Hello neighbors,
Earlier this week, the City's Council's License, Transportation, and Pedestrian Safety committees held a joint hearing to discuss a recently released report on e-scooters from the city's Department of Transportation. Questions ranged from equitable access to scooters across the city and rental cost, to where e-scooters are most frequently locked and how to prevent residents from riding scooters on the sidewalk. Another joint hearing will likely occur later this year to continue discussions about whether and how the city's e-scooter pilot program should move forward.
Throughout the week, I participated in several separate meetings about ways our city government should spend the $1.9 billion in federal stimulus funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Conversations about potential uses ranged from child care assistance and financial support for small businesses to housing assistance and our public health infrastructure. One area I believe is particularly deserving of additional city support is domestic violence prevention -- particularly in light of the increase in calls and texts to the city's domestic violence support hotline during the pandemic.
On Wednesday, I attended a meeting of the steering committee charged with leading discussions and planning around improvements to the Western CTA Station Plaza. In the coming months, please be on the lookout for information about public meetings and polls regarding the various ways in which we can make the plaza more inviting and useful to pedestrians and nearby businesses. Yesterday, I met with the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce to discuss several strategically located "people spots" near high pedestrian traffic intersections that residents and businesses have identified as needing additional public seating.
Staying on the topic of local businesses, I attended a ribbon cutting to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Kaminska Dermatology at 3808 N Lincoln Ave, and visited the recently opened Culver's on Montrose Ave near Ravenswood. I also met separately with the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and an official from the Small Business Advisory Council to discuss a large package of business-related laws that Mayor Lightfoot proposed last week.
In addition, I had separate meetings with residents to discuss the city's various HR-related policies relating to transgender employees, regulations regarding the demolition of single-family homes, and water main replacement along several of our Ward's residential streets. I also surveyed a number of locations in the Ward in need of infrastructure improvements relating to sidewalks and alley aprons, in connection with aldermanic menu fund spending.
I hope you all have a cool and relaxing weekend, especially in light of the warmer temperatures.
Yours in service,
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Youth Bike Donation Drive
As we reopen the Leland Shared Street, we want to ensure all of our youth have the opportunity to take advantage of the low-traffic bike route this summer.
Until Friday, June 25, our ward office (4243 N Lincoln Ave) will be accepting used bike donations. We are partnering with non-profit bike shops across the city to provide bikes to young Chicagoans who are in need of a workable bike (for fun or transportation!).
If you’re a 47th Ward family in need of a youth bike, please feel free to reach out to [email protected]. We will do our best to match everyone with a bike that meets their needs, but of course, we will be restricted by the number and type of donations we receive.
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CloudKitchens Update
You may have recently received glossy mailers or seen the giant mobile electronic billboard citing Alderman Martin’s supposed “anti-takeout” agenda. We are happy to report that Alderman Martin eats and supports takeout just like the rest of us.
After five community meetings, CloudKitchens reneged on a verbal agreement to enter into a plan of operations. Instead of agreeing to reasonable accommodations, CloudKitchens has chosen to spend thousands of dollars on communications consultants to attempt to mislead our community, while continuing to disrupt our small businesses on Rockwell St.
Because we anticipate you may continue to receive similar types of communications from CloudKitchens, our team put together this website to outline the facts: aldermanmartin.com/cloudkitchens.
Western Ave SBIF
DPD is excited to bring the enhanced Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) program to another Chicago community. The Western Avenue South TIF will rollout for new SBIF applications from June 1st to June 30th at 5 pm. $345,354 will be available.
DPD and SomerCor will host a webinar on Wednesday, June 2nd at 1 pm to provide an overview of the SBIF program and application process. Visit the new SBIF website, chicago.gov/sbif, to register for the webinar and find the application.
Applications will be accepted starting on Tuesday, June 1st and must be received by SomerCor by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30th.
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Utility, Rental, and Mortgage Assistance |
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Rental Assistance
There are two major rental assistance programs available to Chicagoans. The State of Illinois opened applications for their assistance program earlier this week. Currently, only landlords can initiate an application on behalf of the tenant. Eligible applicants can receive up to 12 months of past rent, and 3 months of future rent. Learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process.
The City of Chicago opens their rental assistance program on May 24th. Applications will close on June 8th. Similar to the State Illinois program, Chicago's assistance program will offer up to 12 months of past rent and 3 months of future rent. In addition to providing rental assistance, Chicago's program can also provide utility assistance for past due bills. If you are eligible for both programs, you can apply for both. The State and City are coordinating when processing applications. Learn more about eligibility requirements and application process.
If you have questions about rental assistance applications, you can email us at [email protected].
Mortgage Assistance
The Mortgage Assistance Program, made possible by the City of Chicago, provides assistance to low-to moderate-income Chicago homeowners who have suffered an economic impact due to the covid-19 pandemic and are having difficulty paying their mortgage. The maximum amount of assistance available is $3,300. Grant amounts awarded will be based on the amount needed to bring your mortgage current. Eligible homeowners will have the assistance paid directly to their mortgage service. Learn more.
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Construction Updates
Byron-Janssen-Greenview Water Main Replacement
1400-1500 BYRON,3900 GREENVIEW,
3800-3900 JANSSEN
The Department of Water Management (DWM) is replacing the century-old water main on Byron between Ashland and Southport, on Greenview from Byron to Irving Park Rd, and on Janssen from Grace to Irving Park Rd. Please note that on this coming Monday 6/7, the crews will be shutting off the water as they cap and seal the old water main. The water is expected to be off between 9am and 3pm, impacting households on Byron from Ashland to Southport. Notices have been posted on the front of residences. Click here to watch the recording of the informational meeting we hosted with the Department of Water Management and the 44th Ward to find out more. If you have questions, contact [email protected]
Irving Park Bridge Work
CDOT is on track to reopen four lanes of traffic on the Irving Park bridge over the river by Memorial Day weekend. Crews will be pouring asphalt on either side of the bridge early in the week and striping the road. When that is completed, they will be able to set up a temporary traffic configuration with four lanes open to traffic, which they expect to open on Friday. It will stay in place until they complete the final phase of the project, which includes sidewalks, curbs and lighting, in late July. A temporary sidewalk will remain accessible on the north side of the bridge. Please note all timelines are tentative and dependent on weather conditions.
Carmen/Glenwood Intersection Closure
The Department of Water Management's contractor is wrapping up their work in the intersection of Carmen & Glenwood. They will be closing up the intersection next week and aim to reopen it to traffic by the start of the following week. On Wednesday 6/9, they plan to begin moving west along Carmen to install 400 feet of sewer main. This part of the work should take 2-3 weeks and remove the parking on Carmen as it goes. Once that is complete, they will move to the intersection of Winona & Glenwood for the same process moving east along Winona for a stretch.
Red-Purple Line Modernization
The first phase of the Red–Purple Modernization Program began this past week with the temporary closure of Lawrence and Berwyn Red Line Stations. This phase is expected to last two years and several buses have been rerouted to provide convenient bus-rail transfers. The #81 Lawrence bus has been rerouted to the Wilson Red & Purple Line station and will operate in both directions via Lawrence, Ashland, Wilson, Broadway and Lawrence. The #92 Foster bus has been rerouted to the Bryn Mawr Red Line temporary station and eastbound buses will operate via Broadway and Bryn Mawr, ending their trips at the Red Line (Bryn Mawr/Winthrop). Westbound buses will begin their trips at Bryn Mawr/Winthrop, operate via Bryn Mawr and Sheridan to Berwyn, then continue their normal route on Sheridan. The #146 Inner Drive bus will continue its stop/layover at Berwyn/Broadway. For more information please visit https://www.transitchicago.com/rpm/.
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Simmons announces $2.5 million road improvements plan for the 7th District
State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) announced Friday that $2.5 million in construction
projects in the 7th Illinois Senate District will improve roads and make accessibility improvements as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s multi-year construction plan.
The projects will improve 1.8 miles of U.S. 14 between U.S. 41 and Ridge Avenue, and a mile of U.S. 41 from Ashland to Lake Shore Drive. The funding is part of the $20 billion Rebuild Illinois construction plan’s 2022 slate of construction.
A further $2 million has been slated for later years, intended for pedestrian improvements to Ridge Boulevard from Howard St. to south of Pratt Boulevard.
For more details about the projects in the 7th District, click here.
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Job Opening at North Side Housing
Join the North Side Housing team! Current opening for a Director of Finance and Administration. North Side Housing and Supportive Services is a local homelessness services agency helping over 700 individuals experiencing homelessness each year. https://www.northsidehousing.org/careers
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Zoning Advisory Council
The 47th Ward's Zoning Advisory Council will hear about three proposals during its June meeting. To view all development proposals and decisions, and to provide your feedback, go to the Development page on our website.
3601 N. Ravenswood/1744 W. Addison
The applicant is seeking a zoning change to demolish 3 occupied commercial units and 2 occupied residential units to build a 5-story, 70 foot-tall mixed-use building containing 54 rental units including 8 studios (renting at around $1,700), 32x1-bed/1-bath units (roughly $2,200), and 14x2-bed/2-bath units (roughly $3,200). The building would also include 7,000sf of commercial space. The developer is proposing to include the required 5 on-site affordable units. The building would include 9 parking spaces and 54 bike parking spaces. This proposal would remove 3 existing curb cuts.
3826 N. Ashland
The current property consists of three residential units. The owner is seeking a zoning change from B (Business) to R (Residential) to allow the construction of a coach house (the new ADU ordinance only applies to residential buildings). The coach house would contain a 2-bedroom unit (as well as the existing 2 parking spaces for the existing units). This unit would rent for around $1,500.
3830 N. Ashland
The current property consists of one commercial unit and two residential units above. The owner is seeking a zoning change from B (Business) to R (Residential) to allow the construction of a coach house (the new ADU ordinance only applies to residential buildings). The coach house would contain a 2-bedroom unit (as well as the existing 2 parking spaces for the existing units). That unit would rent for around $1,500.
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Our Zoning Advisory Council meets monthly to review and make recommendations on various zoning relief requests related to development projects. Each year, we interview new applicants to fill a limited number of vacant positions. If you're interested in applying, fill out an application on our website.
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15th Annual Northcenter Garden Walk
Northcenter Neighbors annual self-guided walking tour of Northcenter gardens and outdoor spaces is returning this June 27, 2021. This year’s event will feature over 30 beautiful gardens as well as live music from local bands and musicians!
The self-guided tour will begin at Alexander Graham Bell School at 3730 N. Oakley (at Grace Street), where maps can be picked up. There is a suggested donation of $5. Seniors are free!
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Lakeview Porchfest
PorchFest Lakeview and PorchJams Series tickets are on-sale now! PorchFest Lakeview takes place on Sunday, June 6 from 1-5PM featuring local musicians performing across 14 front porches within Lakeview. PorchJams Series features concerts taking place weekly on a different porch in Lakeview or Roscoe Village with two local musicians performing at each concert. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/porchfest
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Roscoe Village Kidical Mass
You're invited to Roscoe Village Kidical Mass! Kidical Mass is a fun, free family bike ride for riders & passengers of all ages. The Roscoe Village ride is held the first Sunday of the month. It meets at the Audubon School playground (3500 N. Hoyne Ave.) at 10:00 for a 10:30 departure. Rain or shine. For more information please visit www.chicagofamilybiking.org or Chicago Family Biking events on Facebook.
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Uptown Lions Club 100th Anniversary Virtual Gala
Join the Uptown Lions Club for a virtual Zoom celebration and dueling pianos show on Sunday, June 6 from 7 PM until 8:30 PM. Learn more.
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GRO Garage Sale
Join the Greater Rockwell Organization for a neighborhood-wide garage sale on June 12 and June 13th. More information at greaterrockwell.org.
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Alternatives to 911
The 1st Ward Alderman La Spata's office and our partners are excited to present the Chicago Alternatives to 911 - Behavioral Health Resource Guide (also attached)! Please join us on Tuesday, June 8th at 6pm for a virtual webinar to hear directly from each organization regarding their services, with a Question & Answer opportunity as well!
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will also be joining us to share more information on what they've been working on to provide behavioral health services to residents across the City.
To register for the webinar, click here or go to tinyurl.com/Altsto911. Please share the attached flyer with your network, residents, clients, etc.!
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Doc10 Documentary Film Festival
Hosted at the Davis Theater, Doc10 is Chicago’s only all-documentary film festival and provides an engaging experience for its audiences, reaching thousands of local cinephiles over the last four years.
Now in its 5th year, Doc10 has firmly set its place in Chicago’s cultural scene. Each year over three days and evenings, the Festival screens the 10 best documentaries, culled from Sundance, Tribeca, Hot Docs, DOC NYC and other top-tier festivals across the nation. This is the first, and often exclusive, opportunity for Chicagoans to see extraordinary films. Twenty of the 50+ films we’ve premiered have been shortlisted or nominated for Academy Awards. Learn more.
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Old Town School of Folk Juneteenth Live Stream
Join Old Town for a Freedom Songs Juneteenth Celebration featuring the Original Chicago Blues All Stars Revue with members of the legendary Willie Dixon's original band. Singer and poet Ugochi kicks off the evening.
Watch the FREE Livestream here:
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20th District Computer Recycling Event
On Saturday, June 19, the 20th District police district is hosting an electronics recycling event at 5400 N Lincoln Ave.
Accepted items include:
- Laptops, tablets, desktops
- Flat screen monitors
- Keyboards and mice
- Video game consoles and accessories
- Cell phones
- Extension cords
- Routers and modems
- Hard drives and computer speakers
- Printer ink cartridges
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America Needs You - Mentoring and Career Development
Join America Needs You (ANY) in bridging the gap between college access and career readiness for low-income, first-generation college students in Chicagoland. Volunteers not only make a meaningful impact in a student’s life, but benefit from robust professional development and networking with hundreds of early-to-mid career professionals. Share your expertise as a one-time Career Coach at our workshops, or become a Mentor Coach and develop a strong one-on-one mentoring relationship with a student, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. Sign up here: https://www.americaneedsyou.org/volunteer/
Priority deadline to apply to be a Mentor Coach is June 30th! Email [email protected] with questions.
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Lincoln Square Farmers Market
Volunteers Needed
Interested in helping out at the Lincoln Square Farmers Market?
With COVID-19 safety measures still in place, the Lincoln Square Farmers Market needs help ensuring the market runs smoothly and safely. There could be no market without volunteers; the shifts are quick and fun, and we'd love for you to join us.Non-profit organizations are encouraged; community service hours are available. For more information, please email [email protected].
Become a "Friend of the Market"
Become a Friend of the Market this season in Lincoln Square to go the extra mile. As a 501c6 non-profit, the Market relies on participation fees, sponsorship dollars, and grants to maintain. Your support helps the Market in a variety of critical ways. A Friend of the Market receives benefits based on three membership levels. Read all about it HERE and keep your eyes peeled as this exciting initiative rolls out this week.
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Lakeview Roscoe Village Farmers Market
The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber is excited to announce the opening season of the Roscoe Village Farmers Market! This market will provide local, sustainably produced foods to the Roscoe Village community on Sundays from 9:30am-2pm starting June 13 through October 17 at Jahn Elementary. Get ready to enjoy local produce along with vendors offering fresh breads, pastries, cheeses, coffee, and even ice cream! By prioritizing dedicated, local farmers and makers within walking distance for the community, the market will be a hub of sustainability for shoppers and vendors alike. We look forward to seeing you at the market! Learn more: https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/rvfarmersmarket
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Forward Chicago Programming
Repair Cafe is Returning in September
If you’re handy, we could use your help. Please contact Forward Chicago if you are willing to donate a couple of your hours from time to time to tinker and repair for a neighbor.
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47th Ward Ald. Matt Martin | 773-868-4747
Office hours:
Our office is closed as we work remotely. We hope to see you again soon!
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Paid for by Friends of Matt Martin |
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