HNA opposes charter expansion that will affect local schools

The Hermosa Neighborhood Association, along with a coalition of elected officials, Local School Councils, school leaders, Chicago Public Schools parents, educators, and community members dedicated to supporting the educational mission of existing Northwest Side public high schools are holding a press conference today to announce their united opposition to the proposed expansion of privately operated Noble ITW-Speer CharterHigh School in Chicago’s Belmont-Cragin neighborhood.

The expansion of the charter would have an adverse impact on high schools in Hermosa, such as Kelvyn Park HS, which is already struggling due to a declining budget and enrollment.

Next Tuesday, Alderman Gilbert Villegas along with a coalition of elected officials, and the Prosser HS LSC are organizing a community meeting to demonstrate opposition to the proposed expansion of Noble StreetCharter School – ITW Speer campus, too.

Chicago Mayor: Invest in crime preventive programs!

Please sign and share this petition asking for the mayor to allocate the remaining property tax rebate funds (~$15 million) to youth programing and crime prevention.

Specifically for:

  • Winter youth employment programs

  • To create mentorship programs for 5th and 6th graders

  • To create a residential security pilot program

  • To establish “street-level violence" prevention programs

Right now the mayor wants to allocate this remaining money to things like trees, parks, business incubators and rehabbing homes but none of those investments will be made in Hermosa or the NWside.

https://www.change.org/p/mayor-rahm-emanuel-invest-in-crime-prevention-programming?source_location=minibar

NEW HNA Lawn Signs!

Good news everyone! Our new and improved lawn signs came in. They're now twice as big as before (18X24) to make them more visible to passerbys. Every household gets one free lawn sign who attends a HNA meeting and stays until the end of the meeting. If you want an additional sign, or can't attend the full meeting, they cost $5 per sign. 

HNA Holiday Party 2016: Big Success!

Thank you again to the 100+ participants who came to your annual HNA fundraiser/ party. Because of you we raised over $5,000!!! We wanted to give a big thank you to the Board of Directors who helped make this a reality, including: Alma Kreuser, Alex Flex, Joelle McCalla, Sadiki McCalla, Matilda Lugo, Angela Serrano, Colin Bird, Xeno Martinez, Rupert Medina, Leonardo Giron, Jenna Sigman.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sidewalk Snow Removal in Chicago

Why is sidewalk snow removal important?

Chicagoans of all ages and abilities need to use the sidewalks to get where they're going every day of the year. Many children, older adults, and people with disabilities face serious mobility challenges in winter time. Clear sidewalks are a shared community responsibility, and this new ordinance clarifies the requirements for snow and ice removal.

Do the new regulations for sidewalk snow removal in Chicago apply to home, business, and property owners?

Yes, the new sidewalk snow regulations affect all home, business, and property owners in Chicago. Business owners that rent space adjacent to sidewalks are responsible for shoveling snow under the ordinance. Some landlords for residential and commercial property hold tenants responsible for snow clearance as a part of their lease agreements, other don't. Renters who aren't certain of their shoveling responsibilities should check their rental agreements or ask their landlords for clarification.

When do the new regulations take effect?

The new regulations took effect November 28, 2015.

When do I have to shovel my snow?

You must shovel snow as soon as possible after it falls. Snow that falls between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm must be removed no later than 10:00 pm. Snow that falls between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am must be removed by 10:00 am.

Do I have to shovel on weekends?

Yes. You must shovel 7 days a week in the City of Chicago.

In what way should I shovel my sidewalks to be in compliance?

You must clear a path at least 5 feet wide on all of the sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any crosswalk ramps. Do not shovel the snow into the right-of-way, which includes: transit stops and bus pads, parking spaces, bike lanes, bike racks, Divvy stations, and any other space where snow impedes traffic of any kind.

Are there special rules for corner lots?

Yes. If you are responsible for a corner lot, you must remove snow and ice from sidewalks on all sides of your building and from corner sidewalk ramps. This applies to residential property and business owners.

Can I be penalized for failing to shovel?

Yes, you can receive a citation for failure to shovel.  In 2014, 226 citations were issued. The fines range from $50 to $500. The amount of the fine is on a per-case basis, and determined by an Administrative Hearings judge.

Are there special considerations for snow removal?

Chicago Snow Corps is a program that connects volunteers with residents in need of snow removal - such as seniors and residents with disabilities.

To request a volunteer to shovel your block in case of extreme snowfall, call 311. This is a volunteer-matching service. The City will do its best to match those who have requested assistance.

Visit the City of Chicago Snow Corps Website

How do I report a property owner who fails to shovel their sidewalk?

Report property owners who DO NOT clear their sidewalks by making a "Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk" request with the City of Chicago 311 Service Request line

Dial 311, go to the 311 App (iOS or Android) or submit a service request online.

screenshot of the 311 app uncleared sidewalk snow complaint

Report to 311

Dial 311, go to the 311 App or submit a service request online.

Meet All The Candidates for HNA Board of Directors

Board candidates

After two years of startup existence the Hermosa Neighborhood Association (HNA) is moving into a new phase of its life. The interim board is transitioning to a elected board voted upon and comprised of our most committed memebers. 

Those who live in the attendance boundary and who have attended 8 HNA events from November 2015 till the beginning of November are eligible to vote in the election, bylaw changes, and to the run for the HNA board. Those who are eligible to run and to vote in the election have received a notification in a separate, earlier, email .

Board elections will be held for 5 days (November 14-19th). In person voting and the ability to meet the candidates will occur the HNA meeting held on November 19th from 11:30-1:30pm at The Levee Hall, 4035 W Fullerton Ave. 

Five (5) of the ten (10) elected board members are up for election. Class A Board of Directors running include (click on the links to learn more): 

After the board election, Class A and Class B Directors will meet in January to elect Board Officers and re-appoint (up to 3) appointed board members who can live anywhere and need no prior commitments to join the board. These appointed members are designed to help bring skills, such as legal, zoning, and fundraising experience, to the board. 

 

    Meet the Candidates for Board of Directors: Jenna Sigman

    My name is Jenna Sigman and I am running for the office of board member with the Hermosa Neighborhood Association.  I am a public school teacher, working for six years in Chicago and two years in the suburbs.  I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in the Teaching of French and English Literature from the University of Illinois-Chicago.  I have a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies from DePaul University.