Legislative News
As you probably know, the City of Chicago Plastic Carryout Bag and Film Plastic Recycling Ordinance (“Plastic Bag Recycling Ordinance”) took effect December 11, 2008 for retail and wholesale establishments larger than 5,000 square feet. On March 11, 2009 the ordinance took effect for all retail and wholesale establishments, regardless of size.
The following legislation makes it easier for businesses to remain profitable and navigate their requirements with the City of Chicago.
The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) joined Alderman Tom Tunney, Alderman Vi Daley, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) representatives and Mayor Richard M. Daley Saturday to officially open the Fullerton “L” station in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Local Issues
From time to time, the Government Affairs Committee of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) contacts local media outlets and neighborhood partners - from elected officials and community organizations to businesses and residents - to share our position on key issues affecting business and Lincoln Park.
Recent Issues
Lincoln Park Hospital
Since the hospital closed in 2008, the site occupied by Lincoln Park Hospital has been an eyesore on the neighborhood. With developers presenting proposals to community residents, Alderman Vi Daley and more, the LPCC feels that a mixed use project including retail, office space and residential will help contribute to the vitality of the surrounding area.
Read the LPCC's complete statement here.
Lincoln Park Post Office Branch
A cause for some debate, the LPCC has learned that the United States Post Office location at the corner of Fullerton and Sheffield - a busy local intersection for businesses and residents alike - may be slated for closing in the near future. To combat this, the LPCC contacted our local U.S. Representatives for more information and share our support for maintaining
Read the LPCC's letter to U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (5th) here.
Update: After reaching out to Congressman Quigley's office, the LPCC has learned that a lease is in place with the owner of the buidling - DePaul University - through the summer of 2010. Beyond that, the status of the Post Office at that location is dependent on the lease terms and the U.S. Postal Service budget. Stay tuned for more information.
Economic Landscape Rattles Boutique Businesses
Throughout this difficult economic stretch, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) has recognized the problems affecting businesses both large and small and continues to work to provide businesses the tools, resources and connections necessary to remain profitable, no matter what the economy is doing.
Read the LPCC's full statement.
LPCC Supports Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce's Call to Action on Cook County Board Commissioner Veto Law
Last year the Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to increase the county portion of the sales tax from 0.75% to 1.75%, which increased the rate in Chicago to 10.25% - the highest among any big city in the country. Despite overwhelming support by the Cook County Board for ordinances to repeal a portion of the tax, President Todd Stroger has vetoed those measures repeatedly, and the Board has been unable to garner the unusually high four-fifths vote necessary to override his vetoes. A new ordinance introduced would change the requirement to a more updated, and obtainable, two-thirds vote.
Update: Governor Pat Quinn signed this new bill - "The Stroger Law" into law on Saturday, November 7, 2009.
LPCC Supports DePaul's 10-Year Plan
The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce announced their support early this summer of DePaul University's upcoming Strategic Plan and community agreement release, anticipating a comprehensive document more than a year in the making.
Read our letter to Alderman Daley here and read our press release, covered in both The Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune.
Contact Us
Interested in sharing your support for a key legislative issue? Have an issue you'd like the LPCC to consider?? Contact us today at (773) 880-5200.

