General Iron Move Greenlighted
Ethics Reform - Another Step
Street Sweeping Begins
|
|
Dear Neighbors,
As anticipated, the final permitting step to complete the move of General Iron in 2020 was cleared by the City's Zoning Board of Appeals
last week
to allow General Iron's operations at its new location at 11600 S. Burley Avenue.
General Iron
announced
a "strategic alliance" with
Reserve Management Group (RMG). According to the two companies, "The alliance will result in transitioning General Iron's operations to RMG's current location on the southeast side of Chicago, creating construction jobs and new workforce opportunities.
The partnership will make a substantial investment in building a new, state-of-the-art facility
at RMG's Chicago location, which covers more than 175 buffered acres along the east side of the Calumet River, at South Burley Avenue and 116th Street. The transition,
including construction of an enclosed, high-tech metal shredder, is expected to be completed in 2020."
Marilyn Labkon, President of General Iron said, "General Iron looks forward to a new state-of-the-art facility in a new Chicago location." The company says, "
u
pon relocating, General Iron will terminate operations at its current location, which comprises approximately 21.5 acres of prime real estate."
These developments mean General Iron will be shutting down and leaving our community
while still preserving jobs at the new site.
What Next?
The departure of General Iron creates the opportunity to create sorely needed public open space as well as a natural buffer between our community and the towering Lincoln Yards development.
The Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times as well as various civic and community groups across the city, have all urged Mayor Emanuel to add the North Branch Park and Preserve to his legacy by taking steps to protect our area from additional massive development at the General Iron site. The General Iron site is almost half of the size of the Lincoln Yards development.
While the city has yet to include a solid commitment to create a park as part of the $1.3 Billion publicly-funded TIF, there is plenty of time for this to happen before a scheduled vote in April. I believe, as do several Aldermen and both Mayoral candidates, that it would be even wiser to delay any action on the largest TIF in Chicago history until the new City Council, and new Mayor, can thoughtfully review the issue. We will keep you updated.
|
|
More Progress Towards Reform
Another step toward reform is an ordinance I introduced banning the questionable practice of loaning staff to Ward offices. It is now pending in City Council.
Watch
WTTW's report about the growing number of alderman who have been found to have accepted staff members from the Finance Committee Chairman,
Ed Burke.
This reform that I spearheaded will help prevent undue influence and entrenched power in City Council.
|
|
Street Sweeping Begins April 1st
For your specific street sweeping day, click
here.
Posted street sweeping begins April 1st, but you should be seeing our main streets and some side streets receiving some early cleaning as equipment is available. Until April 1st, Streets & Sanitation cannot post enforceable signs.
After April 1st, be sure to check this schedule so you won't be ticketed.
|
|
Gold Coast Community Safety Meeting
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Water Tower Professional Building
835 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 913 East.
The 18th District is creating a community policing strategic plan to better ensure the safety and needs of our Gold Coast community. The program will feature Sgt. Chris Schenk from the 18th District Community Policing office and Albert Medina, Paramedic in Charge and Director of Simulation, Chicago Fire Department.
|
|
Active Threat Workshop
Hosted by the 18th District and the US Department of Homeland Security
Saturday, March 23, 2019
10 a.m. to Noon
Wintrust Bank - Old Town
100 W North Avenue
Join Sgt. Chris Schenk, Chicago Police, and Charles DuShane, US Department of Homeland Security, in learning how to identify, prevent and be safe in an active threat situation. Thanks to Wintrust Bank for hosting this important, timely event.
Light refreshments will be served. Free admission. Please RSVP to Amy Lemar at 312-291-2918 or at
alemar@wintrust.com.
|
|
Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce
Spring is officially here! Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the Chamber's events calendar
here.
|
|
Early Voting
For the
April 2 Run-Off Elections
, Chicago voters may use any Early Voting & Registration location in the city from March 18 through April 1st.
Early Voting at the Fullerton Library (1150 W. Fullerton) and the Division Street Library (310 W. Division) is currently underway.
- Mon., March 18 - Sat., March 23: 9am - 5pm
- Sun., March 24: 10am - 4pm
- Mon., March 25 - Fri., March 29: 9am - 7pm
- Sat., March 30: 9am - 5pm
- Sun., March 31: 10am - 4pm
- Mon., April 1: 9am - 7pm
Please check the Board of Elections
here for more information.
|
|
.
Michele Smith
43rd Ward Alderman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
