New ballfields at Clemente and Wells high schools will raise their profile as competitive to limited enrollment schools,1st Ward Ald. Proco Joe Moreno suggested in an hourlong question-and-answer session with EVA members Nov. 5. "I know you gotta crack a few eggs to make an omelet," Moreno said, "but it took too long." He advocated legal marijuana, a casino and video gaming as ways to raise city revenues.
- Ashland and Western avenues have been discussed as transit-oriented development zones. Moreno said he would bring any plan to EVA for comment.
- School administrators and teachers support a language academy program at Wells High School, Moreno said, but funding is unresolved.
- A day before the November vote but a few years ahead of a potential remap, ward gerrymandering was on the table. In 2011, EVA sought to keep East Village in a single ward. Moreno blamed remap issues on citywide population losses, and predicted that more changes would come with a growing Latino population. He suggested that EVA again work through the City Council's rules committee, currently chaired by 8th Ward Ald. Michelle Harris.
- With a Feb. 26 mayoral primary approaching, Moreno had good words for Gery Chico, Susana Mendoza and Toni Preckwinkle and suggested that a Democratic majority in the U.S. House of Representatives would strengthen the next mayor's hand.
- Cmdr. Stephen Chung has performed well in his 12th District police post and would not be likely to bid for a transfer, Moreno said.
- Bike lanes on Chicago Avenue are still in the planning stage. Moreno suggested that transportation planners will be receptive to community input.
- Citing Chicago Tribune reporting on tax inequities, Moreno expects reform from incoming Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi. Moreno wants to support affordable housing, but not through a real estate transfer tax.
