Redistricting Update
New Oscar Mayer Playground
Safety Walk and Talk in the Gold Coast
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Dear Neighbors,
Unfortunately, the redistricting of the City's ward boundaries has yet to be resolved.Our goal, as it was ten years ago and remains, is to maintain the Ward's traditional boundaries as much as possible. I have signed onto a map with 33 members of City Council that accomplishes these goals. Because of our population growth, we have had to shed several thousand people from the Ward. Some of the population in the far Northwest corner of our ward is therefore proposed to be returned to our shared border with the 32nd Ward, led by Alderman Scott Waguespack, who represented these voters in the past.
Our map also seeks to keep as much of our area as possible in no more than two Wards.
You can see the map here.
The redistricting plan I support has been very much strengthened by the advocacy of our ward residents, who have forcefully objected to cutting up Lincoln Park into four wards. However, this is far from a "done deal." No votes have been taken, and negotiations are continuing. If 41 votes are found in support of a map, that map would be final. Our ward, therefore, continues to face uncertainty. This map could change.
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Committee on Rules Redistricting Public Hearings
Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 at 3 p.m.
Friday, December 10th, 2021 at 1 p.m.
Watch the Livestream here.
To sign up for public comment for the hearings, please keep reading.
Anyone wishing to comment at a City Council committee meeting conducted by videoconference will need to call (312) 744-6800 in advance of the meeting and leave a voice message with their name and telephone number. Requests to comment will be accepted from 10:00 a.m. two business days before the scheduled meeting until 9:00 a.m. the business day before the scheduled meeting. Any individual wishing to participate must be available at the scheduled start time of the committee meeting and have access to a touch-tone telephone. More about what to expect here.
Please note that City Council Rule 58E limits the public comment period to 30 minutes overall, with each participant limited to three minutes (both subject to modification in the reasonable, non-discriminatory discretion of the Committee chairman), so there is no assurance that every person who calls will have the opportunity to speak.
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A New Oscar Mayer Playground
My office, Oscar Mayer School and Chicago Public Schools announced an over a million-dollar investment to completely rebuild the playground at Oscar Mayer School. The new playground will feature soft surfacing, new equipment, new basketball courts, a water fountain, new landscaping, benches and - and permeable infrastructure to stop flooding on the grounds!
This $1.1 million project is funded with $650,000 from CPS' capital plan and $450,000 in Open Space Impact Fees sought by our office to support Oscar Mayer school.
With this project, every school in our Ward will have received a new playground, a proud goal and accomplishment of our office.
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Walk and Talk with 18 District Commander Jon Hein
and Gold Coast Neighborhood Association
Come meet our new 18th District Police Commander Jon Hein and your neighbors as the 43rd Ward continues our "Walk and Talk" safety meetings, begun in Oz Park, and just held in Old Town. This is a chance to share local concerns, identify potential public safety improvements, and further introduce the Commander to our neighborhood the Gold Coast.
Walk and Talk with 18th District Commander Jon Hein
Tuesday, December 7th, 2021
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Meet at the Ambassador Hotel
1301 N State (NE Corner of State and Goethe)
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CPS School Funding Public Forums
Tuesday, December 7th from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday, December 9th from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Mayor Lightfoot and CPS leadership announced in July 2019 a multi-year commitment to strengthen and increase equity in the budget process through greater community engagement.
As a result, for the third consecutive year, CPS will host School Funding Public Forums to engage the community around the District’s school budgeting process.
These engagements will provide an overview of CPS' current funding methodologies and other aspects of the current FY2022 budget, and an opportunity to participate in facilitated small group discussions. The discussions will focus on hearing the needs of your school community and suggestions on how to make the District’s school funding process more equitable, transparent, and sustainable.
Your feedback provides a vital contribution to the FY2023 budget. Prior year public feedback has helped inform the District’s investments in equity grants, funding adjustments to smooth enrollment changes, and COVID-related funding for schools.
To participate in these forums please complete this registration form; please note the registration will close at noon the day of the event. |
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DCASE Individual Artists Program Grant
Open till January 7th, 2022
DCASE’s 2022 Individual Artists Program (IAP) grant application is now open! The deadline to apply is January 7, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. CST. IAP Grants support the creation, development, or presentation of artwork, and professional development, for artists across all disciplines including Film & Media Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts (Theatre/Dance), Music, and Visual Arts & Design. To RSVP for an application assistance workshop, download the guideline packet, and apply please visit chicagoculturalgrants.org. |
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Update on Public Housing and Project-Based Voucher Program Waitlists
CHA is conducting a waitlist update to ensure they have current contact information for all applicants on the Public Housing and Project-Based Voucher program waitlists and to verify that applicants are still interested in CHA housing.
In January 2021, initial communications went out to all families on these waitlists. This fall, CHA is sending additional communications to families on their lists that have yet to complete the update. If applicants have not completed the update yet, they must log in to CHA's online web portal to complete the update by December 31. Applicants on CHA's waitlists can call 312-913-7400 or email CHAOccupancy@thecha.org with any questions.
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Chicago Winter Overnight Parking Ban
In order to ensure that the most critical roadways in Chicago are kept open to full capacity at all times, the City of Chicago enforces a Winter Overnight Parking Ban on 107 miles of arterial streets from 3:00 am - 7:00 am between December 1 and April 1, regardless of snow.
A separate snow-related parking ban exists for another 500 miles of main streets, which is activated if there is at least two inches of snow on the street, no matter the time of day or the calendar date.
Any streets impacted by either the Winter Overnight Parking Ban and the ban on parking on certain streets when there is at least two inches of snow have permanent signs posted.
Failure to comply with these parking bans can result in a vehicle being towed or relocated, as well as tickets and additional fees. More information on winter parking restrictions can be found on the City's website.
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Get You and Your Family Vaccinated!
Recently, the FDA approved COVID-19 booster doses for everyone 18 years and older. Getting your booster shot before the Holiday season can ensure that your gatherings are safe for you and the members of your family.
To find a vaccination location near you, please look to the City of Chicago's website which can be found here.
Children (ages 5+) can now receive their first vaccine series. You can find doses for your kids here.
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18 District Community Alert
Commercial Burglaries
Police believe that a series of forced entries into businesses downtown and in our area are related. In each incident, the offender(s) forcefully enters through a front or side door by breaking the door glass with a pry tool. Once inside, the offender(s) takes property from within, and exits. These incidents are occurring in Beats 1812, 1822, 1831, 1833, and 1834.
Incident times and locations:
- 0-100 block of East Superior St., Sunday, November 7, 2021, in the early a.m.
- 300 block of West Superior St., Sunday, November 7, 2021, in the early a.m.
- 300 block of West Chicago Ave., Sunday, November 7, 2021, in the early a.m.
- 0-100 block of East Superior St., Sunday, November 7, 2021, in the early a.m.
- 300 block of West North Ave., Tuesday, November 23, 2021, in the early a.m.
- 400 block of West Dickens Ave., Tuesday, November 23, 2021, in the early a.m.
- 2000 block of North Fremont St., Thursday, November 25, 2021, in the early a.m.
About the Offenders:
- 1-3 male African American offenders wearing masks, gloves, and dark-colored
clothing.
What you can do:
- If video surveillance is available, save and make a copy of the incident for
investigating Detectives.
- If you are a victim, do not touch anything and contact the police immediately.
- Keep a record of property serial numbers.
- Call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of any suspicious people
including any vehicle description and license plate information.
If you have any information, contact Bureau of Detectives – Area 3 (312) 744-8263.
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Upcoming 19 District CAPS Meetings
To find your Beat, please click here. For full schedules of the 19 and 18 District, please click here.
Beat 1935 (6:30 p.m.): December 14th
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CPD Human Rights Policy Feedback
From now until January 28th, 2022, CPD is seeking your input on its Human Rights Policy and Prohibition of Racial Profiling policy. Please provide your feedback on these policies.
To read the policies and provide your feedback, click here. Public comments will be open until January 28th, 2022.
The Chicago Police Department’s Office of Community Policing will also conduct two virtual community conversations open to the general public to provide input on the policies. Please RSVP to attend one of the two planned meetings:
Community Conversation 1
Tuesday, December 14th, 2021 @ 6:30pm
&
Community Conversation 2
Wednesday, January 19th, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m.
Due to capacity, community conversations will be limited to 200 participants per conversation. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
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"Joy of Toys" with Gold Coast Neighbors and North Dearborn Association
Saturday, December 4th
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Mario's Table
21 W. Goethe St
Join Santa at “Joy of Toys” with Gold Coast Neighbors Association and the North Dearborn Association. This celebration will be held Saturday, December 4, from noon until 3:00 p.m. and will be hosted for the 28th year by Mario Stefanini, owner of a neighborhood-favorite restaurant Mario’s Table.
Because of Covid concerns, you can participate in this annual event in one of two ways: either drop off wrapped or unwrapped toys at Mario’s Table on December 4 or make a donation by going to the NDA website and clicking the “Donate” button.
The need for children to receive gifts has not changed due to COVID-19. In fact, the need for making sure that children are not forgotten during these uncertain times is even more urgent. Please make this a joyful time of the year for a child.
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Oz Park Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 4th, 2021
5 p.m.
Just South of the Tin Man Statue
You are invited to join the Oz Park Advisory Council and Lincoln Central Association at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th as we light up the neighborhood at the fifth annual holiday tree lighting ceremony in Oz Park. Enjoy this magical moment surrounded by the sounds of the holidays performed by singers from Lincoln Park High School.
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RANCH Triangle Holiday Sip and Stroll Event
on Armitage Avenue
Saturday, December 11th, 2021
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
RANCH Triangle will host a Holiday Sip and Stroll on Saturday, December 11th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. along the Armitage shopping corridor. Stop by for some free mulled wine or hot chocolate. Meet your neighbors and friends on the avenue. Do your holiday shopping while you stroll along the street while sipping delicious hot, spiced wine. The event offers you the perfect opportunity to start or finish your holiday shopping in our unique and fashionable neighborhood stores. From shoes to quality household goods, you will find the right gifts for family and friends.
Stop by one of two Armitage locations: at Bissell in front of the Chase Bank and at Dayton across from Lori’s. This free event is hosted by the RANCH Triangle Association to celebrate the holidays.
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Late Night Shopping: Armitage & Halsted
Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Join the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce for Late Night Shopping on Armitage & Halsted. Businesses along with Armitage, Halsted, and Webster will be extending their shopping hours and offering festive specials, in-store activities, and holiday promotions throughout the evening. Explore Chicago’s historic shopping district for special treats, a visit from Santa, holiday sing-a-longs, and other festivities.
The first 100 guests to visit Terry’s Toffee (1009 W. Armitage) receive a free hot chocolate.
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Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody at the Apollo Theater
We are delighted that our beloved Apollo Theater has reopened - and with holiday cheer.
Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody — the Off-Broadway hit and holiday season sendup of the iconic romantic comedy and Christmas movie Love Actually — debuts in Chicago this holiday season.
Written by musical parody duo Bob and Tobly McSmith, creators of the smash hits The Office! A Musical Parody and Friends! The Musical Parody, Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody will bring love and laughs to your holiday season! Whether you love Love Actually or love to hate Love Actually or have never seen Love Actually, you will actually LOVE this musical!
Get ready for awkward meet-cutes, over-the-top grand gestures, and lots and lots of love, actually.
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Wrightwood Neighbors’ Holiday Express Train Ride
Friday, December 17th, 2021
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
1110 West Lill St.
Join Wrightwood Neighbors in their annual Holiday Express Train ride. This is a chance to meet your neighbors and hear about all the great work WNA is doing in our community.
Adults and children are welcome to take a fun-filled train ride around the neighborhood! Feel free to invite neighbors and friends plus new members can join Wrightwood Neighbors onsite.
Watch the faces of all the children light up with excitement in anticipation of riding a train. The train ride lasts about 10 minutes, so bring your gloves and hat and get ready for a fun time.
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Support Local Restaurants |
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It's a Joyous Season for All
I was delighted to celebrate the Hanukkah holiday by lighting the menorah at Lincoln Common. Hope everyone is enjoying their presents, Hanukkah gelt, and plenty of latkes (potato pancakes).
Enjoy!
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