New York City's food waste collection containers feature a catch to deter rats. By Marjie Isaacson Chicago residents soon may have a drop-off option for responsibly disposing of food waste, provided free by the city’s Department of Street and Sanitation. Food waste sites throughout the city will be a welcome development. Chicago has long been lagging behind many metropolitan areas in addressing the food waste problem. When organic materials are sent to the landfill, they emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Avoiding this result is an important strategy in mitigating the effects of climate change. In addition, Streets and San is restarting the distribution of backyard compost bins. Composting at home is the most environmentally friendly way of managing organic wastes, but not everyone has the space or desire to do so. Chicago's food waste collection will start this August or soon...

The CTA plans to upgrade all rail stations with an elevator by 2040. East Village Association membership meeting June 5, 2023, at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Bob Zwolinski, vice president By Jenifer Goldsmith A hiring blitz is underway at CTA. Officials presented updates on transit June 5, and EVA members learned about the offerings at the new Empanada Mama. Pre-pandemic, ridership was steady with busier times during rush hour, According to Sam Smith, CTA vice president of legislative affairs, and Maria-Teresa Román, government and community relations officer. But Covid-19 hit the agency hard as ridership decreased and has since become unpredictable. Leadership focused on doing their best to maintain service during the pandemic, but it was negatively impacted by high turnover and staff shortages. In the past, new CTA employees started part-time and advanced to full-time employment; however, in an effort to dramatically increase staff, full-time employment is av...

An Augusta Boulevard bike lane is reconfigured to hug the sidewalk, away from traffic. East Village Association membership meeting May 1, 2023, at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Christina Slaton, president By Jenifer Goldsmith EVA hosted aldermen Daniel La Spata (1st) and Gilbert Villegas (36th) for an update on ward news and introduced the new officers and plans for a neighborhood block party on Aug. 19. 1st Ward: Bike lanes, LaSalle II field, migrant needs La Spata reviewed plans for the new protected bike lane on Augusta Boulevard from Western Avenue to Milwaukee Avenue. He is hopeful for connected bike access through the neighborhoods, but pointed out each alderperson is responsible for coordinating in their own ward, which makes it difficult to design citywide. He is looking into creating safe north-south routes with a focus on moving forward on Wood Street. Three different designs will be revealed for the project in late May. La Spata will be serving on the...

East Village Association membership meeting March 6, 2023, Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. By Neal McKnight EVA members reviewed plans March 6 for the Happy Village property, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave., and held the association's annual leadership election. Officers elected Members approved the officer slate for the year starting April 1: Christina Slaton, President Bob Zwolinski, VP Alison Coughlin, Treasurer Neal McKnight, Secretary Blue Line Run Club Jacque Pyne Rodriguez presented for the Blue Line Run Club. She discussed rules, times and routes. Prospective members can connect via Facebook or Instagram. Happy Village presentation Owner Jim Masterson, architect Martin Snow of SGW Architecture and Design, and zoning counsel Talar Berberian of Thompson Coburn presented plans and renderings. The group was compiimentary of the proposal and design. Concerns were raised regarding removing the patio wall. The consensus was the wall should remain to protect against noise. Th...

Leo Quintero (from left), William Guerrero and 36th Ward aldermanic candidate David Herrera talk to EVA members after the Roots Pizza West Town meeting. Feb. 28 vote to launch Chicago accountability boards East Village Association membership meeting Feb. 6, 2023 at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Stephen Rynkiewicz, director Chicago voters on Feb. 28 will choose citizens to follow through on neighborhood public safety concerns. East Village Association members heard Feb. 6 from three Police District Council candidates who hope to act as a check on West Side police. Down-ballot from mayor and alderman races, six candidates are competing to fill three seats on a board that will meet monthly to "build connections between the police and the community." Atttending the Feb. 6 meeting, John Donatelli, William Guerrero and Leonardo Quintero pledged to report to EVA members and take their concerns to 12th District Commander Beth Giltmier. Donatelli , a Roscoe Villa...

A snowplow clears the Polish Triangle at Division and Ashland. A participatory budgeting proposal would explore plaza beautification. Here's your chance to spend $1 million on street work. By Marjorie Isaacson It’s time to vote! No, not in that election, the one for mayor and alderman on Feb. 28. For 1st Ward residents, this is an opportunity to spend $1 million in ward infrastructure money. Participatory budgeting is a resident-led vote to identify and fund projects that are important to the community. Ideas are solicited, then a team of volunteer residents reviews them and develops them into proposals, then residents can choose their preferences. Voting is underway now and closes Feb. 5. The highest voted-on projects listed are what the alder will spend the money on, maybe with some adjusting to stay within the $1 million limit. Whether the projects get done will be subject to many things, but straightforward ones will be done&mdassh;if more votes come in for street r...