• Recent LCA News •

Lincoln Central Association Launches Refreshed Logo, Newsletter & Website!

Today, LCA is proud to announce a new look for our organization, including a refreshed logo, updated newsletter template and a redesigned website!

As the “Heart of the Neighborhood,” it was important for us to keep the heart at the center of our logo, with our beautiful skyline and the yellow brick road, which is our ode to Oz Park in the middle of our neighborhood. We incorporated some more colors into our logo, to brighten it up and showcase the beautiful colors in our neighborhood. With this refreshed branding, we created an updated newsletter (which you are looking at now), and most importantly, a new website!

Please visit our newly designed website, LincolnCentral.org to learn more about our work in the neighborhood, read about the LCA Board of Directors, and renew your membership on our new membership page! Do you forget to renew your membership each year? Using our new website, you can sign up for automatic renewals (but you aren’t required to). Our new website also gives us an opportunity to showcase many of the great neighborhood features and local business articles that are in our newsletter each month.

Check out our new website at LincolnCentral.org and let us know what you think!

Join Us in Fire Station Park on May 14

Come join us at our first community work day of the season! We will be preparing the garden beds for new plants, staking a new fence, transplanting existing plants, and relocating stepping stones. No experience needed. To RSVP, simply email FireStationParkGarden@gmail.com. 

Smile, You're on Candid Camera!

By Larry Sacks

I hope this article will provide you with an aggregation of info (almost one-stop shopping) for installing private home and business security cameras to prevent and reduce opportunistic crime.

Two rather obvious crime prevention truisms: 1) anyone looking for “easy pickings” to exploit (e.g., home burglaries, package thefts, street robberies, shoplifting) would rather not be caught in the act on video (even if masked); and 2) providing CPD with access to private home and business video of criminal behavior can really help their investigative efforts and clearance rates. 

So – the visible presence of home security cameras can both deter and help solve crime, and it’s reasonable to believe that if a block or street or a neighborhood is well-covered by discreet but visible security cameras and appropriate signage, word might get out that this is not the place to prey upon or to visit in search for easy targets.

I don’t have expertise on home security camera installation, but do want to help you research what’s possible by sharing these impartial (so far as I know) links:

• Security camera installation: 8 tips from the pros
• Best places to install home security cameras
• 5 Tips for Setting Up Smart Home Security Cameras

Here is CPD’s excellent website, including FAQs and responses, on how to register your private home or business security camera with CPD: Public Camera Registration (arcgis.com)

If you weren’t already aware, the City of Chicago just announced a rebate program that will start soon and extend into 2024 to reimburse (up to $450) residents and businesses for installing private security cameras, outdoor motion sensor lighting, and GPS trackers for cars. Program details haven’t been released, but here’s a WTTW article describing this new initiative: City Launching New Rebate Program to Help Cover Costs of Security Cameras at Homes, Businesses | Chicago News | WTTW.

And I’d be remiss in an LCA article on private security cameras if I didn’t also provide a link to an OEMC (Office of Emergency Management) program to connect private “exterior cameras on the public way” to OEMC, not so much for crime prevention and investigative support (though CPD can access such video footage to help solve crimes) but mainly to help the City prepare for and respond to emergency situations (e.g., natural disasters; terrorist incidents): City of Chicago : Link Your Cameras into OEMC (Private Sector Camera Initiative)

Finally, because of a bewildering array of available home security cameras and devices, maybe it would be wise to get professional support for your technology and installation decisions?

Please stay safe, get to know your neighbors, and take good care of each other!

Would You Like to Volunteer in the Garden?

We are seeking volunteers to help us with gardening at Fire Station Park! No experience is necessary. If you are interested, email FireStationParkGarden@Gmail.com for more information.

• Neighborhood News •

Carnival Hosts Fun & Festive Easter Event

On Sunday, April 17, Carnival Grocer in Lincoln Park hosted an Easter Egg Hunt, along with treats, refreshments, cookie decorating and the Easter Bunny even made an appearance! Dozens of families from around the area came for this fun and festive event. 

• Upcoming Events •

The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is bringing Lincoln Park Uncorked: An Armitage & Halsted Wine Stroll back this spring! Sip and stroll your way through your favorite shops and restaurants along Armitage and Halsted! Enjoy curated samples of red and white wines while strolling through one of the city’s most famous shopping districts in the heart of Lincoln Park.

Thursday, May 12

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Check-In at J9 Wine Bar

1961 N. Halsted 

Use the promotional code LCALPU22 to receive $5 off tickets! Tickets are available at: Lincoln Park Uncorked: An Armitage & Halsted Wine Stroll

From the Heart is an award-winning newsletter published by Lincoln Central Association.

We welcome your feedback and story ideas.

LCA has received at least one APEX Award for Publication Excellence in each of the last five years and a total of eighteen since 2016. Additionally, From the Heart is the recipient of four consecutive Constant Contact All-Star.