| Greetings!
 Today I voted yes for the "For A Better Chicago" remap of the 50 wards in the City
of Chicago. The 41 "yes" votes in City Council mean that we received the minimum required number of votes to avoid a City-wide referendum.
With the new addition of the Uptown Theatre, Annoyance Theater, and the historic Green Mill within the 46th Ward, I will have the ability to better coordinate efforts to make the Entertainment District a destination point for the entire Chicago metropolitan area. The 46th Ward already includes the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theatre.
My goal for the process was to avoid gerrymandering and to protect the many different neighborhoods that make up Chicago. Although some of this did take place, I believe the passage of this map will discourage a very costly city referendum and a lawsuit that could cost the City around $70 million. This money is better used for libraries, schools, health care, parks, and the police.
It is still possible that a group could contest this map, but with the majority of aldermen voting in favor, it is unlikely a challenge would be successful. This was the one map that was supported by all aldermen including those that represent African-American and Latino communities.
To view the full ordinance, today's City Council proceedings, and the City's new map, click here.
Please see below for more news on:
Best,
Ald. James Cappleman
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46th Ward News
 G8 and NATO Summits I appreciate all of the emails and phone calls that you have sent regarding the ordinances affecting the upcoming G8 and NATO summits in May of this year. When I voted on these, my ultimate goal was to balance our First Amendment rights with the value of public safety for you and all residents of Chicago. During the discussion about the proposed amendments, there has been a lot of misinformation clouding the issue at hand. I want to tell you firsthand what we were successful with securing: - No increases in fines for civil disobedience.
- Nothing that will discourage the use of bull horns or personal signs.
- The Superintendent of Police still cannot deputize untrained people for the NATO/G-8 event.
- No changes to current surveillance camera practices.
- Fees for parade applications can now be waived. With this ordinance, we now allow large protest gatherings to morph into a parade without a parade application, as long as the police commander is able to manage safety (traffic, etc).
Up until a few days ago, the most controversial aspect of the ordinance was the increase in fines for civil disobedience, as relayed to various aldermen by the ACLU and constituents. After discussing these concerns with the Mayor's Office, the increased fines for civil disobedience were taken off the table. Afterward, the ACLU chose to reject the new amended version because of their concerns over the current use of surveillance cameras. However, the ordinance never addressed the use of cameras in anyway.
In the end, I voted yes because the Mayor's Office made changes that I believe respected our right to free speech while also addressing my concerns for the safety of protesters and residents of Chicago. Ordinance to Better Relationships between Businesses and Communities In this week's Committee on License & Consumer Protection meeting, I voted in favor of an ordinance that will strengthen community actions against nuisance businesses. The amendment to the Deleterious Impact Ordinance, introduced by Ald. Graham, makes two large overhauls in the current nuisance ordinance. First, it eliminates the overburdened community petition process for those affected by a business accused of being a nuisance. Second, it reduces the number of illegal felonies, narcotics or weapons violations a business can have in a 12-month period from five to three. During the committee hearing, Local Liquor Control Commissioner Gregory Steadman lent his support for this ordinance; stating the ordinance would help businesses and communities become better partners. The ordinance passed in City Council yesterday. Volunteers Needed - Shoveling for Senior and Disabled Neighbors This winter, Alderman Cappleman's office is an instrumental part of Mayor Emanuel's ChicagoShovels.org, a new, interactive online resource that helps Chicagoans engage and participate in critical winter-preparedness efforts. Our office will connect volunteers with senior and disabled neighbors in the 46th Ward that do not have snow removal services to help them shovel snow. We are currently looking for more volunteers to assist with this effort in the 46th Ward. Please spread the word to your colleagues, friends and volunteer groups. To volunteer click here or contact Forest Simons at 773-878-4646 or forest@james46.org. Volunteers can also take part by Tweeting before-and-after pictures of their projects to @jamescappleman. If you are in need of assistance, please call our office at 773-878-4646 or dial 311 and we will receive your information. 2012 Sidewalk Cafe Applications Available for Businesses Questions and Answers: Proposed Development at Maryville Site (Clarendon and Montrose) Updated questions and answers from public meetings regarding this proposed development are listed here on our website. |
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Upcoming Events
You can also check out our community calendar by clicking here.
Polar Adventure Days
Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 12pm to 4pm at Northerly Island, 1400 S Lynn White Drive. Don't let winter slow you down. Come out and enjoy the sixth annual Polar Adventure Days. Watch as amazing ice sculptures are created right in front of you, meet Siberian huskies, birds of prey and other live animals, and listen to storytelling or live music. You can also make winter nature crafts, sip hot cocoa, and snowshoe, if there is at least three inches of snow. Don't forget to dress warm. These events are free and no registration is required. Parking is $3. For more information click here.
Streets for Cycling Public Meeting
Woodson Regional Library - Auditorium 9525 S. Halsted St.
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012, 6 - 8 p.m., presentation begins @ 6:30
Streets for Cycling Plan 2020
The City of Chicago is embarking on this plan to identify a network of bicycling facilities that will ensure all Chicagoans, from children riding to school to senior citizens riding to the grocery store, feel safe and comfortable riding their bike on the city's streets. We want your input! Come tell us how to improve your bicycling experience, where improvements are needed, and what would encourage you to bicycle in Chicago!
Business Partners-The Chamber for Uptown January Chamber Energizer
Join us in Celebrating the Lunar New Year
Gather with fellow business owners, co-workers, and neighbors
at Pho 777 as we celebrate the year of the dragon. There will be small appetizers such as spring rolls and other specialties. Complimentary wine and beer will be available $5 suggested donation
Please RSVP by 1/25
5th Annual New Schools EXPO
| When: | January 28, 2012 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
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| Where: | Soldier Field (Indoors), 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, United Club Level One | |
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A showcase of Chicago's newest public schools, including charter schools. Both elementary and high school campuses will be in attendance. Click here for a complete listing of schools.
For more information about participating schools, how to get there, and general information, click here .
Argyle Street Chinese New Year Parade
When: Jan 28, 2012, Start at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: On Argyle to Sheridan, Sheridan to Lawrence to Broadway and come back to Argyle; Argyle & Sheridan, Chicago, IL 60640
Admission: FREE
Celebrate Chinese New Year with traditional dragon dances, lion dances, elaborate floats, martial arts teams and a marching band. For more information, please click here.
Buena Park Neighbors January Jam FundraiserWhat: Buena Park Neighbors January Jam Fundraiser
Where: Nick's Uptown
When: January 28, 2012
Time: 6 pm to 10 pm
Cost: $25 per person
What you get: All the draft beer you want; all the pizza you want; raffle prizes; 50/50 drawings; pool; shuffleboard; and a two-hour show by the popular band Jin and Tonic.
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Office Address
4544 N Broadway,
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone
773.878.4646
Email
info@james46.org
Website
www.james46.org
Hours
Mon, Tues, Thur
9am - 5pm
Wed
9am - 7pm
Fri, Sat
9am - Noon
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