Dear Neighbors,

Last week, The Mayor introduced his 2019 budget proposal . Hearings on the $10.6B budget began earlier this week. Some very poor financial practices that put the city at risk have been eliminated, such as ending "scoop and toss," risky variable rate borrowing and swaps. However, significant challenges remain for the future.

At the first hearing on Monday, the city's Chief Financial Officer Carole Brown, said "new revenue" will be needed in 2020 for anticipated rising pension obligations.

I responded to her on your behalf by cautioning, "going back to the well on property tax increases is unimaginable."

The budget proposal includes a surplus of $175M in TIF funds and will send $97M back to Chicago Public Schools. The budget plan also creates a new Department of Housing, provides $25.7M for the Chicago Police Department federally - ordered consent decree; and increases funding for youth job programs and mentoring programs (like BAM, Becoming A Man). Further increases are proposed for basic constituent services such as rodent baiting, new trees, and another $1.5M for new garbage carts.

Pensions

Pensions still loom as a critical part of our city's difficult financial future. The 2019 budget contains city pension fund contributions of $1.3B, out of a total of the overall $10.7B budget. Pension costs are paid by a combination of property taxes, a tax on Water & Sewer bills, and City of Chicago funds. You can see the breakdowns here in the City's Budget Overview, page 40.

At the budget hearing, I warned that the City must continue to seek constitutional pension reform, such as that suggested by Senate President Cullerton , and also demand that the State of Illinois contribute.

And, for us in the 43rd Ward, the problem is particularly difficult as the property tax assessment model continues to be unfair, as so many of you in our Ward have experienced in the latest round of assessments. I assure you I am looking at this year's budget with a highly critical eye due to our heavy tax burden.

For more on pension reform, see this overview .

Appeal Your Property Tax Assessments

Lakeview Township

Deadline: Tuesday, November 13th

The Cook County Board of Review will be open for property valuation appeals for LAKEVIEW township (north of Fullerton) until Tuesday, November 13th. In light of the large increases that were recently issued by the Assessor, we encourage everyone to appeal. To see the step by step process, and to file an appeal online, click here .

Our office will host two days of office hours to assist taxpayers with property assessment appeals.

Friday, November 2nd: Meet with staff from Board of Review Commissioner Mike Cabonargi from 2:30 - 5:30 PM.

Monday, November 5 : Meet staff from the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer (10th) at our Ward office from 10 AM - 4 PM.

Early Voting Underway

Early Voting & Registration is NOW at all 50 ward locations is listed here . The Super-site has expanded hours and makes it simple to register and vote immediately located at 175 W Washington. The closest sites to the 43rd Ward are 1150 W Fullerton and 310 W Division.

Hours are:

Remember, you can register and vote at the same time. To register or change your address, you  must show two forms of ID , one of which shows your current address.

New 2019 RPP Guest Passes

Our office is selling the new 2019 Guest Parking Passes ( PURPLE) The old RED guest passes are legal through December 31st, 2018.

The new purple 2019 guest passes can be used immediately and will next year, December 31st of 2019.

If you have not purchased guest passes before and would like to purchase them, please create an account with the Office of the City Clerk by emailing, [email protected] with the subject line saying, "Customer Code Request" and attaching a picture of your Identification Card + Proof of Residency such as a Lease, Mortgage, or Utility Bill, or USPS change of address .

Lincoln Park Lions Make Playoffs

After clinching their 5th consecutive IHSA playoff appearance, Lincoln Park High School will travel to Willowbrook on Friday for a 6pm kickoff. Mark your calendar and make plans to join us! IHSA 7A Playoffs Round 1. Let’s go Lions!!

Fullerton Avenue (Between Clark and Orchard)

Thursday, October 25th, the new water main will be connected to the city's water supply. Next fire hydrants will be installed, valves adjusted, and line flushing will immediately follow. Once the water quality is confirmed, connections to residences will begin.

Armitage & Dayton

The telecommunications work started on Wednesday, October 17, at Armitage and Dayton. Construction is estimated to be completed, weather permitting, by the end of October.

Asphalt Restoration

Over the next 2-3 weeks asphalt restoration for some MCI 4G fiber work will take place at Armitage & Sheffield, North Ave & Cleveland, and North Ave & Dayton. 

11th Annual Howler at Bauler

presented by Lincoln Central Association

Saturday, October 27th

3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Lincoln Central Assocation's signature event for kids will be held at Bauler Park on Saturday, October 27th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Enjoy magicians, a costume parade, prizes and raffles. To find out more about Howler at Bauler please click here.

Spooky Zoo Spectacular

Saturday, October 27th

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Lincoln Park Zoo

Enjoy Lincoln Park Zoo's Spooky Zoo with family entertainment, toddler activities, trick-or-treating, and arts and crafts this weekend. Halloween activities; a ferris wheel ride, a corn maze, live entertainment, and a pumpkin carve are planned. Candy distribution will begin at 10:30 AM. For more information please visit the Zoo's website.

Spooktacular

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce

Sunday, October 28th

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Clark Street

Armitage to Diversey

Trick-or-treating, stilt walkers, magicians, and jugglers. Participating businesses from Armitage to Diversey, and on the south side of Diversey from Orchard to Lakeview, open their doors to trick-or-treaters. Including at 2:00 PM a Costume Contest at HopCat (2577 N. Clark). For more information, please visit the Lincoln Park Chamber Website here.

Pumpkin Painting

Tuesday, October 30th

5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Ranalli's

1925 N Lincoln

Attend a free pumpkin painting and show off your arts and crafts skills at Ranalli's Restaurant. While supplies lasts, this includes paint and pumpkins. $6 stadium cups and $6 skillet cookies. Please visit!

Halloween Donations for Kids

Costumes & Candy 

18th District Police 

1160 N. Larrabee



Bring a smile to a child's face by helping CPD collect items for their 7th Annual Children's Halloween Party on October 30th.

New and gently used costumes and candy for children of all ages will be collected at the police station, located at 1160 N. Larrabee. We hope that you can help make this a memorable afternoon for these deserving children. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month  

Donations for Women's Shelters

19th District Police

850 W. Addison

The 19th District will be collecting new toiletries and hygiene items on behalf of local women's shelters during October. Donations may be dropped off anytime at the 19th District police station, located at 850 W. Addison.

Belmont Village Pre-Opening

Coffee and Conversation

with the CEO

Monday, October 29, 2018

10:30 AM - 12 PM

Belmont Village Lincoln Park

Information Center

2322 North Lincoln Avenue

Join a conversation and coffee with Belmont Village Founder and CEO Patricia Will. Meet the team as we cut the ribbon on the new information center and learn more about Belmont Village Senior Living and the programs and services coming soon to Lincoln Park as part of the Lincoln Common development on Fullerton. 

Coffee, tea, and refreshments will be served. Space is limited and guests can RSVP to 773-327-2200.

Hope you enjoy at safe and Happy Halloween,

Michele Smith

43rd Ward Alderman