City Council

Now for public comments. 1st public speaker supports commemorating March 25th as the International Day of Remembrance for the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
“If the UN has recognized this, we must too recognize this.”

The next few speakers re-emphasized how important it is to recognize and honor March 25th. “We want to acknowledge that the legacy and that the remembrance of our people be remembered today, and days forward. That what we do today will not be forgotten.”
https://www.un.org/en/events/slaveryremembranceday/2021/events.shtml

One speaker accused Ald. James Gardiner of misogyny, homophobia, and other ‘abhorrent behaviors’ against his colleagues and constituents. “There are numerous examples of personal invectives and insults, uncontrolled rants, and verbal abuses.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2021/9/3/22655783/ald-james-gardiner-apologizing-leak-profane-texts-blog-peoples-fabric

Another speaker urged council to vote YES on a resolution demonstrating solidarity with Starbucks workers union efforts. “Last year former CEO Kevin Johnson got a 39% pay raise and the company’s revenue increased by 24%. Instead of paying their employees a minimum wage and..

..providing full affordable healthcare to all employees, Starbucks is spending as much as $132k per day on union busting lawyers.” Referencing the intimidation campaign against pro-union workers, a YES vote on this resolution will strengthen union efforts. https://www.eater.com/22925565/starbucks-union-wave-explained

Another commenter from South Shore spoke against ongoing gentrification. Over half of residents in the area are renters, elderly, and condo owners who are vulnerable to displacement. “We need safeguards to stop the purging and displacement of our communities.”

Final speaker is a parishioner in South Shore, and wants to landmark St Michael of the Archangel’s interior and exterior.

After public comments, onto resolutions. A series of anti-Semitic destruction of property/vandalism happened in the 50th ward, and Ald. Silverstein thanked the officers of the 24th district who responded promptly to the situation and arrested offenders.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/synagogues-vandalized-hours-apart-in-west-rogers-park/2743465/

Several alderpeople rose to express solidarity with the Jewish community affected by these incidents, as well as support for the resolution recognizing those officers for their swift and effective response.

Next is a resolution recognizing Dr. Ngozi Ezike, IL Director of Public Health, as her service ends. Alderpeople took turns commending her for her work, and being a guiding light during the pandemic.

Several alderpeople then shared profiles honoring accomplished women in leadership for Women’s History Month.

The final resolution honors Harold Washington, who became the first black mayor of Chicago in 1983. Alderpeople reflect on his memory and legacy.

All resolutions placed on the omnibus. Onto communications from the city clerk. Clerk Valencia briefly summarized all relevant ordinances recommended for approval from each committee.

With 48 YES votes and 2 absences, council voted to facilitate financing of affordable housing at 3030 W 21st Pl and 3700 W Congress Pkwy. Congratulations! #chicago #housing #affordability #affordablehousing #city #vote https://t.co/N6YuEnUym9

Alderpeople then delivered brief committee reports and recommended favorable roll call passage for most items, while a few others were placed on the omnibus. See details on all items here: https://www.documenters.org/documents/agenda-70021/

After approving the consent calendar, alderpeople then presented their petitions, ordinances, resolutions, etc. Honorary street designations, issuance of permits for signs, municipal code amendments, transit fleet electrification, packaged good licenses, etc were included.

After approval of the Journal, one item in unfinished business - Mia Wright v City of Chicago. This case concerns the incident at the Brick yard mall shop at Target where an altercation with officers took place. 34 YES votes and 13 NO votes, settlement agreement passes. #chicago https://t.co/6tgCmiFLE4

There was controversy about a proposal to create a Special Committee on Chicago Casino, with some alderppl complaining that they received info on it with too short notice. After a motion to table the substitute ordinance, they voted to create the committee. 35 YES, 12 NO votes. https://t.co/vHEJsu33Rm

More on the Chicago Casino:
https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/03/22/chicago-casino-finalists-include-rivers-at-south-loops-78-hard-rock-near-soldier-field-and-ballys-in-river-west/

With no further business, council adjourned. The next council meeting will be Wednesday, April 27th, 2022. Enjoy the rest of your weeks! #Chicago #Council #Politics #Housing #Lightfoot #Finance #Operations #Budget

Mia Wright’s case. The incident occurred in late May of 2020. Police dragged her out of her vehicle, kneeled on her neck, and left her permanently blind in her right eye.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2022/2/16/22937714/brickyard-mall-police-lawsuit-settlement-mia-wright-george-floyd-protests-looting-city-council