Covid Update

Dickens Shared Street

Ticket Enforcement

Dear Neighbors,

The news continues to be bad. Despite the evidence, despite science, too many people fail to wear a mask in order to keep their friends and neighbors safe.

As a result, we had 965 new cases confirmed statewide on Sunday; and 7295 Illinois residents have died so far. Our ward has been leading in the new wave of illnesses in adults 18-29. We have done better than other states, but that can change so easily as too many people continue to ignore basic safety precautions.

Because we once again have had 200 cases a day in Chicago, Mayor Lightfoot has announced that effective Friday indoor alcohol sales will cease at bars, indoor fitness classes will be limited to 10 participants, and personal services that require the removal of masks--shaves and facials for example--will not be allowed.

“No one relishes making this move but it’s the right thing to do as we work to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 similar to what we’re seeing in many states around the country,” said Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “We can’t afford to see a resurgence that would mean more cases and more deaths.”

The Journal of the American Medical Association is now endorsing universal mask mandates. It editorialized, " At this critical juncture when COVID-19 is resurging, broad adoption of cloth face coverings is a civic duty, a small sacrifice reliant on a highly effective low-tech solution that can help turn the tide favorably in national and global efforts against COVID-19."

So please - continue to stay vigilant; wear a mask, stay six feet apart from others.

Read the latest Covid updates here.

This video: "The Reason I Wear a Mask" is a great resource to share with those who need to hear that message.

Webinar for Businesses

To prepare all business owners for the new guidance, BACP will hold a webinar for all business types to provide an overview of the new changes on July 21st at 2:00 p.m , followed by a session just for restaurants and bars at 4:00 pm. Sessions for health and fitness centers will be Wednesday and personal services will be Thursday. To register and learn more, visit chicago.gov/businessworkshops .

Dickens Shared Street

The shared street installation on West Dickens that was implemented on July 6 and 7 provided the opportunity for us to collect some great feedback from residents of the ward.

Some suggestions included ways to improve the flow of movement of local traffic, access to alleys, and better turning arrangement for the one way north/south cross streets.

The best benefit of the shared street is the ability for people exercising, biking, skateboarding, and walking to practice social distancing.

After we walked the street and considered feedback, the following changes were made:

Clark: Adjusted barricades to help turns into driveway on south side

Sedgwick to Hudson: Reduced 2 barrels

Lincoln to Mohawk: Reduced 1 barrel

Larrabee to Howe: Adjusted barrels, reduced 1 barrel

Fremont (southbound) to Bissell: Adjusted barricades for right turns

Bissell to Sheffield (under tracks): Reduced 2 barrels

Sheffield to Kenmore: Reduced 2 barrels

Kenmore (southbound) to Seminary: Adjusted barricades for right turns, reduced 2 barrels

Seminary to Clifton: Rearranged barrels to reduce 1 of the 'chicanes or slaloms'

Clifton (southbound) to Racine: Adjusted barricades for right turns, reduced 2 barrels

Hopefully these adjustments will improve the shared street experience. Please continue to email us at [email protected] with your feedback and we will track all adjustments needed and database all "likes" and "dis-likes" expressed for reference.

You can read the Chicago Department of Transportation's Shared Street FAQs page here

Y ou can also take the Department of Transportation's Shared Street Survey here. .

Ticket Enforcement Updates

The City is beginning to phase in ticket enforcement that was temporarily put on hold due to COVID-19. The Department of Finance sent out notices regarding outstanding fines by mail.

If you need assistance paying these fines visit New Start.

Residents can sign up for flexible payment plans for tickets and utility bills with a lower down payment and up to 60 months to repay amounts due.

Residents can learn more or make payments online at www.Chicago.gov/finance .

Residential Parking Permit and City Sticker enforcement will now beging July 31. Remember - buy your parking permits online now! For details, click here .

All Cook County Treasurer Services Available Online

You do not have to visit the Cook County Treasurer’s office, as Treasurer Maria Pappas says:

“Everything you can do at my office you can do on my website.”

This two-minute video explains how homeowners can avoid a trip downtown by taking care of their property taxes at cookcountytreasurer.com .

Watch the video here .

Secretary of State Extension

Deadlines Extended to November 1

The Secretary of State has announced new deadlines for the following items that may have expired.

Drivers Licenses
License Plate Stickers
Restricted Driving Permits
Disability PlacardsID Cards
Monitoring Device Permits

Th is new November 1 extension also includes those who have July, August and September expiration dates. As a result, expired documents will remain valid until Nov. 1 so customers do not need to rush into Driver Services facilities.

Customers are encouraged to visit CyberdriveIllinois.com for online services and information.

Chicago Public School Reopening Survey

The Chicago Public Schools are seeking input from families, students, and staff regarding how to reopen schools in the safest and most effective ways. Take the survey here and make sure your voice is heard.

Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility Is Open

The Chicago Department of Public Health operates the Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF), located at 1150 N. Branch Street. The facility is open:

Tuesday, from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, from 2:00 pm - 7:00 p.m.
first Saturday of every month, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Computers dropped off at the facility will have their hard drives wiped clean before they are either reused or broken apart and each material is recycled or properly disposed of. The Illinois Department of Corrections, the City of Chicago and PC Rebuilders and Recyclers created an 11-week program to train ex-offenders in electronics recycling at the HCCRF. Recycled computers and other products are then made available to local schools, churches, non-profit groups and low-income families.

Useable paints, stains and other cleaners are available for free at the facility’s material exchange room during regular hours of operation.

For a full list of accepted materials, click here .

What's Open for Business?

With a slow and steady return to business, we wanted to highlight businesses that are up and running. Please send us an email at [email protected] and let us know you're open for business!

Support our Neighborhood Restaurants

Please patronize our neighborhood businesses as much as possible and try to order directly from the restaurant. Thanks to all you who are writing to us to include your favorite restaurants. Keep it coming!