TIF Proposal for Lincoln Yards
Transitway = More Density?
Lead in Water
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Dear Neighbors,
Here are important updates on Sterling Bay, General Iron and potential new density on our side of the Chicago River as well as new information on lead levels in our drinking water.
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"Transit Way"
More Congestion / Thwarting Park Space
The City plans to convert old railroad tracks running down Kingsbury through General Iron for a "transit way." This will have a huge impact on our Ward. If opens the door to massive future development on our side of the river, forces trucks bound for General Iron back into our neighborhood before they move, and thwarts efforts to create much needed public park space.
I
wrote this week to Commissioners Scheinfeld and Reifman asking for a briefing on this previously undisclosed plans explaining:
- A transit way along Kingsbury paves the way for new density development on the east side of the river
- Residents deserve to know why the City wants to place the new transitway on this side of the river instead of the west side where large venue crowds are expected to be generate
- This transit way would slice through the heart of North Branch Park
The 43rd Ward is uniquely impacted and you deserve a seat at the table on discussions now occurring behind closed doors - which is why I am seeking a briefing.
Please write Mayor Emanuel at
[email protected] and Commissioner Reifman at
[email protected] and copy me at
[email protected] and urge them to dedicate the railroad rights of way to ensure park and also locate the transit way where new traffic will be generated - in Lincoln Yards.
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Proposed TIF Distric
t
A
$1 Billion plan has been proposed to support Lincoln Yards. On Friday, the City announced a public meeting for a TIF district covering a huge number of sites in the North Branch Corridor, including Lincoln Yards and General Iron.
Taxpayers would fund infrastructure needs, such as roads and bridges, for Lincoln Yards through TIF dollars. Yet legally, a TIF is only permissible if there is a "public benefit," so we must understand whether these infrastructure needs benefit all Chicagoans and not just Sterling Bay - including true traffic mitigation and a public park.
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The city plans to only discuss TIF eligibility and boundaries. However, without revealing planned uses of TIF funds, the public cannot judge whether this is a proper use of taxpayer dollars. I urge you to attend this meeting.
Meeting for Proposed Cortland/Clybourn TIF District
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Renew Chicago Church
1001 N. Crosby Street
6 p.m.
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Please learn more about the TIF, the transitway, and how these issues connect with the Lincoln Yards plan. See how development pressures, congestion and density can be balanced with quality of life and property value issues. I urge you to please attend to gain critical knowledge for upcoming public meetings.
COMMUNITY MEETING
Hosted by the Ranch Triangle Association and Alderman Smith
St. Teresa of Avila Church
1037 W. Armitage Avenue
Thursday, November 8th
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
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The Lincoln Yards proposal cover only roughly
only one-third of the land between Webster and North Avenue in the North Branch Industrial Corridor. Millions more square feet can be built without sufficient park space or transportation infrastructure.
In surveys a majority of ward residents and
a majority of Chicagoans believe the best use of the General Iron site is a public park on the east side of the Chicago River.
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General Iron Pollution Update
ABC News recently reported about unresolved pollution issues and efforts to curtail the hours of operation at General Iron. This was also reported in
last month's newsletter. I have asked the Department of Health to release information about prior inspections and received
this letter from Commissioner Morita, as well as a spreadsheet of inspections since 1998. This year, 40 inspections have taken place. If you would like to see the data, contact my office.
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Lead Pipes
After
waiting months, last week the Chicago
Departments of Water Management and
Public Health
released information on increased lead in drinking water in homes with water meters. According to the new data,
more than 17 percent of homes where city crews installed water meters have elevated levels of lead. The sample size was 291 homes.
It is recommended that
residents test their homes for lead in the wate
r via the city service. You are encouraged to use a water filter that traps lead.
It is unacceptable that the City chose to delay disclosing this problem. Lead is a neurotoxin and can be especially damaging to children and pregnant women. You can
obtain info about how to get a water test kit here
or by calling 311. Please know I am working with other Aldermen on this critical issue and will keep you updated.
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Appeal Property Tax Assessments
Lakeview Township
Our Office Monday, November 5
The Cook County Board of Review is open for property valuation appeals for LAKEVIEW township (north of Fullerton) until Tuesday, November 13th. In light of the large increases that were recently issued by the Assessor, we encourage everyone to appeal. To see the step by step process, and to file an appeal online, click
here
.
Monday, November 5
: Meet staff from the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer (10th) at our Ward office from 10 AM - 4 PM.
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Last Day to Early Vote is Today
Vote Tuesday
Early Voting & Registration is NOW at all 50 ward locations is listed
here
. The Super-site has expanded hours and makes it simple to register and vote immediately located at 175 W Washington. The closest sites to the 43rd Ward are
1150 W Fullerton and
310 W Division.
Hours are
Monday Nov 5: 9 am-5 pm - (Loop Super Site open until 7 pm)
Election Day Voting TUESDAY
On Tuesday, you must vote in your polling place. Please check
this list of polling places as some have changed.
Remember, you can register and vote at the same time. To register or change your address, you
must show two forms of ID
, one of which shows your current address.
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Virtual Reality & You
Wednesday, November 7th
International Interior Design Association
111 E. Wacker Drive
5:00 PM - 7:15 PM
The Village Chicago is hosting a discussion of how immersion technology is changing the way we live, learn, and care. Members $10, Guests $15, Students $5. For more information please contact the Village Chicago at 773-248-8700. or visit
www.thevillagechicago.org.
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St. Michael in Old Town presents
Human Trafficking in Our Community
Thursday, November 8th
St. Michael's Parish Center, 1711 N. Cleveland Ave
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
An informative panel with the Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force leader, and three victim service organizations.
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Michele Smith
43rd Ward Alderman
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