Community Alert and Major Public Safety Enhancements

Police Enhancements & Reform

Car-Jacking Incidents

Brunch, Shop, and Give - Armitage/Halsted

Dear Neighbors

The Chicago Police confirm that Thursday at about 12:30 AM a delivery driver was carjacked at Halsted and Dickens. Within minutes, there was a second carjacking at Halsted and Willow. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-lincoln-park-area-carjackings-20181011-story.html

Police have issued an alert tying these crimes to a group of carjackings that occurred elsewhere on the North Side. You can see the alert here. Detectives are in our area now seeking video. If you live in this vicinity and have any external video or if you have any other information please call Area North Detectives at 312-744-8263.

Patrols have been increased in our area. But, for some time, I have been advocating for more tools, technology and additional officers for our neighborhood.

That is why we it is gratifying to announce that Mayor Emanuel has placed a Strategic Decision Support Center in the 19th District (covering the area north of Fullerton), plus the deployment of new security cameras throughout the entire 43rd Ward. Ultimately, there will be at least 250 high definition POD crime cameras in the 18th and at least 150 in the 19th districts. The new cameras, which can be accessed in real time by the Support Center, allow police to watch and "follow" criminals virtually, allowing for much quicker apprehension and deterrence. This follows the July implementation of the Strategic Decision Support Center (SDSC) for the 18th District (south of Fullerton).

In addition, CPD is also expanding the License Plate Reader (LPR) technology to 200 more patrol vehicles to quickly identify stolen cars, reduce carjackings and recover stolen vehicles. The LPR technology allows the City to match license plates against the list of stolen vehicles sent to the LPRs daily by the OEMC. If a reader detects a license plate from a vehicle reported as stolen, officers are immediately notified by the system and can then conduct a stop to investigate further.

Here is a brief wrap-up of advances in our public safety strategy for the Ward:

More police officers - over 100 have been added to 43 in the last year, with more to come
Legislation in Springfield to aid prosecutors in fighting car theft and carjacking
Modern technology - Strategic Decision Support Centers, more cameras and license plate readers
Tools for community members to participate in their own safety - public safety meetings, anti-burglary workshops, beat meetings, and court advocacy
Communication through our newsletter and social media on incidents

According to the University of Chicago's Crime Lab, SDSCs are "a suite of technology, district leadership, and analysts" from the University of Chicago Crime Lab working together to develop "local crime reduction strategies using data analysis, human intelligence and input from the community." Beat officers will have real-time cell-phone and in-patrol car access to information. SDSCs, coupled with new cameras, have a proven record of reducing crime.

More on the Consent Decree and Reform Process

Federal Judge Dow holds a public hearing about the proposed consent decree between the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago on Wednesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 25 between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the James B. Parsons Ceremonial Courtroom on the 25th Floor of the Dirksen Federal Building at 219 S. Dearborn St.

Also, the Illinois Attorney General and the City will host two public forums on Saturday, November 3 at the James R. Thompson Center to offer presentations and ask questions of candidates to monitor consent decree compliance. More information is at www.chicagopoliceconsentdecree.org .

The revised consent decree mandates comprehensive reform covering policy, training, the use of force, police accountability, public and officer safety and, ultimately, building trust between CPD and Chicago's residents.

Upcoming Events

Only on Armitage/Halsted This Sunday

According to the Chicago Tribune, Armitage is now the " go-to destination for online retailers to open brick-and-mortar stores."

This Sunday, October 14 and Sunday October 21, enjoy shopping at the newly rejuvenated Armitage/Halsted corridor with more than 120 shops, restaurants and boutiques, including the singular Chicago or the Midwest guideshops for Serena & Lily Tovala, Peruvian Connection, Black Tux, The Tie Bar flagship store, Margaret O'Leary, Via Strozzi, Pogo, State and Liberty, Helen Ficalora, May & March, essentia. Calvin Tran, Laudi Vidni, and Interior Define. And don't forget these only in Chicago merchants - Bela, Read It and Eat, Art Effect, All She Wrote,and Tabula Tua, as well as dozens more.

Plus, shop at these unique Mobile Boutiques:

Shop the Thrifty Fashionista: https://www.shopttf.com/

Delicious Shoe: https://www.sfizishoes.com/services

StellaLily: http://www.stellalily.com/popup-truck/

Meeting Regarding 800-802 W. Altgeld Street

Hosted by Alderman Michele Smith and Wrightwood Neighbors Association

Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute

2430 North Halsted Street

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

6:00 p.m.

Join us for a second community meeting to consider a revised development proposal for 800-802 W. Altgeld Street. The applicant has revised its earlier proposal and has reduced the proposal from a five story to a four story transit-oriented building reducing the number of units from 14 to 11, along with 3200 square feet of ground level commercial space fronting Halsted Street. Our office rejected the initial proposal after our first meeting and directed the applicant to come back with a revised plan. Our office will be present to monitor the discussion, take notes, and record your feedback.

Join my office and WNA to engage in a direct dialogue with the development team to gain a better understanding of this proposal and obtain answers to your questions.