Dear Neighbors,

The current trend to de-convert condominiums into rental apartments has many owners worried, particularly long-term owners who fear that an investor-promoted purchase could leave them without a home.

That is why I am co-sponsoring an ordinance with Alderman Harry Osterman (48) and Brendan Reilly (42) to increase the threshold from 75% to 85% of ownership interests to approve a sale of a condo building to developers. Our office has seen an increase in the number of concerns about this issue in our community and across the city. 

It is fair and equitable that investors should have to meet a higher standard when potential displacement is an issue. 

Today, the Housing Committee unanimously approved the ordinance. The ordinance goes to the full City Council on Wednesday, September 18. We urge all aldermen to support this ordinance, and encourage residents to contact their Alderman to vote YES on this important piece of legislation. I will be voting in favor in the full City Council.

Increasing Transparency in Government

Our Ethics and Government Oversight Committee met today to consider another timely reform.

Our Committee passed an ordinance introduced by Mayor Lightfoot allowing reports from the Inspector General to be made public if they contain “sustained findings regarding conduct that either is associated with a death or is, or may be, a felony as defined in the Illinois Criminal Code and is of a compelling public interest.”

Up until now, all investigations into the conduct of City employees have been kept completely confidential. This new ordinance permits disclosure in the most serious cases with the most compelling public interest, while continuing to protect the right to privacy of employees and potential whistleblowers in investigations of City employees' conduct.

Help our High School

Community Rep Sought for Lincoln Park High Local School Council

The Lincoln Park High School Local School Council is looking for a new community representative to fill a vacant position. Any interested candidate should plan on attending the candidate forum  Thursday, September 12 at 6 p.m .  during the regularly scheduled LSC meeting. Please come prepared with a candidate statement as to why you are interested. 

Community representatives must live in the the Lincoln Park High School boundary and must not have a child that currently attends LPHS. Duties include attending monthly LSC meetings, overseeing the school budget, principal evaluation and the implementation of the Continuous Work Improvement Plan (CIWP). Please email  [email protected]   if you are interested. Click here for an LSC overview.

Community Meeting: 2347 N. Cleveland Ave.

Wednesday, September 18

6:30 p.m.

Belmont Village

700 W. Fullerton Ave.

Please join my office and the Mid-North Association to discuss a proposed zoning change for 2347 N. Cleveland Ave. The site is currently a surface parking lot and the developer seeks to build a single family home on the site. Here is the notice .

Representatives of the developer will be present at this meeting to provide an overview

of the project, as well as to answer questions from the audience. Our office will be present to monitor the discussion, take notes and record your feedback.

43rd Ward Public Art Opening

Tuesday, September 17

7:15 p.m.

Southwest Corner of Halsted and Lincoln

Join us on Tuesday, September 17 at the southwest corner of Lincoln and Halsted to celebrate the launch of  Prehistory , an video projection created by artist Annette Elliot.  Prehistory  is a work selected by our office and the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce to mark the revitalization of Lincoln Avenue as part of the City's 50×50 Neighborhood Arts Project.  Prehistory  will be projected on the north facing wall of the historic boiler house and laundry building of the former Children's Memorial site.

Prehistory features birds and fauna native to this part of Chicago before our neighborhood was established, inviting viewers to experience the city in a new way. Prehistory will run every night after dusk. Come out and enjoy this wonderful view with treats from Mon Ami Gabi's signature ice cream cart.

Ward Walk

Saturday, September 21

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Lincoln Central Park

2100 N. Lincoln Ave.

Our office will be hosting a  Ward Walk with the Lincoln Central Neighborhood Association next Saturday to survey the Lincoln Central 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 requestsc. Download the new CHI 311 App from the Apple or Google Play Store. Please RSVP to [email protected] so we know to expect you.

SAVE THE DATE

43rd Ward Shredding Event

Sunday, September 22

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

DePaul University Welcome Center

2400 N. Sheffield Ave.

Our office will be hosting our annual Shredding Event in coordination with Midway Moving and NewTech E-Scrap Recycling.



Bring materials to be shredded and personal electronics which include old phones, printers, fax machines, and more. If you have any questions, please contact my office, or click here for everything you need to know about recycling in Chicago.

Armitage Avenue Sidewalk Sale Block Party

Saturday, September 14 &

Sunday, September 15

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Armitage from Racine to Halsted Ave.

Come shop historic Armitage Avenue and Halsted for unique finds and specialty items. Follow the balloons to participating shops and businesses to enjoy shop specials, tastings, refreshments and raffles. Experience shopping and restaurants in Chicago's premiere Lincoln Park neighborhood.

An Evening in the Garden

RESCHEDULED TO

Sunday, September 15

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Fire Station Park

Larrabee and Armitage Ave.

Lincoln Central Association will host its sixth annual Evening in the Garden on Sunday, September 15.

An Evening in the Garden is a free neighborhood event held in beautiful Fire Station Park featuring entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Bring a dish to share with others!

Coffee with the Commander

Wednesday, September 18

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Wintrust Bank

100 W. North Ave.

Wintrust Bank Old Town will be hosting the Near North Unity Program’s “Coffee with the Commander” on Wednesday, Sept. 18 . Please stop by and meet with Commander Dan O'Shea and officers from the 18th District. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn what is happening in our neighborhood and personally thank the dedicated officers that patrol our neighborhood everyday.

Afternoon Tea at Belmont Village

Wednesday, September 18

2:00 p.m.

Belmont Village

700 W. Fullerton Ave.

Join the Belmont Village Senior Living Facility for high tea at two o'clock p.m. Mix and mingle with friends and family. Enjoy tea from TeaGschwender, and sandwiches and treats prepared by their very own chefs.

Space is limited and onsite parking is available. RSVP to 773-327-2200, or [email protected] .

Mobile City Hall

Thursday, September 19

DePaul Student Center

2250 N. Sheffield Ave.

The City Clerk will be bringing city services to you as part of the City's new Mobile City Hall . Residents will be able to purchase City Stickers, Residential Parking Permits, pay for Parking Tickets, Dog Licenses, and get CityKey IDs. The Clerk will be partnering with sister agencies and City departments to bring even more of our City's services to where you live and work.

All locations and partners are subject to change, please check the website

www.chicityclerk.com or call 312-742-5375 for the current list of regional mobile sites.

9th Annual Chez Ste. Marie: A Taste of France

Thursday, September 19

6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

St. Mary's Home

2325 N. Lakewood Ave.

Support St. Mary's Home while savoring exquisite wines from the major regions in France and fabulous cuisine.

All proceeds benefit the Little Sisters of the Poor . Tickets are $60 in advance and $75 at the door. To RSVP call (773)935-9600, or visit www.littlesistersofthepoor.org.

Medicare 101: Understanding Medicare

Thursday, September 19

3:00 p.m. - 4: 00 p.m.

Lincoln Park Branch Library

1150 W. Fullerton Ave.

The Chicago Public Library will be presenting a free educational seminar to get you up to speed on what Medicare covers, what it doesn’t and your potential out-of-pocket exposure. Mike Salvaggio from Premier Medicare Benefits, a Money Smart® partner, will present and review Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Coverage, and cost-saving strategies for the years ahead.

Ask your librarian or visit chipublib.org for more information.

See you in the neighborhood,