• Recent LCA News •

Street Robberies are Increasing in Chicago's Near North Side

By Larry Sachs

Most of us are aware that the media has reported a significant citywide increase in robberies (24% over the past 12 months) and that the Near West and Northwest sides have been most impacted - but robberies have increased significantly in our and neighboring communities in recent days as well. I get it, I really do - the idea that I could be robbed at gunpoint while walking around my neighborhood is extremely scary indeed. But I do get some cold comfort in realizing that most of these robberies have occurred very late at night and in early morning hours (i.e., midnight to 4am) – and I was further encouraged when I read Alderman Knudson’s 43rd Ward newsletter earlier this week about his work with the 18th CPD District and Area detectives to address this trend by improving District staffing, 911 response times and by investing in public safety technology (i.e., automated license plate readers (ALPR)). 

The latter point relates to my personal belief that this Near North increase is happening because we live in an affluent area in close proximity to the Kennedy Expressway and to Lakeshore Drive, making it relatively quick and easy for offenders to enter and exit our communities. Knowing that these offenders often use stolen cars and SUVs to engage in 43rd Ward robberies suggests that the enhanced use of mobile and stationary ALPR technology to identify stolen vehicles using the Kennedy, Lakeshore Drive and the main roads to and from our neighborhoods just might slow down this activity – and I believe that this idea has been discussed with CPD.

That’s all well and good, but how can you or I or our loved ones prevent being robbed or, if the worst happens, how can we prevent being injured during a robbery and then help CPD make an arrest? CPD’s robbery prevention tips (Robbery-Prevention-Flyer.pdf (chicagopolice.org) has some useful information but is mainly focused on businesses rather than pedestrians - but I did find a seemingly logical and useful presentation of robbery prevention tips from the Baltimore Police, and encourage you to take a look (Robbery Prevention Tips | Baltimore Police Department).

And in my opinion, their best advice is “Personal safety first! Money and property is not important and CAN be replaced!”

Please stay safe, get to know your neighbors, and take good care of each other!

Watch Larry speak about this issue on CBS Chicago here.

Share Your Opinions About CPD Budget and CCPSA Commissioner Candidates

The 18th Police District shared this survey to help get residents’ opinions on the 2024 Chicago Police Budget. Take the quick, 3-minute survey here or scan the QR code below.

In addition, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), is seeking community input on criteria for future commissioner candidates. Take that survey here.

You Are Invited to Howler at Bauler on October 28 at Bauler Park

Lincoln Central’s signature Halloween party is back and will be better than ever! Known as “The Haunt of the Neighborhood,” Howler at Bauler is held each year during Halloween weekend in Bauler Park. Howler at Bauler includes a costume parade, face painting, a balloon artist, games, candy, a DJ to dance to and more for local neighborhood children and families.

We hope you can join us for this famous local event on Saturday, October 28 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Bauler Park. 

Here’s What’s Planned for our 2023 Event:

Face painting, balloons and music!

Due to the incredible demand over the last two years, we will be providing two balloon artists and two face painters at the event this year! Smarty Pants will be providing balloon artists and we will have two airbrush artists from Awesome Balloon Creations doing face and hand painting. We will also have a DJ from Bizar Entertainment.

Free Pumpkins

Bring a non-perishable food item for Nourishing Hope Food Pantry and get a FREE pumpkin! Thank you to Illinois State Representative Margaret Croke for organizing this amazing food drive and giveaway!

Games and Activities from Lakeshore Sport and Fitness

We are so excited to welcome back our long-time partner, Lakeshore Sport and Fitness, who will be providing fun and games for the whole family! 

Sweet Treats from Vanille

Vanille Patisserie will be joining Howler at Bauler this year! At the event, Vanille will be handing out some of their tasty treats! Check them out at 2108 N. Clark St. and read more about them here.

Magic of Sean Masterson

Called “Chicago’s most thought provoking wizard,” magician Sean Masterson will be performing again this year at Howler at Bauler. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Sean Masterson as he performs close-up magic! 

Teal Pumpkin Table

This year at our Howler at Bauler event, we are excited bring back our Teal Pumpkin table, supported by Park West Cooperative Nursery School.

WHAT IS A TEAL PUMPKIN? The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by intolerances and other conditions. We will be placing a teal pumpkin on a special table at Howler at Bauler to signal that we will be providing allergy-free snacks and candy, as well as non-food treats that are safe for all trick or treaters.

Historic Preservation Presentation Set for October 24

What is historic preservation in Lincoln Park?  With recent demolitions and changes to the historic character of the community, how does that impact the “look, feel and character” of our neighborhood?  What is a Chicago Landmark District and what does that mean? What does it protect and what’s its impact on the community?  

Join us to discuss these matters and much more with our greater community.

How to Help Local Asylum Seekers

With an increased number of Asylum seekers at the 18th District police station, more community assistance is needed! Organizers are asking for help with volunteers and helping to feed these new community members.

Here are three ways that you can help:

1. Meal Delivery: A District 18 Meal Delivery website has been set up to help provide meals to the people at the police station. Learn more and sign up to provide a meal here.
2. Donations: Please do not drip clothing off at the 18th District police station. Clothing donations and donations of personal care items for asylum seekers can be arranged with the Church of the Ascension at 1133 N LaSalle. The Church has a Refugee Free Store for the area. Call Liz to Schedule a drop off time at 920-254-4735. Park Community Church at 1001 N Crosby is collecting clothing for Refugee Free Stores in Rogers Park. Call Ruth for more information about how to donate at Park at 312-833-2569.
3. Help with Tutoring: Project Education Plus has regular after school tutoring and now English Language Learning tutoring. Call Vince Carter at 312-520-0905 if you want to volunteer to tutor. Spanish speaking is not necessary but helpful.

Thank You LCA Sponsors!

LCA is dedicated to inspiring people to join together for the social, cultural, and physical enrichment of our neighborhood, and our local businesses are a critical part of that! LCA is honored to work with local businesses to improve our neighborhood and promote their business.

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

• Neighborhood News •

Oz Park Playground Update

The Chicago Park District has delayed the replacement of the Oz park playground until spring 2024. We look forward to our new wonderful playground to be finished in early summer 2024.

Fall Fest and More this October at Lincoln Common

Lincoln Common is hosting Fall Fest on The Plaza on Saturday, Oct 14th from 10am-1pm. The event will include pony rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating with The Paintbrush, face painting, balloon artist and sweet Treats from Dom’s Market. Fall Fest is free and open to the public. Weather permitting.

SAVE THE DATE!

On Saturday, October 28, Cars at Lincoln Common returns from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and then Spooktacular will take place from 1-4pm.

Spooktacular Returns to Lincoln Park

Spooktacular returns for a full weekend of tricks and treats in Lincoln Park! Lincoln Avenue and Clark Street businesses will embrace the spooky season and transform into trick-or-treat stops. Join the haunted fun on Lincoln Avenue (Saturday, October 28) and Clark Street (Sunday, October 29) from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. each day to celebrate Halloween and collect delicious treats while exploring the neighborhood.

Spooktacular on Lincoln Avenue

Saturday, October 28, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Lincoln Avenue, between Wrightwood and Webster

Spooktacular on Clark Street

Sunday, October 29, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Clark Street, between Armitage and Diversey and Diversey from Orchard to Lakeview

Learn more here.

Cedar Palace Serves Up Breakfast on the Weekends

Long-time LCA supporter and sponsor, Cedar Palace, is now serving breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 - 11:30 a.m.! Stop by the restaurant at 655 W Armitage for Arabic coffee or Dark Matter coffee, and a selection of one of their incredible breakfast items!

St. Teresa's Fall Blood Drive Set for Oct. 29

Join St. Teresa of Avila Church for an important event by donating a pint of life to others most in need. Kindly make an appointment to donate blood at the link below. This is a true celebration of life. Featuring live piano, harp and violin, music, pizza, bananas and a surprise gift for all donors.

LOCATION: St. Teresa of Avila Church

ADDRESS: Corner of Armitage Ave and Kenmore

TIME: 7:30am to 1:45pm

APPOINTMENT LINK: https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5604542

PLEASE BRING: Your photo ID and A FRIEND or FAMILY MEMBER. 2 pints are better than one! Make it a social outing!

QUESTIONS: Call or text Mark Buciak at: 773-307-0033 or come to LCA's Evening in the Garden and look for our table!

TIPS for a Successful Blood Donation: The day before have meals with plenty of iron (Beans, Spinach, Beets, and Meat)! The morning of the donation: A healthy breakfast with more iron and plenty of orange juice and/or water. No or little coffee.

DID YOU KNOW: That it is healthy for healthy people to donate blood? It is like an oil change for your body. You get rid of the old cells and your body creates new ones! Looking forward to seeing everyone on October 22nd.

CFalloween Fest at Lakeshore Sport and Fitness

On Sunday, October 15th, 1-4pm, Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, 1320 West Fullerton, will host an event with family-friendly fall fun, games, and activities for all to enjoy! Entertainment for all ages with a Halloween-themed twist!

Featuring: Carnival Games, Bounce House, Trike Raceway, Euro Bungee, Archery Dodgeball Target Practice, Inflatable Slide, Inflatable Jousting Pit, Bungee Run, Magic Show, Face Painter, Balloon Artist, Pony Rides, and Petting Zoo

Entry is complimentary. Some attractions & activities as well as all food & drinks require tickets that can be purchased on the day of the event.

Sign up here.

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