News
Jan 19, 2009
Alderman Flores Working to Improve the Polish Triangle
Alderman Manuel Flores and the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) initiated a process that will lead to the improvement of the underutilized public space known as the Polish Triangle, which is bordered by Milwaukee Avenue, Division Street and Ashland Avenue. This effort is part of a longstanding initiative to make the Polish Triangle a more appealing and safer public space.
At today's inaugural meeting of the Polish Triangle Steering Committee, the concept of neighborhood "Placemaking" was presented. Placemaking, as established by the not-for-profit organization Project for Public Spaces, is defined as the art and science of developing great public spaces that attract people. Based in part on Alderman Flores's recommendation, the Metropolitan Planning Council has agreed to designate the Polish Triangle as one of only two Chicago spaces selected to participate in the Placemaking process. This process involves extensive community participation and collaboration in the creation of a great public space. In the near future, Alderman Flores and the MPC will begin the process of eliciting community-wide suggestions about how to improve the Polish Triangle.
Jan 7, 2009
Chicago Cares Volunteer Day at Goethe School
As part of its Celebration of Service, volunteers from the Chicago Cares Organization will be painting murals, installing tile mosaics on walls and organizing the library at Goethe Elementary School. While team leaders from Chicago Cares will be on hand, more volunteers from the community are needed.
The Volunteer Day will be on Saturday, January 17, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Goethe School, 2236 N. Rockwell Street.
To RSVP for this event, please call Jeanine Otte at the 1st Ward Service Office, (773) 278-0101 or email friendsofgoethe@earthlink.net with your name and phone number. Please note that you must RSVP by 4 p.m. today, January 9th.
For more information about Chicago Cares, visit www.chicagocares.org.
Alderman Flores to Support Full Restoration of Snow Removal and Salting Services on Residential Streets
Dear Neighbor:
I am writing to inform you about my concerns regarding the current snow plowing and salting policy that is being implemented by the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation.
Unplowed and unsalted streets have created very dangerous driving conditions for many Chicagoans. As an Alderman, public safety is one of my primary considerations. As a member of the Chicago City Council Committee on Transportation & Public Way, I am especially sensitive to transportation safety issues. Therefore, I will be joining committee Chairman Tom Allen's efforts to pass legislation to set aside $1 million apiece from the Chicago Skyway, Midway Airport and parking meter lease funds to re-instate full plowing and salting operations throughout the city.
Rest assured that I will strongly advocate for a change in the current snow removal and salting policy. In the meantime, please call my office at (773) 278-0101, if you need assistance with snow removal or salting on your street.
Sincerely,
Manuel Flores
Alderman, 1st Ward
New Year Updates
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you had a happy holiday. With the advent of the New Year, the Chicago City Clerk and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be making some important changes. I am writing to keep you informed about these developments and also to let you know about a service provided by the Department of Environment for disposing of Christmas trees.
Beginning January 1, 2009 the price for daily permits will increase to $8 per booklet. Daily permits are for the guests of a restricted parking permit zone resident. The permit is valid for no more than 24 hours from the time written on the permit. All other traffic restrictions must be followed while displaying a permit. By ordinance, a residential parking permit zone resident can purchase up to 30 daily permits every 30 days. Annual and daily permits for Restricted Parking Permit Zones are now available for purchase on the City Clerk's Web site: www.chicityclerk.com. Online purchases are processed in two to three days. There is no service fee.
CDOT's Shared Cost Sidewalk program will reopen to residents on January 1, 2009. The shared cost program provides residents an opportunity to share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and only accepted via the 311 system. Please be advised that funding for this program is limited and when the budget is exhausted, the program will close for the year. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Jerry Gabrielatos, at the 1st Ward service office, (773) 278-0101 or visit CDOT's Web site: www.cityofchicago.org/transportation.
Finally, beginning January 3 through January 16, the Department of Environment will have designated locations available to residents who would like to recycle their Christmas trees by turning them into mulch. The mulch created from the trees will then be available for free pick up at the same locations. The closest location to the 1st Ward is the Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1400 N. Sacramento. Trees can be dropped off at the Boathouse at any time and mulch can be picked up Monday through Saturday, starting January 9, from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For a complete list of available city locations, visit www.chicagorecycles.org or call the Department of Environment at (312) 744-7606. If you are unable to take advantage of this service, you may leave your tree with your trash and it will be picked up on the regularly scheduled day.
If you have additional questions about any of these matters, please contact my office. I look forward to serving you in 2009 and wish you a happy new year.
Sincerely,
Manny Flores
Alderman, 1st Ward