News


  • Community Meeting on Proposed Zoning Change for Grupo Di Amici
    Posted: 7/1/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    I am writing to invite you to attend a meeting on a proposed zoning change for Grupo di Amici Restaurant, 1508 W. Jarvis. The meeting will be held Monday, July 7th, 7:00 p.m., at my 49th Ward Service Office, 7356 N. Greenview (at Jarvis).

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  • City Vehicle Stickers on Sale Wednesday at Ward Service Office
    Posted: 7/1/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    If you haven't done so already, you can purchase your City Vehicle Sticker tomorrow, Wednesday, July 2nd, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at my Ward Service Office, 7356 N. Greenview (at Jarvis). There is no additional fee for this service.

    I apologize for the limited hours for this year's 49th Ward vehicle sticker sales, but a scheduling snafu at the City Clerk's office prevented us from offering more expanded hours.

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  • Update on Gale Community Center
    Posted: 6/30/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    While we had hoped to have the Gale Community Center open by July 1st, I've been advised by Park District Superintendent Tim Mitchell that the gymnasium floor is buckling in several places and will need to be repaired by the contractor before the Park District will accept delivery of the building. Unfortunately, the problem will delay the building opening for several weeks.

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  • Green Corps to Make 49th Ward Greener This Weekend
    Posted: 6/27/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    Modeled after the Chicago Conservation Corps project, the 49th Ward Green Corps Action Team are neighborhood volunteers who work to improve the quality of life in the 49th Ward through environmental service projects that protect our water, clean our air, restore our land and save energy.

    Green Corps volunteer, Susan Fox, her husband and other volunteers will be distributing reusable shopping bags at the Morse Fruit and Meat Market, 1430 W. Morse, and the Rogers Park Fruit Market, 7401 N. Rogers, this Saturday morning, June 28th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. She will give free bags to the first 100 customers she greets at each location, along with information on the importance of eliminating plastic bags from our stores. I want to thank our two neighborhood markets for their cooperation in this important project. I look forward to the day when all of our local shops are plastic bag free.

    Rogers Park resident, Kirk Markus, is spending his weekend installing a rain garden on the 1100 block of W. Lunt. Kirk and his neighbors worked with Bill Eyring, Senior Engineer at the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), to select plants and plan their rain garden. CNT installed a bioswale at St. Margaret Mary's School, 2324 W. Chase, last year, and as part of that program they are encouraging the installation of additional bioswales and rain gardens throughout our community. There are several more planned for the 49th Ward, including gardens at Loyola Park.

    The balance of the 49th Ward Green Corps will be meeting this Saturday, 8:30 a.m., at my 49th Ward Service Office, 7356 N. Greenview. The guest speaker this Saturday is Jen Walling, Chief of Staff to State Senator Heather Steans.

    I invite you to join me this Saturday at my Ward Service Office to share in what promises to be an informative meeting on legislative efforts on behalf of the environment.

    And finally, don't forget to attend this Monday's workshop on Green Roofs, moderated by 49th Ward Green Corp volunteer, Leo Harduvel. I'm co-sponsoring this very exciting and informative session on green roofs that will include an impressive panel of experts on the trends in the green roof movement and ways to finance the construction of green roofs.

    The Green Roof Workshop will take place Monday, June 30th, 6:30 p.m. at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse, 1230 W. Greenleaf (at the Lake), 2nd Floor.
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  • Community Meeting to Review Proposal to Upzone Part of Bell (7200 Block)
    Posted: 6/26/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    I am writing to invite you to attend a community meeting to review and discuss a proposal to upzone portions of the 7200 Block of North Bell. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd, 7:00 p.m., at St. Margaret Mary's Activity Center, 7341 N. Claremont.

    The purpose of the proposed upzoning is to make legal several basement apartments that already exist on the block. The block is part of a larger area that was downzoned in 2006 from RT4 to RT3, pursuant to my 49th Ward zoning remap process. Fifteen 2-flat buildings exist on the block. Thirteen of those 2-flat buildings also contain a basement apartment, which effectively makes them two-story 3-flats. One of those buildings, 7241 N. Bell, was purchased recently by Juan Martinez, who owns and resides at 7235 N. Bell.

    Shortly after purchasing 7241 N. Bell, Mr. Martinez discovered that the existing basement apartment in the building was illegal. Under the old RT4 zoning classification, Mr. Martinez could have made the basement apartment legal simply by pulling a permit because 3-flats are permitted in RT4 zones. Under the new RT3 zoning classification, however, Mr. Martinez would be required to de-convert the unit and evict the existing tenants because only single family homes and 2-flats are allowed in RT3 zones.

    My staff conducted a survey of the block and discovered that the owners of as many as seven two-story 3-flats on the block may face a similar predicament in that the existing basement units in their buildings cannot be made legal under the new R3 zoning classification.

    Mr. Martinez asked me to support his application for a zoning change for his property from RT3 to RT3.5. The RT3.5 classification would allow for a 3-flat, and make legal the basement apartment in his building. Mr. Martinez's application was reviewed by the 49th Ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee. The Committee voted to recommend that I support Mr. Martinez's application, but also recommended that I introduce into the City Council a zoning amendment changing the zoning from RT3 to RT3.5 for the entire block of 7200 N. Bell so that the other owners on the block could also legalize their existing basement apartments.

    The Committee reasoned that there was no evidence that the basement apartments were added after the RT3 zoning went into effect in 2006 and that no public policy purpose would be served by requiring the owners to evict their tenants and de-convert their buildings. The Committee further reasoned that an RT3.5 zoning classification would legalize that which is already in existence, but not add to the neighborhood's density.

    If I accept the Committee's recommendation, I would introduce an ordinance changing the zoning for the entire block from RT3 to RT3.5. However, I would exclude from the zoning change any single family homes on the block so as not to add to the neighborhood's density.

    I urge you to attend the meeting especially if you live on the 7200 block of Bell. If you are not able to attend, please feel free to share your views on this proposal by replying to this e-mail or calling my office at 773-338-5796.

    Sincerely,

    Joe Moore
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  • Learn the Latest About GREEN ROOFS at Monday Forum
    Posted: 6/24/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    I am writing to invite you to attend an exciting forum on "GREEN ROOFS: More Ways to Make Them Happen." The forum will take place on Monday, June 30th, 6:30 p.m., at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse, 1230 W. Greenleaf (at the Lake), 2nd Floor.

    Co-sponsored by the 49th Ward Green Corps and the Rogers Park Builders Group, and moderated by 49th Ward Green Corp Action Team member, Theo Harduvel, the forum will feature out-of-the-box fresh thinking on green roofs, one of the most exciting trends in sustainable development.

    Read More »
  • Boys & Girls Club May Open at Gale Community Center
    Posted: 6/23/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    The contractors are putting the finishing touches on our new Gale Community Center at Howard and Marshfield, and the Chicago Park District has set a goal of opening the center by July 1st!

    This is exciting news indeed. What makes this news even more exciting is that the center may be home to Rogers Park's first Boys and Girls Club. While a formal agreement hasn't been reached, I have hosted several discussions with the Park District and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago about the possibility of locating a club at the center. If an agreement can be reached, it would provide our community with significantly more programs and services than those provided by a traditional Park District fieldhouse.

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  • Alderman Moore's Decision on Restoration of Village North Theater Building
    Posted: 6/17/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    As you may recall, I was asked to support an application for $200,000 in Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District funding for the restoration of the terra cotta exterior of the building located at 6740 N. Sheridan Road (at Columbia). The building currently houses the Village North Theater, Starbucks and a Thai restaurant.

    Anthony Fox of ADF Capital purchased the property last year and plans extensive interior and exterior renovations. He also plans to keep the theater open after a complete interior renovation of the facility.

    Read More »
  • Howard El Grand Opening, Flag Day Celebration and Art Festival
    Posted: 6/13/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    Saturday promises to be a very busy day in the 49th Ward.

    Topping off the events is the official Grand Opening of the new Howard El Station. Join CTA President Ron Huberman and me as we cut the ribbon for the new station tomorrow (Saturday, June 14th) at 2 p.m. The new station is located immediately north of the CTA parking garage at Gateway Centre.

    Thousands of CTA commuters have already used the station since its unofficial opening last Monday, and I've heard rave reviews from many. It's certainly a significant improvement over the old station. If you haven't had a chance to visit the new station, stop by the ribbon cutting ceremony and check it out!
  • New Howard El Station to Open Monday
    Posted: 6/6/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    I just heard some exciting news. The new Howard El Station will open this Monday morning, June 9th! The station will open its doors in time for the morning rush hour.

    The new station, located immediately north of the CTA parking garage at Gateway Centre, features four escalators and two elevators, with a large canopy overlaying expanded platforms and four sets of newly laid tracks.

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  • Moore Announces Summer Satellite Office Dates
    Posted: 5/30/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    The 49th Ward Service Office takes to the streets again in June with my "Satellite Service Office." My staff and I will be out in the mornings from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to meet with you, take city service requests and assist you with any other matters of concern to you.

    If you are reporting a city service need, very specific information is helpful. For example, if you have noticed an abandoned vehicle on your block, we can remove it more quickly if you have the license plate number, color, make and model and even the VIN. The exact address where the car is parked and notes on any damage to the vehicle are also important.

    Please stop by and say hello on any of the following dates from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.:

    Monday, June 2, Howard el station (Howard Street entrance)
    Tuesday, June 3, Morse el station (Morse Avenue entrance)
    Wednesday, June 4, Loyola el station (Sheridan Road entrance)
    Thursday, June 5, Morse el station (Lunt Avenue entrance)
    Monday, June 9, Jarvis el station
    Tuesday, June 10, Metra station (Lunt Avenue entrance)
    Wednesday, June 11, Metra station (Greenleaf entrance)
    Monday, June 16, Dunkin' Donuts, 6970 N. Clark
    Tuesday, June 17, Starbuck's, 6738 N. Sheridan
    Wednesday, June 18, Shoreline Towers (Rosemont Avenue & Sheridan Road)
    Wednesday, June 25, Gateway Centre Atrium (entrance to Bally's Health Club)

    I will also be in front of Dominick's Finer Foods at Gateway Centre on Saturday, June 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

    Please note that this schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or other circumstances. Please check the community events page of my web site at Ward49.com for the latest schedule.

    I look forward to seeing you!

    Sincerely,

    Joe Moore
  • Meeting on Proposed Restoration of Village North Theater
    Posted: 5/23/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    I am writing to invite you to attend a community meeting on a proposal to restore the terra cotta exterior of 6740 N. Sheridan Road (at Columbia), using $200,000 in Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District funding. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 3rd, 7:00 p.m., at Loyola University's Mertz Hall, 1125 Loyola Ave., in the Bremner Lounge.

    Read More »
  • Whistleblower Ordinance Provides Results
    Posted: 5/22/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    Back in 2004, I introduced a Whistleblower Ordinance that provided protection for City employees who report corruption. The Daley Administration adopted most of its provisions and it was enacted into law.

    With all the reports of corruption and favoritism swirling around City Hall, I sometimes become discouraged and wonder whether any legislation can really root out official wrongdoing. A recent news item in the Sun-Times, however, provided me a ray of hope.

    Read More »
  • Join Us for the Spring Clean-Up Tomorrow!
    Posted: 5/16/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    Don't forget tomorrow's 18th ANNUAL 49th WARD SPRING CLEAN-UP! The National Weather Service is predicting partly sunny skies with a high in the 60s. It's a perfect time to get out and enjoy the spring weather, meet your neighbors and spruce up the neighborhood!

    Bring your family, bring your friends. Enjoy the best our neighborhood restaurants have to offer at the Taste of the 49th Ward following the clean-up!

    It all starts on Saturday, 9:00 a.m., at my 49th Ward Service Office, 7356 N. Greenview (at Jarvis).

    Read More »
  • Proposed Development at 7313-15 N. Sheridan
    Posted: 5/15/2008
    Dear Neighbor,

    I am writing to invite you to attend a community meeting regarding a proposal to construct a 50-unit apartment building at 7313-15 N. Sheridan Road. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 21st, 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 7200 N. Sheridan (at Touhy).

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