Leland Shared Street To Extend Through 46th Ward, Clark To Kenmore

From Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"I am pleased to announce that the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be completing installation of the Shared Street on Leland, from Clark to Kenmore. Work is scheduled to begin on Friday. 

My office has received many requests from neighbors on Leland who were interested in the Shared Streets program when it was announced. We are looking forward to seeing how Shared Streets can improve mobility in our neighborhoods. 

Previously planned utility work that initially caused CDOT to delay implementing our Shared Street on Leland has been postponed. This means that CDOT is now able to establish a Shared Street on Leland through the end of the season. 

Image courtesy of https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdot/supp_info/covid-mobility.html

The Shared Streets program was launched by CDOT so that local roads could be converted into corridors for improved, safe travel, and physical activity during COVID. Vehicular access is restricted to local traffic only in order to allow for more space for walking, biking, rolling, and social distancing. As a shared street, cars will still be able to enter. 

Through traffic is prohibited, and those driving on the shared street must drive slowly and yield to people on the street. The Shared Street does not remove parking. Please note that you will still be able to park on your street. Emergency services, garbage trucks, street sweepers and delivery vehicles will still be able to use the street. 

Image courtesy of https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdot/supp_info/covid-mobility.html

The Shared Streets program is designed to be flexible and responsive to community feedback. CDOT wants your input! If you observe a problem with equipment on a Shared Street (i.e. a barrel or barrier broken, missing, or misplaced), please call 311 and provide the intersection or address. Always call 911 for emergencies. 

The Shared Street in our ward will be known as "Leland Uptown." If you would like to provide feedback about Shared Streets, you can email covidmobility@cityofchicago.org and please fill out the Shared Streets Program Feedback & Suggestions Survey. Please also reach out to our office at 773-878-4646 and at ward46@cityofchicago.org to let us know what you think!"

See The Latest Plans For "Redesign The Drive," Including The Lakefront Trail

"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood!"

North Lake Shore Drive and the Lakefront Trail are set to be totally redesigned between Grand Avenue and Hollywood Avenue, a massive undertaking. The Redefine The Drive project has been stellar in soliciting the opinions of users and planners, with public meetings dating back to 2013.

Now they're looking for more of your input to formulate the next phase of the plan. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute your visions for change. Don't be left standing around with your ideas when the construction begins!

"The North Lake Shore Drive project team has reached a critical milestone in the study process as we prepare to recommend a narrowed range of alternatives to be carried forward to the next stage of analysis. 

In preparation for this next step, we are summarizing basic information that will explain the project in more detail as well as highlighting some key improvements that will be common to all alternatives. This information is being shared in several Study Spotlights, each focusing on a specific topic.

The Study Spotlights provided today review two key aspects of the project; the Study’s Purpose & Need and the proposed Lakefront Trail and Park Access designs.

Purpose and Need & Public Outreach Efforts Study Spotlight. The Purpose and Need was developed and agreed upon through extensive collaboration with stakeholders when the study first began. This statement defines the study’s goals and forms the basis upon which all alternatives have so far been measured. The Purpose and Need is continuously called upon throughout the project process when developing and evaluating proposed design improvements.

Click here to check out the Purpose and Need Study Spotlight

Lakefront Trail and Park Access Study Spotlight. Since the last public meeting, the project team has continued to develop design concepts for the Lakefront Trail and park access to enhance the experience for all users. Review these design concepts, goals and visual renderings in the Study Spotlight.

Click here to check out the Lakefront Trail and Park Access Study Spotlight

The project team will continue to share these Study Spotlights with you during the coming weeks. 

If you have comments on the information in this handout, or on any other project materials, please use the online comment form to provide input: https://www.NorthLakeShoreDrive.org.

We welcome feedback at any time during the project process. We look forward to continuing to work with you to Redefine the Drive!"

Crowdfunding Page Set Up For Funeral Expenses for Ashley Loan La

Ashley Loan La was reported missing from her home in Uptown last week. She has been located, but it's not the way anyone wanted her story to end.

A Facebook page to crowdfund for her funeral expenses has been set up.

If you'd like to donate, the link is here:
https://www.facebook.com/donate/319055069176356/

Our condolences to those who knew and loved her, and are mourning her loss.

Ald. Cappleman: Man Murdered On Leland Monday Morning

From Ald. Cappleman's newsletter today:

"PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE: 1265 W LELAND

This morning at around 12:44 a.m. an individual was shot and killed at 1265 W. Leland (at Malden). The victim's name has not yet been released. I send my condolences to everyone who knew the victim and who has been affected by this tragic loss. 

The victim was entering an Uber vehicle when shots were fired from another vehicle into the rear seat of the Uber. According to police, it appears that the incident was gang related and that the victim was the intended target of the shooting. This is an open investigation. The police have retrieved camera footage from buildings nearby. 

My office has been working with a group of dedicated community stakeholders for the past several months to address concerns about activity on the 1150 block of W. Leland, at the corner of Leland and Racine, which is two blocks from where this morning's shooting took place. These collaborative meetings were formed following reports that neighborhood residents, some with chronic mental illness and substance use disorders, were gathering in the area to drink as well as use drugs. 

Reports of this type of activity have increased over the past two weeks or so, and have highlighted that the activity has evolved into an open-air drug market with new people parking on the blocks and actively selling drugs. It has been reported that the new folks are taking advantage of the older fragile population and are using them as lookouts. 

The 46th Ward office continues to coordinate with the 19th Police District, and the 19th District Captain and Tactical Sergeant were on one of our community stakeholder calls last week. At my request several months ago, CDOT and OEMC will be installing a new POD camera at Leland and Racine using 46th Ward infrastructure menu funds, and I've had a number of conversations with the Commissioner of OEMC to get this camera installed as quickly as possible. As soon as this camera pod is in place, the 19th District will have immediate access to this footage 24/7. 

We are employing a range of interventions to try to find a solution to the issues at Leland and Racine that does not solely rely on policing. In addition to our work with the 19th Police District, we are also working on a holistic, collaborative approach that works with community-led organizations and the Department of Family and Support Services to build relationships with people who may be ready for services related to housing instability, drug and alcohol use, and chronic mental and physical health conditions. 

Whenever it is both possible and appropriate, we want to find lasting solutions rather than rely on the revolving door of arrests, incarceration, and release. 

I am so grateful for our residents' commitment to supporting their neighbors and utilizing holistic solutions. Our office is also appreciative of area residents who are able to provide a first-hand account of what they have been witnessing in the area. We are happy to pass along this information to the 19th Police District, including patterns in dates, times, and type of activity. 

Calling 911 is an important tool when making an official record of any incident, and it can also be used to allocate additional resources to hot spots. 

Incidents such as these are both frightening and frustrating, and in the midst of a pandemic it can be overwhelming. Please let our office know how we can support you as we work together on systemic and long-term solutions. 

We will be posting information about upcoming community discussions surrounding the concerns at the corner of Leland and Racine. If you are interested in joining these discussions please look for information in our newsletter and/or contact our office by emailing ward46@cityofchicago.org."

Fire At 4621 Broadway Damages Futatsuki Ramen, Two Apartments

The building at 4621 North Broadway caught on fire in the early hours of Saturday, September 12th. It began on the second floor wooden deck at the rear of the building; flames quickly spread to the third floor deck and into both apartments.

Luckily, all residents made it out safely.

Sadly, the popular family-owned restaurant Futatsuki Ramen, located at street level, suffered water damage from the firefighting efforts, and will be closed for the foreseeable future while the damage is assessed and corrected. On Saturday, Futatsuki's Facebook page said:

"Sorry for the inconvenience due to the water leaking it caused the ceiling damage we will be closed until further notice."

The fire followed a loud explosion shortly after midnight. Both decks were immediately engulfed in flames, neighbors say.  Broadway, Winthrop, and Leland were all blocked off with firefighting equipment for several hours. After dousing the flames, firefighters cut holes into the roof to ensure no embers were still active.

Buildings on either side of 4621 Broadway were not damaged.

The building dates back to 1902 and is considered a contributing building to the Uptown Square Historic District.

Fat Cat Prepares For Fall Dining, With Fire Pits and Area Heaters On Its Patios

With the chill in the air this week, the challenges of outdoor dining in the colder months comes to mind. Thankfully, the folks at Fat Cat (4840 N Broadway) has been thinking ahead! They're ready with heaters and fire pits on their expanded patios.

"It's undeniable: the crisp snap in the breeze, a kiss of colors on the trees...fall is coming! Lukewarm to chilly that is. And we are getting ready to snuggle up and party on.

We are excited to announce our new patio expansions, featuring even more spacious dining and socially distanced seating, new heaters, and TWO fire pits! We have hot drinks coming soon...make us your fall destination, pull up by the fire with a hot bourbon cider, and help us enjoy our favorite season."

Xfinity Opens In Uptown

Xfinity has just opened a customer service center at 4401 North Clarendon, at the corner of Montrose. You can pay your bills, return or exchange equipment, and/or get assistance with your account there. Hours are 10am-8pm Monday through Saturday, and noon-5pm on Sundays.

Jenny's Nail Salon Moves To New Uptown Location

 

Jenny's Nail Salon, formerly at 5005 North Clark, has moved to 1503 West Lawrence (next to Ridman's Coffee). The move took place mid-summer, after Dispensary 33 was approved to expand into Jenny's former storefront.

We're happy Jenny's has chosen to stay in the area.

Its hours are 9:30am to 7:30pm Monday thru Friday; 9am to 7pm on Saturday; and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. The phone number for an appointment is 773-944-1071.

Graceland To Reopen Its Gates After Derecho Forces Month-Long Closure

One month after massive destruction of trees, fencing, and monuments forced Graceland Cemetery and Arboretum to close, it is reopening on Wednesday!

If you can, enjoy the gorgeous autumnal foliage in the upcoming months.

Today on social media, Graceland announced:

"Our gates will re-open, Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 at 8 am after extensive storm damage caused us to be closed due to the derecho on August 10th, 2020. 

We ask that everyone be mindful of their surroundings and respectful of the ongoing work that will be performed daily over the next few weeks and months. 

We thank you all for your continued patience, understanding, and support and we look forward to seeing you again!"

CPS To Resume "Grab and Go" Meal Program As New School Year Begins

The 2020-2021 school year begins at CPS today, with virtual learning replacing classroom teaching, at least for the first academic quarter.

Because many students eat at school, CPS is resuming its "grab and go" meal program, where parents, guardians and students can pick up meal kits with three days worth of meals (breakfast and lunch) per student at more than 450 schools Monday through Friday from 8am to 1pm.

All of the CPS schools in Uptown are participating (Goudy, McCutcheon, Disney, Brennemann, Uplift, Courtenay, and Greeley), as well as 450 additional sites across Chicago.

Go to http://cps.edu/mealsites to see menus, schedules, and a map of the meal sites.

Woman Missing From Uptown Since Sunday (Updated)

Update: Unfortunately, there is sad news to report. 

Original story:

We heard from a reader:

"My friend Ashley La also known as Loan has been missing for over 24 hrs now. She was last heard from around 230am Sunday 9/6. 

Last suspected location around Foster Ave and Lake Shore Drive, along the lake in the Uptown neighborhood. 

No one has been in contact with her since. She has no phone or ID on her.

We are very worried about her. Anyone that has any possible leads please contact police or call this number 312-744-8263."

Police have been notified and the number given above is for the Area North Bureau of Detectives.