The redevelopment of the Heartland CafĂ© site is a singular opportunity to get community benefits and community-centered development right. The current proposal by the developer, AGE LLC (AGE) falls short by a wide margin. The purpose of zoning laws is to regulate land uses to ensure those uses serve and protect the public interest. When…
Read MoreNetwork 49 Applauds Progress on Police Professionalism with Consent Decree By Michael Harrington, Co-Chair, Network 49 Network 49 is excited about this week’s federal court ruling to approve & oversee a Chicago Police Consent Decree. After almost two years & 1000s of hours of volunteer time, this marks a real victory for the people of…
Read MoreAs of today, Maria Hadden and Bill Morton have accepted our invitation to participate in a January 15 aldermanic candidates’ debate. Joe Moore has been invited – by email, phone, and a letter mailed to his home – but has yet to respond to the invitation. We remain hopeful that Alderman Moore will agree to…
Read MoreToday, Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke was found GUILTY. Network 49’s Ted Miin, who is on our consent decree team, notes that this conviction does not mean that the system “works,” or that true justice was served. The jury found Van Dyke not guilty of official misconduct, meaning he was acting in accordance with official…
Read MoreNetwork 49 learned that 1221 W Sherwin, a 56-unit senior housing property known as Levy House and owned by non-profit Council for Jewish Elderly, may be in final negotiations to be sold to a for-profit developer. The sale would put the homes of low-income seniors and persons with disabilities at grave risk. While we continue…
Read MoreNetwork 49 calls on members to speak up for safety Network 49 has reviewed the proposed consent decree released by the City of Chicago/State of Illinois as part of the ongoing effort to reform the Chicago Police Department. We find the document leaves out critically important protections that community organizations fought for and which can…
Read MoreNetwork 49 held its first regular membership meeting on January 24 and the March 2018 primary was top of mind. Our organization wants to help residents make informed political decisions and work for progressive representation, so we invited candidates to speak and then conducted our first straw poll of the current campaign cycle. We intend…
Read MoreAt its November 15 General Membership Meeting, Network 49 shared its inaugural bylaws and membership structure, and proposed candidate endorsement process. These materials have been developed by resident leaders on the Steering Committee and working committees. 25 residents joined at the November meeting and paid their $30 annual dues. A membership form for those who…
Read MoreNetwork 49 is a resident led community organization representing more than 750 residents and focused on improving education, safety, and community development in the 49th ward. We have considered in detail the application submitted by KEYS to CPS Office of Innovation to open a new charter school in Rogers Park. After carefully considering the application…
Read MoreEmail sent to Alderman Joe Moore June 13, 2017: Dear Alderman Moore: We are writing on behalf of the Housing and Community Development Committee of Network 49. Our committee is comprised of residents of the 49th ward who are interested in promoting balanced development and improving and expanding the process for resident participation in zoning…
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