Weekly Update from Alderman Harry Osterman

August 31, 2012

Dear Neighbor,

Yesterday, the Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates voted to set a strike date of September 10th. The CTU and CPS will continue active negotiations on their contract issues. In the mean time, my office is working with CPS and the Chicago Park District on alternate options for parents and students, and we will communicate these options next week. Given the great progress of our local schools, this is an unfortunate way to start the school year; however, we will get through it together as a community.

On Wednesday, I sent out a newsletter with the latest CTA construction updates, which included updated information for Argyle, Thorndale, Berwyn and Granville. Please plan accordingly when traveling throughout the community or using the CTA. Click here to read that newsletter.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. We’ve had a great summer in the 48th Ward and my staff and I are looking forward to the Autumn season.

Sincerely, Harry Osterman Alderman, 48th Ward

Ward Update
Independent Spirits Receives Community Approval A new business, Independent Spirits, has proposed a location at 5947-49 N. Broadway. Independent Spirits will be a top quality fine wine and spirits destination shop with the mission of offering a sophisticated selection of fine wines and spirits. Business owner Scott Crestodina, property owner David Reese and EDC presented their proposal to my office, block clubs and community groups over the past 4 months. On Thursday, August 23 I hosted a community meeting including residents within 1,000 ft. radius of the site to review the proposal and the temporary zoning change and liquor moratorium lift required for the business to move forward. The proposal received unanimous support to lift Liquor Moratorium #48-16 and for a temporary zoning change from B1 to C1.
I have decided to support lifting Liquor Moratorium #48-16, boundaried on both sides of Broadway from Elmdale to Ardmore, for packaged goods licenses. I approached this decision extremely strategically and cautiously, and I can say that my support is contigent on these main factors: the moratorium area is safeguarded by B1 zoning and any other party interested in a packaged goods license would need a zoning change to proceed; the business owner and property owner agreed to enter a convenant with additional safeguards in place; the business owner presented a solid and well-researched business plan, operations guide and renderings. Additionally, I support the temporary zoning change from B1 to C1 of the property 5947-49 N. Broadway. The property owner has agreed to downzone the property as soon as Independent Spirits receives their license and in the interim, not lease to any C1 uses.

Click here for more information on Independent Spirits Click here for more information on the Zoning and Liquor Moratorium
Next 48th Ward Recycling Event September 8, 2012 from 9:00am – 1:00pm Start gathering your recyclables now! On September 8th, the 48th Ward will be hosting a recycling event at the Streets & Sanitation Yard at 5853 N Broadway. There will be a paper shredder on scene to safely dispose of any paper documents, and we will be collecting the following items:

American Flags
Bicycles
CFL bulbs
Fabrics
Televisions
Appliances
Batteries
Computer electronics
Ink cartridges
Yarn
Unopened personal care items (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
General electronics
Cell phones
Eyeglasses
Printers
Wine Corks

We will NOT be collecting any paints or chemicals.
Osterman Beach CleanupJoin the 48th Ward office and volunteers from the Great Lakes Alliance and help to clean Osterman Beach Saturday Sept. 15 from 9am to noon. To register, go to www.greatlakesadopt.org.
Upcoming Positive Loitering in the 48th Ward Positive Loiterers will meet on Thursday, September 6th at 8:00 p.m. at the Little Corner Restaurant (northeast corner of Thorndale and Broadway) to keep an eye out on Thorndale and the immediate area. Join this group of active volunteers as they aid the police in efforts to continually improve the public safety in this part of our community.
Save the Date: Panhandling Seminar – Monday, September 24 Our local Community Justice Center is hosting a seminar on panhandling that will take place Monday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Edgewater Presbyterian Church; 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. (Fellowship Hall). We encourage you to attend this important seminar to learn what you can do to deter panhandling in our community, and how we can better assist those in need throughout our neighborhood. Click here for a flyer on the event.
Uptown’s Open House Chicago Seeking Volunteers Uptown United is seeking volunteers for Open House Chicago in Uptown this October 13th and 14th! Organized by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Open House Chicago (OHC) is an annual weekend festival of FREE behind-the-scenes access to many of Chicago’s greatest places and spaces. We are excited to help bring this citywide event to Uptown and we need your help to make it a success. We can welcome visitors to our neighborhood better than anyone else, so if you are interested in volunteering at any of the openhouse chicago sites in the Uptown Neighborhood please reach out to Alyssa Berman-Cutler at: 773. 878. 1064 or at: alyssabc@uptownunited.org.
Energy Savings for Single Family Homeowners Retrofit Chicago provides single family homeowners with a simple one-stop shop for energy efficiency. Call 855-9-IMPACT begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 855-9-IMPACT end_of_the_skype_highlighting (855-946-7228 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 855-946-7228 end_of_the_skype_highlighting) or click here to learn more.

Education Update

Back to School Celebration

Mark your calendars for Alderman Harry Osterman’s annual Back to School Celebration on Friday, September 7 from 3:30pm – 5:30pm at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway. The first 250 students will receive a free bag and school supplies. Check out next week’s newsletter for more details.
Future World After-School Tutoring FutureWorld has serviced the Edgewater/Andersonville community since 2007. After completing a successful summer camp, FutureWorld will start an after-school homework help. They will provide other educational activities with healthy snack and transportation from school to the Bethany Lutheran Church 1244 W. Thorndale starting on September 11th, 2012. Hours will be : Mon – Fri : 2: 00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (we will open before school if there are enough parents to sign up 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. w/transportation) On ‘No School ‘ days, we will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. These days will nclude breakfast, lunch and snacks as well as educational activities and trips. Please notify Ms. Parham-Kitover for more details @ 312-719-4907 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 312-719-4907 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Click here for more information.

Construction Update
Edgewater Library Library construction update for the week ending Aug 30, 2012. In Progress: · Masonry CMU walls (98% complete) · Set galvanizing steel masonry lintels (98% complete) · Insulation & vapor barrier for Slab on Grade (20% complete) · Prep for roof deck topping slab (50 complete) · Apply Air barrier to the Concrete Masonry Units (1% complete)
Rosemont and Glenwood Water Main Project ComEd is scheduled to work Sept. 5, 6, and 7 repairing a damaged power line. Then, the Department of Water Mgt. will follow with street restoration (flatwork, resurfacing, and punch list items).
Broadway Water Main Project Street flatwork will wrap up in the next few days with restoration and punchlist items to follow.
Lake Shore Drive Resurfacing On Wednesday Sept 5th, crews will begin a resurfacing project on Lake Shore Drive from Foster north to Hollywood, and Belmont south to North Ave. Work will occur during non-rush periods, and is expected to last approximately 6 weeks.
For more information on these and other 48th Ward construction projects, please contact Dan Luna at dan@48thward.org

Property Tax Appeals
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer’s Office Hours for the 48th Ward – Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment (Lakeview Township) The Cook County Board of Review will accept appeals to property tax assessments from August 20th 2012 to September 18th 2012. Stop by my office shared with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer (5533 N Broadway). Commissioner Gainer’s staff will be available to assist residents filing an appeal with the Cook County Board of Review and answer any questions you may have about the appeal process during the following dates and times: Thursday, September 6th, 1 PM – 5 PM Thursday, September 13th, 1 PM – 5 PM If you are unable to attend Commissioner Gainer’s office hours, please feel free to call her office at 312-603-4210 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 312-603-4210 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email Info@BridgetGainer.com. Additional resources are also available on the “Property Taxes” section of her website: www.BridgetGainer.com.
48th Ward Property Tax Seminar Thursday, September 6th 2012, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi in collaboration with Alderman Harry Osterman, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Representative Kelly Cassidy, State Senator Heather Steans will be hosting a Property Tax Appeals Workshop for all homeowners in the Lakeview and Rogers Park Township. To find which township you belong to, review the far-right corner of your most recent property tax bill where it is labeled. Staff from the Cook County Board of Review & your local Elected Officials Offices will be available to assist homeowners in filing an appeal. Please bring your most “Notice of Proposed Assessment” and any other additional documents (appraisals, etc.) required for a successful appeal.

Upcoming Events – Save the Date

Fall Kick-Off with the Community Christian Church Sunday, September 9th Come check out the church that chalks the block! 10:30 a.m. – Worship Service in the Auditorium at Swift School; 5900 N. Winthrop 11:30 a.m. – Cook-Out Block Party with live music just outside of Swift School Visit www.walkthechalk.org
E-Waste Recycling Event Saturday, September 8th Save the Date for our Fall 48th Ward recycling event! At 48th Ward Streets and Sanitation Yard – 5853 N. Broadway. Click here for the flyer
LBRC Front Yard Sale Saturday September 8th, 9am – 4pm. 5200-5500 Magnolia, Lakewood and Wayne Rain or Shine
Edgewater Historical Society Presents Old Time Radio Players – Chicago North Saturday, September 8th, 2:00pm EHS Museum, 5358 N. Ashland Click here for more information
Beethoven Festival Uptown September 8th – 16th Home Venue: National Pastime Theater (941 W. Lawrence) Click here for more information
Kegs for Kids #3 Sunday September 9th, Noon – 5pm Click here for more information
GRallery Festival Saturday, September 15th, Noon-10pm Click here for the flyer
Rivendell Theatre – WRENS Thursday, September 6th – October 13th Rivendell Theatre – 5779 N. Ridge Click here for more information Raven Theatre – Raise the Curtain Saturday, September 15th at 6pm Raven Theatre – 6157 N Clark Street Click here for more information
Vintage Garage Chicago Sunday, September 16th, 9am – 4pm 5051 N. Broadway between Foster & Argyle Click here for more information
Edgewater Historical Society Annual Home Tour Sunday, September 16th, 12pm – 4pm Start at St. Mary Eritrean Church, 6350 N. Paulina Click here for more information

Ongoing Summer Events

Edgewater Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning from 8am-1pm
Corner of Norwood and Broadway
Click here for more information
Andersonville Farmers Market Every Wednesday afternoon from 3-8pm On Berwyn between Clark and Ashland Click here for more information
Summer Evenings in Edgewater Thursday nights beginning July 5th from 6-8pm July, August, September Edgewater Historical Society
Good News Only: Forgotten Ones Exhibit In Collaboration with Project Onward July 26-August 24 Good News Only Gallery – 5604 N Ridge Click here for more information

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Ward Office Info

Ward Office 5533 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60640 T: 773-784-5277 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 773-784-5277 end_of_the_skype_highlighting F: 773-784-6630 Office hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs., and Fri: 9am-5pm; Tuesday 9am-7pm
City Hall Office 121 N. LaSalle Room 300 Chicago, IL 60602 T: 312-744-6860 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 312-744-6860 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
www.48thward.org

Upcoming 48th Ward Master Plan Meetings

Arts & Culture Committee If either of the following projects interest you, please plan to attend a meeting at Senn High School on Tuesday September 5th at 6:30pm – in classroom 180. Our goal is to develop a plan for each of the events. We’ll split into two groups to accomplish it.
1. Street Art and Performance: October 13th and 14th in Uptown. Open House Chicago has Uptown as one of its many neighborhoods that will offer indoor tours of historic buildings. If there’s enough interest, we’ll consider an outdoor entertainment segment to run throughout the weekend on the sidewalks near the CTA station at Lawrence – musicians, artists, performers. Click here for more information.
3. Choral Festival: Saturday November 4th, Senn High Auditorium. We have an opportunity to bring together choral performers and featured guest musicians for a choral program themed around “Social Justice”. The project is the brainchild of Michael Oriatti, Artistic Director of the Edgewater Singers. The Singers are particularly interested in partners in the areas of outreach, marketing, graphic design, social media, and general volunteer support. Please help us create a model for cooperation within our artistic community.
Education Committee Thursday, October 4, 6:30pm Senn High School, room 180

Weekly Safety Tip

Back to School Safety

The first day of school is just around the corner for CPS students, and some neighborhood schools have already begun. It is important to make sure your child is safe when traveling to and from school. Share these tips with your child, and make sure you are both prepared for their first day back.
1. Be sure that your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult and how to call 911 for emergencies.
2. Teach your child never to talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers. Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your children don’t know well or don’t trust.
3. Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and, if possible, with intersections that have crossing guards.
4. Walk the route with your child beforehand. Tell him or her to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields and other places where there aren’t many people around.
5. Be sure your child walks to and from school with a sibling, friend, or neighbor.

Education Corner
With the start of a new school year, Alderman Harry Osterman is launching a new series highlighting our local schools, education groups, principals, parent groups, teachers and students! The 48th Ward is rich with great local schools – both public and private – and we are excited to share their successes with all of you.
Sacred Heart Academy Primary Campus (Preschool – 5th grade) 6216 N. Glenwood Ave. 773-743-6277 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 773-743-6277 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Middle School Campus (6th grade – 8th grade) 5525 N. Magnolia Ave. 773-271-2008 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 773-271-2008 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Click here for their website

Sacred Heart Schools on Sheridan Road will open the 2012-13 school year with 701 students. A Chicago landmark on Lake Michigan,the school is comprised of the Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls (founded in 1876) and Hardey Preparatory for Boys (founded in 1935). It is an independent, Catholic, elementary school committed to academic excellence. Sacred Heart Schools welcomes families of all races, religious beliefs and socio-economic backgrounds. Kindergarten is coeducational. In Grades 1-8, Sacred Heart offers single gender classes in a co-ed environment. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, Sacred Heart Schools is dedicated to a values-based program concerned with the education of the whole child.

Weekly Business Highlight

1110 Wave of Lake Unisex Hair Salon 1110 W. Thorndale Ave. 773-764-1553 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 773-764-1553 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

1110 Wave of Lake recently opened up its doors on Thorndale serving the neighborhood. It offers all varieties of hair services from basic to extreme color and extension effects. Basic shampoo and cut for Women costs $15.00, for men $10.00, children 8 and under $7.00, and senior discounts on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Check in with Vivita and get a new look!

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Weekly Update from your Alderman – August 31, 2012