Dear Neighbors,

Ongoing ethics scandals have frustrated Chicagoans for far too long.  That is why, as Chairman of the City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, I yesterday introduced an ordinance that prohibits members of the Chicago City Council from working as paid lobbyists.  In addition, it prevents other elected officials from being paid to lobby the City of Chicago.

Taxpayers deserve to know that their public servants are representing their interests, not those of private clients.  Allowing elected officials to act as lobbyists-for-hire blurs that line.

Thirty of my colleagues joined me in agreeing to support this legislation. I look forward to having a Committee hearing soon and getting this common-sense reform passed.   

Crain's and the Sun-Times covered the story.

Growing Call for Short-Term Rental Reforms

As we reported last week , there is growing concern about the impact of short-term rentals on the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Yesterday, I introduced a resolution calling on our Illinois Congressional delegation to sponsor the Protecting Local Authority and Neighborhoods Act (PLAN Act) H.R. 4232, which will hold short-term rental platforms accountable when they facilitate illegal rental bookings. 30 Aldermen also joined in a call for hearings about the impact of the short-term rental market on our neighborhood.

Please contact your Congressman at this  website   and urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 4232 to protect our communities.

Winter Arrives Early

Many people rely on walking and transit as their primary way to get around, and without a wide, clear path through snow and ice, it is especially difficult for people with disabilities, seniors, and children to walk safely. According to the Municipal Code of Chicago ( 4-4-310  &  10-8-180 ), property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Here are some FAQs about shoveling your sidewalk.

When do I have to shovel my snow?

You must shovel snow as soon as possible after it falls. Snow that falls between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm must be removed no later than 10:00 pm. Snow that falls between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am must be removed by 10:00 am.

Do I have to shovel on weekends?

Yes. You must shovel 7 days a week in the City of Chicago.

In what way should I shovel my sidewalks to be in compliance?

You must clear a path at least 5 feet wide on all of the sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any crosswalk ramps. Do not shovel the snow into the right-of-way, which includes: transit stops and bus pads, parking spaces, bike lanes, bike racks, Divvy stations, and any other space where snow impedes traffic of any kind.

Are there special rules for corner lots?

Yes. If you are responsible for a corner lot, you must remove snow and ice from sidewalks on all sides of your building and from corner sidewalk ramps. This applies to residential property and business owners.

Can I be penalized for failing to shovel?

Yes, you can receive a citation for failure to shovel. The fines range from $50 to $500. The amount of the fine is determined by an Administrative Hearings judge.

How do I report a property owner who fails to shovel their sidewalk?

Report property owners who DO NOT clear their sidewalks by making a "Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk or Bike Lane" request with the City of Chicago 311 Service Request line.

Winter is the time of year when it's more important than ever to be a good neighbor. Thanks.

Ranch Triangle Ward Walk

Saturday, November 23

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Adams Playground

1919 N. Seminary

Our office will be hosting a  Ward Walk with the Ranch Triangle Neighborhood Association next Saturday to survey the Ranch Triangle section of the ward. Walk with us to check for signs, trees, streets, alleys and sidewalks that may need repair and check for graffiti or sanitation code violations.

Please download the  CHI 311 App prior to the walk in order to efficiently expedite service requests. Download the new CHI 311 App from the Apple or Google Play Store. Please RSVP to  [email protected] so we know to expect you. 

Toiletry Drive for Lincoln Park Community Services

Through November

Please help support the residents of the Lincoln Park Community Services from now through November 30.

You can drop off any of the listed items at our ward office, 2523 N. Halsted Ave., or at the office of State Senator Cullerton and State Representative Ann Williams at 1726 W. Belmont.

Webster Ave Bridge:

Daily Closures for Repairs

October 28 - November 25

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is planning structural steel repairs to the Webster Ave. bridge that will require daily closures Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m .

Both sidewalks will remain open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Eastbound traffic will be diverted north on Ashland Avenue to Fullerton Avenue. Westbound traffic will be diverted north on Racine Avenue to Fullerton Avenue. Please see the map below.

8th Annual Best Art Fair Survey

Deadline November 20 at Midnight

Please take the 8th Annual Best Art Fair in America survey by midnight November 20th in support of the Old Town Art Fair. The Old Town Art Fair is the best in the country, so let's help everyone know!

Complete the survey and you will be entered into a drawing to win $50 gift baskets (2) from Ann Arbor, MI's, famous Zingerman's Deli.

Lincoln Park Community Research Initiative

"Walls that Talk"

Thursday, November 21

6:30 p.m.

DePaul Student Center

2250 N. Sheffield Ave

Celebrate 20 years of the Lincoln Park Community Research Initiative, featuring t he film Walls that Talk: A film by the Voices & Visions Project.

This year's movie will feature local historians, architects, and Chicago residents reflecting on three historic Lincoln Park buildings: Yondorf Hall, Lincoln Turner Hall, and the Belden Stratford Hotel. Dennis Rodkin, the residential real estate reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business will be hosting.

The event is free of charge, however registration is encouraged.

McDonald's Cycle Center in Millennium Park

Thursday, November 21

10:00 a.m.

201 E. Randolph

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events invites the submission of proposals to operate concession services for the McDonald's Cycle Center in Millennium Park. Request For Proposals (RFP) for Millennium Park Cycle Center Concession Services can be found here:  https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/provdrs/attractions_eventsandexhibitions/svcs/mp_cycle_center.html. A  mandatory  Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on  November 21st at 10 am , at Millennium Park, at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (upper east entrance), Choral Rehearsal Room.

19th District Coat Drive

Through November 26

The 19th District is having a coat drive and collecting coats through the week of Thanksgiving. Coats will be distributed the first week of December to persons experiencing homelessness in the 19th District. Please feel free to drop off coats at the 19th District, or at the 43rd ward office. If you have any questions, please contact the community policing office at [email protected], or at 312-744-0064.

Pumpkin Recycling Success

Maud Avenue resident Ivy Tzur reported, “I'm excited to share that Sunday’s pumpkin collection was a huge success. With your help, we were able to collect over 450 pumpkins, and hundreds of smaller pumpkins, gourds and squashes, weighing about 6500 pounds. Diverting 6500 pounds of organic waste from the landfill means that together we offset over three metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. Thank you, Ivy and all the participating neighbors for your amazing work and initiative!

Stay warm,