Cultural attractions to provide key to success
of Six Corners
The success of Six Corners shopping district will depend on its cultural attractions drawing visitors from outside the area, according to Alderman John Arena (45th). "By bringing new wallets is how we are going to sustain Six Corners," Arena said at the May 9 meeting of the Six Corners Association.
Click here to read more about Chicago's Six Corners
Capitol Club appeals license revocation
The owner of the Capitol Club, 4244 N. Milwaukee Ave., has filed a petition for a rehearing with the city's License Appeal Commission after the commission upheld the revocation of the club's liquor and businesses licenses.
Click here to read more about the Capitol Club
Area aldermen discuss deal for parking meters
Northwest Side aldermen offered tentative support for a proposed deal that would change the city's lease agreement with Chicago Parking Meters and urged caution in their deliberation of the deal.
Click here to read more about the deal discussed for parking meters
Jeff Fest 2013
Songwriter Michael McDmermott, DOT DOT DOT and CTA – a tribute to CHICAGO – are among the headliners at the Jeff Park Arts and Music Festival which will he held the weekend of July 26 to 28 at Jefferson Park, near Lawrence and Linder avenues. The event is an official XRT summer festival and features Urban Folk Market vendors. |
Ald. O'Connor briefed on smart grid initiative; device will improve power reliability
A ComEd crew recently installed an 835-pound IntelliRupter, which is designed to limit the spread of power outages, on a new utility pole in an alley in the 5500 block of North Neva Avenue. The device, which is part of the company’s Smart Grid initiative, is being installed in areas that have had a history of power reliability problems. |
Principal chosen for St. Patrick HS
Jon Baffico has been chosen to be the new principal of Saint Patrick High School, as longtime principal Dr. Joseph Schmidt prepares to become the school’s president.
Click here to read more about the new principal at Chicago's St. Patrick High School
Residents vote for 45th Ward improvements
Viaduct improvements, an artificial-turf field at Beaubien School, a new community garden and a pedestrian crossing light in front of the Jefferson Park CTA Terminal are the top projects in the participatory budget vote last week in the 45th Ward.
Click here to read more about the improvements for the 45th Ward
Taft HS to get improvements; Oriole Park to
receive annex
About $17 million in improvements to Taft High School and a $20 million annex at Oriole Park School are among the projects included in the Chicago Public Schools’ recently released capital budget plan for 2014.
Click here to read more about the Taft improvements
TAFT, ORIOLE PARK BIG WINNERS IN CPS 2014 CAPITAL BUDGET
Taft will receive $17 million in improvements and Oriole Park to get annex
Click here to read more about the Capital Budget
TAFT HS, DOWNTOWN EDGEBROOK, ASH BORER, OTHER UPDATES
Click here to read more about the updates
Details of new playground for Pleasant Point Park Revealed
The construction of a new playground that will feature several natural elements is expected to be completed by late fall at Pleasant Point Park, 6801 W. Imlay St. |
Legislators discuss issues in General Assembly
Northwest Side lawmakers discussed issues facing the General Assembly in its current session, including the state's pension problem, efforts to pass bills permitting medical marijuana and marriage equality, and the effort to regulate concealed weapons.
Click here to read more about the issues being discussed
Man charged in sale of counterfeit Viagra pills
The owner of Belmont Pharmacy, 6148 W. Belmont Ave., was charged with illegally obtaining counterfeit Viagra and Cialis from China and dispensing the medications, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Click here to read more about the counterfeit Viagra pills
Homes planned for Riddell factory site
A development of 50 single-family homes is planned for the former Riddell football helmet factory at 3670 N. Milwaukee Ave. "I think this will be well received and become a significant booster to the community," project developer David Dubin of Dubin Residential said.
Click here to read more about the homes planned for Riddel Factory site
Death ruled suicide at Notre Dame HS
A faculty member at Notre Dame Prep High School in Niles was found dead of an apparent suicide on the school campus Tuesday, April 16, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Click here to read more about the death at Notre Dame High School
Man sought in two attacks on women
The Area North Bureau of Detectives issued a community alert after reports that a man sexually assaulted a woman and robbed a second woman in two incidents on Belmont Avenue, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police.
Click here to read more about the man sought in the two attacks on women
City files motion to halt shows at Congress, but improvements made & theater remains open for business
The following is a copy of the motion which the city recently filed to obtain a preliminary injunction to stop the operation of the Congress Theater unless it immediately comes into full compliance with city building and safety code requirements.
Click here to read more about the Congress Theater
Voting for 45th Ward's Participatory Budgeting Starts April 29
Voting begins Monday, April 29, on the selection of which infrastructure improvements will be funded as part of the participatory budgeting process in the 45th Ward.
Click here to read more about the budget & for a copy of the Ballot
Rush Hour Parking Bans
Alderman John Arena (45th) recently filed an ordinance that would lift the rush-hour parking bans on Milwaukee Avenue between Lawrence Avenue and Addison Street.
Click here to read more about the parking bans
Bank of America site at 4901 W. Irving Park Rd
The former Bank of America site at 4901 W. Irving Park Road was sold last month to a development entity that includes the owner of the Aurora-based Cerrmak Fresh Market.
Cermak has stores in Illinois and Wisconsin. |
Mayfair traffic study sought
The Mayfair Civic Association is requesting a traffic study on whether to make east-west streets in the area one-way in an effort to reduce cut-through traffic and improve safety. Twenty-two residents voted in favor of a motion calling for the study at the association's April 11 meeting, while 10 voted for no study.
Click here to read more about Mayfair traffic Study
"Road Diet" unlikely for Foster
Safety improvements including red light cameras, new pavement markings and improved traffic signals are being studied as possible ways to slow traffic on Foster Avenue, Chicago Department of Transportation officials told a standing-room-only crowd at a meeting held on April 10 by Alderman Margaret Laurino (39th) at the Mayfair Library, 4400 W. Lawrence Ave.
Click here to read more about the safety improvements on Foster
Portage Theater redevelpment plans revealed
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Under new redevelopment plans for the 93-year-old Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., its current manager will be maintained, a wider range of movies will be shown, and a restaurant and banquet hall will be added to the building. |
CTA Says new fare card will meet riders' needs
Chicago Transit Authority and Pace riders will have to adjust to a new transit fare payment system known as Ventra that is scheduled to begin over the summer, but they can avoid fees and price increases in most cases if they acquaint themselves with the rules governing the new fare cards.
Click here to read more about CTA's new fare card
Landmark designation sought for former Jeff Park Firehouse
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The Northwest Chicago Historical Society is seeking city landmark status for the former Jefferson Park firehouse at the southeast corner of Ainslie Street and Lipps Avenue. |
Taft IB move spurs crowding concerns
The conversion of Taft High School into a school with a "wall-to-wall" International Baccalaureate Program curriculum is intended to attract more local children to the school, but questions remain about how many more students Taft can accommodate.
Click here to read more about Taft IB concerns
Archdiocese selling food preparation site
The Archdiocese of Chicago is seeking to sell the Food Service Professionals facility, 5150 N. Northwest Hwy., as part of a plan to retain a third-party provider to prepare and deliver pre-cooked meals to its schools.
Click here to read more about the preparation site
Man beat with bat
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This is a police sketch of a man who reportedly used a bat to beat a 35-year-old man, who suffered sever head trauma during an incident at 2 a.m. on March 3 near Milwaukee and Sunnyside avenues. |
Violent crime updates for Jeff Park area
Click here to read more about the crime updates
False Report Charged
A woman was charged with filing a false police report of a man with a gun that led to a large-scale police emergency response that disrupted traffic at about 4:20 p.m. Thursday, March 14, in the 6300 block of West Gunnison Street, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police.
Click here to read more about the flase police report on West Gunnison St
Residents to vote on ward discretionary funds
A new playground at Roberts Square Park, artificial turf at Beaubien School and a new stoplight at the Jefferson Park CTA terminal are among the projects that under consideration for funding as part of the 45th Ward's participatory budgeting process.
Click here to read more about the ward discretionary funds
Air traffic noise discussed at Edgebrook Community Meeting
As implementation of the O’Hare Modernization Plan progresses, many Far Northwest Side communities are expected to experience additional increases in flights over their homes while some suburbs reportedly are experiencing large reductions.
Click here to read more about the air traffic noise
Portage Theater gets approved for landmark status
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks unanimously approved landmark status for the Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., at its March 7 meeting, while the Chicago Plan Commission recently approved a mixed-use complex at 8601-23 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Click here to read more about the Portage Theater
Police issue alert on business robberies
The Chicago Police Department Area North Bureau of Detectives has issued an alert warning businesses about a series of armed robberies that have occurred the 16th (Jefferson Park) Police District since March 3.
Click here to read more about the local area business robberies
Redevelopment projects for vacant businesses planned
A car dealership and a motorcycle shop could be among the redevelopment projects at vacant buildings in the south end of the Gladstone Park commercial district.
Click here to read more about the redevelopment projects
Traffic on Keeler to revert to one-way
Traffic flow in the 5100 block of North Keeler Avenue will once again become one-way northbound after a 3-month trial during which a portion of the street has been two-way to accommodate cars that are leaving the Gompers Park parking lot on the east side of the street.
Click here to read more about the traffic on Keeler
NW Side reps dismayed by veto of gambling bill
Northwest Side lawmakers expressed disappointment after Governor Pat Quinn vetoed legislation that would have allowed casino gambling to expand to Chicago and four other Illinois cities.
Click here to read more about the gambling bill
Alderman Laurino releases "Mayfair Alive!!" report
Please click here for a copy of Alderman Margaret Laurino's "Mayfair Alive!!" report, which makes recommendations for the revitalization of Lawrence Avenue between Pulaski Road on the east and Cicero Avenue on the west.
Click here to read more about the Mayfair Alive!!
Fringe Festival set to shift to Jefferson Park
Several thousand visitors are expected to attend the fourth annual “Chicago Fringe Festival,” which will feature 200 performances from theater groups from throughout the Midwest at venues in the Jefferson Park shopping district.
Click here to read more about the Fring Festival at Jefferson Park
Entire Northwest Side due to get blue cart
recycling by fall
Most Northwest Side residents could wait until November to receive blue cart recycling services as part of the citywide expansion of the recycling program. Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced last week that more than 131,000 households will begin receiving recycling services in March and April as the program expands throughout the year.
Click here to read more about Chicago's recycling blue cart program
Mayfair Association discusses conversion to one-way streets
The possibility of making Leland Avenue, Wilson Avenue and Sunnyside Avenue one-way streets between the Edens Expressway and Elston Avenue was discussed at the Feb. 21 meeting of the Mayfair Civic Association.
Click here to read more about the Mayfair Association and one-way streets
Six Corners projects discussed
Several large redevelopment opportunities and a proposed pedestrian plaza were discussed at the Six Corners Association’s “Community Leaders Roundtable” luncheon on Feb. 14. The luncheon also featured the unveiling of the winning submission for a sculpture to be installed in the 4000 block of North Cicero Avenue.
Click here to read more about the projects being discussed at Six Corners
Aldermen speak out on police response policy
Some Northwest Side aldermen expressed concern about the Chicago Police Department’s new policy that will use the 311 city service to handle all calls involving non-emergency crimes and not dispatch officers when the victim is not in danger.
Click here to read more about the police response policy
Skil parcel eyed for community garden
A temporary community garden with up to 2,000 planting beds is being considered for the former Skil Power Tools site, 4300 W. Peterson Ave. Alderman Margaret Laurino (39th) is seeking to contact the owner of the property about a possible garden for the vacant 193,000-square-foot parcel, but no decision has been made.
Click here to read more about the community garden
Taft High School to use dogs to sniff out drugs in lockers
A surprise visit by drug-sniffing dogs is planned for Taft High School this semester following an increase in drug-related incidents at the school in January.The plan was announced at the Feb. 5 meeting of the Taft High School Local School Council. Taft used dogs to check lockers twice last school year when students were not present, but plans call for security personnel to conduct the next search while students are in their classrooms.
Click here to read more about drug sniffing dogs to be used at Taft High School
Portage Park residents updated on shootings
At a community meeting held Feb. 6, 16th (Jefferson Park) Police District commander James O’Donnell encouraged residents to report suspicious activity in the wake of two recent shootings in the Portage Park neighborhood.
Click here to read more about the shootings in the Portage Park neighborhood
Norwood Park Auto to be sold
The closing of Norwood Park Auto, 6333 N. Northwest Hwy., planned for later this month could leave the intersection of Northwest Highway and Harlem Avenue without a car dealership for the first time in about 65 years.
Click here to read more about the closing of Norwood Park Auto
Visa bill would ease travel from Poland
U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-5) and Aaron Schock (R-18) and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill) have reintroduced legislation that will enable Poland and other countries to be included in the Visa Waiver Program
Click here to read more about the Visa Bill to ease travel from Poland
7-Story Edgebrook Proposal may spark discussion on area's redevelopment
While the 41st Ward Zoning Advisory Board at its Feb. 6 meeting raised objections to the height of a proposed seven-story building at 5408-16 W. Devon Ave., it hopes that the retail-residential proposal can spark a community discussion on how Downtown Edgebrook can best be revitalized.
Click here to read more about the proposal for the 7-story building in Edgebrook
Arena extols attractions in commercial districts
While efforts to revitalize the Six Corners and Jefferson Park shopping districts are planned, more attention should be given to promoting existing businesses and cultural attractions in the area, according to Alderman John Arena (45th).
Click here to read more about the commercial districts of Jefferson Park and Six Corners
Ordinance would allow pet cremations in city
Alderman Margaret Laurino (39th) is sponsoring an ordinance which would allow pet cremation, which is permitted in many suburbs. Representatives of Bohemian National Cemetery, 5255 N. Pulaski Road, requested the change in the city zoning ordinance, Laurino spokesman Manuel Galvan said. The ordinance only allows the cremation of humans, but under the proposal the words "or companion animal" would be added to the ordinance.
Click here to read more about Pet Cremations
Man Charged after wife dies in apartment fire
A man was charged with first degree murder and aggravated arson after he allegedly set his apartment on fire and fatally burned his wife in the incident at about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, in the 4800 block of North Kenneth Avenue, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.
Click here to read more about the apartment fire
Higher CTA pass prices go into effect
Blue Line riders coming from O'Hare International Airport will pay $5 per regular full-fare trip, the cost of passes has increased, and high school students must apply for a new Student Riding Permit as part of the Chicago Transit Authority's fare changes which took effect on Jan. 14.
Click here to read more about the new prices of the CTA Pass Prices
Seven-story building proposed for Edgebrook
A proposed seven-story building in Downtown Edgebrook, the opening of two businesses at the Jefferson Park CTA Terminal and the search for a new tenant at the former site of the Blue Angel restaurant are among development projects in the area.
Click here to read more about the proposed building
Groups raise concerns over O'Hare Traffic Shift
Northwest Side community groups are voicing concern that the opening of a new runway at O'Hare International Airport will cause a significant increase in the number of planes flying over their neighborhoods beginning in October.
Click here to read more about the concerns over O'hare Traffic
Two NW Side parks slated to get playlots
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Demolition of the aging playlot at Merrimac Park, 6343 W. Irving Park Road, began last week, and work on the new playground is expected to be complete by the summer. "It will be a huge improvement than anything that was there before," Alderman Tim Cullerton (38th) said. |
School closing criteria outlined
A Chicago Public Schools commission that was formed to help determine which of the city's schools should be closed has released its preliminary findings. The Commission on School Utilization report lists six recommendations based on 10 public meetings and comments by teachers, administrators, staff members, students, residents, education experts and researchers. The nine-member commission was formed last fall to gather data and make recommendations regarding efforts to "right size" the district.
Click here to read more about Chicago's School closing criteria
Salon robber sought
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Suburban police departments are looking for a man who is believed to be responsible for a series of robberies of hair salons in the area, with the most recent incident occurring at about 12:25 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at the Supercuts, 3539 W. Dempster St., Skokie. |
Group wants basketball court removed
The outdoor basketball court at Jefferson Park would be removed under a plan to replace it with an artificial soccer field that was approved by the Jefferson Park Advisory Council on Dec. 12.
Click here to read more about the basketball court at Jefferson Park
Parking Meter rate increase in effect
The final rate increase for parking meters throughout the city will take effect on Jan. 2 based on the rate schedule that was contained in the parking meter concession agreement between the city and Chicago Parking Meters.
Click here to read more about the new Parking Meter Rates in Chicago
Legislators discuss concealed weapons ruling
Northwest Side lawmakers discussed firearms restrictions that they see as necessary following a court decision that struck down the state’s long-standing ban on carrying concealed weapons.
Click here to read more about the concealed weapons ruling
Gun Rumor Disrupts Taft High School
Additional police officers were assigned to Taft High School Thursday and Friday in response to reports on social media about a possible gunfight at dismissal time, but the incident never occurred.
Click here to read more about the gun rumor at Taft High School
Taft High School to become an IB School
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Concerns that their child may not be accepted to a selective enrollment high school all too often leads to families considering a move to the suburbs, but city officials hope that turning Taft High School into a neighborhood international baccalaureate school will change that. |
Tree Removal Irks Neighbors
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The removal of trees and a fence in the unimproved alley that runs behind the homes in the 6200 block of North Knox Avenue and the 6100 block of North Kirkwood Avenue has led to a dispute among neighbors as a couple on Knox prepares to build an addition to their house. |
Winona House Fire
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A man was hospitalized with serious burns after his home in the 5000 block of West Winona Avenue caught fire at about 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, according to the Chicago Fire Department. |
FBI Foil Abduction Plot
Chicago FBI agents raided a real estate office in the 6300 block of North Milwaukee Avenue on Oct. 25 and arrested two men, allegedly thwarting an extortion and murder plot. The arrests followed an investigation that began in September which used recorded conversations with an informant who was identified in court documents as "Individual A."
Click here to read more about the abduction and murder plot
Taft High School Test Scores Improving
Achievement test scores at Taft High School are improving, and they rank the highest among the area's five neighborhood high schools despite the fact that only about 40 percent of Taft juniors met or exceeded state standards last school year.
Click here to read more about Tafts improvements
Garage Burglaries
The 16th (Jefferson Park) Police District is reminding home owners to keep their garages secured following an increase in burglaries in the area.
Click here to read more about the rise in garage burglaries in the 16th district
Corpernicus Center Second Annual Traditional Christmas Festival
The Celebration of Christmas will begin Saturday - Dec. 8 in the theater. The ceremony will include a children's choir singing traditional holiday carols.
Click here to read more info about Copernicus Center's Christmas Festival
St. Cornelius gets a 50K "Green Makeover"
A $50,000 "green makeover" grant to Saint Cornelius School is allowing the school to establish a new iPad lab, to purchase 45 refurbished computers and to install more efficient lighting in 10 classrooms.
Click here to read more about St. Cornelius' Green Makeover
County Budget
Northwest Side county commissioners voted in favor of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle's $3.32 billion budget on Nov. 9.
Click here to read more about County Budget
Pot-Growing Operation raided
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The Chicago Police Department Gang Enforcement Unit in a raid on Oct. 17 dismantled a large-scale marijuana-growing operation in a commercial building in the 3900 block of North Elston Avenue and arrested a man on felony drug and weapons charges, according to the Chicago Police Department Office of News Affairs. |
Randazzo Goes after McAuliffe in 20th District
Republican incumbent Michael McAuliffe is facing a challenge from Democrat Bruce Randazzo in his re-election bid in the 20th Illinois House District. Randazzo, age 55, said that he decided to run for office because the district "needs fresh blood" and a new perspective.
Click here to read more about McAuliffe vs Randazzo
Portage Theater owner, management in dispute
A war of words has erupted between Alderman John Arena (45th) and the attorney for new Portage Theater building owner Eddie Carranza after the current management team of the theater was served a five-day eviction notice due a claim of unpaid rent.
Click here to read more about the dispute at Portage Theater
Users distracted by electronic devices vulnerable
to thieves
A recent robbery on a CTA bus illustrates how important it is for users of smart phones and other electronic devices in public to be aware of their surroundings, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) Police District commander James O'Donnell.
Click here to read more about thefts on CTA buses
Police share updates on area shootings
Updates on shootings which occurred outside late-night businesses near Milwaukee and Berteau avenues and the role which neighbors play in catching burglars were discussed at a July 25 town hall meeting held by the 16th (Jefferson Park) District police.
Click here to read more about the recent shootings in Chicago
Klee Building gets martial arts center
More than 90 percent of the commercial space in the triangular-shaped Klee Plaza building at Milwaukee and Cicero Avenues is now leased following last week’s announcement that Villari Family Center is moving into the plaza.
Click here to read more about the martial arts center in the Klee Building
Jeff Park Freemasons to mark temple centennial
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Next month's 100th anniversary celebration of the Jefferson Masonic Temple, 5418 W. Gale St., will pay tribute to the role its early members played in the development of the community. |
Jeff Fest 2012 Moves to the Park
Formerly known as “Jeff Fest,” the 12-year-old festival has been re-invented in order to bring the community a larger mix of entertainment and art in a new setting that serves as the centerpiece of this vibrant Northwest Side neighborhood.
Click here to read more about 2012 Jeff Fest
Suspension reductions urged
Possible changes in the student discipline code and a wider selection of items in the lunchroom are among the issues which were discussed at the June 7 meeting of the Taft High School Local School Council.
Click here to read more about reductions in Chicago schools' Suspension
New Restaurants planned for Jeff Park
Several new eateries, a deli and an historic walking tour are planned for the Milwaukee-Lawrence shopping district, which in recent months has celebrated the openings of the Chicago Kurdish Cultural Center and the Copernicus Center Annex.
Click here to read more about the new Restaurants planned for Jeff Park
Wildwood School
“How to Ace the ISAT Test” was one of many student exhibits that turned the hallways and classrooms into a museum during Wildwood School’s first “Student Inquiry Fair” earlier this year.
Click here to read more about the Wildwood School's Inquiry Fair
Bank Robbery suspect caught
A man was arrested after he allegedly robbed First Merit Bank, 7227 W. Addison St., at about 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, according the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Click here to read more about the First Merit Bank Robber
Tuition funds for theater camp missing
Gordon Tech High School has learned that the founder and director of a popular after-school and summer theater program that leased space from the school is under investigation for embezzlement and apparently cannot be found, and the camp funds are missing.
Click here to read more about the Gordon Tech's missing funds
Group to open new theater in vacant Six Corners store front
The Filament Theater Ensemble plans to convert a vacant storefront in the Six Corners shopping district into a 99-seat theater. The theater company, which a group of Northwestern University graduates founded in 2007, is leasing 4,500 square feet of space on the first floor of the four-story Portage Lofts building, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Click here to read more about the Filament Theater
Man beaten to death
A man was murdered apparently when a drug deal went bad at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, May 13, at a residence in the 4500 block of North Milwaukee Avenue, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police.
Click here to read more about the drug deal gone bad
Alderman seeks authority to buy Portage Theater
At the urging of Alderman John Arena (45th), the City of Chicago is preparing to purchase the Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., if the Zoning Board of Appeals were to grant a special use to allow the Chicago Tabernacle church to operate there.
Click here to read more about the Portage Theater
Jeff Fest 2012
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The 12-year-old festival, which last year was held at the Copernicus Cultural & Civic Center, is being presented by the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce, the Chicago Park District and Alderman John Arena (45th). This year’s festival will be held in the park and along Higgins Avenue between Milwaukee Avenue and Linder Avenue. |
State threatens license of drug treatment clinic
The operators of a drug rehabilitation clinic that opened last year in Jefferson Park were given 10 days to reschedule an administrative hearing with the state Department of Human Services or their business license will be revoked after dozens of alleged violations were discovered at the clinic.
Click here to read more about the Lilac Treatment Center
Groups slate initiative against youth violence
The Chicago Public Library, the Steppenwolf Theater Company and Facing History and Ourselves are cosponsoring a season-long initiative against youth violence and intolerance titled “Now is the Time.”
Click here to read more about the initiative against youth violence
Groundbreaking set for Gompers Park Playlot
The Chicago Park District is preparing to break ground for a new playlot at Gompers Park, 4222 W. Foster Ave., marking the end of 4 years of lobbying and fund-raising efforts by area residents. The official ground-breaking ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at the existing playlot.
Click here to read more about Gompers Park Playlot
State seeks comments on Elgin O'hare Bypass
The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Tollway Authority are accepting public comment on the proposed Elgin O'Hare West Bypass, which is intended to ease traffic congestion around O'Hare International Airport, although it is not clear whether a promised roadway to a proposed western terminal will be built.
Click here to read more about Elgin O'hare Bypass
ZBA Hearing on Portage Theater moved to June
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The Zoning Board of Appeals at its meeting on April 20 granted a continuance to its June 15 meeting on a request by the Chicago Tabernacle for a special use that would allow it to establish a place of religious assembly in the building housing the Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave. |
Pawnshop proposed for vacant building
A pawnshop has been proposed for a long-vacant storefront in the 5400 block of West Belmont Avenue. The EZ Pawn chain is seeking to open a shop in the former Smithe and Shanahan furniture store, 5454 W. Belmont Ave, which has been vacant since 2007.
Click here to read more about EZ Pawn Shop
Chicago Tours
The Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture has announced its schedule of neighborhood tours for 2012. The tour season will run through November, and it features 28 excursions, including 15 new tours. All tours are conducted by bus or foot and are guided.
Click here to read more about Chicago Tours
Event Yields ideas for boosting Six Corners
More restaurants, better communication on parking and a gathering place such as a fountain or plaza were among the recommendations from the 75 residents and merchants who attended an April 11 planning workshop for the Six Corners shopping district.
Click here to read more about ideas for boosting Six Corners
"Pigeon Drops"
The Lincolnwood Police Department has issued a warning about three recent incidents in which elderly residents were scammed into withdrawing money from their bank accounts.
Click here to read more about Pigeon Drops
Portage Theater gets early ok for Landmark Bid
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The Commission on Chicago Landmarks gave preliminary approval to a bid to designate the Portage Theater a city landmark at its meeting on April 5.
Alderman John Arena (45th) said that the commission's decision is a victory for the preservation of the theater, which he considers an important community anchor in the Six Corners shopping district. |
Chicago Speed Cameras
Some Northwest Side aldermen said they are gauging the opinions of their constituents on the plan to place speed cameras around parks and schools, while others say they oppose the proposal.
Click here to read more about Chicago's Speed Cameras
Recount sought in 39th District Race
Will Guzzardi said that he will seek a recount in his effort to win the Democratic Party nomination in the 39th Illinois House District against incumbent Maria "Toni" Berrios. Berrios defeated Guzzardi by 125 votes, 4,021-3,896, in the March 20 primary election.
Click here to read more about 39th District Race
Taft High School has a new Principal
The Taft High School Local School Council is hoping that as the school's next principal, Mary Kay Cappitelli, will build on the foundation that her predecessor, Dr. Arthur Tarvardian, put in place during his 13-year tenure in the position.
Click here to read more about Taft's new principle
Save Portage Theater
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More than 900 people attended a March 26 community meeting at the Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., to express opposition to a request to convert the building into a church. |
John Arena wins 45th Ward Committeeman's Race
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Alderman John Arena demonstrated his political strength Tuesday night by winning the 45th Ward Democratic committeeman's race by a large margin over his two challengers, business owner Jacquelyn Hathaway and city worker Jose Rivera. |
Cullerton takes 38th Ward Committeeman's Race
Incumbent Patricia Cullerton defeated challenger Tom Caravette for the 38th Ward Democratic Committeeman position in the March 20 election.
Click here to read more about 38th Ward Committeman's Race
Sposato captures 36th Ward Committeeman's Race
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First-term alderman Nicholas Sposato cruised to victory Tuesday night in the 36th Ward Democratic committeeman's race by easily defeating his challenger, attorney Lawrence Andolino. The committeeman's post currently is being held by former alderman William Banks, who did not seek re-election. |
Berrios holds narrow lead over Guzzardi in 39th Illinois House District Race
Incumbent Maria Berrios held a narrow lead late Tuesday night over challenger William Guzzardi in the primary race to decide the Democratic Party's nominee for the 39th Illinois House District seat.
Click here to read more about 39th District House Seat Race
Martwick defeates Stoppa for 19th District House Seat
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Real estate attorney Robert Martwick led Chicago police officer Sandra Stoppa by a wide margin in the March 20 Democratic primary race in the 19th Illinois House District race to replace the retiring state Representative Joseph Lyons. |
19th District Slate
Real estate attorney Robert Martwick is facing Chicago police officer Sandra Stoppa in the March 20 Democratic primary, hoping to take over the 19th Illinois House District seat held for 16 years by retiring state Representative Joseph Lyons.
Click here to read more about 19th District Slate
39th House
Incumbent Maria Berrios is facing challenger William Guzzardi in the primary race to decide the Democratic Party's nominee for the 39th Illinois House District seat.
Click here to read more about 39th House
45th Ward
Alderman John Arena, business owner Jacquelyn Hathaway and city worker Jose Rivera are campaigning to replace Patrick Levar as the Democratic committeeman for the 45th Ward.
Arena was elected to the City Council in 2011, when he defeated police officer John Garrido by about 30 votes in the runoff election to succeed the retiring Levar as alderman.
Click here to read more about 45th Ward
38th Ward
Incumbent 38th Ward Democratic Committeeman Patricia Cullerton is facing Tom Caravette in the March 20 election.
Caravette, a real estate broker and a business owner who has a degree in political science from Northern Illinois University, ran unsuccessfully against appointed Alderman Timothy Cullerton last year.
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Sergeant Roy G. Eriksson
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Nearly 65 years after it was organized in 1947, the Sergeant Roy G. Eriksson American Legion Post 1119 continues to meet on a monthly basis. |
36th Ward Committeeman
Alderman Nicholas Sposato is facing one challenger in the race for Democratic committeeman for the 36th Ward.
Sposato and Lawrence Andolino are running for the post currently held by former 36th Ward alderman William Banks. Banks stepped down from the City Council in 2009, but he has held onto the committeeman position.
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Resurrection High School Celebrating 90th Year
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During its 90-year history, Resurrection High School has endeavored to adhere to its mission of providing a quality education to girls who will use their talents to improve society as women. |
Mayfair Lumber Closing
The family-owned Mayfair Lumber is closing after operating on a six-acre site at 4825 W. Lawrence Ave. for 82 years.
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