Old Town Merchants and Residents Association
January 2022 Newsletter
In this Issue:
  • Message from the Executive Director
  • OTMRA December Events Recap
  • Reminder: January 3rd Vaccine Requirements
  • Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
  • Old Town Special Service Area 48: Snow Removal
  • Membership Information
Message from the
Executive Director
Happy New Year, Old Town!

2022 marks the start of a new term for the OTMRA’s Board of Directors and Trustees. Thank you to all of our 2020-2021 Directors and Trustees for their service - especially our outgoing Board President, Christopher Donovan! I am deeply grateful for the time and energy that the OTMRA’s Directors and Trustees have put into our neighborhood to help Old Town thrive despite the challenges we have faced over the past two years.

I would also like to welcome our new Board President, Amy Lemar! Ms. Lemar is the President of Wintrust Bank - Old Town. Amy served as First Vice President 2020-2021, and we are thrilled to have her step into her new role as the OTMRA's Board President.

As we begin 2022, we know that this year will likely bring both new joys and new challenges. Through it all, the OTMRA will continue to serve as a voice for Old Town by advocating for our community, keeping residents and businesses alike updated on what is going on in the city and in our neighborhood, and helping our neighbors in any way that we can.

See you around the neighborhood!

Sincerely,

Linda Fleener
Executive Director


Please welcome our new members!

The Mustard Seed
Geja's Cafe

Timothy C.
Events Recap: December
The OTMRA was thrilled to host holiday programming throughout the month in the neighborhood.

Kicking off immediately after our November 23rd Tree Lighting, the OTMRA hosted our annual Old Town Gives Back Holiday Drive. Thank you to everyone who participated, and donated to local nonprofits in Old Town - every single gift made a difference!
Additionally, thank you to everyone who submitted receipts for our Old Town Cash Back program! We were thrilled to see such strong support for local businesses throughout the holiday season.

Finally, we'd like to extend a thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket for our Members Reception on December 9th. We are extremely grateful for your support, and loved seeing everyone in person! Thank you to Benchmark for hosting us; our event would not have been possible without your support!
Reminder: January 3rd Vaccination Requirements
Effective Monday, January 3, 2022, individuals age 5 and older must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to access the following public indoor places:  

  • Indoor Dining
  • Indoor Fitness
  • Indoor entertainment and recreation venues where food or beverages are served

Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a valid photo ID (age 16+) in addition to one of the following:

  • Vaccination Card
  • Photocopy of vaccination card
  • Digital record or app or
  • Printed record from vaccine provider

For more information about these new requirements and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the City's COVID-19 informational website here.
Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is an extremely popular voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have been a part of this popular program, taking advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation.

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so you are encouraged to apply early. Please note that if you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2022 if you wish to be considered for the 2022 program.

Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311, through the City’s service request website https://311.chicago.gov, or through the free CHI311 mobile apps on iOS Apple and Android. The property owner’s contact information and the property address are required at the time of request.

Click on the links below for more information on the program.
SSA 48 Old Town: Snow Removal
SSA 48 Old Town provides snow removal services for the neighborhood, so be on the lookout for crews working hard to keep our sidewalks free and clear of snow throughout the season.

Our snow removal service is a "Zero Tolerance" contract, which means that as soon as a snowstorm hits, the team is beginning to plow and shovel. Typically, they will begin pre-treating the sidewalks within 24 hours of any predicted snow storm. Additionally, snow removal teams also come out to salt the district streets if freezing rain is expected.
Become a 2021 Member
The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association has revamped our membership program for 2021.

We now offer memberships designed for residents, businesses, non-profits, and residential buildings. Benefits include marketing and sponsorship opportunities, positions of engagement, discounts on OTMRA events, and more!

See below for information on each membership or to become a member!

See what else is going on in the Old Town neighborhood by checking out the

Submit to the calendar by filling out this form.