional $25 million to pay for
600 new police vehicles, as part of the
Mayor's plan to address Chicago violence and crime. There is not a plan for how these officers will be assigned to different districts.
As I have said at several neighborhood or block club meetings, it is important for neighbors to do as much as they can to be proactive on crime in our neighborhoods. What we have learned from every ex-felon at burglary prevention panels (manned by ex-felons who tell residents and businesses how they burglarize) is that the best prevention measure is a nosy neighbor. A nosy neighbor is someone on the block who will help keep watch over neighbors homes, and are ready to call police when necessary. All of our local police districts host the burglary prevention seminars and they are worth attending. I encourage neighbors to build up communication networks on their block(s) and have a group text or group info system set up to alert neighbors to any criminal activity so everyone can be prepared to call police or respond accordingly. Make sure your gate or garage has home numbers on it, as first responders need these numbers clearly displayed in order to respond quicker. And, keep porchlights and alley lights on when possible. There are many other ways to prevent crime, but the most important is to get to know all of your neighbors and share info with them about your neighborhood concerns.
Detailed below are construction updates for the Western Avenue reconstruction and Damen, Elston, Fullerton. There are new lane changes and traffic shifts that require anyone going through the intersection to take extra care and drive slowly to avoid construction workers and vehicles. Please drive safely.
The hottest ticket in town (after the hit show Hamilton) is the Midnight Circus in the Parks. This fun for the family event circumvents the City and comes to Hamlin Park the week of October 8th and 9th.
Have a nice weekend,
Alderman Scott Waguespack
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Bucktown Community Organization Hosts an Education Open House |
The Bucktown Community Organization (BCO) is hosting an open house for residents to learn about local public schools in the area. The event is free and there will be food and beverages available. To RSVP, click
here.
Tues Oct 25
5:45 pm - 8 pm Pulaski School
2230 W. McLean
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Damen/Elston/Fullerton Intersection Update |
The rainy weather has delayed the concrete work to next week. If the weather holds, much of the curb and sidewalk should be restored by the end of next week. The water main and sewer work should also wrap up next week north of Fullerton. Electrical crews will continue for the next couple of weeks. The next traffic switch is tentatively scheduled for the end of October. This switch will move Damen traffic to the east side, allowing the west side of Damen to be fully reconstructed.
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Western Avenue Update |
Roscoe Street Intersection:
Starting on Monday, October 3rd, the storm sewer work is scheduled to be completed in the Roscoe and Western Avenue intersection. This work is anticipated to take 3 to 4 days to complete. During this time, the following traffic restrictions will be in place:
- Northbound Western Avenue will be reduced to a single lane and left turns onto Roscoe will be restricted.
- Southbound Western Avenue will also be reduced to a single lane and left turns onto Roscoe will be restricted.
- Westbound Roscoe traffic will be restricted from making a left turn onto southbound Western Ave.
- Eastbound Roscoe traffic will be restricted from traveling straight through the intersection.
Advanced warning signs will be in place today warning traffic of delays next week and the intersection will be signed accordingly on Monday.
Roscoe Street to the Barry Avenue:
Starting on or about Wednesday, October 5th, construction is scheduled to switch to the west side of Western Avenue between Roscoe Street and Barry Avenue. At this time, traffic will shift to the newly constructed pavement on the east side of Western Avenue. Four lanes of traffic will be maintained through the Belmont intersection. However, please be advised left turns will continue to be restricted from Western Avenue onto Belmont and Clybourn Avenue and on the side streets.
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Property Tax Rebate Program |
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Register to Vote and Other Information for the November General Election |
The general election is on November 8, 2016.
On the ballot, people will be voting for
President, U.S. Congressmen/Senator, State Comptroller, State Reps, State Senators, Water Rec Commissioners,
various County positions,
Judges, and referenda questions.
Register to Vote!
Register to vote online deadline- October 23rd
Qualifications to Register to Vote
To register to vote, you must: - be a U.S. citizen - be born on or before November 8, 1998 - live in your precinct at least 30 days before the election - not claim the right to vote elsewhere - not be in prison/jail serving time for a conviction. (Note: Ex-convicts who have completed their sentences and who meet all other requirements listed above are eligible to register and vote in Illinois.)
Click here to check your voter registration status.
Early Voting
Early voting started on September 29th at 69 W. Washington. Early voting at ward sites will start October 24th and run through November 7th. The 32nd Ward location is at the Bucktown/Wicker Park Library at 1701 N. Milwaukee, but you can vote at any early voting site in the city regardless of what ward you live in. Please click here for more information on early voting.
Become a Judge of Election
Judges of election are the officials who are responsible for the conduct of the election in the precinct polling place. The job is challenging, interesting and personally rewarding. In each precinct, the judges share in the responsibilities, the duties and the authorities that include:
- Opening the polling place and setting up voting equipment at 5 a.m. on Election Day
- Conducting a fair, impartial and secure election in the precinct polling place, allowing voting from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Tabulating the vote totals for the precinct and transmitting the results to Election Central after the polls close at 7 p.m.
Apply
online
to serve at the
Nov. 8, 2016
General Election. (This is the recommended way to apply.)
The mail-in application is available here.
To check your voter status and find out your voting precinct or any other information concerning the elections, go to www.chicagoelections.com.
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Nursing Home Residents' Rights and Protections Free Workshop |
While most residents receive good care in long-term care facilities, far too many are neglected and others are victims of psychological, physical, and other kinds of abuse. Licensed facilities such as nursing homes are required to allow ombudsmen to enter the facility and visit with residents without interference from facility staff.
On
Thursday, October 13, 2016
, the Circuit Court of Cook County Elder Justice Center is hosting a seminar to discuss resident rights and protections as part of its Senior Enrichment Seminar Series entitled
"Nursing Home Residents' Rights and Protection". A description of topics to be discussed at the seminar is indicated below:
- Nursing home residents' rights
- Common problems residents encounter and resolutions
- The Illinois Department of Public Health's role as a regulator
- Investigation and reporting procedures
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Noon - 1:30 pm
Richard J. Daley Center
50 West Washington St.
Courtroom 2005, on the 20th Floor
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Midnight Circus at Hamlin Park |
Join your neighbors in Hamlin Park (3035 N Hoyne Ave) for fun under the big top on October 8th and 9th (2pm and 5pm shows). Enjoy a jaw-dropping acrobatic circus while raising money for our parks. This event is co-hosted by Chi Che Wang Park Advisory Council and Hamlin Park Advisory Council.
If you are interested in volunteering at the circus, here is how you can sign up.
Buy your tickets today by clicking here.
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14th Police District Gun Buy Back Program |
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32nd Ward Free Flu Shots!
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32nd Ward Office |
Chicago, IL 60614
Hours:
Monday - Friday
9 am to 6 pm
Please email or call us with any requests.
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Bucktown Apple Pie Contest THIS SUNDAY FROM 2-5 PM at Holstein Park |
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