My office has received several inquiries regarding the zoning change for the People's Church/ Preston Bradley Center that will be introduced to the City's Zoning Committee on January 23. The zoning designation for this building will be changed from RT-4 to B3-5 in order to allow the building to support and expand performing arts tenants, which is not allowed under its current residential "R" zoning.

Due to concerns that this zoning change could make the property more appealing for redevelopment at a future date, my office is working with the Preston Bradley Center and the City Landmarks Commission to pursue Chicago Landmark status for the building. This will ensure that the architectural integrity of the building will be protected and any significant physical changes will require review and approval from the City Landmarks Commission.

I believe that this is the ideal solution to meet everyone's interests. It keeps all the existing uses in the building, and will bring new users to the building, making it a hub of arts and culture in the Uptown Entertainment District. Landmark status for the building will mean that the City and community will work in partnership with the Preston Bradley board to ensure a viable, vibrant future for this Uptown treasure.

Best,

Ald. James Cappleman

Open Office Hours

Ald. Cappleman has open office hours every Wednesday (5pm - 7pm) and Saturday (9am - Noon). This is the time to meet with your alderman to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Parking Tickets Issued Nov. 26 for Street Cleaning
If you received a parking ticket last Nov. 26 for not moving your car for street sweeping, and contested the ticket but still lost, let the 46th Ward Office know. Ald. Cappleman will call the Dept. of Finance and request that the ticket be expunged. Street sweeping that day was canceled.

Property Tax Exemptions
2013 applications for the Homeowners, Senior, and Senior Freeze Property Tax Exemptions are now available. Click here to view Commissioner Bridget Gainer's website to download the application. Call 312-603-4210 for more information.

Mayor Introduces Pot Hole Tracker

Here's a way to track progress of having a pot hole repaired. This process allows the City to track how quickly it takes to make the needed repair. Click here to view the repairs made in the last 7 days. Click here to make a service request.

Addressing Chronic Crime

CAPS is set up to address your concerns of chronic crime in your neighborhood. A representative from the 46th Ward Office attends all of these meetings as well. For information about your local CAPS meeting, click here.

Zoning & Development Committee

We will be reviewing the details of the JDL Maryville proposal and related TIF at Clarendon/Montrose. This will be an opportunity for the committee to ask detailed questions regarding the proposal. We will also review the development proposal for the 3800 block of N. Broadway. For information about these 2 developments, click here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your zoning representative or the Alderman's office. If you haven't had the chance to contact your representative, call the Ward Office at 773-878-4646 or email abby@james46.org.

When: Monday, Jan. 27 at 7pm

Where: Weiss Memorial Hospital at 4545 N. Clarendon Ave.

Free Tax Service for Qualified Families & Individuals

Families with an annual income of up to $50,000 per year and individuals with an annual income of up to $25,000 per year are eligible for the City's free and confidential income tax assistance. Click here for more info.

Where: Truman College at 1145 W. Wilson

When: Jan 21 - April 15

Mon - Wed from 5:30 - 8pm, Sat from 10am - 1pm

U.S. Citizen Workshop

Become a U.S. Citizen now. To be eligible, you need to be a legal permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years, (or) 3 years if you are married to a U.S. Citizen. For more information, click here.

Where: Truman College at 1145 W. Wilson

When: Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9am - 11am.