Weekly Update from your Alderman – July 13, 2012
Weekly Update from Alderman Harry Osterman: Granville Re-Opens, Public Safety Update, Windy City Ribfest, and much more!
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July 13, 2012
Dear Neighbor,
The newly renovated Granville station will re-open this evening at 10:00pm. I want to thank Granville business owners and the residents who live on and around Granville for your patience during this construction period. Upon its reopening, Granville station users can expect to see enhancements to the station house, platform, tracks and retail spaces. The CTA will be completing the painting/sealing of the viaduct and the storefronts within the next couple weeks.
A few weeks ago, I sent out an email encouraging you to “Go to Granville!” to visit its many businesses. These businesses have endured losing foot traffic and customers over the past 6 weeks during construction. I hope you will visit Granville’s newly improved station and the wonderful businesses on the street including Gino’s North, m. henrietta, Ann Sather, Summer, Metropolis Coffee, Thai Grill, Pete’s Pizza and many more!
The work at the Granville station is part of “Red Ahead,” an interim renovation project taking place at five 48th Ward stations. The next stations to undergo this construction are Argyle and Thorndale, both of which will begin in August. Thorndale will close for six weeks on August 17 and Argyle will close for six weeks on August 24. My office will send information and reminders as we approach these dates.
As always, please feel free to contact me at 773-784-5277 or Harry@48thward.org.
Sincerely, Harry Osterman Alderman, 48th Ward
Public Safety Update
Information on Recent Police Sting – Uptown Crackdown
Yesterday, the Chicago Police Department conducted an undercover sting operation targeting the Uptown Area. Operation “Uptown Crackdown” resulted in targeting more than 30 individuals associated with drug dealing and gang activity. The police have arrested 21 individuals as part of this sting operation and are in the process of apprehending the remainder. This effort will help address the ongoing safety problems in Uptown, and I want to commend the efforts of Chicago Police Department, including Commanders Lucy Moy (20th) and John Kenny (19th) as well as Superintendent Garry McCarthy in addressing the criminal gang and drug activity in this part of our neighborhood. Similar to “Operation Uptown Girl” conducted last year, this recent sting was sparked by concerns and reports given by committed community members remaining vigilant about ending negative activity in our neighborhoods. I will be working with the Superintendent to see that similar stings are made in other parts of our neighborhood that also have drug and gang activity.
Please join fellow community residents, the Chicago Police Department and myself on Tuesday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chicago Boys & Girls Club, 4835 N. Sheridan to hear an update on “Operation Uptown Crackdown” as well as a panel discussion on safety, part of my 48th Ward Master Plan’s Public Safety Committee. Should you have any questions or require more information, please reach out to Jared Desecki of my staff by calling (773) 784-5277 or emailing Jared@48thward.org.
Ward Update
48th Ward Kids Participate in Loyola Basketball Clinic  On Wednesday, July 11 over 50 48th Ward youth joined Loyola University Chicago basketball players for a free clinic, co-hosted by Loyola and Alderman Harry Osterman. It was a fun event for both the kids and players involved – and we look forward to hosting more clinics in the future.
Ride for AIDS Chicago Join the Alderman and his staff for Ride for AIDS, an annual cycling event to be held next weekend, July 14-15. Alderman Harry Osterman will be riding a portion of the journey on Saturday, July 14 and his staff will have a tent set up on Sunday, July 15 at the after-party. The ride is two days, 200 miles, and is produced by Test Positive Aware Network and designed to raise needed monies for TPAN and other community partners. Click here to help sponsor Alderman Harry Osterman’s ride!
3rd Annual Windy City Ribfest
This weekend, July 13-15th, Uptown will be holding it’s 3rd Windy City Ribfest. It is located at Broadway and Lawrence and Leland. A $6 suggested donation at the gate supports the community projects of Business Partners, the Chamber for Uptown. This year, they are excited for the
expansion of the fest and the inclusion of even more family friendly events. Windy City Ribfest will feature much more family oriented activities in the family pavilion area at Broadway and Racine. Click here for a schedule of events at the family pavilion. Click here for the fest website. Click here for the flyer.
Care For Real Fan Drive Past summers have taught us how hard the heat can be on some of us, particularly the very young and old. Together, Alderman Osterman, Alderman O’Connor, the EBNA block Club (Edgewater Beach Neighbors Association) and CFR (Care For Real) are teaming up to collect fans and air conditioners for our neighbors who could use a little cooling. We’ll be collecting through the end of July. Questions? E-mail: info@careforreal.org.
If you drop it off, CFR will pick it up. Four locations: 5339 N. Sheridan Rd (Care for Real), Monday thru Friday: 9:00 to 4:00, Saturdays: 9:00 to 1:00. 5253 N. Kenmore (Epworth Church), south side entrance, 2:00 to 6:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5533 N. Broadway, (Alderman Osterman, 48th), Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, 9:00 to 5:00, Tuesdays 9:00 to 7:00. 5850 N. Lincoln, (Alderman O’Connor, 40th), Mon & Thur, 9:00 to 7:00, Tue, Wed & Fri, 9:00 to 4:30.
48th Ward Summer Film Fest Come out and enjoy a movie under the stars with your neighbors. This Tuesday night, July 17th, we will be showing Despicable Me at Senn Park. Click here for the full film fest schedule.
St. Andrew’s Greek Fest and St. Ita’s Taste of Summer This Weekend Enjoy these annual events at two of our churches this weekend: St. Andrew’s 51st Annual Greek Fest and St. Ita’s Taste of Summer. The Greek Fest will take place Saturday, July 14 (3pm – 11pm) – Sunday, July 15 (12pm – 11pm). Enjoy Greek food, beer, wine, music, Grecian dancers and pastries, raffle, children’s activities and more. The Taste of Summer takes place Sunday, July 15 and has free admission. Enjoy live music, food, games, prizes and more!
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer: 2nd Installment 2011 Property Tax Bills due August 1st
2nd Installment 2011 Property Tax Bills have arrived in the mail and many constituents have questions regarding their tax bill calculation and exemptions. Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer’s Office is happy to assist any constituent with their property tax bills questions. If you would like to review your exemptions or concerns with your property tax bill, please contact Commissioner Gainer’s office at 312-603-4210 or email Info@BridgetGainer.com. Also, Commissioner Gainer’s staff will be available (by appointment) every Thursday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the 48th Ward Service Office. Please make sure you call 312-603-4210 to schedule an appointment.
Education and Summer Programs Update
Summer Book Drive Help us keep kids reading this summer! 48th ward is sponsoring a summer book drive to support our local summer camps and schools.
Please drop off GENTLY used children’s books at our office, 5533 N. Broadway. We will run this drive through the end of the summer so stop by whenever is convenient! Click here for the flyer.
Planet Pre-School “Planet Pre-School” is an innovative program at Berger Park that utilizes the irresistible power of the creative arts to give children ages 3-5 the fundamental tools they’ll need to become successful in early academic life. They will learn critical thinking while they play in the puzzle zone, shop at the market, or cook in the kitchen! Dancing and movement introduces physical fitness, while planting a garden and tending to pets helps them learn responsibility. It’s a busy, fun-filled planet! Cost: $144 for 8 weeks. Contact Justin Ostergaard at (773) 761-0376 if you’re interested. Registration now open at Berger Park for fall preschool.
Kegs for Kids Needs You! Kegs for Kids is a fundraiser for Helen C. Peirce Elementary School at Hopleaf Bar on Sunday, September 9th from 1-6pm. They could use an extra set of hands in almost all areas of the fundraiser, both planning and the night of. Click here if you’re interested in volunteering your time and talent. K4K is also in search of Silent Auction items – this is a crucial part of their fundraiser. If you have access to event tickets, vacation rentals, art, services, dinners, etc., please consider donating them. Click here if you’re interested in donating.
Construction Update
Edgewater Library  This week, Burling Builders will be installing the underground utilities. They have completed the temporary hand rail around the parameter that allows them to install roofing materials. Additionally, they are fireproofing the steel and the masonry mock-up is 30% complete. The next significant element of work is the installation of the masonry walls on the outside of the building and everything is on schedule.
Glenwood Watermain Project Final connections at cross streets tentatively scheduled to begin at end of week or at beginning of the following week of 7/16/12. Progress to-date: Main-line water main is approximately 98% complete as of Friday 6/29/12. Service transfers are in progress and 80% complete Water main phase of project is approximately 80% complete. Remaining work: Complete remaining service transfers Complete 4 final connections and 1 connection abandonment (at Foster) Remove old hydrants and mobilize equipment and materials to next project Street and parkway restoration Minor fallen branch removal by Forestry Note: Residents are advised to open a lower-level laundry tub faucet, bathtub faucet or outside sill cock after the crew completes their individual service transfer to the new water main. Doing this will allow any loose mineral sediment in older house plumbing to clear without blocking kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators. Residents can expect a moment without water when the remaining faucets are first turned back on as air is expelled from the house plumbing.
Broadway Watermain Project This week the contractor has managed to get all the way to Balmoral. At the beginning of next week all that’s left would be to finish the crossing at Balmoral and install some hydrants. No parking signs will be removed afterwards and the job will go into disinfection status which would take up to the end of next week. Concrete cap work should be completed by today. All traffic control and signs should be removed from the job site on Monday.
Upcoming Events – This Week
Windy City Ribfest
July 13-15th
Lawrence and Broadway
Click here for more information
Screening of “Urban Roots” – Documentary about urban agriculture in Detroit Part of Andersonville Green Week Friday, July 13th at 6pm Swedish American Museum Click here for more information
Mozart & Merlot – a free concert benefitting Ride for AIDS Chicago
Friday, July 13 at 7pm
Unity Lutheran Church – 1212 Balmoral Ave
Click here for more information
Chicago Friends School Open House Saturday, July 14th from 2-4pm 1246 Thorndale Ave Click here for the flyer
White Elephant Sale Saturday, July 14th from 11am-3pm 6033 N Sheridan Click here for more information
St. Andrew’s Greek Festival July 14-15th St. Andrew’s Church Click here for the flyer
Run! to End Homelessness Sunday, July 15th at 8am Douglas Park Click here for more information
Vintage Garage Chicago Sunday, July 15th from 9am-4pm 5051 N Broadway between Foster & Argyle Click here for more information
St. Ita Tastes of Summer 2012 Sunday, July 15th St. Ita’s Church
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