Email from 47th Ward Alderman

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Hi neighbors,

Recently, I learned that the Mayor’s Office has been considering a proposal to change City Council Committee leadership whereby two of my colleagues and I would be removed as Chairpersons of our respective Committees—Maria Hadden from Environmental Protection, Andre Vasquez from Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and me from Ethics and Government Oversight. It’s disappointing that the Mayor’s Office would consider retaliating against us for expressing principled disagreements with the Mayor regarding the City’s budget, campaign finance reform, and internal investigations led by the Office of Inspector General. My job is to serve our Ward and City, not the Mayor.

The 19th Police District Council—which represents all of our community south of Lawrence Ave—has spent months analyzing 911 calls and found that approximately 8% of calls concern illegally parked and abandoned vehicles. I share their opinion that officers’ time is better spent on violent crime and proactive outreach to residents and businesses. Accordingly, I introduced legislation calling for hearings to explore ways that other departments can handle these calls.

I’m disappointed that the Johnson administration declined to make key departmental staff available to discuss this common-sense proposal, which prompted the cancellation of a hearing that had been scheduled for this past Tuesday. I’m grateful for the 19th Police District Council’s work on this important issue, and look forward to seeing it move forward.

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Committee held a hearing with our Public Health Commissioner to review her department’s progress in measuring and improving air quality. In short, there’s a lot more work to be done, and quick.

Chicago is not meeting national air quality standards and we’re lagging behind cities like Houston and LA—even though the latter has endured horrible wildfires in recent years. Frustratingly, the Public Health Department only has three inspectors to investigate 4,500 air pollution complaints annually and to proactively investigate existing permit holders. We need the Department to fill its existing inspector vacancies asap, and to install the hundreds of air-quality sensors that it had promised would be online by January 2025 but are not.

I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by Burning Bush Brewery to celebrate their 5-year anniversary! Later this week, on Thursday, April 10th, you can join our office for a 47th Ward volunteer night at Common Pantry.

And if you have a few free minutes, please fill out the Office of Inspector General’s survey to share input on what the Office should focus on in its upcoming listening tours.

Yours in service,

Alderman Matt Martin

47th Ward News

Capriccio Brings Roman Pizza to Lincoln Square

4771 N Lincoln Ave

This Saturday, celebrate Capriccio's grand opening in the Heart of Lincoln Square! They're serving up authentic Roman pizzas, focaccia sandwiches, and coffee from La Colombe.

In the afternoon, they'll have live music from an Italian Mambo Ensemble and special menu items to celebrate their official opening.

Learn more

DePaul College Prep Boys Basketball 3-Peat State Champs

A big congratulations to DePaul College Prep Boys basketball team for winning another State Championship - this time in a thrilling double overtime game. The program has won three consecutive state championships, an accomplishment earned by only five teams in state history.

Learn more

47th Ward March Madness Bracket Challenge Standings 🏀

Men's

TC Picks
GuncleChris
Just in Case Bracket

Women's

Traczy555
Back to Back Champs?
Winner Raher

Upcoming Events

Ravenswood Clean Up Day

Saturday, April 19th

Join the Ravenswood Neighbors Association for a clean up day as part of Chicago's official citywide clean and green initiative.

They'll provide trash pickers, bags, and gloves. Just bring comfy clothes you don't mind getting dirty and meet on the corner of Ravenswood and Sunnyside to pick up tools and coffee.

Students and scouts may be eligible for service hours.

Learn more

Lincoln Square Spring Sidewalk Sale

April 21st - April 27th

Shop small at the spring sidewalk sale in the Heart of Lincoln Square. The main business strip (4700 block of N Lincoln) will be closed to vehicle traffic due to construction, making it the perfect time to enjoy the spring weather, take a stroll through Giddings Plaza, and do a bit of shopping. You'll find sidewalk displays with unique finds, fashion, home goods, and grab and go treats.

Learn more

Making Great Strides 5K at Horner Park

Sunday, May 25th

This 5K run/walk brings together community and donates all entry fees to the National Immigrant Justice Center. The event will start at 9 AM with the race kicking off at 9:30 AM. Adults with strollers and wagons are welcome to join.

Learn more

Neighborhood Services

Apply for a Summer Block Party

With summer quickly approaching, it's time to start planning block parties. Never had a block party, but interested in hosting one? You can fill out our easy online application.

We're happy to provide tips on how to do outreach and organize block parties that are fun and engaging for everyone on your block!

Apply

Chicago Public Schools Capital Plan Community Meetings

Have thoughts on how CPS should spend their limited capital funds? Does your school building need improvements? CPS leaders will host multiple virtual meetings to present their plans and solicit your feedback.

Property Tax Exemption Workshop

Wednesday, April 16th

Staff from Commissioner Bridget Degnen's staff will be available at the 47th Ward Office (4243 N Lincoln Ave) on Wednesday, April 16th from 10 AM to 2 PM to assist residents with property tax exemptions. Please sign up for an appointment in advance, and note that these appointments are to assist with exemptions, not appeals.

Make an Appointment

Sponsorship Opportunity: Lake View High Spaghetti Dinner Program Book

Deadline April 18th

Would you, your business, or group like to place an ad or message in the Lake View High School Spaghetti Dinner Program Book? Everyone attending the May Spaghetti Dinner will receive a program booklet.

You can email your draft and contact information to Mr. Vargas (jdvargas13@cps.edu) along with any special instructions or questions.

Sponsor

Environment

Apply to be an Eco Fest Vendor

Saturday, June 7th

Eco Fest is back! We're looking for vendors, sponsors, and performers who want to be a part of our premiere sustainability-focused resource fair at Welles Park.

Park District Clean and Green

Saturday, April 26th

Friends of the Parks is seeking site captains to participate in the 40th Annual Clean and Green! By signing up, you're expressing willingness to lead a clean up at a Chicago park. Friends of the Parks will provide technical assistance, promotional support, gloves, and bags. In the event your park already has a site captain, they'll connect you with that person.

Celebrate Earth Day at Waters Elementary

Saturday, April 19th

Join neighbors at Waters Elementary for a day of service and learning in honor of Earth Day! They'll be doing trash pick up, mulching, and a flower scavenger hunt in the school garden. Additionally, sustainability organizations and elected officials will be on-site to provide helpful resources!

Learn more

Small Business

Expanded Breakfast Menu at L&M Fine Foods

Starting on Monday, April 7th, your favorite neighborhood grocerer and deli, L&M Fine Foods, will soft launch a newly expanded breakfast menu. Stop by to enjoy a delicious breakfast sandwich, bagel or buttermilk biscuit! Until the end of April, they're offering a free 12 oz cup of drip coffee with the purchase of any Signature Breakfast items.

Chicago Children's Theatre Presents: The Beatrix Potter Tea Party

April 5th - April 20th

For three weekends only, Chicago Children's Theatre's The Beatrix Potter Tea Party is coming to Raven Theatre (6157 N Clark). Four adorable Beatrix Potter tales come to life in this mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show, complete with original music. After the show, head to the lobby to play with the puppets, take pictures with the cast, and join fellow neighbors for a communal "tea" party with surprise guests and treats.

You can use the code NEIGHBOR to get $5 off your tickets.

Learn more

Resources

Business

Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant, Learn more
Northcenter Facade Rebate, Learn more
Northcenter Security Rebate, Learn more

Workforce

Chicago Law Department Hiring, Learn more
Job Fair at Morton College, April 16th, Learn more
Heartland Human Care Services Job Fair, April 8th, Learn more
Airport Expo and Job Fair, May 1st, Learn more
Illinois Department of Transportation Hiring, Learn more

Public Safety

Editorial: Chicago has a Domestic Violence Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight

This week, the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board published an editorial highlighting Chicago's domestic violence crisis. Chicago has 185 shelter beds for survivors of domestic violence, while New York has 3,000.

At the same time, Chicago experienced 59 domestic violence homicides in 2023 while New York had 23. We know that emergency services and shelter can save the life of someone fleeing abuse.

We need to build more survivor-centered housing, like the development coming to Damen and Irving Park in North Center.