32nd Ward NEWSLETTER
January 13, 2017
32nd Ward Newsletter
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has released its recommendations on their year long investigation into patterns or practices of the Chicago Police Department. 


The investigation began last year and coincided with a City Task Force on Police Accountability. The Chicago Police Accountability Task Force released their full report in April of 2016.  Since then, federal judges have also sanctioned the City Law Department eight times and levied close to $700,000 in fines related to what the DOJ is investigating. The Progressive Caucus of the City Council has called for a broader look at the entire system, including the City Law Department and council processes. While the Department of Justice and the City look to hold police officers accountable for the practices within the CPD, city leadership needs to be held accountable as well. The lack of cooperation and refusal to provide information to the public that is necessary to make good decisions has hindered changes in the City. These practices need to end before we can have fundamental transformation of city government.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Police Department is also looking to hire officers, roughly 500 over the next couple years. You can apply before January 31st at www.chicagopolice.org. 
Office Information:

**Please note that we will be closed on Monday, January 16th in observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day**

2657 N. Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60614
773-248-1330
ward32.org
ward32@cityofchicago.org

Monday - Friday 
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
January CAPS Meeting
January 18
Beats 1921/1922/1931
Police Auditorium at  2452 W. Belmont
  7:00 pm
January 19
Beats 1431/1432
Haas Park ( 2402 N. Washtenaw)
7:00 pm
Ahead of DOJ report release, Progressive Caucus demands City Hall address concerns around Law Department’s handling of evidence, Freedom of Information cases 
 --The Chicago City Council Progressive Reform Caucus on Thursday demanded that the Emanuel administration address an apparent pattern of obfuscation by the City Department of Law. The Caucus voiced concern that the City of Chicago has been sued eight times in the last eight years for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) violations, and paid out court sanctioned fines of nearly $700,000 for open records violations through 2016. Earlier this month, U.S. District Court Judge Joan Gottschall sanctioned the Law Department on this issue, ruling that the Department acted in "bad faith" during the discovery process in a recent lawsuit.  

The 11-member Caucus urged the Emanuel administration to clarify the City’s plan to address serious concerns raised by Judge Gottschall and others regarding the Law Department’s handling of FOIA and evidentiary practice. 

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Day in Chicago. Below are two events commemorating this American leader. On Monday, January 16th, Wicker Park will host a full day event at the Wicker Park Field House. Also throughout the day, the Chicago History Museum offers Free Admission for Illinois residents who will be able to view the Museum legacy of MLK through multimedia platforms. 
WATER PROJECT #1701019: Leavitt (Milwaukee to Webster) and Webster (Leavitt to Hoyne)

Residents will be receiving more details from the Water Department in a handout that will be dropped off at each residence. We will be sending further details about the two different systems affected- water and sewer- and how the department will handle future potential issues with the project. 

Project: The Department of Water Management will soon be installing 3,621 feet of 12-inch water main in N. Leavitt St from Milwaukee Ave to Webster Ave and in W. Webster Ave from N. Leavitt St to N. Hoyne Ave.

Reason: The old main consists of 6-inch pipe, and they want to expand capacity. Further, the old pipe dates back to 1886 and needs to be replaced.

Timing: They will begin installing the new water main in mid-January, and expect the work to be completed in spring. Restoration will follow. Dates may change depending on weather and other factors. If there is any appreciable change, they will notify you.

Traffic: They will allow traffic to flow outside of their working hours.  When they are working in the street, they have to close it to traffic for reasons of safety. You will always be able to reach your home or business, even if it means putting a metal plate in place.  Outside of working hours, a lane will be left open for local traffic only.

Parking: They will post their work area for “No Parking” as needed, during work hours (7am-4pm). They are agreeable to parking outside of those hours, but will have to insist that cars be moved by the start of the next workday. They will try to preserve as much parking as they can.

Alerts: If you would like to receive regular email updates about the progress of the project, please go to BuildingANewChicago.org to register for the WaterALERT program. Simply enter your name, email address, and the project identification number at the top of this letter.  By signing up for the WaterALERT emails, you will be notified as the project enters each new construction phase – from mobilization of equipment onto the site, to the installation of new pipes, to the final restoration of the street.

CONTACT: RAY HOLPUCH, PROJECT RESIDENT ENGINEER (312-907-5140)
Women's March on Washington (Illinois Chapter) Marches on Saturday, January 21st in Downtown Chicago

On January 21st, women from throughout the nation will march all over the country to make a statement about the importance of women's rights and equality. The main march will occur in Washington, D.C. but there will be other simultaneous events. Chicago will be marching in downtown. If you are interested in participating, here are the details: 

Saturday, January 21, 2017
Petrillo Bandshell in Grant Park
Rally: 10:00 a.m. (CST); March: 11:00 a.m. (CST)

*MARCH ROUTE: West from Park on Jackson to Michigan, north to Adams, west to Dearborn, north to Randolph, west on Randolph to Clark, south on Clark to Jackson and back to Park.

ALL ARE WELCOME! To find out more about the Chicago march, click here. To find out more about the march in D.C., check out womensmarchillinois.com for details and transportation.
 Point-In-Time Homeless Count
 
The Point-In-Time Homeless Count is conducted every two years to provide the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) with a “snapshot” of Chicago’s homeless population. The data gathered on the actual number of homeless in Chicago serves as a basis for federal funding, for service and resource planning, and to raise public awareness about homelessness.

DFSS is presently conducting one hour-information sessions about volunteer opportunities for those interested in assisting us with this effort. If you are interested in volunteering, and have not previously volunteered for the Point-In-Time Homeless Count, you are encouraged to attend.

To RSVP for a session or to register as a volunteer, please visit www.cityofchicago.org/fss; or email homelesscount@cityofchicago.org


Public Meeting Notice for the North Branch Works
Infrastructure and Traffic Concerns Along the Chicago River

Do you have Infrastructure Issues or congestion concerns?
We invite you to our upcoming Infrastructure Task Force meeting to discuss your issue with the appropriate City staff.
Infrastructure Task Force Meeting
 January 25th at 10:00 AM
 CH Robinson Building (1840 N Marcey St)
If you have any requests to be added to the agenda, or to RSVP, please contact Lauren at lauren@northbranchworks.org or 773-929-5552 ext 227.
Help Ms. Martinucci's Classroom Get a Computer Storage Cart
Ms. Martinucci of Lakeview HS is looking for help for 100 of her students. A donor gave her classroom 30 BRAND NEW Chromebooks, but she needs a place to put them. Help these guys out by making a small donation for her cart! 

Find out more about Ms. Martinucci and her classroom as well as donate by clicking here.