See more pictures on our Facebook page.

 

Independence Apartments located at 4022 N Elston, just above the new Independence Library, will open in early 2019. Independence Apartments is a 100% affordable senior building. Applicants must be age 62 or over and have incomes below 60% of the Area Median Income.

Chicagoans who struggle with poverty can attest that the current system for fine, fees, and debt collection greatly impairs socio-economic mobility. This means that families who live at or below the poverty line often have to choose between settling their debts and providing the basics for their families.  

 

No one should have to decide between buying groceries and paying for a parking ticket. In response, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia has assembled a working group called the Chicago Fines, Fees & Access Collaborative in order to identify interdepartmental ways in which the current system can be improved. I have been asked to be part of that group, and I want to hear from you about how the current system can be better.  

 

Please email your thoughts to ward33@cityofchicago.org. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

 

Property Tax Appeals for West Chicago Township will be open until January 8, 2019.  If you live within this Cook County Township and need assistance on filing, please reach out to our office or visit the Cook County Board of Review's website .

Over the last few months, my office has received a number of calls about the ongoing Peoples Gas work throughout the ward, and I wanted to share some information on project. Peoples Gas is working to replace all of their gas mains and service lines to improve the reliability of gas delivery and to prevent leaks due to aging infrastructure. This is a very large project that impacts every neighborhood in the ward. The construction can be frustrating, and we appreciate everyone's patience. We want to make sure the work is completed correctly, the crews are respectful of the neighborhood, and any issues are quickly addressed. 

Starting in spring of 2017, Peoples Gas began working on the first phases of this project in Ravenswood Manor and Avondale. They start with camera inspections of each sewer before installing the new gas mains in the sidewalks and parkways on each side of the street. Once the mains are installed, Peoples Gas installs new service lines to each home. With the new mains and service lines installed, they set an appointment with each household to transfer the gas service from the old lines to the new lines. After everyone is transferred to the new lines, they can retire the old mains and begin restoration. Restoration usually includes replacing affected sidewalks, re-sodding portions of the parkway, repaving some intersections, and repairing any damage to private property. 

On a few streets, such as portions of Sacramento and Kedzie, they will also install large diameter gas mains that supply gas to the parkway mains on the surrounding blocks. These larger mains are usually in the street instead of the parkway or sidewalk. These installations will take longer than the normal gas main installations and are usually more disruptive.

During most of this work, there will be a number of cuts in the sidewalks around the water and sewer lines for each house and around the new service line locations. These are needed to make sure the new main is safely installed and doesn't interfere with the water and sewer lines. During construction, these sidewalks cuts will be temporarily filled with gravel or sand. The sidewalk squares will be replaced as part of restoration. 

As we go into the winter, Peoples Gas is working to complete as much sidewalk restoration as possible especially on main streets. They're also changing the temporary sidewalk fill so that it is easier to clear after snow. We're also working with them to confirm parking restrictions around holidays, so they don't leave unneeded parking restrictions posted. 

Large utility projects like this one are disruptive and can cause a number of issues while underway. Please don't hesitate to contact us about anything that may come up. I want to resolve those issues as quickly as possible  and minimize the frustration. Please keep an eye on the infrastructure update included in the newsletter every week for information on the progress of the work.

Thank you for your patience.

           

In response to a high volume of requests by taxpayers, accountants and tax advisors, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said today she has posted next year's First Installment property tax bill to cookcountytreasurer.com, nearly three months before the due date.

 

This is the earliest that First Installment payments have been accepted. Property owners should consult with a tax professional about income tax deductions for 2018.

 

Tax Year 2018 First Installment taxes, due March 1, 2019, are 55 percent of the prior year's total tax.

 

You may look up your tax bill on cookcountytreasurer.com by using your address or 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN). Here's how to pay:

 

           *   Go to cookcountytreasurer.com and select "Make an Online Payment"

 

*   Download and print your bill from the website and either:

           *  Mail it to the Treasurer's Office, or

           *  Pay in person at a Chase bank branch or the Treasurer's Office

           

The City's popular Emergency Heating Repair Program is now open for applications. This program will be open through April 1 or until funds run out. Apply soon to get your shot. If you need assistance with the application call our office (773 / 478 - 8040) or call 311.

Information in Spanish. (PDF)

 

Consider becoming a Volunteer Tutor with Adult Education students studying at the Albany Park Community Center! A flexible schedule and three locations to choose from make volunteering easy!

Call or email Claire for more information! 773-509-5657 ext 441 & cgilbertsen@apcc-chgo.org

Greenway Project

Some parkway restoration may be delayed until Spring 2019. If you notice any needed restoration, please contact our office to make sure it is included.  

Tree Removals at River Park