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Judge Rejects Challenge to City’s Landmarks Ordinance
May 9, 2012 by jsedey · Leave a Comment
Chicago’s landmarks ordinance got a lift Wednesday when a Cook County judge dismissed claims that the law is unconstitutionally vague. Judge Sophia Hall sided with the city, frustrating a six-year campaign by landmarking opponents to nullify two landmark districts on the city’s north side.
Historic preservationists were also sustained by the decision, even as they brace for the next round of litigation. “We are pleased, but of course we expect it to be appealed,” said Jean Follett, Executive Director of Landmarks Illinois, an advocacy organization. “It seems like a strong ruling.”
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New Condo Vacation Rental Ordinance to be Introduced
May 4, 2012 by jsedey · Leave a Comment
Chicago’s vacation rental license, which was largely ignored and difficult to enforce, has been eliminated. In April, Mayor Rahm Emanuel proposed a consolidation that would reduce the number of business licenses by 60 percent to save retailers money and frustration. The vacation rental license was one of dozens targeted for elimination.
Emanuel’s plan to reduce the number of business licenses would wipe out plans to license and regulate condominiums into hotel suites.
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Chicago Infrastructure Trust Approved
April 27, 2012 by jsedey · Leave a Comment
By a vote of 41-7, city aldermen and the City Council approved Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to attract private money for public-works projects, tossing aside concerns from some aldermen that there’s not enough oversight.
“What we set here today will be replicated by many cities throughout this country and many cities throughout the world,” said Alderman Richard Mell (33rd).
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Zoning Committee Approves Live-Work Ordinance
March 27, 2012 by jsedey · Leave a Comment
Chicagoans would be free to live and work in the same place thanks to a zoning change to fill vacant storefronts and return the city to its roots.
“It’s how Chicago was built,” said Alderman Joe Moreno (1st). “Family in the back. Store in the front”
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Emanuel Modifies Speed Camera Plan
March 21, 2012 by jsedey · Leave a Comment
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has insisted that his plan to bring speed cameras to Chicago is aimed at improving safety around schools and parks. However, several aldermen are questioning whether the camera push is really more about creating a new revenue stream for City Hall and benefitting some of Emanuel’s political allies.
The original plan called for 79 Chicago intersections that already have red light cameras and fall within school and park “safety zones” to be retrofitted to accommodate for the speed camera. In the wake of aldermanic controversy, Emanuel scaled back the proposed hours cameras would operate around schools in hopes of winning aldermanic support.
He originally proposed speed cameras would run on school days between 6 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and until 9 p.m. on Friday. His amended proposal would cut back those hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., as well as create a panel that would include aldermen who would decide where cameras should go.
Speed cameras would operate in park safety zones during hours when parks are open, typically 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.Last fall, mayoral aides said the 79 intersections with red light cameras would take priority for speed camera installation because their red light cameras could be modified to also measure vehicles’ speed at a relatively low cost.
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Mayor Emanuel Announces Chicago Infrastructure Trust
March 5, 2012 by jsedey · Leave a Comment
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the creation of the Chicago Infrastructure Trust, an innovative way to leverage private investment for transformative infrastructure projects. Mayor Emanuel was joined at the announcement by President Bill Clinton, who has been helping strengthen the country’s infrastructure for decades, most recently through the Clinton Foundation’s work with large cities like Chicago on energy efficiency initiatives.
“Nothing is more crucial to our long-term competitiveness and job creation than infrastructure,” Mayor Emanuel said. “The Chicago Infrastructure Trust will bring additional resources to stimulate public and private investment in our infrastructure, create thousands of jobs for Chicagoans and ensure that our residents have a world-class quality of life.”
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City Continues to Fight Synthetic Stimulants
February 16, 2012 by jsedey · Leave a Comment
In an effort to combat the latest drug fad, Chicago will go after bars, gas stations and other businesses that sell synthetic stimulants disguised as bath salts that mirror the effects of cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamines. Read More…
BOMA Chicago Announces Winners of 2011-2012 TOBY Awards
January 31, 2012 by matt · Leave a Comment
The Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA/Chicago) announced the winners of “The Outstanding Building of the Year” (TOBY) Awards at an awards gala over the weekend. The TOBY Awards are designed to recognize excellence in office building management across several categories based on building size and type. The buildings were judged on tenant relations, commitment to environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, budgeting, work order systems, security standards, staff experience and continuing education opportunities.
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Chicago Libraries to Reopen Mondays
January 24, 2012 by jsedey · Leave a Comment
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has altered plans to close all libraries on Monday afternoons. He recently announced that all Chicago public libraries will remain open during the afternoon hours for most of the year and all day on Monday when schools are not in session.
Emanuel blamed the previously announced closures on the city’s budget woes and a disagreement with the library employee’s union. Discussions with union leaders had not led to a resolution, but aids to the mayor said they collected roughly $2 million to staff the libraries on Mondays.
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New Council Ordinance Intended to Improve Cab Safety
January 19, 2012 by jsedey · Leave a Comment
A revamp of taxi regulations proposed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel last December was approved by the Chicago City Council.
Under the new ordinance, taxi drivers will only be allowed to work 12-hour days, excluding breaks, and taxi companies will be required to keep detailed records on how long drivers are on the road each day. Fines for violating provisions will go up from $1,000 to $5,000.
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