District 13 Updates: Office Hours, Zoning Changes, Winter is Alive!

Hi Everyone,

We’ll be having office hours tomorrow morning from 8am to 10am. Here is the link to join the Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83663192580?pwd=M3Vwb3oybmNNK0Vtam52TkVjVmRmQT09

Meeting ID: 836 6319 2580

Passcode: 774054

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,83663192580#,,,,*774054# US (Washington DC)

+13126266799,,83663192580#,,,,*774054# US (Chicago)

Zoning Ordinance Changes Update

At the February 2 meeting of the Common Council, a set of ordinance changes to allow more density in certain zoning districts was introduced by me, the Mayor, and fellow Alders Lemmer, Furman, Prestigiacomo and Heck. According to the drafter's analysis: "These changes will allow for the construction of more multi-family dwelling units ("higher densities") as permitted uses ("by right"). In that way, this ordinance takes one step toward removing barriers in the zoning code that have historically tended to exclude the construction of multi-family housing in areas of the City that are otherwise appropriate for it.”

A primary goal in these proposed changes is to align our housing density with the recommendations of the City's 2018 Comprehensive Plan.  I have asked staff for assistance to provide a detailed analysis of how this would impact District 13, similar to what Alder Heck recently provided on his blog. Planning staff has completed their in-depth report for the upcoming February 25 Housing Strategy Committee, which you may review here. 

Please feel free to reach out to me with your questions and concerns.

Winter is Alive! ...a cooler world carnival

Winter is Alive! a cooler world carnival is a multi-disciplinary event fusing art and spectacle to revision climate change and activate global relationship. Uniting us during late winter and the physical separations caused by COVID-19, Winter is Alive! gathers together diverse local and global perspectives to demonstrate the collaboration required to combat climate change. Winter is Alive! provides us the opportunity to reawaken a positive vision of the future where we collaborate to reduce climate change and create inclusive community between people and nature.

Tamsie Ringler, the Artistic Director of Winter is Alive! explains “In regard to the climate crisis, everybody’s voice is important on this issue. We have to pull together as a global community. We cannot keep taking the same path. We need to go beyond sustainability and figure out a way forward, beyond the solutions that have been comfortable before.” She continued with, “Part of this project is making everyone see what a wonderful, beautiful world we live in, so that we start taking care of it. It is very important that everybody participate. This is why this carnival is important. We tried to create a project that has something in it for everybody from snow sculptures to conceptual art.”

For more info on this unique cultural event, click here.

Take care and stay safe,

Tag