First, at our Triangle Neighbors' meeting on January 9th, we will hear proposals to upzone 3532 N Halsted (Brompton Auto Place) for a 5-story mixed use (residential and commercial) structure. Also, the new establishment, The Yard, at 3441 N Sheffield would like to apply for a patio license.

On January 23rd, the 44th Ward is holding a community input meeting to discuss a possible structure at Clark, Addison and Sheffield across from Wrigley Field. The proposal is to build a 129 ft structure that would house several big box chains, a hotel, 190 residential units, and 500 parking places.

Ironically, our own Space Park is caught up in zoning issues as we are waiting for a variance to construct the 7 foot tall fence around the park perimeter.

All these developments will impact our neighborhood so we encourage you to attend the meetings to learn more about them and to vocalize your thoughts and concerns.

Finally, on behalf of the entire Triangle Neighbors Executive Board, we want to wish you a safe and happy new year 2008!

John

New and Old Laws Impacting You

The Smoke Free Illinois law takes effect on January 1, 2008, superceding the City of Chicago Clean Indoor Act. The Smoke Free law applies to all public places, any place of employment and within 15 feet of all entrances. (This includes bars, restaurants, meeting rooms and private clubs.)

Don't forget to shovel the snow. Chicago City Ordinances require that every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground.

You only have to remove a 5-foot width. In case the snow and ice on the sidewalk is frozen so hard that it cannot be removed without injury to the pavement, use ashes, sand, sawdust, or some similar suitable material as soon thereafter as the weather permits.

The snow which falls or accumulates during the day (excepting Sundays) before 4PM must be removed within three hours. For snow on Sunday or after 4PM and during the night on other days, it must be be removed before 10AM.

Upcoming Neighborhood Events

New Year's Day 5K Run and Walk - Jan 1st at 11AM

Come celebrate Chicago's first official 5K running event of 2008 at the 23rd New Year's Day 5K Run & Walk which has become an iconic annual event among sports enthusiasts!

An estimated 1,000 runners and walkers are expected to welcome 2008 on a healthy footing at the event that starts at the south end of Lincoln Park. The course route then wends north along the lakefront bike path to Diversey Harbor before returning to the North Avenue Field House.

A portion of the proceeds benefit our own Lake View Citizens' Council. In addition, there will be a post-event gathering at Gamekeepers.

Participate in '08 - Jan 25th (6PM-8PM)

Lake View Citizens' Council, Equality Illinois and the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC) will be co-sponsoring a "Meet & Greet" with the candidates running in the February 5th primary. The event is non-partisan and will include all categories of candidates. Your vote is critical and we urge you to attend this informal event.

Sidetrack (3349 N Halsted).