Alderman Bennett Lawson - 44th Ward Chicago

Alderman Bennett Lawson
44th Ward
Seal of Chicago

Newsletter

2021 Budget Vote

As I studied and went line-by-line through Chicago’s 2021 budget, I did so with the knowledge that it was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which hit Chicago hard. However, I strongly believe that a budget package that includes an annual property tax increase and a huge bond issue is unrealistic and will cause long-term harm to the residents, businesses and economy of Chicago.

People have little faith in their government right now and raising taxes isn’t a way to restore that faith. For this and reasons detailed below, I voted “No.”

Elected officials need to be realistic. Businesses are shedding jobs while others have no choice but to shut down. Because our economic engine has slowed down considerably, people working in the private sector are losing their jobs.

But yet in the last eight months, the City of Chicago has not cut back public employees hours, instituted furloughs or layoffs, nor is it doing so with any meaningful impact in the proposed budget. We have seen little to no success dealing with pushback from the city’s unions. Instead, we were faced with a 2021 budget package with more taxes, fees and overtime, and less accountability and efficiencies.

Of particular note is the lack of progress to bring efficiencies and accountability to the city departments that are charged with maintaining public safety — CPD, CFD and OEMC. Instead of efficiencies, a new department, the Office of Public Safety Administration, was formed with a 2020 budget of $18.5 million. However, no efficiencies have yet to be realized and it still has not taken over and professionalized the administrative functions of the police and fire departments, as promised. No progress, but yet another $30 million is budgeted for 2021. Meanwhile, overtime for police will top $300 million in 2020.

Previous mayors and city councils were criticized for refinancing of existing debt, yet it was done in the 2020 budget and was done again. The 2021 budget includes $1 billion in refinancing — $600 million in 2021 and $400 million to fill the 2020 budget shortfall. Unfortunately, this short-term solution to balance the budgets increases the debt load and extends it well into the future.

While being forced to refinance past debt, the City Council also was asked to support a $3.7 billion bond package dedicated to infrastructure improvements like bridges, overpasses, streets, alleys, lighting, traffic signals, etc. Our ward will see very few of these projects as we have been diligent in the past 20 years to ensure that infrastructure improvements were ongoing in the 44th Ward. Among them are the new 19th District Police Station, the newly renovated Merlo Public Library, new street and alley lighting, lakefront revetment, traffic signal upgrades, street and sidewalk repairs, new and upgraded parks and open green spaces, and sewer and water main replacements.

I fully understand the desire of my fellow aldermen to have these needed improvements made in their wards, but this is not the year to be issuing bonds and adding to an already crushing debt load for the city and its residents.

Yes, I did vote for a property tax increase in 2015 demonstrating I’m not afraid to take an unpopular vote. But, I was very public with the fact that my vote was to ensure more police resources in the 44th Ward and, in order to provide our families with a competitive, high quality, neighborhood high school, $25 million in capital investments for Lake View High School. The investments in Lake View High School were made and the police resources came, but have once again been reduced as the new police superintendent has prioritized citywide units as opposed to district policing and beat integrity.

While I voted against the 2021 budget package, know that I will continue to be a strong advocate for our ward as I push for financial stability for our residents and businesses.

I look forward to working with the Mayor and other members of the City Council as we move forward to revitalize Chicago, enhance revenue and control spending.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Tom Tunney
44th Alderman

OEMC Encourages Residents to Prepare Now for Upcoming Winter Weather Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

For Immediate Release: November 20, 2020

Media Contacts:
Mary May, mary.may@cityofchicago.org
Therese Kordelewski, therese.kordelewski@cityofchicago.org

 

 

OEMC Encourages Residents to Prepare Now for Upcoming Winter Weather Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Warming centers, connection to shelters and other City services available through 3-1-1; COVID-19 stay-at-home advisory in effect for Chicago 

 

CHICAGO – During Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois, and as the City prepares for the winter season during the COVID-19 pandemic; the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and businesses to consider how the cold temperatures and changing weather to come will impact their planning and take precautions now to get ready, especially given the challenges of the pandemic.

“OEMC is dedicated to ensure the City of Chicago is prepared for the winter season, particularly during the COVID pandemic,” said OEMC Executive Director Rich Guidice. “We will continue to monitor weather conditions with the National Weather Service and coordinate response efforts with City departments and public partners to keep residents safe and informed.”

OEMC hosted a Winter Weather Workshop in October with public safety, infrastructure and other departments and agencies to plan the coordination of operations for the winter months ahead.

Severe cold temperatures, strong winds and snow can cause additional hazards, whether home or traveling, so it’s important to stay informed. OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep people up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

  • Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at www.NotifyChicago.org
  • CHILAKE: For lakefront notices including flooding, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
  • COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by TEXTING “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3
  • CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

Department of Streets and Sanitation

The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) manages more than 9,400 lane miles of roadway and maintains a fleet of over 300 snow vehicles that are fully prepared to respond if needed. In addition, DSS has over 400,000 tons of salt stationed at salt piles throughout the city.

Winter Overnight Parking Ban 

The City’s winter overnight parking ban goes into effect on December 1st. This ban restricts parking on 107 miles of critical roadways during the hours of 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. to ensure that our crews can quickly salt and plow the streets during a winter storm. Residents are encouraged to check the posted street signs for parking restrictions.

Chicago Department of Public Health

As the City braces for cold temperatures and winter weather, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to caution residents to take care of themselves, and to also provide assistance to neighbors, family members, pets and friends, particularly those who are elderly, have disabilities and/or live alone. Taking preventative action is the best way to stay safe from the serious health risks associated with winter weather. Residents are advised to limit their time outside, wear layers of warm clothing when going outside, and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. As a reminder, under Chicago’s Stay-at-Home Advisory, residents should:

  • Only leave home to go to work, school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care or going to the grocery store or pharmacy.
  • Always practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others.
  • Wear a face covering at all times.
  • Do not have gatherings in your home.
  • Avoid all non-essential, out-of-state travel.

CDPH is also reminding residents that it’s not too late to get a flu shot. The combination of flu and COVID-19 could overwhelm healthcare settings. We all need to do our part to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses and help conserve potentially scarce health resources in hospitals already caring for COVID-19 patients. Residents can find flu shot locations at chicago.gov/flu.

Department of Family and Support Services Warming Areas

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) activates warming areas at the City’s six community service centers when temps are at 32 degrees or below.

  • The warming areas are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • On evenings, weekends or holidays, city-operated facilities including libraries and park facilities might also serve as warming areas, if needed.
  • Residents must wear a face covering while in the warming areas.
  • The Garfield Community Service Center at 10 South Kedzie, is open on a 24-hour basis to connect families and residents to emergency shelter.
  • Those seeking a warm place to go after hours can also call 3-1-1 to be connected with available services. Individuals requiring emergency overnight shelter should also call 3-1-1, visit 311.Chicago.gov or download the CHI311 app to ensure residents are aware of the City’s designated warming areas. Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, neighbors and friends during a winter weather emergency.
  • A list of community service center locations is available at Chicago.gov/FSS. Information and multilingual fliers containing warming center information in English, Spanish and Polish also are posted on DFSS’s website at Chicago.gov/FSS.

Chicago Fire Department Winter Preparedness Safety Tips 

The Chicago Fire Department does not recommend using space heaters; however, if used, be sure they are UL certified and at least 3 feet from anything that can ignite. Use of a space heater in children’s rooms should be monitored closely as children sometimes move them close to or into the bed with tragic results. If extension cords are used, they should be rated at 15 amps minimum and never put cords under carpet.

With the added demand on furnaces and boilers, CFD also reminds residents are required by ordinance to have working carbon monoxide detectors to protect against carbon monoxide leaks from a heating system that could be fatal over time. Those seeking access to warming centers and/or experiencing insufficient heat are encouraged to contact 3-1-1 for immediate assistance. Also, be sure to keep smoke detectors in working order.

Department of Water Management

The Department of Water Management reminds residents to prevent frozen pipes, make sure that warm air is circulating throughout the home and keep a trickle of water running. If pipes freeze, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw them. Use a hair dryer or heating pad. For more info visit www.chicago.gov/water

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service in Chicago suggests keeping an eye on the forecast even 3-5 days out and consider how the expected conditions will impact you and how you can prepare.  As winter weather develops and situations are updated, it’s even more important to know what actions are needed when advisories and warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.

  • Winter Weather Advisory: Potentially dangerous winter weather is expected within the next 12-36 hours; Travel difficulties expected.
  • Winter Storm Warning: Dangerous winter weather is expected in the next 12-36 hours or is occurring; Travel problems are expected.
  • Blizzard Warning: Severe winter weather is expected in the next 12-36 hours or is occurring – including white out conditions. Do not travel.

Cold-Weather Tips

  • Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic and others or requiring emergency services.
  • Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. For Winter preparation information visit, Chicago.gov/OEMC/alertrespond/WeatherExtremes including links to other local, state and federal resources.
  • Avoid unnecessary trips outside-if you must go out, limit the time you stay outside;
  • Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing;
  • Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors;
  • Stay dry, because moisture can damage the insulating effectiveness of clothing;
  • Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages;

Peoples Gas Cold Weather Tips and COVID-19 Financial Assistance

Make sure you’re ready to heat your home safely this winter. Have your furnace inspected by a qualified technician and follow these safety steps throughout the heating season, Please call us immediately at 866- 556-6002 if you think you may have a natural gas emergency. For safety tips and additional details, visit PeoplesGasDelivery.com/safety/cold-weather

Peoples Gas has voluntarily suspended residential disconnections for the remainder of November. From Dec. 1 to March 31, the annual winter moratorium will protect residential customers from natural gas disconnections. Additionally, extended payment arrangements and financial assistance for relief to customers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more by visiting, PeoplesGasDelivery.com/payment-bill/assistance or call 866-556-6000.

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit our website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook, Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911) using the hashtags #ChicagoOEMC #Smart911 #Chicago911 #BeSafeChicago.

 

# # #

Verizon Construction Notice: 3305-3307 N. Kenmore Ave./1000-1014 W. School St.

NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY IN YOUR AREA

 

Verizon will be installing fiber optic cables and associated equipment in the alley east of Kenmore Ave and north of School St. Work will take place in the coming weeks starting Monday December 7th, 2020. These improvements will enhance the speed and dependability of wireless communications in the area.

The impacted area of the project is depicted at the bottom of this page.

Type of Construction: The fiber optic cables will be installed underground (within right-of-ways) using open cut trenching. Following conduit installation, fiber placement and splicing will be performed to complete the project. In the event that pedestrian or vehicle traffic needs to be altered to accommodate construction equipment, barriers and signage will be installed to ensure the safety of those in the area. Any disturbed areas will receive an immediate temporary restoration solution, with a permanent restoration to previous or better condition to be performed later.

Impacted Area: Construction will begin in the alley east of Kenmore Ave, from the first pole north of School St and end at the MCI manhole north of School St. (alley apron)

No parking: No parking signs will be posted along the following address ranges and will be in affect during construction hours:

  • 3305-3307 N Kenmore Ave (alley only)
  • 1014-1000 W School St (north curb lane only for temp equipment staging)

Work Hours: 8:00am through 4:00pm (Monday through Friday)

Project Duration: December 7th – December 9th

Project Contacts:

Meade Electric Co., Inc. (contractor) – Chris Hanlon 773-447-6627

Ledcor (Construction Manager) – Jarrod Garcia 312-882-9066

Verizon/MCI-WORLDCOM(ATS) – Oscar Guerrero, 312-453-8130

Construction Route:

Barry Natural Gas Pipeline Upgrades (Racine to Greenview/Lincoln)

Natural Gas Pipeline Upgrades Are Coming To Barry (Racine to Greenview/Lincoln)

Dear Customer,

Peoples Gas has been part of Chicago’s history for more than 165 years. We’re proud of our long-standing service to Chicago and all the homes and businesses we provide with natural gas.

We are in the midst of one of the nation’s largest efforts to replace much of the aging natural gas pipes in Chicago to allow us to continue to provide safe and reliable gas service.

We will be installing a large diameter main on Barry from Racine to Greenview/Lincoln starting Monday, October 26th. The amount of time required for installation varies block by block, depending on the technical requirements at each location, but installation could take between one and three months.

Before installation begins, we may need to replace the smaller diameter mains and services that deliver natural gas to your home or business. If that work is required on your block, we will send you separate notification about that process, including information about scheduling an appointment to mark the location of your service pipe and gas meter.

Once work begins, there will be parking restrictions on some streets in the area. Also, equipment and material will be stored on site due to the design and nature of the project. As the project progresses, temporary repairs will be made to streets, sidewalks and parkways until permanent restoration can be completed.

We are committed to working quickly and efficiently to minimize any disruption to you and your neighbors. We will contact you again closer to the time of construction to give you more information about what to expect. If you have questions regarding this project, please call customer service at 866-556-6001.

MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND CDPH COMMISSIONER DR. ARWADY SOUND THE ALARM ON SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2020

CONTACT:
Mayor’s Press Office
312.744.3334
press@cityofchicago.org

MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND CDPH COMMISSIONER DR. ARWADY SOUND THE ALARM ON SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19
Cases, positivity rate and hospitalizations all on the rise over the past two weeks; City considering measures to reverse the increase, including renewed restrictions on businesses

CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today joined Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., to sound the alarm on the worrying trends across COVID-19 health metrics, including a significant rise in cases, positivity rate and hospitalizations. Over the past two weeks, cases have risen by more than 50%, to over 500 per day. This is the most cases per day seen in Chicago since late May, the tail-end of the pandemic’s first wave, and is coinciding with a worrying increase in hospitalizations, which are also up 25% for non-ICU COVID patients and suspected cases since September 22. To combat this second wave of COVID-19, Mayor Lightfoot is calling on all residents to wear masks and strictly limit social gatherings, even small ones. In a gathering of only 10 people, there is a 14% chance that someone is currently infected with COVID-19. To further fight the spread of COVID-19, the City is considering additional measures in the
coming days, including bringing back restrictions on businesses.

“The data is clear – we are now in a second surge of COVID-19 and I am extremely concerned,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Now is the time to double down on what we know works and come together as a city to flatten the curve once again. Everyone must do their part to keep themselves and others safe and help us overcome this deadly disease.”

Over the last two weeks in particular, Chicago has seen an alarming increase across COVID-19 health metrics. While this increase has coincided with an increase in testing, with close to 11,000 tests now completed each day, the test positivity rate has also increased more than a percentage point to 5.2%. This indicates that the increase in testing does not fully explain the rise in cases. Furthermore, hospitalizations, a measure of severe outcomes which often lags behind an increase in cases, are up to 313 per day citywide. Deaths, too, usually lag an increase in cases  and hospitalizations, so City officials are expressing great concern over the possibility of a further increase. Over 3,000 Chicagoans have died from COVID-19.

“I’m deeply concerned about these trends and worried that we’ve got some COVID fatigue setting in where people are not following the public health guidance as they should. This virus doesn’t care who you are, it’s just looking to spread, and if we give it the opportunity to do so it will,” said Dr. Arwady. “Most troubling is the fact that COVID-19 continues to have a disproportionate impact on Black and Latinx individuals, and those with under-lying medical conditions. But we’re seeing a rise in cases across the city and across all races and ethnicities, so we all need to rededicate ourselves to combatting this epidemic.”

Mayor Lightfoot and Dr. Arwady are calling on all residents to recognize the seriousness of this second wave of COVID-19 and take the necessary personal steps to stem the tide. Specifically, all residents need to wear masks or face coverings anytime they are in a public space or unable to maintain six feet of social distancing. Furthermore, residents should avoid social gatherings, even small get-togethers. The more individuals that are a part of your “bubble”, the greater the risk of COVID19 transmission. In a gathering of ten people, there’s a 14% chance one person in that group has COVID-19.That means one out of every seven gatherings of ten people has COVID-19 present. This likelihood of someone having COVID-19 increases as gathering sizes grow – there is a 50% chance that someone in a gathering of 50 people has COVID-19. The majority of COVID-19 cases in Chicago are spread between people that know each other, so the best way to stem the tide is to avoid social gatherings and keep your bubble small.

To further fight the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, the City is prepared to take drastic but necessary steps in the coming days. This may include a rollback of COVID-19 reopening regulations for businesses, including potentially restricting capacity and limiting total gathering size and/or returning to Phase Three of the reopening framework.

“Chicago is at a critical moment in the ongoing fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Nancy Glick of Sinai Health System’s Infectious Disease Division. “We have learned a great deal about this virus since the first surge, including what works to stop the spread. It is more important than ever to commit to those strategies – wearing a mask, limiting social gatherings and ultimately saving lives.” The significant increase of COVID-19 in Chicago corresponds with a second wave of the virus throughout the entire Chicagoland region, across Illinois, in other Midwestern states and throughout the country. As a reminder, the City’s Emergency Travel Order currently covers 26 states and territories, including Wisconsin and  Indiana. Chicagoans are urged not to travel to these states and territories, and if they do they are required to quarantine for 14 days upon their return, unless they are an essential worker traveling for business. For Wisconsin and Indiana, the Order applies to individuals coming from Wisconsin or Indiana to Chicago for non-work purposes and Chicago residents returning from Wisconsin or Indiana, unless they are deemed an essential worker. To learn more, visit chicago.gov/coronavirus.

###

 

In This Section