May 25, 2012
Dear Neighbor,
On Wednesday, I released a special newsletter announcing a new partnership between Senn High School and Loyola University.Click here to read more. Many of you responded to share your enthusiasm and excitement for the future. I have been a strong partner and advocate of Senn High School for many years. As your state representative for 11 years, I helped secure state funds for a new science lab, computer lab, and security cameras. I strongly believe this strategic partnership is a turning point for our community’s goal in making Senn High School a first-choice neighborhood school.
This weekend is Memorial Day, which honors the more than one million men and women who have made sacrifices in defense of our country. General David Petraeus will lead this year’s Chicago Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 26, which is dedicated to the over 6500 soldiers who fought and died in our country’s recent conflicts. Events will begin at 11:00am at Daley Plaza. The parade will step off at noon at State and Lake Streets. Click here for more information. On Monday, May 28, there will be a local Memorial Day Parade. People will begin assembling at 9:30am at 5739 N. Clark. The parade will begin at 10:15am and lead into Rosehill Cemetery where a special ceremony will be held.
I hope you have a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend!
—-
Sincerely,
Harry Osterman
Alderman, 48th Ward
First Year Report
Last week I announced that we would be releasing a “First Year Report.” Click here to read it. One year ago, I had the privilege of taking office as your Alderman. I entered office focused on key areas I knew were important to you and crucial in making our community an incredibly vibrant place to live, do business, raise a family and enjoy: making our streets safe for all; developing ourcommercial corridors with strong businesses that serve the neighborhood; strengthening our local schools and educational opportunities; and, inviting all community members to help plan for the future of the 48th Ward. One year later, much has been accomplished and there is still a lot of work ahead.
I invite you to read more about our first year, and please send any ideas, concerns or comments to Harry@48thward.org.
Ward Update
Celebration of National Senior Month
This week, I joined in a celebration of our area’s seniors for National Senior Month. I joined Department of Aging Commissioner Joyce Gallagher at the Broadway’s Armory’s Edgewater Satellite Senior Center for a ceremony in honor of Older Americans Month.
Grid Garbage Roll-Out
Department of Streets and Sanitation announced the phased roll out of grid garbage collection that will begin on June 11, 2012, including the 48th Ward. This program will save money for our City and will better streamline garbage collection efficiency.
Click here to view a map of the new system. Our Ward is split into two parts: north of Bryn Mawr will be picked up on
Tuesdays and south of Bryn Mawr will be picked up on
Fridays. This program solely applies to garbage collection – not recycling – which will remain on the same schedule and will run out of the north side recycling center.
Click here for the notice.
If your garbage car becomes too full during the transition week, you are encouraged to call 311 to request assistance or call the 48th Ward office at 773-784-5277. As the new schedule is rolled out, there will be extra trucks patrolling alleys to service these carts, and trouble shoot similar issues.
Construction Updates
Edgewater Library 
The Edgewater Library construction is underway and contractor Burling Builder was able to complete (100%) the grade beam concrete work on Wednesday May 23. They are planning on starting to install the steel structure of the building in early June.
New Water Main
The Department of Water will be installing a new water main on North Glenwood Ave (between the blocks of West Balmoral Ave and West Foster Ave). Construction is expected to commence at the end of May and should be completed by late June 2012. Restoration will follow in late July 2012, including half-width street resurfacing along with repair of damaged parkway and sidewalk.
CTA Summer Construction
Granville will be the first station to undergo improvements this summer as part of the CTA’s Red Ahead program, as explained in this newsletter. The station will be closed for a maximum of 6 weeks and has a new start date of June 1, 2012. Commuters at this station will be notified via signage. To read more about the improvements being made at Granville, click here.
Upcoming Events – This Week
Bike the Drive
Sunday, May 27 begins at 5:30 am
Click here for more information
Positive Loitering – Thorndale area
Thursday, May 29 from 8-9pm
Meet at the NE corner of Broadway and Thorndale
Fiesta de Arte
Join the Peirce community for their 2nd annual fundraising event
Thursday, May 31 from 6-8 pm
Peirce Elementary
Click here for the flyer
The Building Group’s First Tuesdays Seminars
A free series of educational events geared for owners and residents of condominiums.
Tuesday, June 5
Click here for the flyer
Peter Pan or the Boy Who Would Not Grow Up
Saturday, May 26 – Sunday, June 17
Saturdays and Sundays at 12 pm
Rivendell Theatre – 5775 N Ridge Ave
Click here for more information
Upcoming Events – Save the Date
