Residents can vote on 39th Ward participatory budget projects through Aug. 4
by CYRYL JAKUBOWSKI
Alderman Samantha Nugent (39th) announced that ward residents can vote on proposed participatory budget projects through Aug. 4, including improvements at Mayfair, Sauganash, Gompers and Peterson parks, a new left arrow turn lane at Lawrence and Cicero avenues, and new signage throughout the ward and other projects.
Ward residents age 14 and older can vote on how to spend $500,000 of the $1.5 million in public budget funds, also known as “menu” money. People can find a link to vote and information about each project at https://aldermannugent.com.
Some of the proposed projects are:
Renovation of the baseball diamond at Little Gompers Park, 4222 W. Foster Ave., which includes new benches in the dugout and improvements to the field costing $150,000.
A renovation of the basketball court at Mayfair Park, 4550 W. Sunnyside Ave., for $150,000, and relining the courts so sports like pickleball or roller hockey can be played.
Repairing the walking surface around the playground at Sauganash Park, 5861 N. Kostner Ave., and renovating the basketball courts with new hoops and re-striping costing $200,000.
A roundabout at Kolmar and Carmen avenues for $25,000; repairing and painting “Welcome to North Mayfair” on viaducts in the 5000 block of North Elston Avenue and in the 4500 block of West Foster Avenue for $50,000, as well as a new left turn arrow on westbound Lawrence to southbound Cicero for $150,000.
Also, community signs for $54,000 at Central and Leonard avenues, Austin and Elston avenues and at Devon and Melvina avenues; two signs along the Chicago River – one at the beginning area in the ward and one at the end within the ward; and signs at Peterson and Saint Louis avenues and Devon and Springfield avenues, near Peterson Park.
Also, protected bike lanes on a stretch of Montrose Avenue from Kostner Avenue to Pulaski Road for $150,000, and a crosswalk at Catalpa and Forest Glen and Latham and Forest Glen avenues, costing $50,000.
Other projects include pavement markings and crosswalks at Belle Plaine and Keeler avenues for $80,000, a pickleball court for $40,000 at Peterson Park, 5801 N. Pulaski Road.
