Burglary Alert
Property Tax Appeal News
Virtual Meeting Tonight About Back To School
At-Home COVID Tests
Dear Neighbors,

There have been four late night garage and storage area burglaries in the 19th District since November 12. Unknown offenders forced their way into the garage and building storage area and removed items.

Incident times and locations:

• 900 Block of W. Altgeld on 12 Nov at 02:00 a.m.
• 2500 Block of N. Burling on 15 Nov at 01:15 a.m.
• 900 Block of W. Montana on 18 Nov at 06:15 a.m.
• 800 Block of W. Fullerton on 18 Nov at 00:33 a.m.

What you can do:

• Make sure all doors and window are secure
• Please check the status of your locks and door frames and replace if necessary.
• Ensure that existing surveillance cameras are functional.
• Call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of the offender(s) including any
vehicle description and license plate information.

If you have any information Contact the Bureau of Detectives
Area Three at (312)-744-8263
Reference: Pattern P20-3-217
RD# JD-428863, JD-4431701, JD-435001, JD 345038
Lakeview Property Tax Appeal Webinar

The Cook County Board of Review is open for property valuation appeals for Lakeview Township (north of Fullerton) through December 15, 2020. You can learn how to file an appeal at the Cook County Assessor's website.

In addition, County Board of Review Commissioner Carbonargi and my office are co-sponsoring a Property Tax Appeal Webinar, Thursday, December 10th at 5 PM.

Commissioner Carbonargi has works to ensure homeowners and business owners receive a full and fair review of the assessed values of their property to ensure that our communities and schools receive the revenue needed to provide services.

This webinar will take you through the property tax appeal process. There is no cost to file an appeal with the Board, and a homeowner may file their own appeal without an attorney.

Register for the webinar here.
Late Fee Waived for 2021 Property Taxes

The Cook County Board of Commissioners have waived late fees for two months on both property tax installments due in 2021.

The Board unanimously passed the waiver which exempts property owners form the 1.5 percent per month late fee on all Tax Year 2020 property taxes. Specifically:

  • The First Installment of 2020 taxes is due March 2, 2021, with application of late charges moved back to May 3, 2021.
  • The Second Installment of 2020 taxes is due August 2, 2021, with application of late charges moved back to October 1, 2021.
2021 Shared Sidewalk Program

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program will open for new applicants on January 11, 2021.

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so you are encouraged to apply early on January 11. You must apply again in 2021 if you wish to be considered, even if you applied last year. Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311 or through the City’s service request website property owner’s contact information and the property address are required at the time of request.

Visit here for more information about the program.
At-Home Covid Testing
Now Available

Several private companies offer at-home tests so you can avoid having to visit a healthcare provider or testing site. These self-collected, at-home tests have been authorized by the FDA.

Some options are available for free, regardless of insurance or documentation status: The nose swab from Pixel by LabCorp will bill your health insurance or the federal government for those uninsured or undocumented, so you may pay nothing upfront, and health insurance companies are legally not allowed to pass the cost of your COVID-19 test on to you. With some other nasal swabs here and here and saliva options here and here, you may have to pay upfront and claim the money back from your insurance, though many are accepted by HSA and FSA plans. This is not an exhaustive list and CDPH does not necessary recommend any specific private company.
 
For additional testing options, visit here. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) encourages residents seeking a COVID-19 test to first contact their primary care provider since they are best served when tested by someone familiar with their medical history.
Office of Emergency Management Communications (OEMC) and
Winter Weather

OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep people up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.
   
  • Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts here 
  • CHILAKE: For lakefront notices including flooding, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
  • COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by TEXTING “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3
  • CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

OEMC provides a complete guide to Winter weather preparedness here 
School News
Lincoln Park High School Field Construction Underway

Construction is underway for the new turf athletic field 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 hours, it will be available to the public at all other times.
 
The Park District will be installing water retention measures below the turf and will regrade 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.
 
We have been seeking a permanent location for our high school to play football, soccer, and lacrosse for more than seven years. This project was approved in February.
 
The field will be ready when our Lincoln Park Lions teams resume practice when safe. #Go Lions!
School Reopening Guidelines

Chicago Public Schools is planning to begin opening school buildings for families who choose to return following winter break. Those enrolled in pre-k and moderate and intensive cluster programs will have the option to return on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, and students in K-8 will be able to return on Monday, Feb.1.

To prepare for the safe return to school buildings, families with children who are eligible to return will be contacted in December about their preferred learning setting when classes resume. A tentative timeline for the return of students::

  • December 7, 2020: Families: Opt-in form submission deadline for Kindergarten - 8 students
  • January 11, 2021: Families: Students in pre-K and cluster programs return
  • February 1, 2021: Families: K-8 students return

CPS families can read more about the reopening plan here and view CPS specific COVID-19 data here. 
Safe Return to School Virtual Meeting TONIGHT
Community Events
Holiday Trees for Sale
at Lincoln Common
Friday, Dec. 4th: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5th: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Lincoln Common is kicking off the holiday season this weekend! Stop by The Plaza to select your very own holiday tree from Svendsen's Christmas Trees.

Fraser Fir Christmas trees will be available from 4-12ft. Prices vary from $50-250.
Joy of Toys
Saturday, December 5, 2020
12 noon - 4:00 p.m.
Mario's Table
60 E Dearborn

Bring joy to children over the holidays by participating in the 2021 Joy of Toys, sponsored by the North Dearborn Association. 

This year, bring unwrapped toys on Saturday, December 5, 2020, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. and will be hosted for the 27th year by Mario Stefanini, owner of Mario’s Table.
Wrightwood Neighbors Annual Meeting
December 7

Join Wrightwood Neighbors Association on Zoom for their annual meeting on December 7 at 6 PM. RSVP here.
Zoom Event: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing
December 8, 2020
 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Via Zoom - Register Here.

The Lincoln Park Community Research Initiative (LPCRI).is hosting a virtual event with authors Ben Austen and Audrey Petty, as they discuss High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing. Ben Austen’s book is a sweeping exploration of race, class, popular culture, and politics in modern America that brilliantly considers what went wrong in our nation's effort to provide affordable housing to the poor—and what we can learn from those mistakes.
You can order the book in advance from two local booksellers: Seminary Coop and Unabridged.
Winer Classes at Old Town Art Center

Old Town Art Center is offering Winter art classes--in-person classes will be limited to ten students.

Virtual classes will be larger but also limited to ensure each student receives full attention during the three-hour class. Students work at their own table, distanced from other students, masks are required, and temperatures of each student are taken upon arrival at the Center. Complete health policy guidelines are available here.  

Learn more here, and register here to reserve your spot and pay later. There is also a minimum number required so if you are interested, be sure to let us know!
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2020

With so many of us staying home, it's a great time to explore books; the Chicago Public Library's list of this year's best books for kids, teens and adults compiled by librarians.

Visit here for the lists of the best books of 2020.

Support Our Local Stores and Restaurants
Lincoln Park Holiday Wishlist

The Lincoln Park Holiday Wishlist highlights and celebrates our community’s independent businesses. 

Use this gift guide to ensure that we shop local and support our neighbors during the holiday season.
Christmas Shopping Season is Underway
Please Shop Local

With the holiday season upon us, we want to encourage you to buy one of our local businesses. Almost all have their own online presence, so it's just as easy to buy local as national. Please send us an email at yourvoice@ward43.org and let us know you're open for business!
Support our Neighborhood Restaurants
Officer Saves Bleeding Man

Last Monday, off duty 19th District Chicago police officer John Hanlon saw black smoke coming from a building on the 500 block of North Avenue.

A man in the building punched through a glass window to escape the fire but seriously injured his arm. Officer Hanlon offered first aid to the victim until medical help arrived. Thank you, Officer Hanlon.
Giving Tuesday might be over, but please remember this year more than ever, supporting our local charities should be a priority for the Holiday season. There are so many organizations doing important work every day--and that work is more difficult, and more needed this year as we continue to deal with the effects Covid-19 has on our community, every community in Chicago, and across the state.

This Guide from Crain's includes many organizations worth your support. Please let our office know about any groups in our community that you would like to feature during the next month.
Stay safe and shop local,






43rd Ward Virtual Office Hours: M - F 9 AM - 5 PM 
 2523 N Halsted | 773-348-9500 yourvoice@ward43.org www.ward43.org