From October 1 through November 30, eligible Chicago homeowners affected by the increase in property taxes can apply for the City of Chicago Property Tax Rebate Program.  The eligibility requirements limit the number of properties but please check to see if you may be eligible to apply for a rebate to offset the property tax increase. Visit here- City of Chicago Property Tax Rebate Program - for details.

Early voting has opened for the November Election.  You can find your voting location and status at the Chicago Board of Elections.   The Presidential Election, and many other offices elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

Many of you have asked about the police manpower issues since for instance the closure, or "merger" of the 19th District Belmont police station into the station at Halsted and Addison in 2012. After several years of relying on a failed policy that put overtime as a priority over new staffing the police department will be hiring 500 new officers over the next two years.  The 500 new officers may balance out the number lost to retirement or attrition, and the other "hundreds" are promotions of officers to supervisory roles or detective positions. The mayor's budget has not yet been released so we are waiting for detailed information on how we will pay for the new staff. Meanwhile, the City Council is being ask to vote on an additional $25 million to pay for 600 new police vehicles, as part of the Mayor's plan to address Chicago violence and crime. There is not a plan for how these officers will be assigned to different districts. 

As I have said at several neighborhood or block club meetings, it is important for neighbors to do as much as they can to be proactive on crime in our neighborhoods. What we have learned from every ex-felon at burglary prevention panels (manned by ex-felons who tell residents and businesses how they burglarize) is that the best prevention measure is a nosy neighbor. A nosy neighbor is someone on the block who will help keep watch over neighbors homes, and are ready to call police when necessary. All of our local police districts host the burglary prevention seminars and they are worth attending.  I encourage neighbors to build up communication networks on their block(s) and have a group text or group info system set up to alert neighbors to any criminal activity so everyone can be prepared to call police or respond accordingly. Make sure your gate or garage has home numbers on it, as first responders need these numbers clearly displayed in order to respond quicker. And, keep porchlights and alley lights on when possible. There are many other ways to prevent crime, but the most important is to get to know all of your neighbors and share info with them about your neighborhood concerns.

Detailed below are construction updates for the Western Avenue reconstruction and Damen, Elston, Fullerton.  There are new lane changes and traffic shifts that require anyone going through the intersection to take extra care and drive slowly to avoid construction workers and vehicles. Please drive safely.