32nd Ward Newsletter: March 8, 2024 | |
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Dear Scott,
Today we honor all the women in our world. International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world and recognizes women's achievements. In celebration of Women's History Month, North Branch Works and MxD will host a Women Leaders of the North Branch panel. It will be held on Wednesday, March 20th from 9:30-11:30 a.m. See below for details.
Highway construction starts again. Just when you thought it was over, year two of the Kennedy rehabilitation begins, with reversible express lanes to close March 11! See below for details.
Don't forget to turn your clocks forward when you go to bed Saturday night.
We have two elections this year with the primary coming up on March 19 and November 5, 2024. To sign up for the political side of the ward news, including my write-in campaign for Committeeman and endorsements, visit scottwaguespack.com. When you subscribe to emails on the ward32.org website under the HOME tab, let us know separately if you would like general, political, and your neighborhood email as we fix a glitch in the website. Read below for details on the new partially elected school board and I hope you get out and vote!
Have a nice weekend,
Alderman Scott Waguespack
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Street Sweeping Begins April 1st | | |
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As spring arrives, the City street sweeper will be hitting the streets. Now is the time to help clear drains, and keep debris out of the curbs. April 1st is the first day and will start in Roscoe Village.
Please help the sweepers by keeping debris off the street. When we get piles of debris pusshed into the street like in the photo to the left<<<it literally destroys the brushes of the sweeper and will knock it out of commission for hours at a time causing backups on all street cleaning in the ward. Please remove landscaping debris from curbs and drains!
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2024 Voting Information
Election Day is March 19th
Early Voting is now going on at 191 N. Clark and 69 W. Washington. Early Voting in all 50 Wards will begin Monday, March 4, at 9 am. In the 32nd Ward, the early voting location will be the Bucktown Wicker Park Library at 1701 N. Milwaukee, but people may vote at any early voting location in the city.
Sign up for a mail in ballot for the March 19, 2024 Primary. Register to Vote and learn more via Election FAQs.
The Board of Elections needs election judges. Each year, more and more high school students participate as paid election judges. You can sign up by clicking here.
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Elected School Board Legislation
NEW Elected Body Created for Chicago Voters
Illinois Senate Democrats recently introduced legislation to transition the Chicago Public School Board (CPS) from an appointed to an elected body. Under the proposal, ten CPS Board members will be elected in 2024 and eleven CPS Board members including the Board Chair will be appointed by Mayor Johnson. In 2026, all 20 CPS Board members will be elected from subdistricts and the Board President will be elected citywide. Potential candidates can begin circulating petitions on March 26 for the 2024 election, with petitions to be filed between June 17 and June 24. The first Board election will take place November 5th, 2024.
For a decade or more, many voters in Chicago were asking for a fully elected Chicago School Board. The Illinois General Assembly was tasked with implementing a plan for the fully elected School Board based on state legislation.
After heavy lobbying and much opposition, the vote was taken to implement less than half of an elected School board. It is unfortunate that the Mayor reneged on his promise for a fully elected School board after years of promises and demand for a full elected board. Mayor Johnson, who appointed all the members of the present school board will appoint 11 members of a 21 member Chicago School Board, with 10 members having to run in the upcoming election in November 2024. Anyone considering running for the elected portion of the board (10) will be running for office in these new maps for the November election.
A map detailing electoral district boundaries, as well as demographic data and shape files, is available online at www.ilsenateredistricting.com. The map consists of 20 districts, including seven majority Black districts, six majority Latino districts, five majority White districts and two coalition districts. The 32nd Ward includes multiple districts.
The legislation includes ethical standards similar to those for other school boards across the state. That includes conflict of interest provisions in line with the state’s existing Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act.
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New Tree Plantings & Maintenance of Chicago Trees | |
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Our 32nd Ward has always promoted the building up of our tree canopy and we have added hundreds of trees over the past few years with many more to come.
We encourage you to plant a new tree in your parkway if you don't have one, or if you needed to have one replaced due to tree disease or other issues. Call our office to request a tree, or enter a request in Chicago 311. More healthy trees lead to a more healthy community!
Not every location can have a tree planted due to utilities, but the Bureau of Forestry will be able to determine that when surveying a location.
As the recipient of a new city planted tree, you are encouraged to water and provide easy, basic care for the tree for several years after it is planted.
What value do trees bring to the City? Trees beautify blocks, increase property values, and cool and clean the air. The benefits of Chicago's street trees are invaluable.
The Friends of the Parks (FOTP) has a great guide for tree ownership in Chicago. Unfortunately, the City doesn't have such a manual for great tree growth and maintenance, but we are working on it. The FOTP guide is a great asset to have on hand with information about everything related to the tree canopy we need.
Also read up on our trees in this CRTI study via the Field Museum, and learn more about Openlands Treekeepers, Treeplanters Grants, and new entities at the City level like the Urban Forestry Advisory Board, that we hope will educate and transform the Bureau of Forestry in years to come.
Finally, dirt and mulch piled high around trees is a tree killer. Mulch around trees needs to be done properly. Too many landscapers pile up dirt and mulch around tree bases, trapping too much moisture at the base. Here's the right way to do it. Also, make sure that the mulch cannot run off into the street, as this will clog the sewers.
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14th Police District-
1432- March 20, 6:30pm
Holstein Park
2200 N. Oakley
caps.014district@chicagopolice.org
14th District Twitter
14th District CAPS- 312-744-1261
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19th Police District-
1921- March 20, 6:30pm
Police Auditorium
2452 W. Belmont
1922- March 14, 6:30pm
Lincoln Belmont Library
1659 W. Melrose
1931- March 26, 6:30pm
Gantz Boys and Girls Club
2915 N. Leavitt
1933- March 12, 6:30pm
Illinois Masonic
836 W. Wellington
caps.019district@chicagopolice.org
19th District Twitter
19th District CAPS- 312-744-0064
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CPD Vehicle Safety Days
Etching and GPS tracking
Due to the recent rise in vehicle thefts and catalytic converter thefts, the Office of Community Policing is introducing a campaign to provide vehicle owners with services and information to better protect their vehicles. Click on the image below to see upcoming Vehicle Safety Days. These events provide painting and etching of catalytic converters to help discourage catalytic converter theft. Our office has also been given "fast passes" which provides express service to the next available lane. Please stop in if you'd like one, and make sure to register with your local police district.
In partnership with the Cook County Sheriff's Office, individuals can access express services to receive a steering wheel lock and have their catalytic converter etched using one of our professional etching kits.
Sheriff Tom Dart's office will be onsite to facilitate sign-ups for their GPS tracking program, further bolstering vehicle safety measures.
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Chicago Police Training Assessment
Every year, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) provides training to CPD officers to ensure they are performing their jobs safely and fairly. Community feedback is important in identifying training needs for police officers. The CPD would like community input about the areas that they think CPD officers would benefit from training. Please click the flyers below for more information.
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Black Student Success Plan
Chicago Public Schools recently established a Black Student Success Working Group that consists of students, parents, community-based organizations, city officials, and university partners. The group aims to develop a plan to help Black students achieve greater success in the classroom and beyond. To help shape this work that has a significant impact on our communities, the District is hosting seven community roundtable discussions. Please see the attached flyer for the upcoming sessions. CPS would love it if you could join us in discussion as we work collaboratively to improve the educational experience and academic success for black students within CPS.
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Year Two of Kennedy Rehabilitation Begins, Reversible Express Lanes to Close March 11
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) from the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) junction to Ohio Street will resume, weather permitting, Monday, March 11, an earlier start to the project made possible by warmer temperatures this spring. The use of alternative routes and public transportation is once again strongly encouraged, starting with some overnight lane closures anticipated next week while the work zone is put into place for the upcoming construction season. A complete schedule for lane closures is below.
Monday:
Starting at 9 p.m., the inbound Kennedy and Edens will gradually be reduced to one lane from just before the Edens junction to Irving Park Road (Illinois 19).
At the same time, the reversible express lanes will fully close. They are anticipated to reopen in late fall. The following intermittent ramp closures also will take place.
- Inbound Edens: Wilson Avenue
- Inbound Kennedy: Montrose Avenue and Irving Park Road
Tuesday:
Starting at 9 p.m., the outbound Kennedy will be reduced to two lanes between North (Illinois 64) and Fullerton avenues. At the same time, outbound Kennedy intermittent ramp closures between North and Fullerton avenues also will take place.
Wednesday:
Starting at 9 p.m., the inbound Kennedy will gradually be reduced to one lane from Milwaukee Avenue to Lake Street. At the same time, the outbound Kennedy between Madison Street and Milwaukee Avenue also will be reduced to one lane.
Thursday:
Starting at 9 p.m., the outbound Kennedy will gradually be reduced to one lane between North and Fullerton avenues. At the same time, intermittent outbound Kennedy ramp closures between North and Fullerton avenues will also take place. This is the second phase of the project with improvements to the express lanes scheduled to be completed this fall. Last year, the inbound lanes were completed and outbound lanes will be worked on next year.
This phase impacts express lanes from the Edens junction to Ohio Street.
Phase II Info Sheet
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What are you doing this weekend? Come check out the Local on Lincoln Artisan Market for the Saturdays in March starting this weekend from 11AM to 4PM! Over 15 vendors from all around the city will have everything from vintage clothes, to candles, soaps, and more! Find out more through the link below and see you this weekend!
Find out more here!
| You're Invited: Pi Day with Trivia and Pizza! | |
Get ready to celebrate Pi Day in style! Join the Bucktown Community Organization for their Spring Membership Meet-up at the Leavitt Street Inn on Sunday, March 10th at 2:30 pm. It's going to be an afternoon filled with fun, food, and fantastic company.
Indulge your taste buds with delicious pizza and put your knowledge to the test with our exciting trivia game. Plus, mingle with fellow community members and make new connections in our vibrant neighborhood.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to come together and celebrate the spirit of community.
| Want to Volunteer for PorchFest? | |
The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber is looking for PorchFest hosts! If you are interested in volunteering your porch for local musicians to play at during the event, please sign up.
PorchFest Lakeview: Between Grace St to Wolfram St and Ravenswood Ave to Racine Ave is on June 2, 2024, 1-5PM
SIGN UP HERE
PorchFest Roscoe Village: Between Addison to Wellington and Ravenswood Ave to Western Ave is on August 18, 2024, 1-5PM
SIGN UP HERE
| Women Leader of the North Branch Panel! | |
Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce 2024 Annual Meeting
March 13th 6PM at Stage 773
You are invited to the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce's 2024 Annual Meeting on March 13th at 6PM at Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont). Registration is now open!
Get your early bird tickets now while supplies last!
The annual meeting includes the following:
If you are interested in sponsoring our premier business to business event, please reach out to Erik Carlson (erik@lrvcc.org).
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Get ready to indulge in a delicious adventure at Savor Lincoln Park! From fine dining to fast casual, there’s something to please every palate. This exciting event invites food lovers to experience the best of Lincoln Park's culinary scene all under one roof.
Tickets include: a bite from each participating vendor, beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus access to one-of-a-kind silent auction packages. Buy a ticket today!
Wednesday, March 20
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Theater on the Lake
2401 N. Lake Shore Drive
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Free Remote Chicago Small Business Expo to Empower Entrepreneurs With Resources and Insights for Business Growth
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the free remote Chicago Small Business Expo will be held on Thursday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The remote expo serves as a comprehensive resource for Chicago’s small business community, ultimately increasing chances of success and achieving business goals. It offers current and future business owner's crucial insights on topics related to operating a business, including how to obtain a business license, developing marketing tactics, managing finances, and engaging with customers. The keynote address will feature Luke Saunders, CEO and Founder of Farmer’s Fridge, headquartered in Chicago. To learn more and register for the free remote Chicago Small Business Expo, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo.
To register for the free BACP Remote Small Business Expo, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo. For more information call (312) 744-2086 or email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org.
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Save the Date!
City of Chicago Announces Lineup for 2024 Chicago Blues Festival, June 6 – 9, Featuring One of Buddy Guy’s Final Chicago Performances
The City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the full lineup and programming highlights for the 2024 edition of the beloved Chicago Blues Festival, taking place June 6 – 9 as part of Millennium Park’s milestone 20th anniversary season.
Established in 1984, the largest free Blues festival in the world returns to Chicago with four days of top tier talent performing in Chicago’s Millennium Park, plus a special opening night performance at the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Throughout the weekend, three stages set up across Millennium Park will welcome more than 35 performances and more than 250 artists celebrating the city’s renowned Blues legacy, including a special Sunday evening performance by Buddy Guy as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour, marking one of his final Chicago performances.
Visit ChicagoBluesFestival.us for the complete lineup.
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Alderman Scott Waguespack
2657 North Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-1330
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