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| Let's Put a Park in the PMD |
Dear Neighbor,
For months we've read and heard speculation about the fate of the former Finkl Steel property, and possible new zoning in the Planned Manufacturing District in which it sits. (For example, these
presentations
here
.) Unfortunately missing
from this discussion has been a solid commitment from any of the parties to set aside sorely needed public parkland within a site that will be well over 100 acres.
This once-in-a-generation development allows Chicago to plan for residents now and the next 100 years.
Lincoln Park has seen enormous growth in our families with children. In the past 15 years the number of children under 14 has climbed 65%.
While we have many fine small parks and playlots, our recreational facilities are stretched beyond capacity. We need public space for organized sports like baseball, soccer and football
as well as individual exercise, relaxation and the general well-being derived from open greenspace.
In 1988, the Clybourn Corridor PMD became the first of 14 such districts in the city. Though political boundaries have changed, this land has historically been part of the 43d Ward. Its proximity to us and to the river, as well as its vast acreage, makes this a much-needed resource for our residents.
In 1998, the Cityspace Plan for Chicago mandated Chicagoans live within ½ mile from a park of at least 3 acres. The report said by 2020 our city will need 1,250 acres of new parks. The Plan requires if a major new development increases the population by 1,000 residents, 5 acres of parks should be developed as part of the development. If the population expands by 5,000 new residents, by the city's 2020 goal, then 25 acres of public parks with recreational opportunities is warranted.
The 1993 Chicago Park District Parkland Analysis declared, "...access to the Chicago River is a right that all residents should enjoy."
The report urged continued development of full-sized parks along the river.
I could not agree more with the Cityspace and Park District assessments. Parkland is vital to the future of our City and key to retaining families in our Ward. This is a rare moment to secure a much-needed large public park.
I believe it is imperative we tie meaningful parkland to any overall re-design of the PMD.
I hope you will join me in voicing your support and I welcome your feedback.
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Lincoln Park High School Open House - Open to All
Come out on
Sunday, October 23rd from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM for the
Lincoln Park High School Open House. General Session presentations will be held at
2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, & 4:00 PM. After the General Session, choose from multiple simultaneous presentations - English, Math, Science, Social Studies, the athletics department, various clubs and activities, 1school1community, and more!
This is a great opportunity for parents and community members to see what LPHS is all about. You don't have to be a student or parent to attend.
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Don't Delay - You Can Still Register to VOTE
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Community Meeting Re: 441-447 W Arlington Place
Join me and the Park West Community Association (PWCA) for the next community presentation reviewing the proposed redevelopment of 441-447 W. Arlington Place. Following the August 18th meeting, I requested the applicant respond to community feedback with alterations to the plan.
The applicant seeks to build a 4-story building with 8 residential units on the vacant lot on the site, while retaining and rehabilitating the existing single family home on site.
The meeting will take place on Thursday, October 27th at 6:30 PM at HopCat, 2577 N Clark St. Join in a direct dialogue with the development team.
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Neighborhood Events
Saint Teresa of Avila Fall Blood Drive
Help others and donate blood at St. Teresa of Avila Church at 1037 W Armitage in the Parish Hall on
Sunday, October 23rd between 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM. Schedule your appointment online
here or drop in.
All donors will receive a long sleeve t-shirt, and a free chair massage while waiting to have their blood drawn. Make sure to bring a photo ID.
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Fire Prevention at Halsted Firehouse
Wrightwood Neighbors Association and the Chicago Fire Department demonstrate safety and fire prevention at
6:00 PM on Monday, October 24th
at 2714 N Halsted. Kids will see a fire truck up close and receive their own fire hat. Enjoy free pizza, soft drinks and ice cream!
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Lincoln Park Top 10 Awards
Comedienne Patti Vasquez will be hosting the inaugural
Lincoln Park Top 10 Awards
.
The ceremony at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted on
Monday, October 24th,
includes a pre-show reception beginning at
5:00 PM
. After the awards ceremony, attend an after-party at Front Bar, 1700 N. Halsted. Save $10 through Sunday, October 23rd by reserving your ticket
here
.
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Sunshine Playlot Focus Group and Survey
Help the Lincoln Park Conservancy plan the new natural playground at North Pond (replace the existing Sunshine Playlot).
Fill out an online survey
here
and to visit the
projects page
of their website to learn more.
Parents, grandparents and caretakers are invited to join the Conservancy two-hour focus group on
Monday, October 24th or Tuesday, October 25th. The playscape designer will walk through the concept plan and show photos of proposed equipment. To sign up, email
info@lincolnparkconservancy.org or call the Conservancy at (773) 883-7275.
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Fall Fest at the Lincoln Park Zoo
Fall Fest
at
Lincoln Park Zoo
is a free event
October 21st-23rd and 28th-30th from
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Tickets are required for rides and attractions and vary in price. Tickets are available individually for $3 each or in bulk packages of 10 for $27, or 20 for $51. All animal exhibits will be open and all daily programming will continue as well.
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Chicago Museum Week
Chicago Museum Week runs from
now
through Sunday, October 23rd
. Visit DePaul Art Museum and receive 15% off your meal at White Oak Tavern. For more information, click
here
.
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à la carte French Food Festival 2016
Chicago will be celebrating French food, wine and the art of living
now until Sunday, October 30th. French and French-inspired restaurants and businesses will feature exclusively crafted prix-fixe menus and special offers.
A special treat: Our own Dominique Tougne, owner of
Chez Moi, is conducting a cooking demonstration at Read It and Eat, 2142 N Halsted on Wednesday, October 26th at 6:30 PM. For more information, visit
à la carte 2016.
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More Lincoln Park this Weekend
For more great happenings, check out the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce's
weekend guide for
Friday, October 21st through Sunday, October 23rd.
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Fall Yard Waste Collection
Until
Wednesday, November 30th, residents can have their bagged leaf waste collected by the Department of Streets and Sanitation. Just call 311 to request pick up.
Remember, DON'T sweep your leaves into the street - this clogs catch basins and sewers (and it's also against the law).
Place bagged leaves and other yard waste next to your refuse and recycling carts. Streets and Sanitation crews will collect them to be composted for you.
A reminder: yard waste should not be thrown into the blue recycling cart as it contaminates the recycling stream.
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Go Cubs!
Michele Smith
Alderman, 43rd Ward
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43rd Ward Office Hours: M 9 AM - 7 PM, T-F 9 AM - 6 PM
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