Below is an important update from the Alderman’s office about the Ashland #9 Bus extension. If missed the June 6th meeting hosted by the 47th Ward notes from the GWCA Council can be found here. The feedback form from the Alderman’s office is still open if you have comments. It can be found here.
Alderman Martin is excited to share that the CTA has set the start of the extended #9 Ashland bus route to its new terminal at the Ravenswood Metra Station for Tuesday 9/3.
After hearing concerns from neighbors about the integrity of the street, CDOT has identified problem areas where they will grind and patch the street with new asphalt before buses begin running along it. CDOT has informed us that they intend to start that work next week.
In preparation for the September start date, the CTA will be working to install new bus stopsignage along the route later this month.
This extension will expand access to one of the busiest bus routes in the city to within ½ mile of an estimated 21,000 additional residents and 15,000 more jobs. The extended route will also provide direct connections to the Metra, the #78 Montrose bus, and the #81 Lawrence bus.
Thank you to our gardeners, visitors, and volunteers who made the 42nd annual Graceland West Garden Walk a success!! We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Join us Saturday, September 14, for our annual Graceland West Neighborhood Fest.
The 42nd Annual Graceland West Garden Walk kicks off this Sunday, July 28th at 1:00 at Warner Park and Gardens at 1446 West Warner Ave. See gracelandwest.org/garden-walk/ for more information and get a sneak peek at the map here:
It’s your last chance to sign to show your garden or to volunteer during the 42nd annual Graceland West Garden Walk!
Sunday, July 28, 1-5pm with potluck following in Warner Park & Gardens. The Graceland West Garden Walk welcomes gardens of all stripes and sizes. Sign up at gracelandwest.org/garden-walk/. Contact info@gracelandwest.org for more info.
Did you know that GWCA received a Chicago Excellence in Gardening Award last year? The award reads:
In recognition of hard work, creativity and commitment to making Chicago a healthier and more beautiful place, the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards Committee is proud to award an honorable mention to Graceland West Community Association (GWCA) Native Pollinator & Stormwater Absorption Sites on this day, September 24, 2023.
Enjoy our many beautiful neighborhood gardens during the walk on July 28th.
Yoga in the Park, tomorrow, Saturday 7/13, 9:30-10:35 at Warner Park and Gardens. Free event hosted by GWCA. Weather looks great. Bring a mat or throw rug. Arrive a little earlier. RSVP to info@gracelandwest.org.
We will follow up with additional details, including day-of logistics, more information on the potluck, and opportunities for volunteering, which include:
Staffing the registration table at Warner Park & Gardens
Set-up at Warner Park & Gardens
Takedown after potluck at Warner Park & Gardens
Similar to last year, we are directing attendees to Warner Park & Gardens as a central hub for information tables, sign-in, and a limited number of paper maps. An online map available through will be included on publicity materials and signage (available through a QR code or hyperlink).
Please contact the Garden Walk Committee with general questions. Please email Chad with specific questions about the form or to sign up directly (chad.rathmann@gmail.com).
Between June 19 and today, June 25th, we have had 5 separate vehicle incidents:
Car parked at Cullom and Greenview had window smashed
Car parked on the 1400 block of Warner had window smashed
Car parked in driveway on 1400 block of Belle Plaine was broken into
Car parked on 1400 block of Warner near north/south alley east of Greenview had Catalytic convertor stolen
Unlocked car on 1400 block of Warner near north/south alley east of Greenview was entered and were contents tossed around.
Please contact info@gracelandwest.org if you know of any other vehicle or other crime incidents.
Please help deter crime in the neighborhood by doing the following:
Maintain a bright front porch light from dusk to dawn all year.
Maintain either a bright rear door light or motion lights.
Install and a video camera.
Always lock your vehicle, house and garage and secure open windows on 1st and 2nd floors.
Remove all valuables from your vehicle.
Lock bikes and vehicles that are garaged.
Look outdoors when you’re up at night. Not a bad idea to have a few indoor lights on timers.
Report all alley and street lights out. Report all suspicious activity.
Attend the 19th Police District Council meetings (tonight and July 24th, flyer attached) and the next Police 1912 Beat Meeting, July 16, 6:30 pm, Sulzer Library.
Please be extra alert to suspicious activity and sounds at any hour.
Please join the Graceland West Community Association, GWCA. Membership dues help support our website, newsletters, meetings, events, an annual donation to Warner Park and Gardens and a scholarship for a college bound Lake View High School student.
SUMMER SOLSTICE POTLUCK AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY MEETING
After a wonderful yoga session in the park last Saturday, we’ll be back at Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner, this Thursday, June 20, 6:30 – 8 pm for our quarterly community meeting.
Judy Pollock, President of Chicago Birding Alliance (former Chicago Audubon) will return by neighborhood request and share information on local and migrating birds and their needs.
Neighbors Ben and Sarah Conley are certified TreeKeepers, who will provide support information on habitat for birds and tree care.
Neighborhood updates, Garden Walk sign-up, semi-annual Council election.
Summer Solstice Potluck, bring a finger food app, main or dessert to share. BYO beverages, compostable plates and reusable utensils.
You’ll be receiving the attached newsletter at your door this week. Visit gracelandwest.org for details on GWCA’s initiatives + updates & details on all these upcoming events. Save these dates and join us!
Events
YOGA IN THE PARK Saturday, June 15, 9:50 – 11:15 am Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
The event is free and open to all Graceland West residents over 18 years old. Bring your own mat or rug. Weather permitting. Please RSVP to info@gracelandwest.org by June 14 and check gracelandwest.org for possible additional summer dates.
SUMMER SOLSTICE ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY MEETING Thursday, June 20, 6:30 – 8 pm Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
Judy Pollock, President of Chicago Birding Alliance (former Chicago Audubon) will return by neighborhood request and share information on local and migrating birds and their needs.
Neighbors Ben and Sarah Conley are certified TreeKeepers, who will provide support information on habitat for birds and tree care.
Neighborhood updates, Garden Walk sign-up, semi-annual Council election.
Summer Solstice Potluck, bring a finger food app, main or dessert to share. BYO beverages, compostable plates and reusable utensils.
42ND ANNUAL GARDEN WALK Sunday, July 28, 1 – 5 pm Throughout neighborhood, start at Warner Park and Gardens, 1444 W Warner
Sign up by 7/15 at gracelandwest.org/garden-walk to show your apartment, condo, house, school or business garden of any size and type.
Printed and virtual maps and garden descriptions will be available. Information Tables to include Master Gardeners, TreeKeepers, Native Plant Pollinator Pathway and Stormwater Absorption Initiative and Pizzo Native Plant Landscape.
Invite family, friends, or neighbors to enjoy our neighborhood gardens with you.
LAKE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL 150TH ANNIVERSARY Late Summer, Early Fall, Details shared when available Lake View High School, 4015 N Ashland
In 1873 the citizens of Lake View Township voted to establish a High School. Built on land donated by the Graceland Cemetery Company, Lake View High School was constructed at a cost of $16,000 and opened its doors to 73 students on May 4th, 1874.
After a massive fire nearly destroyed the entire building in 1885, Lake View reopened in 1886, with a new four-story addition.
In 1916 a new 5-story building was erected and in 1939 another section was added.
Today Lake View High School encompasses 77,000 SF and a full-city block. A $27 million renovation project was completed in 2018.
44th ANNUAL GRACELAND WEST NEIGHBORHOOD FEST Saturday, September 14, 3 – 8 pm 4100 block of Greenview between Belle Plaine & Warner
FALL COMMUNITY MEETING Thursday, September 26, 7 – 8:15pm See website and social updates for topic and location
CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY Saturday, October 26, 11am – 1pm Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
11TH ANNUAL VOLUNTEER STREET LEAF CLEAN-UP November 16-24 Kickoff 11/16 at 10am at Greenview & Belle Plaine, Berteau & Cullum Reduce stormwater flooding and increase pedestrian safety.
WINTER COMMUNITY MEETING & HOLIDAY SOCIAL Thursday, December 5, 6 – 7:30pm See website and social updates for topic and location
News
Congratulations Lake View Class of 2024! Congratulations graduates on receiving over $1.9M in scholarships and acceptances to over 180 Universities. Lake View is home to over 1476 students grade 9-12. Lake View’s Core Belief is Honor…for self, school, and society. Ownership…of learning and leading. Mastery…of skills and growth. Education…for the future.
4116 North Clark Zoning Thank you Alders Pawar, Martin and Clay, the GWCA Council and neighbors for helping with the 5+ year vacancy at the former 7-11. We are told that the 7-11 lease ends in July 2024. On May 7th GWCA held an in-person Community Meeting and joined Alderwoman Clay’s on-line Presentation with potential tenant Seth Boustead, Executive Director of Access Contemporary Music. ACM wants to bring their fourth neighborhood site to Graceland West to teach music and hold recitals and small indoor concerts. GWCA Members voted 89% Yes, 11% No to change zoning from RS-3 to B3-1 if ACM is the tenant. Members voted 84% Yes, 16% No to allow ACM to sell alcohol during indoor music concerts if ACM becomes the tenant.
9 Ashland Bus Extension Alderman Martin has announced that the CTA 9 Ashland bus will be rerouted from its current turnaround on Clark north of Irving Park to continue north on Ashland to a new terminal at the Ravenswood Metra Station. The extended route will also provide direct connections to the Metra, #78 Montrose bus, and #81 Lawrence bus. Additional details are forthcoming.
Pollinator Habitat Donations + 3 New Sites Thanks to a $1,000 donation from Congressman Quigley and a matching $1,000 donation from neighbor Mark Signa, the GWCA Native Plant Pollinator Pathway and Stormwater Absorption Initiative established 3 new sites in May. Each will provide pollinator habitat and absorb more than 2,000 gallons of stormwater annually. All will be on our July 28 Garden Walk. Contact GWCA if you’d like to develop a corner parkway, or share information about your native plants, grasses, shrubs, trees, rain gardens, green roofs and green efforts.
Greenview and CuylerGreenview and CuylerSouthport and Warner
Cicada Photos Wanted Celebrate our 2024 double cicada brood emergence, the first in 221 years. Email photos to info@gracelandwest.org
Neighborhood History Sought Lake View High School was established in 1874, 150 years ago and neighborhood development began in the early 1890’s. GWCA’s September meeting will focus on our history. Please contact membership@gracelandwest.org if you have a property built before 1900 or if your family has information or photos dating from 1870-1970.
Fest Donations + Volunteers Sought Looking for individuals to help the day-of event in a variety of roles. Have a connection to a local business or a unique activity/experience you can donate to our silent auction? Please contact info@gracelandwest.org
