January 2, 2018 By

The 2018 Shared Sidewalk Program Opens on January 9th

 

 

 

 

 

The 2018 Shared Sidewalk Program Opens on January 9th

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is a voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have been a part of this program, taking advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation. The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so you are encouraged to apply early. Please note that if you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2018 if you wish to be considered for the 2018 program. Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311 or through the City’s service request website www.cityofchicago.org/311. The property owner’s contact information and the property address are required at the time of request. For more information, please click here.

Source:  Alderman Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward Newsletter 1/2/18

Filed Under: Community
January 2, 2018 By

City of Chicago Annual Tree Recyling Program

 

 

 

 

City of Chicago Announces Annual Holiday Tree Recycling Program
Recycle your holiday tree and receive free mulch when available.

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), in partnership with the Chicago Park District, announced that the City’s annual holiday tree recycling program will run from Saturday, January 6 through Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 25 locations citywide.

The holiday tree recycling program is not able to accept wreaths or garlands.  Ornaments, lights, tinsels, and tree stands must be removed before the tree is dropped off and trees should be removed from any bags when placed in the tree recycling corrals.

Trees recycled through the program are turned into mulch, wood chips for use at Chicago Park Districts and materials for use by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

Last year, the program mulched more than 21,000 trees. Free mulch will be available for residents to pick-up beginning on January 8, at six designated locations.

Participating locations include:
(*free mulch locations)

• Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave.
• Clark Park, 3400 N. Rockwell St.
• Forestry Site*, 900 E. 103rd St.
• Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave.
• Grant Park, 900 S. Columbus Dr.
• Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1369 N. Sacramento Ave.
• Jackson Park, 6300 S. Cornell Ave.
• Kennedy Park, 2427 W. 113th St.
• Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.
• Lake Meadows Park, 3117 S. Rhodes Ave.
• Lincoln Park*, Cannon Dr. at Fullerton Ave. (Parking lot east of Cannon Dr.)
• Margate Park*, 4921 N. Marine Dr.
• Marquette Park, 6700 S. Kedzie Ave.
• McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Rd.
• Mt. Greenwood Park*, 3721 W. 111th St.
• North Park Village*, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd.
• Norwood Park, 5801 N. Natoma Ave.
• Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave.
• Riis Park, 6201 W. Wrightwood Ave.
• Rowan Park, 11546 S. Avenue L
• Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen St.
• Walsh Park, 1722 N. Ashland
• Warren Park*, 6601 N. Western Ave.
• Wentworth Park, 5701 S. Narragansett Ave.
• West Chatham Park, 8223 S. Princeton

For more information on recycling in Chicago visit: www.cityofchicago.org/dss.

Source:  Alderman Walter Burnett – 27th Ward Newsletter 1/2/18

Filed Under: Community
January 2, 2018 By

Property Tax Assessment Workshop – January 9

 

January 9th: Property Tax Assessment Workshop  

6:00 p.m.

Lincoln Park Branch Library

1150 W. Fullerton Avenue

Chicago, IL 60614

Please bring a copy of your 2nd installment property tax bill.

Please join Alderman Brian Hopkins along with Cook County Commissioner Michael Cabonargi, on Tuesday, January 9th, for a workshop on How to Appeal Your Property Taxes. Click on the following link for more information http://www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/ or to find your township, enter your Property Index Number (PIN)  in the search box at this link http://cookcountypropertyinfo.com/Pages/PIN-Search.aspx.

For more information please contact Commissioner Cabonargi’s office at 312-603-5562

Source: Alderman Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward Newsletter 1/2/18

Filed Under: Community
December 29, 2017 By

CTA to Provide Free Rides, Extra Service for New Year’s Eve

CTA also offers additional service for Bulls game, WGCI Big Jam this weekend

NOTE: All CTA bus and rail service will operate on a Sunday schedule on both Sunday, December 31 and Monday, January 1, when the New Year is a nationally observed holiday.

The Chicago Transit Authority is a convenient and affordable transit option for traveling to events around Chicago this weekend, including the “New Year’s Eve Fireworks” event at Navy Pier. Free rides will be provided through a sponsorship from Miller Lite on CTA buses and trains beginning 10 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 until 4 a.m. Monday, January 1.

For customers traveling to and from events around Chicago this New Year’s Eve outside the free ride period, the CTA recommends purchasing fares in advance, which will decrease travel times and avoid long lines at rail station vending machines. Customers can load ahead of time transit value or unlimited ride passes (1-day, 3-day, 7-day and 30-day) to their Ventra fare cards at rail stations, online or at nearly1,000 local retailers (locations available at ventrachicago.com).

Customers can also pay their fares with their personal contactless debit or credit cards and add value to their accounts by using the Ventra App, available for free download via www.ventrachicago.com, the App Store and Google Play.

Full travel details are available at transitchicago.com/alerts. CTA recommends allowing plenty of travel time and purchasing fares and unlimited-ride passes ahead of time. More information about purchasing fares is below.

Extra New Year’s Eve Service

• Rail: Red, Blue, Green, Brown, Orange, Yellow and Purple lines
• Bus: #4 Cottage Grove, #6 Jackson Park Express, #22 Clark, #29 State, #65 Grand, #66 Chicago, #79 79th Street, #124 Navy Pier and #151 Sheridan

United Center Events
Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls – Fri. 12/29 at 7 p.m.
WGCI Big Jam – Sat. 12/30 at 7:30 p.m.

• Rail: Green, Pink and Blue lines
• Bus: #19 United Center Express, #20 Madison and #50 Damen
Source:  Alderman Walter Burnette, Jr – 27th Ward Newsletter  12/29/17
Filed Under: Community
December 27, 2017 By

Prepayments Now Accepted for 2017 Cook County Taxes

Prepay Your 2017 Taxes – Now you can prepay your Tax Year 2017 First Installment Cook County Property taxes online, in-person, by mail or at Chase Bank.

 Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is now accepting prepayments of next year’s First Installment property tax bill. For taxpayers who prefer to pay by mail or in person, they will also enable taxpayers to download and print a prepayment bill themselves.

Under state law, Tax Year 2017 First Installment taxes, due March 1, 2018, are 55 percent of the prior year’s total tax. To prepay, taxpayers must have their 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN), which can be found at the top of the most recent tax bill, near the amount due. Taxpayers can also use their property address to look up their PIN on cookcountytreasurer.com.

Here’s how to prepay:

• Online – Go to cookcountytreasurer.com and select “Prepay Your 2017 Taxes.”
• You can use your bank account or credit card to pay.
• Download your bill – You can print a copy of your prepayment bill by choosing “Download Your Bill”       on the website and entering your PIN or property address.

By Mail
Send the prepayment bill and your payment to:
Cook County Treasurer
PO Box 805436
Chicago, IL 60680-4115

In Person
Submit the prepayment bill and payment at a Chase branch bank or the Treasurer’s Office, 118 N. Clark St., Room 112, Chicago

Alderman Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward Newsletter 12/18/17

Alderman Reilly Reports 12/15/17

Filed Under: Community
December 27, 2017 By

42nd Ward Sculpture Dedication for Year of Public Art’s 50 x 50 Neighborhood Arts Project

Earlier this week, Alderman Reilly was joined by Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Commissioner Mark Kelly and Chicago Loop Alliance President Mike Edwards for the dedication of Loop Da Loop, a new sculpture from artist John Adduci, commissioned for the 42nd Ward as part of DCASE’s 50 x 50 Neighborhood Arts Project.  The sculpture was installed at the median on State Street, just north of Lake Street – known at the Gateway on State.

Loop Da Loop is a large-scale public sculpture, crafted from aluminum and steel, and stands at eleven feet tall.  It draws inspiration from its site and incorporates concepts of “the Loop” on multiple levels.  Designed to enhance the surroundings, the sculpture’s forms reference the “L” tracks – situated directly above and below the sculpture, and intertwines local typography with the unforgettable “C” – a classic symbol of the city.  Loop Da Loop includes enough abstraction that individuals can discover their own interpretation as well as simply enjoy the sculpture’s aesthetic.

John Adduci is an internationally recognized artist, craftsman, fabricator, and lifetime Chicago resident based on the Near North side.  He maintains a strong presence in Chicago’s sculpture and art communities, with works exhibited throughout the city, including private collections, educational institutions such as Lincoln Park Zoo and Chicago Children’s Museum, and Universities of Illinois and Urbana Champaign.

Alderman Reilly Reports 12/22/17

Filed Under: Community
December 27, 2017 By

Navy Pier Flyover Update: Overnight Work Scheduled for Wednesday, December 27

 

 

 

 

 

The temporary traffic control barriers that have been in place for Navy Pier Flyover construction on northbound Lake Shore Drive between the Chicago River and Illinois Street are slated for removal on Wednesday, December 27 between 11:00pm and 5:00am.

During this time, northbound Lake Shore Drive’s two right lanes from the Chicago River to Illinois Street, and the entire length of the off-ramp to Illinois/Streeter, will be closed to facilitate the removal of the temporary concrete barrier wall, temporary lane striping, and equipment on the outside right lane and off ramp.

Residents may hear backup alarms from trucks and some concrete on concrete sounds as the temporary barrier wall is removed.

Alderman Reilly Reports 12/22/17

Filed Under: Community
December 8, 2017 By

Kerry James Marshall Mural on the Chicago Cultural Center Unveiled

Earlier this week, internationally renowned artist and MacArthur Fellow Kerry James Marshall, unveiled his epic, large-scale mural on the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.).
The 132-foot by 100-foot mural is the largest artwork he has ever designed or created, and can be seen on the building’s Garland Court façade, between Washington and Randolph Streets.
The mural honors 20 women who have shaped the city’s vibrant arts and culture landscape:
  • Susanne Ghez, Director and Chief Curator for nearly 40 years, The Renaissance Society
  • Barbara Gaines, Founder and Artistic Director, Chicago Shakespeare Theater
  • Jacqueline Russell, Founder and Artistic Director, Chicago Children’s Theatre
  • Ruth Page, Dancer, Choreographer and Founder, Ruth Page Center for the Arts
  • Lois Weisberg, Longest-serving Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
  • Maggie C. Daley, Longest-serving First Lady of the City of Chicago
  • Jackie Taylor, Founder and CEO, Black Ensemble Theater
  • Monica Haslip, Founder and Executive Director, Little Black Pearl
  • Abena Joan Brown, Founder, eta Creative Arts Foundation
  • Margaret Burroughs, Founder, DuSable Museum of African American History
  • Harriet Monroe, Founder, Poetry Magazine
  • Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Co-founder, Goodman Theatre / Dearborn Homes Youth Drama Workshop
  • Sandra Delgado, Founding Ensemble Member, Collaboraction
  • Jane M. Saks, President and Artistic Director, Project& and Founding Executive Director, Ellen Stone Belic Institute for the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and Media
  • Barbara Jones-Hogu, Founding Member, AfriCobra
  • Gwendolyn Brooks, Literary Icon
  • Sandra Cisneros, Literary Icon
  • Achy Obejas, Award-winning writer
  • Oprah Winfrey, Cultural Icon
  • Joan Gray, Dancer and Longtime President of Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago
The Kerry James Marshall’s mural at the Chicago Cultural Center is part of the Chicago’s Year of Public Art. Throughout 2017, the City of Chicago has unveiled the city’s first Public Art Plan, presented exhibitions and series of neighborhood events highlighting the city’s public art collection located throughout the city.
As the year comes to a close, the city is also celebrating the completion of several new artworks as part of the 50×50 Neighborhood Arts Project, a citywide initiative that commissioned dozens of local artists to create new sculptures, murals and other public artworks in Chicago’s 50 wards, representing a $1.5 million investment in artist-led community projects. Many of these works, including the sculpture to be erected in the 42nd Ward, are in the final stages of production or have been completed.
The mural is funded by Murals of Acceptance, whose goal is to bring art to all people in a free public setting. Murals of Acceptance was founded by Chicago native, Kevin McCarthy and is supported by Marc and Lynne Benioff and by Patricia Arquette and David Arquette.
The Chicago Cultural Center is the first and most comprehensive free large-municipal cultural venue in the country. Every year, the Chicago Cultural Center, presents hundreds of free international, national, regional and local artists, musicians and performers, providing a showcase where the public can enjoy and learn about the arts. It is currently home to the Chicago Architecture Biennial, which will run through January 7, 2018.
To read the full press release, click here.
Source: Alderman Reilly Reports 12/8/17
Filed Under: Community
December 8, 2017 By

Reminders to Help Prepare for Upcoming Cold Conditions

As temperatures have dropped significantly this week, the City of Chicago is urging residents to be prepared as the cold takes hold and be aware of City-offered services and tips to stay safe this winter.
Cold-Weather Tips
Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic and others or requiring emergency services.As many are out and about for the holiday season, it’s important to stay informed of changing conditions and heed warnings and advisories. Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. Winter preparation information is available at alertchicago.com including links to other local, state and federal resources.As the city braces for extremely cold conditions, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) makes these simple suggestions to help keep residents safe:
  • Avoid unnecessary trips outside-if you must go out, limit the time you stay outside;
  • Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing;
  • Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors;
  • Stay dry, because moisture can damage the insulating effectiveness of clothing;
  • Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages;
  • Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: stiff muscles, shivering, puffy or swollen face, cold skin, slow breathing and mental confusion.
  • If you go out into the cold, limit the time you stay outside. Break longer tasks into shorter ones, with indoor rest periods in between. Do not let children play outside for long periods of time.

Additionally, City officials encourage those seeking access to warming centers and/or experiencing insufficient heat, the City maintains a 24/7 network of sites (various social service agencies and select City facilities) that are available to residents in need of shelter. To connect to a location, residents can call 3-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Snow Tips
Residents should be aware of City of Chicago Municipal Code in which every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground abutting upon any public way or public space shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk. It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure the sidewalks are clear of snow and ice for everyone’s safety. We urge all to help senior or disabled neighbors with this effort. For more information, visit www.cityofchicago.org/cdot.

 Motorists should also not impede snow plow operations and be sure to pull over for any emergency vehicles. Also, motorists should be aware of the city’s snow route parking restrictions and overnight parking bans in areas and read signage before parking on city streets. See the Streets and Sanitation website for more details and additional information at www.cityofchicago.org/dss.
Residents can also monitor the City’s snow plows in real time on the Plow Tracker, www.chicagoshovels.org.
Information for Homeowners and Renters
The Chicago Heat Ordinance mandates that landlords supply heat to rental units during cold weather months. The Heat Ordinance mandates that during cold weather months, landlords supply heat to rental units or to any unit where owners do not have individual control of the heat. From September 15 through June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and at least 66 degrees from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.Per the Heat Ordinance residents may contact 3-1-1 operators to file a heat complaint, which will signal an inspector from the Department of Buildings (DOB) to assess a caller’s building and heating system immediately. Landlords face fines of up to $500 per day, per violation, for each day they do not supply adequate heat. The reason for lack of heat does not matter — landlords must follow the law, and apartments must be heated.The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) encourages residents to act now to make sure pipes in homes are properly insulated and not exposed to freezing air. This includes pipes in garages and unheated areas of the home. If pipes do freeze, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw them; instead, use a hair dryer or heating pad.The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) does not recommended using space heaters; however, if used, be sure they are UL certified and at least 3 feet from anything that can ignite. Use of a space heater in children’s rooms should be monitored closely as children sometimes move them close to or into the bed with tragic results. If extension cords are used, they should be rated at 15 amps minimum and never put cords under carpet. With the added demand on furnaces and boilers, CFD also reminds residents are required by ordinance to have working carbon monoxide detectors to protect against carbon monoxide leaks from a heating system that could be fatal over time.
 To read the full press release, click here.
Source:  Alderman Reilly Reports  12/8/17
Filed Under: Community
December 8, 2017 By

Update on One Chicago Square Development Proposal – From Alderman Brian Hopkins

As you may know, Alderman Brian Hopkins and the River North Residents Association (RNRA)  hosted a public meeting in October to discuss a development proposal at the site of Holy Name’s parking lot, located at 1 E. Chicago Avenue.

Over the course of the past month, Alderman Hopkin’s office facilitated meetings with neighborhood organizations and nearby residential buildings to solicit feedback for the project.

The proposal was scheduled to be heard at the December Plan Commission meeting. However, given the scale of the project and the ongoing collection of community input, Alderman Hopkins has requested the item be held for a future hearing, to ensure that we receive as much feedback as possible before allowing the project to move forward.

Furthermore, his office has received numerous inquiries regarding the project’s potential impact on traffic and congestion in the neighborhood. As a result, he has tasked engineers at the City’s Department of Transportation and Chicago Transit Authority, as well as the developer’s traffic engineering team to provide a detailed analysis of the project’s influence on traffic, coupled with solutions to improve conditions in an already congested area.

It is Alderman Hopkin’s firm position that traffic congestion is an existing issue at this location, and new measures must be developed and implemented to improve traffic flow at this vital thoroughfare, regardless if a new development is built.

Alderman Hopkins encourages you to visit www.aldermanhopkins.com/onechicagosquare to review the proposal in it’s entirely, and submit feedback via his digital survey.

Source:  Alderman Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward Newsletter 12/4/17

Filed Under: Community