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- Call to Action for Open Space -
- Rooting Out Absenteeism -
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Dear Neighbor,
Please join us tomorrow at 10:00 AM at City Hall for the Chicago Plan Commission meeting at 121 N LaSalle Street, 2nd Floor, as it considers the
Final Framework Plan for the North Branch Industrial Corridor.
Help state the case for much needed contiguous open recreational space as outlined in this
joint statement.
I hope to see you there.
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Rooting Out Absenteeism in Government
I am happy to report that we are making progress in reducing absenteeism among city workers. Last spring, the City of Chicago issued the report of the Absenteeism Task Force that I co-chaired. Our findings showed reforms could save taxpayers $10 million annually by rooting out inefficiency and unexcused absences as well as converting to electronic rather than outmoded paper timekeeping.
In 2016 alone, the Chicago Police and Fire Departments together spent a record of almost $200 million in overtime. In budget hearings, I questioned how the city could guarantee accurate employee hours without precise tracking. A Chicago Tribune editorial praised our efforts.
Today, both the Police and Fire Departments are poised to convert to modern electronic employee check-in utilizing biometrics. The Fire Department is now on-line and CPD will be converted by next year, as this article in the Sun-Times explains.
I pledge to remain vigilant in continuing to look for more ways to save taxpayer dollars and using your money wisely. I am proud to have spear-headed this effort to make our government more efficient.
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Lakefront Trail Rehab for New Bike Lane
Beginning on
Monday, May 22nd the Chicago Park District will begin work on
on the highly anticipated separated bicycle and pedestrian lanes on the Lakefront Trail. The project requires the closure of the Lakefront Trail between Diversey Parkway and North Avenue for several months. Here are the plans.
To track the status of the project, please click
here and to
see the map of detours, please click
here.
I was honored to join Mayor Emanuel, Superintendent Kelly, and donor Ken Griffin on Saturday for the groundbreaking of this much-needed improvement.
Read more about the work in this DNAinfo article.
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Pedestrian Street Designation City Council Public Hearing
On
Monday, May 22nd at 10:00 AM,
the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards will hear
an ordinance I introduced for a zoning change to designate the portion of Halsted Street from Fullerton to Wrightwood as a Pedestrian Street.
The Committee meeting is a public hearing held in the Council Chambers of City Hall,121 N. LaSalle Street, 2nd floor.
The purpose of this zoning layer is to prevent undesirable uses and make this part of Halsted consistent with other parts of the neighborhood
. We discussed details in a previous newsletter.
This designation will not impact the current configuration of the street or the car traffic pattern.
If you would like more information on Pedestrian Streets, click
here
.
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Bring Your Skills to Help Lincoln Park High School
#1School1Community is actively seeking help with marketing, website design and social media. The group also needs grant writers. A little help will go a long way towards promoting and benefiting our neighborhood high school. Please contact
1school1communitylphs@gmail.com to get involved.
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Wrightwood Neighbors Association's 3rd annual Lincoln Park Wine Fest is this weekend,
Saturday, May 20th from Noon to 4:00 PM and Sunday, May 21st from Noon to 5:00 PM in Jonquil Park, 1001 W Wrightwood Avenue. Over 90 varieties of wines are available for tasting and tickets include 20 tastings with each purchase.
Proceeds benefit the Conservation Program including care of Jonquil Park. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
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The Great Parker Garage Sale
The Great Parker Garage Sale
is this
weekend, Saturday, May 20th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday, May 21st from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
at Francis W. Parker School, 2233 N Clark Street. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund at the Francis W. Parker School.
Look for bargain finds including designer and name brand clothing for everyone, fashion accessories, art, housewares, toys, sporting goods, books, electronics, linens, furniture, and collectibles. Click here to see pictures from last year's sale.
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St. Teresa's Spring Blood Drive
Please join St. Teresa's Church, 1950 N Kenmore Avenue (at Armitage Avenue) for their neighborhood blood drive on
Sunday, May 21st between 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Visit the website
here or call 1-800-786-4483 to make an appointment.
Bring a photo ID and eat a healthy breakfast with plenty of water or juice - skip the coffee.
Free massages are provided to all donors and a great raffle too. Walk-ins are welcome.
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Old Town Art Fair First Sight Party
Also Sunday, May 21st from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM is the Old Town Art Fair First Sight fundraiser at The Blanchard, 1935 N Lincoln Park West to kick-off Art Fair season. Seafood, specialty charcuterie, sliders and the Blanchard's special fries will be on the evening menu along with mouth watering sweets, a specialty cocktail, wine, sparkling rose and beer. Purchase tickets here.
Menomonee Club is providing a FREE night of fun for the children of First Sight attendees. For more details, click here.
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2017/2018 Fullerton Adopt-A-Planter Program
The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) is announcing a Fullerton Adopt-A-Planter program to engage businesses, residents and local organizations and keep Fullerton west of Racine clean and green.
As part of the just-completed Fullerton Streetscape Project, 70 trees were planted last fall and 10 new in-ground planters will be installed in early summer. Volunteers are needed to regularly care for the planters from May to October; and provide maintenance (litter and debris removal) from November to April.
Individuals, families, businesses, condo association, and neighborhood groups are welcome to participate. Click
here to read more about becoming an Adopt-A-Planter volunteer, the recognition and benefits, and the planter locations. Return the form to
bryan@lincolnparkchamber.com. If you have questions contact the Chamber at 773-880-5200.
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See you in the neighborhood,
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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