North Center Plaza Survey; 9-1-1 Alternative Response

Hi neighbors,

Yesterday evening, my office unveiled near-final plans for a new public plaza at the intersection of Lincoln & Berenice. The plaza will feature a performance stage, nature play area, turf grass, and tiered bench seating. This project wouldn’t be possible without financial support from State Rep. Ann Williams, as well as close collaboration with the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce and the North Center Neighbors Association. Please take a moment to fill out this short survey to help ensure the final design reflects the community’s priorities and needs.

Did you know that nearly 10% of 911 calls in our area involve parking complaints? These include cars that are illegally parked in a crosswalk or bus lane, and vans that have been abandoned on a residential side street. These calls deserve a prompt response, but they typically don’t require the involvement of police officers, whose time is typically better spent responding to 911 calls involving serious crime, investigating those complaints, and walking or driving the beat to strengthen relationships with neighbors.

Last Fall, four Police District Councilors and I introduced legislation establishing an alternative approach: parking enforcement aides from the City’s Finance Department would respond to these parking-related 911 calls. The legislation establishes separate pilot areas on Chicago’s north and south side, mirrors similar programs from cities including Albuquerque and nearby Evanston, and would pay for itself without additional taxes or fees. 

At the monthly meeting of the 19th Police District Council earlier this week, we discussed the Johnson administration’s refusal to support our plan. The administration countered with a proposal that reduces the number eligible calls by two-thirds, and slashes the pilot’s workforce to a mere three positions. 

I’m deeply frustrated with this rejection, especially since the Johnson administration’s own Community Safety Plan calls for a citywide 911 call analysis and a review of options for additional alternative response. (To the best of my knowledge, they have done neither.) In fact, the administration’s inattention to alternative response initiatives generally nearly destroyed the existing (and popular) CARE program: calls directed to the program’s mental health crisis teams have plummeted by 75%, and the City’s former Public Health Commissioner intentionally kept dozens of team positions vacant. We have to do better.

I hope you all have a restful weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by the annual Dim Sum 5K in Uptown to cheer on the runners! And please join me in welcoming two new locally owned businesses to our community: Ginger and Lime, a print shop featuring hand printed fabric and paper in Ravenswood, and Izakaya by Aiya, a Japanese-inspired restaurant in Lincoln Square. 

Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

Survey: Space North Center's New Plaza

Looking for a green space to read a good book? A play space for your kids? Your next lunch spot with friends?

The proposed plaza includes green space, a small covered stage, spaces for tents to support small fairs, kids play structures in the native planting area, public seating and more! 

Before we finalize the design, we want to hear from you. Tell us what you think!

Take the survey

47th Ward Youth Council Back to School Event

Thursday, August 27th

Join the Youth Council for their back to school event at Chase Park! Meet other students in the neighborhood and talk about goals for the school year.

The Youth Council is a group of 47th Ward residents grades 8 through 12 who work to engage and organize young people throughout the Ward. They consult with the alderman on legislative priorities, plan community events, and weigh in on the issues most affecting young people in Chicago.

Learn more

Feel Good Fest

Saturday, August 8th

Feel Good Fest is about feeling good, doing good, and fostering meaningful community. An outdoor, block party-style event, the fest will take place on Sunnyside Ave just west of Clark Street, next to the Black Ensemble Theater.

Learn more

Lincoln Square Cat Tour

Saturday, August 8th

The Lincoln Square Cat Tour is a walking tour where participants explore Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood – meeting local feline residents and celebrating the cats that help make our community special. 

Learn more

Ravenswood Bike Tour

Saturday, August 8th

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and North Branch Works are teaming up for a guided, 5-mile morning bike ride beginning at Rockwell on the River and ending at the all-new Ravenswood Feel Good Fest at Clark and Sunnyside. This is a pay-what-you-can event! Proceeds will be donated to the Chaddick Institute’s Riley O’Neill Memorial Fund.

Learn more

Vote: Shape the Future of Chicago Parks! 

Your voice. Your vote. Your parks. The Chicago Park District's Citywide Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiative gives community members the opportunity to help decide how funding will be invested in parks across the city. Voting is open to all community members ages 13 and up, and every vote helps ensure future park investments reflect the needs and priorities of Chicagoans.

Learn more

Clear the Shelters this August

Throughout the entire month of August, adoption fees will be waived for dogs and cats as part of NBCUniversal Local's annual Clear the Shelters campaign. Residents can visit Chicago Animal Care and Control daily from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (please arrive by 5:30 p.m. if ready to adopt).

Learn more

Concordia Place: Early Childhood Dual Language

Children ages 2-5 are invited to enroll in Concordia Place's dual language program at their Seeley location. Early exposure to a second language helps children build strong language and literacy skills, enhances cognitive development, and nurtures confidence in communicating with others.

Learn more

Welcome: Izakaya by Aiya

4833 N Western Ave

Welcome Izakaya by Aiya to Lincoln Square! This Japanese-inspired restaurant is serving up delicious treats like tom yum soups and yuzu ebi skewers. Swing by their new restaurant at 4833 N Western Ave.

Learn more

Support Awakenings & Local Survivors

15+ years, Awakenings has provided free, trauma-informed art programs for survivors of sexual violence. No insurance to navigate, no referral required, and no cost to participate.

While the need for these services keeps growing, Awakenings has lost key grant funding and is operating in a philanthropic environment that has become constrained and uncertain. Support from the community they call home is more important than ever.

As neighbors, we can make a difference. To that end, GRCC is helping Awakenings launch a new monthly giving program, and we want to invite you to be part of it.

Learn more

Resources

Business

• Lincoln Roscoe Beer Stroll Vendors, Learn more

Workforce

• Goodwill Workforce Center Events, Learn more
• Social Services Career Trainee, Learn more
• Cook County Assessor Hiring, Learn more
• Greater West Town Job Training, Learn more

Western Brown Line Construction

CDOT continues addressing their final touches required for project completion in the plaza and surrounding area. This includes the curb adjustment at the bus turnaround entrance required for the return of CTA bus service to Western Station, which is projected to finish this week. Once CDOT completes the bus turnaround curb adjustment and a CTA bus test shows that busses are able to successfully make the turn, CTA will schedule the return of bus service to the station. 

Sign up for Updates

Ashland Resurfacing

The Ashland Arterial resurfacing project is entering its final stages! CDOT shared that all asphalt has been poured and nearly all signage has been installed. By the end of next week, all pavement markings will be completed.

CDOT will begin constructing the 7 raised crosswalks and and bus pad at Ashland and Wilson in the next two weeks! The work will be done in sections to ensure pedestrian access is maintained. The raised crosswalks will be installed at Sunnyside, Ainslie, Carmen, and Winona.



Sign up for Updates

This Year: Upcoming Projects

• Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
• People's Gas Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace

Early August

• Stationery Store Day, August 1st, Learn more
• Dim Sum 5K, August 1st, Learn more
• Feel Good Fest, August 8th, Learn more
• Lincoln Square Cat Tour, August 8th, Learn more
• Ravenswood Community Bike Ride, August 8th, Learn more
• Andersonville Vintage Market, August 9th, Learn more
• Rooted in Song and Resistance, August 10th, Learn more
• Taste of Andersonville, August 12th, Learn more
• Meet Alpacas and Paint Pottery, August 15th, Learn more

Upcoming Weeks

• Thirsty Ears Music Festival, August 22nd-23rd, Learn more
• Saigon Jazz Revival, August 29th, Learn more
• Bike the Drive, September 6th, Learn more
• Twilight Canoe and Kayak, September 13th, Learn more
• Games for Good Food Pantry Fundraiser, September 19th, Learn more

Community Job Boards

Looking to work locally? Many of our local chambers of commerce offer job boards to help highlight openings at local businesses. Find more information at the following links:

• Andersonville
• Lakeview/Roscoe Village
• Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
• Northcenter
• Greater Ravenswood