Upcoming Events - January / February 2020

Word 49 - The Word on Rogers Park and West Ridge

Bill Morton for 49th Ward Alderman at Chicago Temple 2/25/2019

Shane Columbo Reward Raised to $12,000

Rogers Park Service Fair & Rogers Park Job Fair

Hosted by Bill Morton in partnership with community organizations to support residents and strengthen Rogers Park.

Mark your calendars! In 2019, community leader and Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce President Bill Morton will host the Rogers Park Service Fair & Rogers Park Job Fair—an exciting event focused on supporting the people of Rogers Park through direct access to employment and essential services.

📍 Location: Loyola Park Fieldhouse

This combined fair is designed to bring together:

• Local employers offering job opportunities

• Service providers offering housing, healthcare, legal aid, and more

• Workforce development programs to help residents improve skills and find stable employment

• Community partners and government agencies committed to building a stronger Rogers Park

Whether you're job hunting, looking for support services, or just want to learn more about what’s available in your neighborhood—this fair is for you.

Bill Morton invites all residents to attend and take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect, grow, and thrive as part of our Rogers Park community.

Stay tuned for more details including vendors, partners, and featured guests.

For updates and to get involved, follow:
👉 Bill Morton on Facebook

Together, we can build a stronger, more connected 49th Ward.

Public Mental Health Clinic Service Expansion Task Force

GEORGE A. CARDENAS
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CHICAGO

COUNCIL CHAMBER
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 300
Chicago, IL 60602
Telephone: 312-744-6843
FAX: 312-744-8004

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COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS
Health & Environmental Protection (Chairman)
Finance
Budget & Government Operations
Economic, Capital & Technology Development
Education & Child Development
Housing & Real Estate
License and Consumer Protection

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AMENDED NOTICE AND AGENDA OF MATTERS

TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Wednesday, January 16, 2019
at 1:00 P.M.
City Council Chambers - City Hall

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R2018-1398
Call for creation of Public Mental Health Clinic Service Expansion Task Force
to explore re-opening of mental health clinics and identify budgetary and operational recommendations
for expansion of existing facilities

Introduction Date: 12/12/2018
Sponsor: Alderman Sophia D. King

Copies of the agenda will be available in room 300 or on line at www.chicityclerk.com

Bill Morton for 49th Ward Alderman Canvassing

We are canvassing every day from Monday 11/19 until Wednesday 11/21/2018 💪

Come join us! 773 850-0049 https://t.co/CRv3csHqlH #BillMorton for #49thWard #Alderman pic.twitter.com/BPZYGxCJdb

— Bill Morton for 49th Ward Alderman (@BillMorton49) November 19, 2018

Bill Morton for 49th Ward Alderman - Call to Action

Bill Morton for 49th Ward Alderman  - Call to Action

Discuss your concerns about our community!

Help us canvass, gather petition signatures, and get on the 49th Ward ballot!

Enjoy free pizza and snacks for volunteering!

Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 11 AM – 7 PM

6902 N. Glenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626

How to find us:

We will be located outside near the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Farwell Avenue for pizza and refreshments, and Q&A session. After a short training on petitioning, we will disburse throughout the 49th Ward to get Bill Morton on the ballot!

Word 49 - The Word on Rogers Park and West Ridge

The Rogers Park Job Fair

The Rogers Park Job Fair!

Meet potential employers. Bring copies of your resume. Dress professional.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 12 PM – 4 PM

Ethiopian Diamond II Restaurant  

7537 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60626

Monthly Rogers Park Job Fair is sponsored by the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce and Bill Morton for 49th Ward Alderman, and hosted at the Diamond Room, located at Ethiopian Diamond II Restaurant.

Word 49 - The Word on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge

Don Gordon - It's not "just politics"!

Don Gordon for 49th Ward Alderman

Word 49 - The Word on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge

49th Ward debate at Loyola Park Fieldhouse

49th Ward Aldermanic debate today at Loyola Park Field House - 3 pm. All candidates are invited!

1230 W. Greenleaf Avenue

Rogers Park, Chicago, Illinois 60626

Word 49 - The Word on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge

Happening right now - Rally against Tawani Enterprises Lakefront Car Tower

The Rally against the Tawani Enterprises Lakefront Car Tower at 7315-33 N. Sheridan Road is in progress. http://t.co/u4yncx4lsy
— Rogers Park (@RogersPark1000) October 13, 2013

Word 49 - The Word on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge

Rally today against the Lakefront Car Tower

RALLY TODAY AGAINST THE LAKEFRONT CAR TOWER

On Sunday, October 13th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., Rogers Park residents will rally against a proposed parking garage planned for construction at the corner of Sheridan Road and Sherwin Avenue.  The four-story parking garage required a zoning change and, despite receiving over 400 petition signatures opposing the change, Alderman Joe Moore approved the project.  

On October 17, the issue will come before the Chicago Plan Commission to consider whether the proposal meets the requirements of the Lakefront Protection Ordinance.  The ordinance recognizes that the City's Lake Michigan shoreline possesses special environmental, recreational, cultural, historical, community and aesthetic interests and values that require protection and preservation.  Rogers Park residents will testify at the hearing that the proposed garage violates the ordinance.

Rogers Park residents have a history of fiercely protecting their lakefront, its beaches and the architectural integrity of Sheridan Road, resisting any attempts to extend Lake Shore Drive through unsightly landfills or creating a high-rise canyon down Sheridan Road similar to what was foisted upon the Edgewater Community immediately to the South.

Sheridan Road in Rogers Park has retained a low-rise, residential character because of those efforts over the past 50 years. This parking garage proposal is yet another attempt to change the lakefront promenade quality of Sheridan Road and threaten its low-rise, residential character.

WHAT:     RALLY

WHERE:  MEET AT TOUHY AVENUE AND SHERIDAN ROAD

WHEN:    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13th 2013, 1 P.M.

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Rally today against the Lakefront Car Tower

RALLY AGAINST THE LAKEFRONT CAR TOWER

On Sunday, October 13th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., Rogers Park residents will rally against a proposed parking garage planned for construction at the corner of Sheridan Road and Sherwin Avenue.  The four-story parking garage required a zoning change and, despite receiving over 400 petition signatures opposing the change, Alderman Joe Moore approved the project.  On October 17, the issue will come before the Chicago Plan Commission to consider whether the proposal meets the requirements of the Lakefront Protection Ordinance.  The ordinance recognizes that the City's Lake Michigan shoreline possesses special environmental, recreational, cultural, historical, community and aesthetic interests and values that require protection and preservation.  Rogers Park residents will testify at the hearing that the proposed garage violates the ordinance.

Rogers Park residents have a history of fiercely protecting their lakefront, its beaches and the architectural integrity of Sheridan Road, resisting any attempts to extend Lake Shore Drive through unsightly landfills or creating a high-rise canyon down Sheridan Road similar to what was foisted upon the Edgewater Community immediately to the South. Sheridan Road in Rogers Park has retained a low-rise, residential character because of those efforts over the past 50 years. This parking garage proposal is yet another attempt to change the lakefront promenade quality of Sheridan Road and threaten its low-rise, residential character.

WHAT:     RALLY

WHERE:  MEET AT TOUHY AVENUE AND SHERIDAN ROAD

WHEN:    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13th 2013, 1 P.M.

Word 49 - The Word on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge

Rally Against the Lakefront Car Tower

PRESS RELEASE (September 13th, 2013)
Rally Against the Lakefront Car Tower

7331 N. Sheridan Road (current state)

On Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., Rogers Park residents will march and rally against a proposed parking garage planned for construction at the corner of Sheridan Road and Sherwin Avenue. Organized by a group of neighbors concerned about the negative impact of the project on pedestrian safety, noise, pollution and the residential character of the area, the march will start at Loyola Park at Touhy and proceed up Sheridan Road past the mansion at 7331 N. Sheridan Road, currently occupied by the Shambhala Meditation Center.  

Colonel J. N. Pritzker, through Tawani Development Corporation, purchased the property and plans to demolish the historic structure.  The four-story parking garage required a zoning change and, despite receiving over 400 petition signatures opposing the change, Alderman Joe Moore recently approved the project.  

On September 20th, 2013, the issue will come before the Zoning Board of Appeals, which will consider, among other criteria, whether the proposal is compatible with the character of the surrounding area in terms of site planning, building scale and project design; will not have a significant adverse impact on the general welfare of the neighborhood; and is designed to promote pedestrian safety and comfort.

Rogers Park residents have a history of fiercely protecting their lakefront, its beaches and the architectural integrity of Sheridan Road, resisting any attempts to extend Lake Shore Drive through unsightly landfills or creating a high-rise canyon down Sheridan Road similar to what was foisted upon the Edgewater community immediately to the South. Sheridan Road in Rogers Park has retained a low-rise, residential character because of those efforts over the past 50 years. This parking garage proposal is yet another attempt to change Sheridan Road and threaten its low-rise, residential character.

WHAT:   MARCH AND RALLY

WHERE:  MEET AT TOUHY AVENUE AND SHERIDAN ROAD

WHEN:   SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th, 2013, 1:00 P.M.

Word 49 - The Word on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge

CivicLab Chicago Innovation Award Nominee

CivicLab Chicago Innovation Award Nominee - The CivicLab is one of this year’s nominees for a Chicago Innovation Award!


Word 49 - The Word on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge

49th Ward focused twitter

Twitter focused on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge neighborhoods, Word 49 is all about the 49th Ward of the City of Chicago:

https://twitter.com/word_49



Word 49 - The Word on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge

Let's Talk TIFs in the 49th Ward

Word 49 - The Word on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge

Public Meeting: Common Sense, Common Good

Public Meeting: Common Sense, Common Good

Photography by Bill Morton

updated 8:36 PM CST, Sun March 10, 2013

This evening Rogers Park residents and others from the 49th Ward met, showing a unity rarely seen. They were at Willye B. White Park to fight charter schools coming into the neighborhood.  It has been reported that Alderman Joe Moore had planned to be at this event, but those there are more than aware he was not.
Those in the crowd marched toward the 49th Ward Alderman's home, chanting "Save our schools", and when his door was knocked upon and his house surrounded by the community and media, his house remained eerily quiet.
A 14 year old boy who attends Gale School spoke of the hope that is brought on by seeing his seniors graduate and being elected into the presidency of  student run boards.
It is reported that Alderman Joe Moore's Chief of Staff, Michael Land, drove by to see the on-goings, and when community members tried to speak with him, he drove away.
Below are some images of the march to Mr. Moore's home.

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Bettering our Community with our Votes

Bill Morton, registered voter in the 49th Ward

It is important to be a registered voter and vote in every election.

Voting is a way to speak your mind and let your voice be heard!


•Your vote is your voice.

When we vote, we are actually telling elected officials and lawmakers how we feel about education, public safety, social security, health care, and other important issues.


 •One voice, one vote really does count!

Remember: there is power in numbers, and when we vote and get our family members to vote, we can truly make a difference. If you don’t vote for what you believe in, others will – and you may not like the outcome.


•Because our children can’t vote, we have to do it for them.

Our children are depending on us to represent their voices too! When we vote, we are looking out for our kids, and their futures.


•Voting changes communities!

That’s how we make our concerns about schools, safety, housing, and other issues heard.


•Because your activism, including in reforming the system, will be more powerful if you have voted.


•Because your monitoring of the fairness of the election must begin with voting in it.

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Word 49 - The Word on Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge

The Work Before the Office

When I walk down Clark Street or stop by Jarvis Square, I don’t see just storefronts and sidewalks — I see neighbors I’ve worked alongside, stories I’ve heard, and possibilities we haven’t reached yet.

From helping clean up broken glass near Howard Street to promoting small businesses along Glenwood, my focus has always been on making Rogers Park stronger — one connection, one effort at a time. I’ve been involved with our local business community, attended countless neighborhood meetings, and stood with residents when their concerns weren’t being heard.

That’s the kind of work I believe in. Quiet work. Honest work.

A few people have asked me lately if I plan to run for Alderman. I haven’t made that decision. But I understand why the question comes up — because people want someone who’s been present, not just during campaign season, but year after year.

If I ever run, it won’t be to “become something.” It’ll be to continue what I’ve already started — advocating for our neighborhood with the same commitment, just with a stronger platform.

In the meantime, I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done: listening, showing up, and doing the work — title or no title.

— Bill Morton