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Issue: 406
October 27, 2016
 
39th Ward Newsletter  
 
Greetings, Neighbor!

In this newsletter, you'll find information about: a new permanent home for the Independence Library; a new gas project on Navajo; a chance to help neighbors stay a little warmer this winter; Halloween events in the ward; and more.

Honoring Our Veterans:
  • Alderman Margaret Laurino and the Mayfair Veterans Committee will honor local heroes with ceremony and music at the 15th annual Salute to American Heroes, Sunday, November 6 at 1:30pm at the Mayfair Veterans Memorial at the corner of Lawrence and Keeler Avenues. This year's honorees are: SSgt. Bryan McCarty, WWII Veteran; Ventura "Benny" Velazquez, USAF Veteran, posthumous ; Lion Georg Toft, posthumous; Commander Elias Voulgaris, Chicago Police Department; and the Chicago Fire Department, Engine 108, 3rd Shift.
Special Note:
  • Our office, along with many residents of the 39th Ward, have followed the case of the Sovereign Citizen squatters in our Ward.
This newsletter comes out every two weeks; for more timely information about events, infrastructure projects, and more follow us on  Facebook  or Twitter. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter!

Margaret Laurino
39th Ward Alderman
Mayor Announces New Home for Independence Library

The Independence Branch of the Chicago Public Library (CPL) will have a new permanent home in West Walker. CPL and the Chicago Housing Authority have joined forces to build a new 10,000-to 14,000-square-foot Independence branch, along with senior housing, at 4024 N. Elston Ave., the Hollerbach Funeral Home site.
 
This new library would not have happened without community support. No one has been more supportive over the years than Roberta Bole, President of Friends of Independence Library. Thank you to Roberta and all of the residents and neighboring elected officials who have advocated for a new, permanent library.

Next steps include a design competition followed by construction. We will keep you updated with news and progress reports.

Learn more here and here.

In the photo below, left to right: State Senator Ira Silverstein, Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Debra Silverstein (50), Alderman John Arena (45), and Chicago Public Housing CEO Eugene Jones Jr; speaking is Alderman Margaret Laurino (39).

Holiday Coat Drive Through 11/23

Alderman Laurino is proud to be part of the Chicago City Clerk's 2nd annual coat drive.

Feel free to drop off new and gently used winter coats, gloves, scarves, and hats for children, women, and men at our office during office hours. We're located at 4404 W. Lawrence.

Thanks in advance for your generosity!

Infrastructure: New Peoples Gas Project

Project Description: A Peoples Gas project began last week at 6200 N Navajo. This project will involve some work on Devon and Caldwell as well. Crews will be installing 3,000 feet of new main and transfer 42 services. Construction will begin on Navajo, then move to Devon and Caldwell. (See map of work below.)
 
Reason: The goal of the project is to resolve a poor supply issue on this block.

Timing: This project started last week and is anticipated to take about 8 weeks, ending in mid-to-late December 2016.

Traffic: Expect traffic delays on Navajo, Caldwell, and Devon. (See map below.)

Parking: "No Parking" signs will be posted as needed. Please heed posted signs.

This project is listed on our website.

 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

With October designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the City of Chicago has launched a first-ever texting campaign to educate youth on domestic violence and how they or people they know may seek help through the city's Domestic Violence Hotline operated by the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network. 
 
The Domestic Violence Hotline is currently responding to text messages sent to 877/877-6338.

Residents are also encouraged to call the hotline at the same number. Bilingual Spanish and English-speaking staff are on standby 24/7. All calls and texts are both toll-free and confidential.   
The campaign is just the latest in a series of efforts by the administration to prevent domestic violence and to help its victims get the support they need. Since taking office, Mayor Emanuel has coordinated a number of prevention initiatives, and has ordered more focused training for police officers on how to intervene and prevent abuse. To date, almost 2,000 police officers across the city have completed an advanced training led by a citywide domestic violence prevention task force.   
Throughout the month of October, all 22 Chicago Police Districts have hosted domestic violence education and awareness activities.
 
For more information and support, anyone can call or text the Domestic Violence Hotline at 877/877-6338. To report domestic abuse, Chicagoans should call 9-1-1.
O'Hare Updates
 
Runway Rotation Schedule

The Chicago Department of Aviation updated the Runway Rotation Test schedule for the Week of October 23. Because the pavement rehabilitation for Runway 10L-28R continues this week, a construction alternative is necessary for the rotation schedule. Specifically, aircraft arrivals in the secondary configuration will now be on Runway 10C-28C, not 10L-28R as originally planned.

 
Fly Quiet Rotation Test Survey
 
Fifty percent of the Runway Rotation Test has been completed, and the Chicago  Department of  Aviation will be  compiling data including submitted surveys. 
 
The O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission (ONCC) needs accurate information from residents who complete the online surveys. The survey will serve as one component to measure if the runway rotation test was a successful aircraft noise abatement program. Once the rotation test is completed on December 25th, the Fly Quiet Program will return to its original format. 
 
Be Heard: Please take a moment to take this online survey. 
 
ONCC can make an educated recommendation to continue the interim Fly Quiet Runway Rotation plan only if it has all the test data information and  surveys.
Open House at St. Ed's, 10/27

On Thursday, October 27, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, St. Ed's will hold an Open House for grades Pre-K 3 through 1st grade in Buckley Hall (4447 N. Lowell.) Meet teachers, families, and students! 

Staff are also happy to accommodate families with older students. In this case, please just make sure to let staff know you are attending.

Email
rsvp@stedwardschool.com for more information.
PEBA Holiday Party, 11/17
 
The Pulaski Elston Business Association (PEBA) and the Peterson Pulaski Business & Industrial Council invite you to Kick Off the Holidays on Thursday, November 17, at 5pm at Monastero's (3935 N. Devon.)
 
From PEBA: "Mix and mingle with friends and fellow business people. Be treated to a drink, enjoy traditional Sicilian cuisine, and groove to the dulcet tones of pianist extraordinaire, Jeff Manuel."
  
RSVP by sending in this form by November 11. (PDF)

Whether you sponsor the party, donate a silent auction item, bring the gang from work to bid on the auction, or all of the above, PEBA needs and appreciates your support! 
Home Owners: Apply for Chicago Property Tax Rebate Until 11/30

If your household income was under $75,000 in 2015, and if the City of Chicago portion of your property tax bill increased this year, you may qualify for a PROPERTY TAX REBATE of up to $200. Seniors who are longtime homeowners may qualify for up to $150 in additional tax relief.
You must apply in person at one of the 26 sites throughout Chicago, including the Albany Park Library, 3401 W. Foster Ave. Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 10am-5pm; Tuesdays & Thursdays 12pm-7pm, and Fridays & Saturdays 9am-4pm.

If you are disabled or otherwise unable to apply in person at the library, please call our office to discuss alternative arrangements: (773) 736-5594

Find out about required documents and more on our website
Community Safety: CAPS Hispanic Community Outreach + More

CAPS Fall Meeting Schedule

Click on the links below to see the CAPS Beat Meeting schedule for our neighborhoods for October and November:
SPECIAL NOTE: In November, the 1731 Beat Meeting date changed due to the Presidential Election. As a result, Beat 1731 will meet November 29.

Not sure which Beat Meeting you should attention? Find out on the City's site.

Vacant Buildings Become Problem Buildings

Have you noticed a vacant building on your street that needs attention? Ema il us the address as ward39@cityofchicago.org . Our goal: to address the vacant sites so that they do not attract crime. 
 
If You See Something, Say Something

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications needs your help. Learn more in this PDF.  
Free Fall Yard Refuse Pick-up, No Leaves in Street + More

Bagged Yard Waste Pick-Up Until 11/30

Did you know Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation will come and pick up your bagged leaf and yard waste? All you have to do is bag your yard waste, leave it in your alley, then call 311 to schedule a pick-up anytime between October 17 and November 30th.

Prevent Street Flooding / No Leaves in the Street

Street sweeping continues through the fall, but it is important that you and those who do yard work for you do not sweep or blow leaves into the street. High volumes of leaves make it difficult for street sweepers to do their job and contribute to clogging of storm drains that cause street flooding.


America Recycles Day, 11/15


Spend America Recycles Day on 11/15 educating yourself, your family, and your neighbors about recycling. Find information about what you can recycle in your blue carts here
Small Business Owners: Submit SBIF Applications By 11/1

Starting October 3, certain businesses can apply to receive a Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF.) Applications will be accepted through November 1. Details below.
         
Highlights from Facebook

The Alderman and her staff have been active throughout the ward in the past week. Learn more about these events and see pictures on our 39th Ward Office Facebook page.
Quick Notes

Scholarships for Students/Schools: 2016 Doodle 4 Google Competition for K-12 (12/2)


Petition: Bring a New Park to the Mayfair Neighborhood (PDF)
Office Hours
MONDAY: 9am - 8pm  
TUESDAY - FRIDAY: 9am - 5pm 
SATURDAY: 9am - 12pm 
SUNDAY: Closed 

Excludes holidays and holiday weekends.

We encourage you to call ahead to confirm open office hours and make your visit as efficient and productive as possible: 773-736-5594 
Jobs, Internships & More
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