Dear Neighbors,

We are pleased to announce that the Chicago Plan Commission approved the plan to build a new turf athletic field in Lincoln Park for Lincoln Park High School sports. Located just east of the Diversey Driving Range, the field is being funded by Chicago Public Schools. While the field will be used by the high school for practice during regular after-school practice hours, it will be available to the general public at all other times.

We have been seeking an permanent space for our high school to play football, soccer and lacrosse for over seven years. In 2016, we secured the use of a field near North Ave. and Larrabee, but it is now being converted to a community park.

The Park District will be installing water retention measures below the turf and will regrading a significant part of the park from Diversey to Wellington, which will allow a large part of the usually soggy grass in this area to be usable while diverting stormwater.

I am grateful to my neighbor, Alderman Tom Tunney (44th) for working with the community in support of this important public amenity and to the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District for funding

Ethics Reform

This week, City Council closed an ethics loophole by approving our ordinance prohibitng city employees who control city contracts from having any outside employment with any contractor, sub-contractor, or anyone seeking to become city contractors or sub-contractors. The Better Government Association said, "These limits would promote confidence that public servants are acting in the best interests of taxpayers." The Sun-Times has more.

Supporting our Restaurant Industry



City Council also approved our ordinance allowing some bars and restaurants to serve liquor an hour earlier on Sundays, beginning at 9 a.m. The proposal was sparked by local establishments that broadcast international sporting events.

The new law applies only to those venues that serve food. This ordinance benefits our local businesses, which depend heavily on weekend business. You can read about it in TimeOut Chicago and in the Sun-Times.

Cook County State's Attorney Candidate Forum

Monday, February 24

7:00 p.m.

DePaul University

Courtelyou Commons

2324 N. Fremont Street



Several of our community organizations are joining to host a forum among all the candidates for Cook County State's Attorney (incumbent Kim Foxx's attendance is pending). Four Democrats and two Republicans are competing in the primaries for the general election in November.

There is parking in the garage on North Sheffield just south of West Fullerton (adjoining Whole Foods).

Gold Coast Neighbors

12th District Forum

Thursday, February 27

6:30 p.m.

Ambassador Hotel

Second Floor Conference Room

1301 N. State Street



Our State Representative, Sara Feigenholtz, was appointed State Senator to take the seat of State Senator John Cullerton. Five candidates are vying to take her seat:

Marty Malone

Ryan Podges

James Garfield

Jonathan "Yoni" Piser

Margaret Croke

Gold Coast Neighbors invite all who live in the 12th District to come for a lively and enlightening forum among the candidates for this important seat.

Click here  to register. For questions, please email  [email protected], call 773-510-7327, or visit  www.goldcoastneighbors.org .

2020 Local School Council Elections

Candidate Applications Due March 5 at 3:00 p.m .

If you are a parent, community member, student, or teacher looking to get more involved with your school, we encourage you to consider running in your school’s LSC election. The application window for the 2020 LSC elections is open now through March 5th at 3:00 p.m. To apply, download the application forms below and return them to the CPS Office of Local School Council Relations, 2651 W. Washington Blvd, 3rd Floor

Parents and community members have the option to file a  Form 4-20 Candidate Statement , school staff candidates must file a  Form 5-20 School Staff Candidate Information Form and high school student candidates must file a  Form 6-20 Student Candidate Information Form.

8th Annual Chicago Volunteer Expo

TODAY

Sunday, February 23

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N. Cannon Drive

At the eighth annual Chicago Volunteer Expo, visit with 75 non-profit organizations from all over the city to learn how you can get involved! Whether your passion is the environment, the arts, or social justice, find out what you can do to make a difference. Admission is free – pre-registration is encouraged .

Chicago Police 18th District Presents:

Pizza with the Police

Wednesday, February 26

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Roots

1610 N. Wells

Stop by and have pizza with the 18th District police officers at Roots. Enjoy a slice of pizza and share your thoughts and concerns regarding public safety. No agenda - just a great way to meet the officers that patrol our neighborhood.

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce

Open House

Thursday, February 27

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce

2468 N. Lincoln Ave

Join the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce for a open house at their beautiful new office and enjoy a glass of champagne to toast their new storefront.

After your tour, step next door to DogHaus Biergarten for a casual reception and networking with fellow LPCC members and neighbors. The event is free to attend, with light bites and drinks provided. RSVPs are strongly encouraged. Please RSVP here .

LPHS Drama Majors Present:

Oscar Wilde's

The Importance of Being Earnest

February 27 at 4:30 p.m.

February 28 at 7:00 p.m.

February 29 at 3:00 p.m.

Lincoln Park High School

2001 N. Orchard St.

Lincoln Park High School Is a performing arts magnet school, and its drama program is one of the best.



Adult admission is $10 and $5 for students at the door. Dine at one of the following partnering restaurants on the day of the show and receive a discount: 15% off at Cedar's Palace, 10% off at Pasta Pallazo, and 10% off at Ella's BBQ.

Help Lincoln Elementary Students Help Others

The "You, Me and We" club of 4th and 5th Graders at Lincoln Elementary are raising money to help need CPS kids. Help them by dining at Rickshaw Republic, 2312 N Lincoln Avenue, between February 25th and 29th. Order from the special menu and a portion of the sale will be contributed.

Honoring Our Lincoln Park Leaders

Nothing has ever been done in our neighborhood without the ceaseless dedication of 43rd Ward neighbors. Here are two of our long-time activists.

Wrightwood Neighbor Allan Mellis worked tirelessly with others community members over eight years to win a brand new branch library at the DePaul Lincoln Park Campus at Fullerton and Racine in 1995. Allan helped bring federal, state and local resources to support the branch, with DePaul University including the building in its Master Plan. The Library Branch we all enjoy would not have been possible without his leadership. Congratulations and read more about 25 years of the Lincoln Park Branch Library!

Beginning in 1961, Dan O'Donnell owned Armitage Hardware. He has been landlord to many successful businesses, helping make our Armitage Avenue shopping corridor a destination. .He has led several charities and has helped bring Irish students to the US to work for years. We honored Mr. O'Donell with a Resolution at this month's City Council meeting. Congratulations to Dan on his 80th birthday and thanks for all he has done for Lincoln Park and the City of Chicago.

Go Lincoln Park Lions,