The Board of Directors has been busy over the past few months! We elected new officers, appointed new board members, and past a budget for the year. We will reveal the latest updates from our February 27th board meeting in April. For now please check out our last three previous board meeting minutes.
Crime prevention tax amendment: update
The Mayor's budget for the rebate property tax amendment passed this afternoon in a 35-10 vote.
While the budget amendment has some good things in it like $2.7M for after school programming through After School Matters and parks programming; the majority of the money is going to projects that won't help mitigate the crippling crime problems plaguing Hermosa.
Only <20% of the funds are going to programs designed to keep youth safe.
We look forward to finding other ways to promote safety in Hermosa going forward.
Feb 4th and Feb 11th Meeting Summary
Our HNA General Meeting on February 4th was well attended! Over 40 neighbors came out to learn about our upcoming meetings, organizing, and actions.
Also, on February 11th we held a special Immigration 101 workshop. You can view the minutes from that meeting here, and download the PowerPoint here.
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
We need your feedback!
HNA is an "assoication" of nieghbors. With that in mind, we want to check in from time to time to make sure the subjects of our meetings, the way we communicate, and the timing and locations, are what works for the community. Please fill out this brief survey to help guide HNA's community organizing for 2017!
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.
Report to 311
Dial 311, go to the 311 App or submit a service request online.
Elections Results from HNA Board of Directors
Thank you to everyone who participated in the HNA Board of Director elections. The following were the results of the election.
The top five candidates will join the new board in December, 2016.
Colin Bird - 25
Kristen Pratt - 22
Leonardo Giron - 19
Ruperto Medina Jr. - 18