New Lake Shore Parkland Opened 
 Pest Control Update

Senator Dick Durbin, Alderman Michele Smith, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Commission Mike Kelly, CDOT Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld, and Captain Drew of the US Army Corp of Engineers cut the ribbon (Photo by Mina Bloom, DNA Info)

Today's official Fullerton Lake Shore Revetment ribbon cutting welcomed 6 new acres of parkland and new user-friendly pathways along a new shoreline preservation wall. This federally-funded project, designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, protects Lake Shore Drive from flooding and creates  separate cycling, running and pedestrian paths. The paths are open to the public, with additional trees and lights to be installed later this spring.  We look forward to a safer experience running, biking, and walking along our beautiful lakefront path.

Pre-Construction Pest Control Update

Many of you have reached out with questions about the potential for increased rodents due to the demolition and construction of the old Children's Memorial Hospital site. My office has been working to put a plan in place to proactively address this issue and hopefully reduce the problem.

In January 2015, I introduced  and passed a stronger abatement ordinance
to  combat rodent population influxes across the city whenever new construction occurs by imposing new obligations on builders to abate rodents during demolition and construction.

The  Community Agreement we negotiated among developer McCaffery Interests, affected neighborhood associations, and the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, also places increased responsibility for rodent control on the developer.  Pursuant to that agreement, McCaffery Interests has hired a private pest control business  to install above-ground bait boxes around the perimeter of the site, perform in-ground baiting, and re-bait throughout the project. The developer is also required to keep the project site debris-free and maintain separate secured trash receptacles for food waste.

Finally, acting on our request, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has been baiting areas within two blocks of the former CMH site and ordering garbage carts to replace broken carts. The department will remain vigilant over these areas throughout the construction and continue baiting public ways, alleys, and sewers.  

This plan is the most aggressive plan undertaken in this ward.  As always, residents play an important role in helping rid the ward of rats. If you need a replacement garbage cart, please promptly contact my office or call 311. Please make sure to pick up after pets and keep garbage in closed cans to deny rodents a food source.  I'm pleased that many of you read our newsletter about the Cats at Work program which places sterilized and vaccinated feral cats to control rodents. If you're interested in participating, please call Tree House at 312-446-1000.

Lakeview Row Houses Landmark Hearing

We're pleased to announce that, at my urging, the City of Chicago will be making a preliminary recommendation to  landmark  the historic David Adler row houses at 2700-2710 N Lakeview Ave. The Chicago Commission on Landmarks (CCL) will consider the request on April 7th at 12:45 PM, Rm 201A, City Hall.

This begins the process to determine whether the Lakeview Avenue Rowhouses should receive final landmark designation. The meeting is open to the public, and I invite you come and voice your opinion. I will be attending to support the designation.
Annual WNA Easter Egg Hunt

Join in for a family friendly Easter Egg Hunt and meet the Easter Bunny
Saturday March 26th at  New Life Church, 1110 West Lill Ave (intersection of Lill & Seminary Avenue)  Light brunch from 8:30 - 10:00 AM then over to Jonquil Park at 10:00 AM for an Easter Egg Hunt with over 1,000 e ggs!
 
St. Pauls Third Annual Easter Egg Hu nt
 
easter_bunny_kids.jpg
Join St. Pauls, 2335 N. Orchard, on Saturday, March 26th from 10 AM - 12 PM for a free egg-stravaganza including a continental breakfast Easter Bunny, egg hunt, crafts and games. For an optional donation,  bring a box of healthy cereal to benefit the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. And don't forget to bring a basket for collecting eggs.
 
Women in Rock:  Concert with Andrea Bunch
 
To help celebrate Women's History Month, Chicagoan Andrea Bunch will perform a rock concert at Lincoln Park Library, 1150 W. Fullerton, featuring songs made popular by women artists this Saturday, March 26th, 11:00-11:45 AM. Click here for more information about this event and other events at our branch library.
 
Gold Coast Neighbors Sips and Bits Event

Gold Coast Neighbors is hosting a new member recruiting event Saturday, March 26th from 4-6 PM at Butch McGuires, 20 W. Division. Admission is $10, but free to GCNA members who bring a non-member to the event. RSVP to laurenburny@hotmail.com membership@goldcoastneighbors.org or call 312-332-6122.  Or just stop by.

 
Friends of Lincoln Park Gala
 
Support our neighborhood high school by joining Friends of  Lincoln Park on April 1st from 7 - 10 PM for their Lion Pride Night Gala at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield.   Click here  to purchase ticke ts.
 
DePaul Art Museum Presents: Gallery talk with Angel O tero
 
On April 2nd at 2 PM, DePaul Art Museum will feature New York-based painter, painter, Angel Otero, who will speak about his work in the DPAM's current exhibition "Nexo/Nexus: Latin American Connections in the Midwest."
 
Street Sweeping Schedule
 
Street sweeping begins April 1st. Click here  to see when your street will be swept in April .
 
Chicago Residential Zone Parking Pass Changes
 
As of March 1st please note the following:
  • You can purchase up to three sheets of permits per 30 day period. Each sheet of 15 daily permits is $8.00.
  • Our office will NO LONGER be able to create new resident records. If you do not have a resident record in the system, the Office of the City Clerk must create a record prior to our office being able to sell you permits. Email proof of your address and a photo ID to EZBUY@cityofchicago.org. This process can take up to 2-3 business days. 
  • Purchase passes at City Clerk sales locations listed here. You may also purchase parking passes online here.
Sincerely, 
 
Michele Signature

Michele Smith
Alderman, 43rd Ward 


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