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July 11th - Important Industrial
Corridor Meeting
Independence Day Celebrations
and Office Closure
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Dear Neighbor,
We have now reached another step in the massive redevelopment plan for the North Branch Industrial Corridor. The Mayor has introduced an ordinance that
repeals the 1989 Planned Manufacturing District designation. In its place, the zoning of individual parcels will revert to the zoning classifications which governed them in the past (see map) and fees can be paid to get a "bonus" allowing developers to build up to 6.5 Floor Area Ratio (FAR), which is comparable to buildings along Lincoln Park West, Lakeview and Lake Shore Drive. This means that high rises could start appearing just outside our Ward on Clybourn Avenue and moving west to the river.
Moreover, community concerns for open space are only partially addressed in the ordinance:
"Fields for team sports and other recreational needs of not less than 10 acres in total, distributed among various development sites, are a desired new amenity with the redevelopment of the North Branch Industrial Corridor. These fields would be located within portions of sites that can accommodate larger open spaces, and would be programmed together to accommodate both area residents, as well as new corridor residents."
As a
result of the community's calls for more park space, the city did commit to
at least ten acres
of public space in the 750-acre site. But there is no standard for contiguous open space. Ultimately, this plan could well lead to a
patchwork of spaces
that will not fill the community's needs.
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has quickly scheduled several community meetings on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 to discuss the ordinance. The meeting for the 43rd Ward is scheduled for
Adams Playlot, located at 1919 N Seminary Avenue, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. We recognize this venue is very small and are working to secure a more spacious location to accommodate everyone.
I hope that you will attend to express your opinions on this ordinance and the urgent need for recreational open space. We'll keep your posted on any new information and a confirmed location for the
July 11, 2017 DPD meeting, and we'll provide more detail in upcoming newsletters.
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| Reminder: Office Hours and Closure for 4th of July
In observance of 4th of July our office will close at 2:00 PM on
Friday, June 30, 2017.
Normal business hours will resume on
Wednesday
, July 5, 2017
If you have a need for city services, please call 3-1-1 for non-emergency requests, or dial 9-1-1 if you require immediate assistance.
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Independence Day in the City
The
Chicago History Museum
will be hosting its 58th Annual Independence Day celebration on
Tuesday, July 4, 2017 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. I'll be there and hope to see you for a very memorable holiday in the Ward!
Then, in Millennium Park at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, enjoy a special Independence Day Salute by the Grant Park Symphony on the
4th of July from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM.
At 9:30 PM, turn your attention skyward to the spectacular fireworks show next to Navy Pier on Lake Michigan to conclude the evening.
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Construction Activity Notice
Please note, CTA is making structural improvements to Brown Line rail service. The work will take place
Monday, July 3, 2017 - July 31, 2017 from 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Construction work will cause noise and
temporary alley restrictions
.
Please click
here
for more information.
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18th District CAPS Meeting on Wednesday, July 5
Beats 1814, 1824, 1834 will have a meeting at Latin Upper School, located at 59 W. North Ave, on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Find your beat here. These are extremely important meetings for the community and police to share information and perspective. I urge you to attend.
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Chicago Pride Parade 2017
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| 43rd Ward team and I had an amazing time marching in the Pride Parade this year! Thanks to everyone for participating. |
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Grand Re-Opening of Cummings Playground
A special thank you to the Chicago Park District, Lincoln Park Cultural Center, volunteers and the Lincoln Park kids who helped me cut the ribbon for their new playground. The
Cummings Playground received new equipment as part of the
Chicago Plays! program.
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Lincoln Park High School Renovations In Progress
It was a pleasure to stop by Lincoln Park High School last weekend and greet a wonderful group of volunteer painters from
Park Community Church.Their volunteer effort complements the
$20 million dollars in city funds obtained to renovate the high school which will be implemented over the next two summers.
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Movies in the Park This Week
"Hook" will be showing in at
Oz Park
, on Friday, June 30, 2017 at 8:30 PM.
No glass containers or alcoholic beverages, please.
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Summer is the perfect time to explore nature both indoors and out. Bring the whole family and celebrate summer with the Peggy No
tebaert Nature Museum on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. Meet and greet live animals, enjoy live music, guided hikes on outdoor trails, and family-friendly activities. Click here for more information.
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| See you in the neighborhood and have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!
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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