Friday, May 17, 2013
Passed by a 35-21 vote, the bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Pat Quinn, who has not yet said whether he intends to sign it.
By a vote of 35-21, the Illinois Senate approved legislation on Friday that would allow doctors in the state to prescribe marijuana as pain relief for severe medical conditions. The bill now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature. According to the Chicago Tribune, the bill covers 33 specific conditions—including multiple sclerosis, cancer and HIV infection—and includes several controls, with a four-year trial program, dosage limits, fingerprinting, background checks and licensed dispensing centers. “This bill is filled with walls to keep this limited,” the paper quoted sponsoring Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), who urged lawmakers to pass the legislation as a compassionate measure for those suffering with extreme pain. In opposition, Sen. …
Thursday, May 16, 2013
An audit of the Chicago Department of Transportation reveals red-light cameras can’t be proven to increase safety, along with a record of every camera in the city. See where Lake View stands, and which intersection ticketed more than 16,000 drivers in 201
The results of a red-light camera system audit are showing where drivers are being slammed with the most tickets, and the camera coming in second place lands at an intersection in Lake View. The audit was requested in February because of questions posed by area alderman; 32nd Ward Ald. Scott Waguespack, included. They wanted proof that the Australian company Redflex Traffic Systems Inc. and Chicago installed the devices to improve traffic safety rather than to create a source of revenue. It turns out auditors with the Chicago Inspector General’s Office were "unable to substantiate its claims that the city chose to install the red-light cameras at intersections with the highest angle crash rates in order to complete safety." The results of …
Monday, May 13, 2013
Attempts to regulate Chicago’s pedicab business in the past have failed, but Tunney list of rules in his newly proposed ordinance aren’t as strict.
Whether you call them pedicabs or rickshaws, peddlers in Chicago may soon face a list of new regulations, thanks to an ordinance introduced to City Council by Ald. Tom Tunney (44th). Attempts to regulate the growing industry have failed twice in the past, with the biggest point of contention being a rule that prohibits pedicabs from operating in the Loop during rush hour, WBEZ writes. Some saw the two-person tricycles as an answer to downtown gridlock. But with Tunney’s newly proposed ordinance leaving that issue off the table, it may have a chance. “This ordinance is long overdue,” Tunney said in a statement. “Pedicabs have been operating in the city for years as an unregulated and unlicensed business. While pedicabs are a unique and …
Sunday, May 12, 2013
A tax incentive presented before the Chicago City Council this week would allow for a Ford dealership at 2501 N. Elston Ave.
A property tax incentive introduced to city council Wednesday would support the development of a new North Side car dealership. The Cook County Class 7(b) tax incentive would allow construction of a Ford dealership on a 7.45 acre site at 2501 N. Elston Ave., on the west edge of the Chicago River, just north of Fullerton and Damen avenues. The $51 million project would provide 102,000 square feet of space for the sale of new and used cars as well as a service center and offices. The incentive lowers taxes on qualified commercial properties from the standard Cook County rate of 25 percent to 10 percent for 10 years; 15 percent for the eleventh year; and 20 percent for the twelfth year. The total tax savings during the 12-year period is …
The state representative, who covers Lake View and Lincoln Park, says this will help prevent seniors from needlessly moving into nursing homes.
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Sunday, May 12
To strengthen the state’s senior home care program and prevent seniors from needlessly moving into nursing home care, a measure sponsored by state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) was signed into law last week. “Home care for senior citizens is one of the most cost-effective programs in the state of Illinois,” said Feigenholtz. “Aside from the basic humanity of allowing elderly residents to age in place, the state can provide CCP for four seniors at the same cost of caring for one person in a nursing home. We should be investing as much as possible into long-term cost-saving programs such as CCP, especially as the state faces such difficult financial circumstances.” The Community Care Program (CCP) provides in-home services to over 85,000…
Saturday, May 11, 2013
The Chicago City Council is expected to vote on a resolution Wed., May 8 that encourages the Commissioners from major sports leagues to support their gay players, invite them to come out and to ensure their safety.
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Chicago City Council is considering several measures centered on bicyclists including increased fines for drivers convicted of dooring, stiffer penalties for bikers who break the laws and an awareness campaign aimed at taxi drivers.
Officials are proposing even stiffer penalties against those convicted of "dooring" bikers within the city. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel introduced a plan to the city council on Wednesday that would raise the fines for cyclists disobeying traffic laws, and double the fines for motorists who cause crashes by opening vehicle doors into the path of cyclists, commonly known as “dooring.” The 2013 Bicycle Safety Ordinance proposal includes a provision to raise fines for cyclists who break street laws from $25 to a range of $50-$200, depending on the violation. "If they are sharing the roadway with vehicles, cyclists need to obey all traffic laws, including yielding to pedestrians, stopping at traffic signals and indicating when they are making …
Thursday, May 9, 2013
The new proposal introduced Wednesday would allow the cubs to play up to 46 night games, as well as schedule 3:05 p.m. games on Fridays. Its two moves some neighbors frowned upon.
A new proposal by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) would allow the Chicago Cubs to play up to 46 night games at Wrigley Field starting next year. Introduced to City Council Wednesday, the proposal would increase the number of night games from 30 to 40, in addition to allowing Major League Baseball to schedule six more night games to be aired on television. In addition, the proposal allows the Cubs to schedule Friday afternoon games at 3:05 p.m. rather than 1:20 p.m., as well as host up to four concerts at the ballpark each season. Performers Jason Aldean and Pearl Jam have already been booked. Changes to the Cubs schedule could come as early as next month.. While making room for additional concert dates at Wrigley …
Sunday, May 5, 2013
A Connecticut and New York-based grocer will soon be landing in Lincoln Park.
The vacant Lincoln Park Hospital garage site will soon be vacant, no more. Coming to the Lincoln and Webster avenues' space is boutique grocer, Mrs. Green's Natural Market, which is already established in New York and Connecticut, according to a Wednesday announcement made by 43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith. The Lincoln Park store will be the first for the company to land in Chicago. "Mrs. Green's is bound to the community agreement that was part of the planned development and will have to abide by the loading zone and other restrictions contained in the (planning development) ordinance," Smith said in her announcement. The store aims to be a "one stop shop" for natural and organic food and supplements, according to its website. Wheat-free, …
Saturday, May 4, 2013
May is National Foster Care Month and one local official is putting youth in the spotlight.
A local official is bringing foster services to the forefront in honor of a special month honoring our state's youth. National Foster Care Month comes around every May and this year, State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is reminding residents of the 16,000 kids in Illinois' foster system. The campaign raises awareness about youth in transition and the unique circumstances of each child in foster care. Feigenholtz encourages residents to learn more about the foster care system, consider mentoring a foster youth, or explore becoming a foster parent. “Improving Illinois’ child welfare system is an issue that is very personal and very close to my heart as a state legislator,” said Feigenholtz, who is adopted. “Our goal is make sure that …
Brian
1:37 am on Sunday, May 19, 2013
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