Residents: Vote Online for Ward 47 Improvements

Lincoln Square and Northcenter residents said alley resurfacing was the most-needed neighborhood improvement, but now it’s up for a vote.

Ward 47 Ald. Ameya Pawar has just over $1 million to spend on the ward, and he’s asking residents to vote online for the projects they want to see the most.

Each year, wards in Chicago receive “menu” funds for the purpose of improving the area. The money can only be used on maintenance and infrastructure, not hiring more police officers or recurring costs. 

Pawar wants residents to prioritize what they’d like to see completed. The ward has $1.3 million in funds, and a preliminary list tops nearly $6 million, he said. 

To vote, ward residents have to provide their name address along with email or phone for verification in this online survey. Voting opened Tuesday and will be available until March 19.

Paper copies are also available at the ward office, 4243 N. Lincoln Ave.

The preliminary list was complied by almost 80 block audits and data from Chicago’s 311 system.

The most common requests were alley and street resurfacing, new streetlights, and curb and gutter repair, according to Ward 47 Community Specialist Jim Poole.

Despite poor alley conditions, residents rated the overall appearance of homes and development a 4 out of 5 in the ward. All conditions averaged a 3 or better on a 0 to 5 scale, Poole said.

With the survey’s results, Pawar hopes to have a final list of projects in April. 

See related:

• Pawar Seeking Input for Neighborhood Improvement Funds