Condolences

To longtime SLN member and former SLN President Bill Haderline, on the passing of his father. The wake will be Thursday, 4/24, from 3 pm to 8 pm at Grein Funeral Home at 2114 W. Irving Park Rd. Funeral mass on Friday, at 10:00 am at St. Andrew's Church, 3546 N. Paulina.

Property Tax Info

It’s almost time for property tax bills to be sent out again. Here’s some info from the City of Chicago Office of Budget and Management regarding your Property Tax Bill. Property tax bills were mailed to Chicago residents in November 2007. Although the City of Chicago was successful in renewing the 7 percent cap in Springfield, some homeowners are reporting significant increases in their property tax bills. Following are the most likely reasons for these increases: Loss of Exemption • Loss of Senior Freeze Exemption: The senior did not reapply for the exemption. The application is required annually. A Certificate of Error must be filed and a new tax bill will be issued.

• Loss of Senior Exemption or Homeowner Exemption: The property was either sold or refinanced, causing a discontinuation of the exemption. A Certificate of Error must be filed and a new tax bill will be issued. No Exemption

• Property was sold: A change in ownership will result in a lowering or reduction of the Homeowner Exemption. The change in the exemption is dependent on what year the property changed ownership.

• Property is not Owner-Occupied: Rental properties are not covered by the 7 percent cap. Only properties that are owner-occupied are covered, which means that the owner must reside in the home. Tax Bill Increased More Than 7 Percent

• The legislation that was passed in Springfield limited the Homeowner Exemption to $40,000 annually. However, the 2006 reassessment increased the values of some homes by significantly more than the $40,000, causing an increase in the tax bill by more than 7 percent. Note: To check on your property tax payment status and refunds, please go to the Cook County Treasurer's website, www.cookcountytreasurer.com You could lower your bill substantially if you are eligible for one or more exemptions or assistance programs. Be sure to investigate how you might be able to save. Need help? The City of Chicago can assist you. If you have a question or concern about your tax bill, please contact (312)744-1000.

IMMUNIZATIONS & FLU SHOTS
The Chicago Care Van, part of the Chicago Department of Health, will provide children's immunizations and flu shots outside of Alderman Waguespack's office at 2657 N. Clybourn on January 31st from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Remember to bring your child's immunization records!

VOLUNTEER
If you're looking to find out more about how to help your ward and your local aldermanic office, please contact Elizabeth Gomez at (773) 248-1330. You can also email her at egomez32nd@gmail.com

OUR CONDOLENCES
To the friends and family of Bernadine Ciccone. She has been a member of SLN since the very beginning. She attended most meetings until she just couldn’t get there anymore. And, she worked on the newsletter and ads long before computers! She will be missed.

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
Members wishing to submit articles relating to activities occurring in the SLN boundaries should contact Perry Castrovillari at 773-975-6969 or Bill Haderlein at 773-348-4516. Articles should be submitted by the 3RD Tuesday of each month.

NEWSLETTER ADS
There are still three small ads available. They are yours for the taking. Ads run from September thru June. Ads will be prorated. Give Ann a call at 773-477-8840 for more information.

ARE YOU MISSING THE FIREWORKS?
Experience winter fireworks every Saturday evening in February at 6:30 p.m. over the Chicago River (401 N. Michigan Avenue)!

February Meeting Preview

2800 N. Lincoln – Mixed-Use Development proposal (Sustainable, “green” feature building)
As previously reported in the January, 2008 newsletter, this issue was postponed upon the request of Alderman Waguespack. An additional meeting was held at the Alderman’s office including the Wrightwood Park Neighbors Association (WPNA). WPNA is located just south of SLN and this project will be very visible to their residents. WPNA has agreed to flyer and inform their membership to attend SLN’s February meeting to discuss this project.

Summary of the Project: Location: Vacant lot on the northwest corner of Lincoln-Diversey-Racine Owners: Helios Realty & Development, LLC. (also own Welllington’s Bar & Grill on Wellington and Lakewood) Zoning: C1-3 (commercial) Proposal: To be built on the tight triangular space. 5 stories high at the top. 9 units total. 9 parking spaces. Each unit will have a fairly large deck for outside space. Commercial space as required on the 1st floor. This building will be a sustainable, energy efficient residential building. The design incorporates: 1) 400 feet into the ground water-generated heating and cooling rod system 2) Solar panels to assist in the heating and cooling 3) Green grass roof to absorb up to 2 inches of rainwater to keep water out of the sewer system 4) Recycling within the building 5) Zinc exterior paneling which has a high-tech coating that will improve the overall insulation of the building. This building is LEED Silver Certified. Changes to the design accepted by the developers: 1) Corner balconies were rounded-off 2) More wood was added to the exterior to break-up the color of the zinc paneling 3) False windows added to the ground level to break-up the 1st floor brick 4) Balcony railings to be constructed in a manner to provide more privacy for the unit owners when viewed from the ground level. Voting issues: #1) The developers request a 10% increase in the livable square footage in order to better position the mechanical operations of the energy-efficient equipment. The equipment is required to be enclosed inside the building under the sustainability design. #2) Design: The membership will vote on the design of the building. This is a very modernistic design on a very visible site. This vote will be informational to the Alderman and the developer. See pictures later in the newsletter.

Diversey Ave. - Before

Diversey Ave. - After

Lincoln Ave. - Before

Lincoln Ave. - After

LEED Certification - WHat is it?                              

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

For homeowners, the LEED certification ensures that homes are designed and built to be energy- and resource- efficient, durable, less costly to maintain, and healthy for their occupants. LEED provides homeowners with the knowledge that they have a high-performing green home that costs less to operate. LEED homes offer: • Economic benefits such as lower energy and water bills. • Environmental benefits like reduced greenhouse gas emissions. • Quality of life benefits like improved comfort and less maintenance. • Health benefits such as reduced exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. • Financing benefits for consumers in today’s changing mortgage environment. • Third-party verification that a home has been inspected, performance-tested, and certified to meet LEED green building criteria. There are 4 levels to LEED certification: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

TV BROADCASTING
Did you know that if you rely on an antenna to watch TV you can contact the government to receive two coupons worth $40 each to buy converter boxes? Starting February 17, 2009 analog over-the-air broadcasts will be turned off. Cable and satellite TV providers said their subscribers will continue to view programming after the switch. But, for those who rely on an antenna, you need to buy a converter box. There is no income cap on consumers who want the coupons. You can apply for coupons via phone at 1-888-DTV-2009 or via the government Web site http://www.DTV2009.gov starting Jan. 1, 2008.

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