Dear Neighbors,

Recently my colleague Brian Hopkins (2nd) released results of a survey to clarify public sentiment about the proposed Lincoln Yards development. It showed that residents are extremely concerned about the tremendous impact of such unprecedented development on the North Side, particularly about congestion and public open space.

It is commendable Ald. Hopkins is engaging our community in the Lincoln Yards discussion. The survey echoes the many calls and comments we have received in our office that people need specific and graphic information to understand this massive project in order to provide intelligent feedback.

It is also apparent that in addition to traffic issues, there is a hunger for a public park to balance this enormous development and create a tangible, lasting benefit to the community.

Alderman Hopkins assures that this discussion is in the beginning stages and we look forward to a full and robust process as concrete details emerge along with a complete set of plans.

I urge you to read the survey as well as keep up to date on future meetings and information on the North Branch Park and Preserve - a much-needed buffer to Lincoln Yards. Here are the survey results.

Community Meeting

 Proposed Redevelopment at 800 – 802 West Altgeld

Wednesday, August 15th at 6:00 PM

Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute

2430 North Halsted Street

First Floor Conference Room

Join our office and the Wrightwood Neighbors Association to consider a redevelopment proposal for 800-802 W. Altgeld. The applicant seeks to demolish the two existing structures on the sites and construct a transit-oriented new five-story building, with 14 residential units, 4 parking spaces and 3,200 square feet of ground level commercial space fronting Halsted Street. My office will be present at this meeting to monitor the discussion, take notes, and record your feedback.

Join my office and WNA to engage in a direct dialogue with the development team to gain a better understanding of this proposal and obtain answers to your questions. Click here for more information.

Pedestrian Safety Improvements

Pedestrian safety is always important and Aldermanic "menu" funds are funding three vital pedestrian safety improvements:

Lakewood and Diversey

Alderman Scott Waguespak (32nd) and I are funding "bump outs" to extend the curbs into the parking lane. This much-needed improvement will make it easier and safer for parents and children to cross Diversey Avenue to go to a playground.

Webster and Clifton

The City will also be building "bump-outs" at the intersection of Webster and Clifton, providing safer access to Trebes Park and Oscar Mayer School.

Belden and Sheffield

In partnership with DePaul University and our office, the City is creating a "speed table" at Belden and Sheffield. As many residents know, this is a difficult intersection due to the many DePaul students who often cross without looking. The Chicago Department of Transportation rejected many requests for a traffic light at this intersection because of the risk of pedestrian accidents.

A "speed table" slightly elevates the street intersection as a reminder to drivers to slow down. Additionally, different paving will alert pedestrians that they are at the intersection. This project begins this week and requires closure during construction through August 31st. Detours will be posted, and pedestrian access will be maintained. Call CDOT at 312-722-6590 for more information.

DePaul University’s Lincoln Park Campus New Entrance

Fullerton Avenue and Halsted Street

At the corner of Fullerton and Halsted, and adjacent to the new Holtschneider Performance Center, this custom gate will welcome students and visitors to the DePaul campus and gives pedestrians and bus commuters additional sidewalk space. It is a fine addition to our Lincoln Avenue Corridor Plan. To learn how the gate was realized, click here.

Lake Shore Bike Trail Construction

Resumes Between Fullerton and Montrose

The Chicago Park District will resume work on the separated bike/pedestrian trail this week. The existing lakefront trail (west of the golf course) from Montrose Avenue south to Irving Park Road will be completely closed. All east and west bound pedestrian and bicycle access, will be detoured to the Lakefront from either Montrose Avenue or Irving Park Road. All south and north bound pedestrian and bicycle access to the Lakefront will be detoured along the pathway east of the golf course. A more detailed detour map may be access here. More details on the Chicago Park District website.

Tutoring at Manierre School

St. Michael's Church

Do you have time in your day and enjoy helping children learn? St. Michael's Church is in its seventh year of providing tutoring at George Manierre Elementary and is looking for new volunteers. This effort, along with supplying the school with basic classroom supplies all year long has enhanced the learning environment and helped the school raise its academic status in the past five years.  Manierre is a feeder school for Lincoln Park High School.

 

For more information, please contact Jeanne Sanna at [email protected]

Help the Lincoln Park High School Football Booster Club raise funds for much needed equipment by dropping off your unwanted items! Team players will be collecting gently used clothing and household items near the entrance of LP High School. These items will be sold by the pound to Unique Thrift Store. No food, mattresses, large furniture, appliances, or auto parts. Click here for more information.

Chicago Hot Dog Fest

1701 N. Stockton Drive, Chicago, IL

Friday, August 10, 2018 – 11 AM to 9 PM

Saturday, August 11, 2018 – 11 to 9 PM

Sunday, August 12, 2018 – 11 AM to 8 PM

$5 Suggested Donation to fund educational programming at the Chicago History Museum

Celebrate the City’s Favorite Food with the Chicago History Museum at the sixth annual Chicago Hot Dog Fest, including a lineup of bands, city history speakers, and the star of the event: Vienna Beef hot dogs prepared in various regional and ethnic styles by the city’s top hot dog vendors.

Please visit ChicagoHotDogFest.com for more information. 

63rd Annual Ginza Holiday

Japanese Cultural Festival

Midwest Buddhist Temple

435 W. Menomonee St.

Friday, Aug. 10th, 5:30 - 9:00 pm

Saturday, Aug. 11th, 11:30 am - 8:00 pm

Sunday, Aug. 12th, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm

Enjoy this neighborhood favorite with traditional Japanese food, artwork, fashion, live performances, 300 year old crafts and much more. $5 donation. Click here for more information.

Leslie Wolfe Gallery Presents

People and Places

Watercolors by Maureen Carr & Gerri Kaye

Reception with the Artists

Sunday, Aug. 12th, 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Old Town Triangle Center

1763 N. North Park

Exhibition Dates: July 28 - August 30

Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm, Saturday 10 am - 1 pm

For more information, visit the Old Town Triangle Website.

Free in the Parks

The Incredibles

Tonight , Thursday, Aug 9, 2018 from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Adams Playground Park

1919 N. Seminary Ave

Rollin' Rec at Jonquil

Jonquil Playlot Park

Friday, Aug, 17 2018 from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Friday, Aug 24, 2018 from 8:00 PM - 10:32 PM

Wrightwood Park

2534 N. Greenview Ave

The Wizard of Oz

Saturday, Aug 25, 2018 from 8:00 PM - 9:41 PM

Oz Park

2021 N. Burling Street

Mary Poppins

Sunday, Aug 26, 2018 from 8:00 PM - 10:19 PM

Jonquil Playlot Park

1001 W. Wrightwood Ave

43rd Ward Shredding Event

Saturday, August 25th

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Peggy Notebaert Museum

2430 N. Cannon Drive

 Our popular shredding event is back again!  R4 Services  and   Friends of Epilepsy Foundation   team up with the 43rd Ward Saturday, August 25th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM to offer document shredding on site and a clothing drive at the  Peggy Notebaert Museum , located at  2430 N. Cannon Drive.  

Turn in paper documents and unwanted electronics but please note, no televisions or expired medications can be collected.

See you in the neighborhood and hope you enjoy our many wonderful summer events.

Michele Smith

43rd Ward Alderman