Public Safety Forum Thursday
Aldermen Discuss Public Park on WTTW
Anti-Bully workshop
Dear Neighbors,

This is an important week for three key issues. I hope you can attend a public safety meeting Thursday and watch Chicago Tonight this Wednesday on the critical need for open space in our community. There is also a timely workshop on adolescent bullying.
43rd Ward Safety Forum
This Thursday, May 17th
Lincoln Park High School Auditorium
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Spiking crime has prompted a public safety forum this week - Thursday, May 17th - at Lincoln Park High School. Thus far, Speakers include:

  • 18th District Commander, Dan O'Shea
  • Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) on the latest 911 protocols and the the use of private security cameras.
  • Representatives of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx will address prosecution of offenders.

Our goal is a frank and informative discussion to answer your questions and concerns. There will be information on crime initiatives and how our community can best work with police.
Future of the Chicago River: Development, Stadiums, or Parks?

Aldermen Scott Waguespack, Brian Hopkins and I will be on WTTW Chicago Tonight this Wednesday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the impact of massive development of the North Branch Industrial corridor.

The Chicago Tribune reiterated its support for a public park after Sterling Bay released new renderings depicting riverwalk strips in pedestrian areas without revealing density or traffic counts. At the same time, news of a 20,000 seat stadium on the West side of the Chicago River as part of the Lincoln Yards development supports conclusions that the 70+ acre site could host 50,000 people a day. Another announcement proposes a " transit way" with light rail or bus rapid transit - on the east side of the river, even though the vast majority of the Sterling Bay proposal is on the west side of the river. The proposed transit way cuts right through land needed to make the North Branch Park Preserve a reality. However, the city's own framework plan proposed two other new transit routes for on the West side of the river, within Lincoln Yard's area.

A huge stadium highlights the need for true public open space on East side of the Chicago River to make sure everyday people aren’t shut out from enjoying this natural asset for the next 100 years.

And private developers should bear the impact and cost of a new transitway to accommodate large development instead of shifting it onto land they do not control and in the area representing our last opportunity for large scale publicly owned parkland.

Let's be clear: privately owned land will be developed for private gain and not for the benefit of the public.

Please watch WTTW on Wednesday, May 16th at 7:00 PM to debate about this once-in-a-lifetime mission to obtain public land for true park space. For more information, go to the North Branch Park Preserve website.
Alternatives for a Bus or Light Rail Transit Way
(City Framework) Existing Throop Street, Crossing Goose Island
(Developer Plan) On Kingsbury, in potential Park Space
(City Framework) Connecting Southport to Throop
General Iron Study Inconclusive
Many of you have called to ask about an air quality study of General Iron being circulated by a private local developer. Attached is a letter from the city admonishing the developer for spreading misinformation.

Here are some reliable facts concerning General Iron:
  • We know this local business is in discussions to relocate and/or sell.
  • The General Iron property is the last location available to create a real park on the river.
  • The city has rehabilitated other former polluted industrial sites to create parks such as Ping Tom, La Villita and Harborside. 
Community Alert
18th District
Wanted for Aggravated Battery
On May 5th at approximately 6:30 AM, along the lakefront at 1299 N. Lake Shore Drive, the unknown subject committed aggravated battery on another subject walking along the bike bath causing bodily harm to the individual.

  • Be aware of this community alert and alert neighbors
  • Call 9-1-1 to report an suspicious person or activity.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings

If you have any information about this incident, call the Area Central Detective Division at 312-747-8380.
Upcoming Events
Sticks, Stones & Words Hurt: Bullying Prevention
Lincoln Park High School
May 16, 2018
6:30 PM - 8:30 p.m.
2001 N. Orchard, Main Building

What’s It About?
  • Peer relationships
  • When peer relationships go awry - bullying
  • Electronic communication impacts on peer relationships
  • Strategies for managing teasing and bullying for schools/families/health professionals

The Last Great Parker
Garage Sale
Francis W. Parker School
May 19th, 2018 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
May 20th, 2018 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
2233 N. Clark Street

Two gymnasiums and the lower-level cafeteria will be packed with bargain-priced finds including designer and name brand clothing for women, men and children; fashion accessories; art; housewares; toys and games; sporting goods; books; electronics; linens; furniture, and collectibles. This is the last year for the sale.

Cash and credit cards are accepted. All proceeds benefit the scholarship fund at the Francis W. Parker School.
150th Anniversary of Lincoln Park Zoo!
"From Swans to Science"
Sunday, May 20th
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.



Enjoy the opening of From Swans to Science: 150 Years of Lincoln Park Zoo, chronicling the zoo’s rich history. Opening day festivities include animal chats, live music, kids crafts, complimentary photos, and much more!
The leading science at Lincoln Park Zoo was just featured on 60 minutes.
See the full segment here.
In Honor of Commander Bauer
St. Teresa Of Avila Church Blood Drive
Sunday, May 20th
8:30 am - 1:30 pm
1950 N. Kenmore
Parish Center

Please bring your ID card and drink plenty of fluids. Visit www.heartlandbc.org or call 1(800)786-4483 to schedule your appointment.
Fashion, Fondue and Fine Wines
Geja's and viaStrozzi
340 W. Armitage
Sunday, May 20th
12:00 - 3:00 pm

Featuring Wine Food & Fashion
$55 per person

Geja's Cafe ( 340 W. Armitage ) and Italian fashion boutique   Via Strozzi  ( 1971 N. Halsted ) are teaming up for an afternoon of fashion, fondue and fine wines —Italian style.

Via Strozzi will showcase their spring collection during the first ever fashion show at Geja's Cafe. 

The afternoon will start off with a Fontina Cheese Fondue, followed by Parmesan crusted chicken salad and then Geja's Dark Chocolate fondue. Each course will be accompanied by a fine Italian wine. During the event, models will show the Spring/Summer fashions of viaStrozzi. The price is $55 per person including tax and gratuities. Call 773-281-9101 for reservations.

This is a great way to support businesses that support our neighborhood.


One Summer Chicago
Summer Jobs for ages 14 - 24

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the City is accepting applications for more than 30,000 jobs and internship opportunities available through the One Summer Chicago Program. The program helps youth, ages 14 to 24, gain valuable work experience while providing critical support resources. The application is available through May 21 st   at www.onesummerchicago.org
 
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Chicago City Sticker Sale
Thursday, June 7th
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
DePaul Student Center
2250 N. Sheffield Ave, Room 324
The City Clerk's office in cooperation with our office will be holding their annual City Sticker sale on Thursday, June 7th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  

Only stickers expiring in June 2018 will be renewed. Cash will not be accepted. Credit card, check, or money order are the only forms of payment accepted.

You can also purchase a dog license or CityKey ID card. This card offers benefits such as reduced admission to many city museums. Learn more here. You can fill out an application here.
Operation Help A Hero
Item Donations Accepted Until July 4th
2523 N Halsted Street
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Our office is collecting new store bought, household items for distribution to veterans trasnsitioning out of homelessness. Please consider purchasing items for personal hygiene, kitchen & cleaning, and bathroom items. For a complete list of items, please visit www.cityofchicago.org/helpahero.

Hope to see you at the public safety forum Thursday.






Michele Smith
43rd Ward Alderman
43rd Ward Office Hours: M 9 AM - 7 PM, T - F 9 AM - 6 PM 
  2523 N Halsted  |  773-348-9500 yourvoice@ward43.org www.ward43.org