GWCA has been working on the five-year vacancy at 4116 North Clark, (former 7Eleven) with both Alderman Martin and Alderwoman Clay. We thank both Alders, and all GWCA leaders, members and residents for their input and work.
We invite all Graceland West residents and GWCA members to participate in a Zoom presentation with Access Contemporary Music at the Lakeview Taproom, 1426 West Irving Park on Tuesday, May 7 from 5:45-7 pm. All residents have survey input. All current GWCA members have a vote.
The prospective tenant, Access Contemporary Music, is seeking a zoning change from RS-3 to B3-1 to renovate the currently vacant space. The space would house rooms for music lessons for adults and children, as well as a 60- seat performance space. Performances and operations would conclude by 10 pm. The applicant also hopes to serve alcoholic beverages at concerts. A number of parking spots would be provided on-site. A zoning change is required for the proposed use.
GWCA has been working on the five-year vacancy at 4116 North Clark, (former 7-11) with both Alderman Martin and Alderwoman Clay. We thank both Alders, and all GWCA leaders, members and residents for their input and work. We invite all Graceland West residents and GWCA members to participate in a presentation with Access Contemporary Music at the Lakeview Taproom, 1426 West Irving Park on Tuesday, May 7 from 6-7 pm. We hope you can join us.
46th Ward Alderwoman Clay posted this survey requesting your feedback by May 3rd regarding the proposal for the site. The survey is open for two weeks and will close on Friday, May 3rd at 5pm.
The tenant, Access Contemporary Music, is seeking a zoning change from RS-3 to B3-1 to turn the currently vacant space into another location for ACM. The space would house rooms for music lessons for adults and children, as well as a 60-seat performance space. Performances would take place Thursday-Sunday and operations would conclude by 10pm. The applicant also hopes to serve alcoholic beverages at concerts. 20 parking spots would be provided on-site. A zoning change is required for the proposed use.
Our recent GWCA Community Meeting, held on March 20 at Quantum LEEP Academy, was full of great discussions and exciting updates. We’re thrilled to share the highlights and the full meeting minutes with you.
Key Takeaways:
Quantum LEEP Academy Engagement: Lorell Marin, the founder, provided an overview of the Academy’s plans and expressed eagerness to integrate the community with the Academy’s activities.
Summer Quarterly Meeting: President of Chicago Bird Alliance, previously “Chicago Audubon Society” and possible community potluck.
Yoga in the Park: Plans for summer yoga sessions were shared, with a request for community input on preferred times.
Community Engagement and Safety:
Kid’s Pollinator Project: Scheduled for Warner Park with options for May 4 or May 11.
Historical Homes Focus: For the September meeting, we’re gathering stories and documents about pre-1900 homes.
Speed Bump Initiative: Discussions on Warner, Berteau, Greenview and Belle Plaine’s speed bumps.
Cubs Season Update: Heather Way Kitzes provided insights into the upcoming season’s plans, including environmental initiatives and community involvement.
Lake View High School’s 150th Anniversary: Julia Van Vliet highlighted the school’s significant milestone and ongoing community support initiatives. Currently the High School’s track team needs the community’s support purchasing attire. See their Amazon Wishlist.
Budget and Council Elections: An overview of the balanced budget for 2024 was presented, and congratulations to Colin McLeod and Janice Horwich on their re-election to the GWCA Council!
We wrapped up with discussions on old and new business.
Your involvement and enthusiasm make GWCA a vibrant and proactive community. Let’s keep this momentum going! Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming events and initiatives.
Join Us Next Time: Remember to mark your calendars for our next meeting June 20th at Warner Park. We can’t wait to see you there!
Thank you for your continued support and participation in the GWCA.
Join us at Quantum LEEP Academy, located at 1447 W Montrose Ave, for our Spring Community Meeting.
Mark your Calendar: Wednesday, March 20 at 7:00
Here’s what’s in store for you:
Meet Our Hosts: Quantum LEEP Academy Founder Lorell Marin will share insights about the school and their mission.
Special Guest: We’re thrilled to welcome Heather Way Kitzes the Chicago Cubs Director of Community and Government Affairs! She’ll share her experiences, vision and how we can collaborate to make our neighborhood even more vibrant. Let’s explore how we can team up with the Cubs to strengthen our ties with the organization.
Additional meeting topics:
GWCA budget vote: Have your say in our organization’s financial future.
Semi-Annual Council Election: We’re actively seeking passionate individuals to run for council positions! If you’re enthusiastic about the community, step up and make a difference.
Garden Walk Sign-Up: Get ready for our most beautiful event! Sign up to show your garden.
Plant Sale Kickoff: Bring your green thumb and learn about the plant sale we are supporting.
We’ve attached the 2023 Cubs Neighborhood Protection Report that highlights some of the Cubs contributions over the past year.
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.
Meet Our Hosts: Quantum LEEP Academy Founder Lorell Marin will share insights about the school and their mission.
Special Guest: We’re thrilled to welcome Heather Way Kitzes the Chicago Cubs Director of Community and Government Affairs! She’ll share her experiences, vision and how we can collaborate to make our neighborhood even more vibrant. Let’s explore how we can team up with the Cubs to strengthen our ties with the organization.
Additional meeting topics:
GWCA budget vote: Have your say in our organization’s financial future.
Semi-Annual Council Election: We’re actively seeking passionate individuals to run for council positions! If you’re enthusiastic about the community, step up and make a difference.
Garden Walk Sign-Up: Get ready for our most beautiful event! Sign up to show your garden.
Plant Sale Kickoff: Bring your green thumb and learn about the plant sale we are supporting.
This Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 5:30 at Port & Park Bistro & Bar (bar entrance) come celebrate the year with other Graceland West residents and GWCA members.
The list below highlights the GWCA activities throughout the year.
January GWCA & Southport Neighbors Association 46th Ward Aldermanic Forum, Music Box Lounge
March First Quarter Community Meeting, Lakeview Taproom. This was an opportunity for GWCA Block Reps and 19th District Police to get to know each other. 19th District Police Cpt. DelPilar and CAPS Sgt. Hernandez led the update. 19th District Police Council elect Samuel Schoenberg attended. Alderman Martin provided updates for a Traffic Circle for Greenview and Belle Plaine and an update on construction of protected bike lanes on Clark from Irving Park to Montrose. GWCA approved zoning for renovated and new condo construction on Cuyler.
April Earth Day Cleanup. GWCA has held neighborhood cleanups since its 1979 inception.
May GWCA received not-for-profit status again. Donations to GWCA, not including membership dues, are now tax deductible.
JuneSecond Quarter Community Meeting and semi-annual election, Warner Park. Celebrated the Summer Solstice with an annual outdoor Environmental Topic Meeting. Live Roof and Pizzo Native Landscape were our 2023 panel. The Environmental committee focus includes neighborhood Climate Change, pollinator habitat, stormwater flooding, diesel air pollution, composting, recycling and more. Semi-annual elections are held in June and December for 18-month Council terms.
May Annual Yard & Garage Sale
July 41st Annual Garden Walk. 31 Gardens & 7 Pollinator Sites. Information tables included GWCA information, Master Gardeners, Native Plant Pollinator Pathway and Stormwater Absorption Initiative and Tree Keepers.
September 43rd Annual Neighborhood Fest. GWCA was established in 1979 and our first event was our Fest.
September Third Quarter Community Meeting, Warner Park – this meeting was cancelled. The bike maintenance and safety clinic was postponed and the Alder led bike ride will happen when the new Clark Street protected bike lanes open.
September GWCA Native Plant Pollinator Pathway and Stormwater Absorption Site Gardeners received a Chicago Excellence in Gardening (CEGA) Honorary Mention for their seven parkway sites. 5 sites are available for this initiative at Berteau and Ashland, Belle Plaine and Ashland, Cullom and Greenview, Cuyler and Greenview and Warner and Southport.
October Guys of GWCA gathering, Long Room Chicago
October Children’s Halloween Party, Warner Park
November Gals of GWCA gathering, Long Room Chicago
November 11th Annual Street and Crosswalk all-volunteer Leaf Cleanup. 20 volunteers kicked off the cleanup on Greenview intersections filling almost 100 bags with street and crosswalk leaves in 90 minutes. Our 9-day 2023 goal was 500 bags.
DecemberFourth Quarter Community Meeting, Port & Park. Semi-annual elections, holiday social & Golden Rake Award.
Every year, our final quarterly community meeting is a celebration and social gathering. This year it will be held Thursday December 7th at 5:30 at Port & Park. We’ll have some fun and announce the winner of this year’s golden rake for amazing work during our annual street leaf cleanup. As always, reach out to info@gracelandwest.org with any questions.
