I was delighted to join Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Commissioner Jamie Rhee and colleagues to cut the ribbon on a new Chicago Police Department facility at O’Hare International Airport, providing more office space and training space for officers.
We are proud that Bowa Construction, a black-owned family business headquartered on the South Side, was the prime contractor on the construction project. Bowa was the first minority-owned prime contractor in Illinois to be awarded an airport construction contract in Chicago.
The new police facility is part of an ongoing $8.5 billion expansion of the airport. The old police station was in the way of an expansion of the International Terminal that is coming soon.
Check out the video here!
I was proud to stand among my fellow aldermen, environmental groups, and consumer advocates as a sponsor of comprehensive legislation tackling the pervasive problem of plastic pollution in Chicago waterways and the Great Lakes. I stand with organizations in support of the legislation including the Illinois Environmental Council, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Chicago Recycling Coalition, Illinois PIRG, and Friends of the Chicago River. If enacted, Chicago will lead the Great Lakes region in reducing single-use plastic, eliminating dangerous polystyrene and protecting public health.
The ‘Plastic-Free Water Ordinance’ will reduce plastic pollution by eliminating significant sources of single-use plastic in Chicago, advancing sustainable solutions to keep drinking water clean and ecosystems healthy. Thanks to the guidance and expertise of Access Living and advocates for those with disabilities, this ordinance will preserve the access to needed service ware, including plastic straws, for all individuals.
This ordinance tackles the plastic pollution crisis by:
- requiring reusable plates and dishes when dining in at restaurants,
- allowing consumers to bring their own cups,
- requiring single-use plastic service ware be provided only by request or at a self-serve station,
- requiring recyclable or compostable containers for to-go food,
- reducing polystyrene, and
- educating the public about improved recycling and composting practices.
I will continue to work towards a cleaner environment and work with the entities that this ordinance will directly impact. Read the coverage here.
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I was elated to stand with my colleague, Alderman Vasquez in support of a formation of a North Park Chamber. While we have a strong organizational infrastructure with the Albany Park Community Center and the North River Commission, the creation of this chamber would help to organize the landlords and business owners to further market North Park.
The creation of a North Park chamber could help to address the issue of the vacant storefronts that, while not vacant, are otherwise underutilized. A chamber could also conduct outreach to determine support for the creation of a Special Service Area and Small Business Improvement Funds (SBIF).
The community has voiced its desire to see a wide range of restaurants and shopping opportunities. I am thrilled and grateful that this is happening and looking forward to working together as partners in this and future endeavors. Thank you to Carmen Rodriguez for organizing!
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