New LED Lights Coming to Our Ward
Community Alert: Cell Phone Thefts
Webster Bridge Closures
Halloween Events
Dear Neighbors,

We have all seen the dramatic improvement in lighting conditions from new LED light fixtures installed in our Ward on streets like Arlington, Lincoln Park West, Roslyn, Orchard, and parts of Sheffield. We are excited to announce that now the City will be swapping out old "yellow" lighting across the entire 43rd Ward. 

More affordable LED light fixtures on streets, alleys and viaducts increase safety, reduce energy costs, and improve the environment by reducing light pollution. For example, in the above picture of Touhy Ave. and Paulina St. in Rogers Park, the streets in the foreground have been replaced with LEDs, while the cross streets have not.

Please note that lights only are being replaced; not poles or infrastructure elements. LED lights will not be installed in the lower carriage lights or decorative lights, as bulbs for these fixtures are not yet available. SMART Lighting Program LED Fixtures are being installed soon in the 43rd Ward and should be completed by December 2019 . You can watch a video of the project here .
Community Alert: Cell Phone Thefts

Area North Detectives unit has issued a community alert for residents reporting that one or two offenders entered into businesses and approached individuals seated with cellular phones resting on tabletops. One offender removed the phones from the tabletops before fleeing from the business on foot. Police remind us to watch our phone while in restaurants and bars. Two people have had their cell phones taken in the afternoon at the locations below.

Incident Times and Locations:
  • 1000 Block of West Diversey Pkwy St on 16 Oct 2019 at 2:35PM
  • 1100 Block of West Wrightwood Ave on 16 Oct 2019 at 3:00PM

Offender Descriptions :
1. African American male, dark complexion, 20-25 years of age, black hair,
braided hairstyle.
2. African American male, dark complexion, 18-20 years of age, black hair, short
hairstyle.

What You Can Do:
  • Be aware of these crimes and alert family and friends who live in the area.
  • If you cannot store your phone on your person ensure it is stored out of sight.
  • Pay special attention to suspicious individuals in the area and alert the Police.
  • If you are a victim or witness to a crime report the crime and provide a detailed
description of the offender(s) including any vehicle description and license plate
information if known.

If you have any information Contact the Bureau of Detectives – Area North at (312) 744-8263
RD#'s JC474948 & JC475010
Inspector General Audit
of Recycling in Multi-Unit Buildings

The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General is auditing compliance with the city's laws that all commercial and high-density residential buildings (5 units or more) provide recycling services. Have you filed a complaint with 311, or your building manager, but received no assistance? Does your building at home or work recycle properly or not? Your feedback is important. If you have details that you would like to share, email Justin Gutierrez at [email protected] 773-478-0594, or Abby Sullivan at [email protected], 773-478-4676. You can choose to speak with the OIG anonymously.
Department of Procurement Services: How to be Certified
Wednesday, October 23
2:00 p.m.
City Hall
Bid and Bond Room
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 103

Register now for upcoming DPS Workshops:  How to Become Certified. This workshop will provide detailed information on who is qualified to be a Chicago-certified firm. Learn what documents are needed when submitting an application and how to avoid the most common mistakes in the certification process. Subject matter experts will be on-hand to answer all your questions about common certification topics. Click  here  to register now https://chicago.mwdbe.com .
Friends of the Park: Matching Grant Challenge
Through October

Friends of the Parks is a key ally in our advocacy for the North Branch Park and Preserve . Thanks to a generous donor, through the end of October, any donation you make to Friends of the Parks will be matched up to $30,000. You can double your impact simply by  donating to Friends of the Parks today.   Friends of the Parks' member participation plays a crucial role in advocacy for parks and public spaces.  
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.
Public Comment Sought Through November 18

Many of us were dissatisfied with the process that led to the approval of the North Branch Framework Plan, and ultimately, the Lincoln Yards project. I protested the rush to judgment throughout the process, commenting that I had "never seen a development this big passed this fast in this area."

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has now proposed new review and approval procedures for large scale projects (over 20 acres or 4,000 dwelling units) in response to these concerns. Changes include a mandatory public meeting before the Planned Development (PD) is filed, and one or more community meetings after fiing.

Some of these changes mirror the process that we use in the 43rd Ward, requiring developers to participate in one or more community meetings prior to a PD being filed.

Here is a draft of the guidelines. Other information is available on the  Plan Commission's web site . DPD will accept public comments through Monday, Nov. 18. All comments should be emailed to   [email protected] .
Free Yard Waste Pick Up
Through November

The Department of Streets and Sanitation has implemented a coordinated collection of yard waste debris across the City. Residents can call 311 to request separate bagged yard waste collection service throughout the season, which runs through November. You can also submit your request using the CHI 311 App.

Yard waste should be bagged separately and left in the alley or at the curb, outside of black garbage carts and blue recycling carts for pickup. Yard waste and other debris should not be thrown into the blue recycling cart, as it contaminates the recycling stream.
Community Events
Community Bonfire at
Bauler Park
TONIGHT
Wednesday, October 23
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Bauler Playlot
501 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Gather 'round the fire and see your community in a new light! Feel free to bring a picnic dinner, blankets, etc. and spend the evening enjoying the park with your family.

Meet Your Neighbors - Learn to Build a Fire - Roast a Marshmallow - Learn about Chicago Wildlife. This program is presented as part of the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks .
Business Seminar: Key Changes to Employment Laws
Thursday, October 24
8:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Belmont Senior Village
700 W. Fullerton Ave.

All employers regardless of their size, will need to comply with new City of Chicago and Illinois employment laws that recently became effective or will become effective soon. Join Scott Cruz, Clark Hill PLC, for a deep dive into these important issues and to learn more about what steps your business must take to be in compliance.
Artist Reception: Sammi Skolmoski
Thursday, October 24
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Lincoln Park Branch
1150 W. Fullerton Ave.

Meet artist Sammi Skolmoski at this reception for her exhibit, Ritual Wants, Winter Citrus and Mustard . Her new work is about long Chicago walks at a golden hour. Ms. Skolmoski is a Chicago writer and fiber artist, managing editor at Featherproof Books, and a headline contributor at The Onion. She holds an M.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ask your librarian or visit chipublib.org for more information.
Lincoln Central Association
12th Annual Howler at Bauler
Saturday, October 26
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Bauler Park
Wisconsin and Cleveland

The 12th Annual "Haunt of the Neighborhood" features Magician Sean Masterson, Balloon Artist, Face Painting, Music, Carnival Games, Giveaways, a Costume Parade and a visit from Engine Company 22! Please visit and make a generous donation to Lincoln Central Association, whose members turn out in costume to make this a great afternoon.
The Great Pumpkin
"Pup and Kid" Festival
Saturday, October 26
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
New City
1457 N. Halsted Ave

The Great Pumpkin “Pup & Kid” Festival, is a seasonal event celebrating all things we love about the month of October for your two and four legged kiddos, at Newcity.
RSVP on  Eventbrite  for a chance to win a Raffle Prize valued at $500. The event is free to attend, however there is a $5 suggested donation. All proceeds benefit One Tail at a Time. New City will match donations!
Clark Street Spooktacular
Sunday, October 27
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Clark St. (Armitage to Diversey)

Join the haunted fun as participating businesses on  Clark Street from Armitage to Diversey transform into trick-or-treat stops featuring candy and surprises for the whole family. Trick-or-treaters can also show off their costumes for a chance to win prizes at the annual Spooktacular Costume Contest hosted by Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy (2727 N. Clark).
Gouly Park Halloween
Thursday, October 31
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Goudy Square Park
Astor and Goethe St.

Gold Coast Neighbors Association, along with their sponsor partners, look forward to welcoming neighborhood ghosts, goblins, princesses, superheroes and other little monsters to their annual "Ghouly Park" Halloween event. Entertainment such as singing, stilt walkers, magicians and puppeteers join the festivities each year.

If you are interested in volunteering for this event, or becoming a sponsor, please contact Gold Coast Neighbors at  [email protected] .
Pumpkin Recycling
Sunday, November 3

Over one billion pounds of pumpkins end up in landfills each year. On Sunday, November 3rd, one of your RANCH neighbors - Ivy Tzur - is willing to help you recycle your pumpkins (by either having you drop off or asking her to pick up your pumpkins). Please click  here  for details on how to keep your pumpkins out of the landfill this year.
18th District Formal-Wear Donation Request
Through November 15

The 18th District community policing office (CAPS) is collecting new and gently used formal gowns and suits/tuxedos, shoes, and accessories for their youth explorers girls and boys ages 14-18 for their Youth Leaders Awards Ceremony.

Please bring all donations to the 18th District CAPS office located at 1160 N. Larrabee Ave. 312-742-5778, in the attention of Officer Stovall.
Enjoy a wonderful Halloween weekend,






43rd Ward Office Hours: M 9 AM - 7 PM, T - F 9 AM - 6 PM 
  2523 N Halsted  |  773-348-9500 [email protected] www.ward43.org