Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Statement: Inspector General Reports on Parking Meter Fiasco

As headlines continue to fill the news about broken meters and unhappy aldermen, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) applauds City of Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman for holding City Council members accountable for leasing the City’s meters for the next 75 years.

“We commend Inspector General David Hoffman’s inquiry into the value of the parking meter lease and for his efforts to hold our elected officials accountable,” said Kim Schilf, President and CEO of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. “Despite City Alderman’s efforts to include a required review period for future deals, the issue of the hasty lease of a precious asset remains.”

Although the LPCC supports parking meters to encourage business turnover, a 75-year lease and deferred control of costs and meter times is both of detriment to businesses and the vitality of neighborhoods,” Schilf continued. “With costs increasing by as much as 400% in some neighborhoods – to start – only time will tell as to how high they will climb.”

“Between increased taxes, higher fees and parking costs, the LPCC asks aldermen to think about the price point at which consumers will simply go elsewhere for their goods and services,” Schilf concluded. “With approximately $1 billion left on the table with the privatization of our city’s parking meters, we worry that the financial well-being of businesses is at risk as well.”

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Statement: DePaul’s Master Plan

As DePaul University prepares to unveil their updated Master Plan and Community agreement to the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) is looking forward to the final outcome of those documents.

“We are excited to see DePaul University’s final Master Plan after their diligent and strategic approach to the site,” said Kim Schilf, President and CEO of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. “DePaul University has been transparent, open and inclusive throughout this process. The LPCC is honored and appreciative of being able to provide feedback throughout the planning process. The community agreement being developed with the Master Plan represents DePaul’s continued commitment to the neighborhood and the residents and businesses that reside near the university.”

As a business organization, one of our main concerns is how any new development or change in the neighborhood will impact parking. DePaul University’s Master Plan has studied the impact changes to the campus and new buildings will have on parking and has incorporated plans for additional parking options into their plans,” Schilf continued.

“The new music and theatre buildings will provide students access to a world-class education and residents another cultural outlet in their neighborhood,” Schilf concluded.

New Edition of The Source Now Available

The spring 2009 edition of The Source, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce's quarterly newsletter is hitting streets today.

For an electronic copy of The Source, please click here. If you'd like to get on the mailing list or find out more about membership, feel free to email us today.

Business Updates

In an effort to keep LPCC members informed about various issues affecting businesses throughout Lincoln Park – or even nationally – we bring you Business Updates regularly. For more information, please our website.

Public Use Permits
Despite popular opinion, sidewalk cafes are not the only outdoor item for which businesses are required to obtain a public use permit. Annual fees for public use permits range from $0 to $400. Public Use Permits are obtained through the new Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. They can be reached by calling (312) 74-GOBIZ.

Permits are required for all items that touch or hang over the public way including: bike racks, bay windows, canopies, decorative lights, all facades and balconies, fire escapes, flagpoles, landscaping, murals, park benches, pavers, signage, trash containers and many more.

Please visit the Business Resources page on our website - http://www.lincolnparkchamber.com/business/business-resource/ - for a complete list of permits required, fees and information on how to obtain the necessary documents.

Door Hangers and Hand Bills
Often, businesses hit the streets with materials to be distributed door-to-door to residents. Unfortunately, this canvassing practice is against city ordinance and will result in a fine of $200 for each offense. Section 10-8-271 of the Municipal Code of the City of Chicago prohibits the distribution of “door hangers” or “handbills” as advertising material.

The complete ordinance is available in the Community News section of our website. The LPCC is reminding businesses of this ordinance to ensure they aren’t fined.

Broken Parking Meters
There’s been a lot of discussion lately about the cost, regulation and even maintenance of the parking meters in Chicago. The LPCC wants every business – and resident for that matter – to understand the policies associated with parking meters that are not functional. Simply putting a bag over it – although a widely-used technique – is not a guarantee you will be free from a parking ticket.

If would like to report a broken or missing parking meter please call (312) 744-4500 or complete the form available on the City of Chicago’s website (search: “Broken Parking Meters). If you have any comments, ideas, or complaints related to parking meters, please call 311. Tickets will be written at meters that are not working.

And of course, don’t forget your quarters! Meters throughout Lincoln Park are now at least $1 an hour, and areas closer to downtown range from $2 to $3.50 an hour.

Sandwich Boards
A popular tool to draw foot traffic into your business is in fact illegal. AS the ordinance states: “…any such sign, structure or de¬vice that is placed, installed or maintained on the public way in violation of this section is hereby declared a public nuisance and may be removed at any time at the expense of the person re¬sponsible for the violation.” This violation is subject to a fine of up to $500 for each offense.

"Going Green" Business After Hours

Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility. Business owners in Chicago – and across the planet – are in a unique position to help control their carbon footprint and energy use. Bringing the issue of energy-efficiency to the neighborhood, the LPCC hosted a special “Going Green” Business After Hours event in conjunction with Earth Day.

On Wednesday, April 22 more than 70 LPCC members and other Lincoln Park business leaders joined together for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and conversation at Aquae Sulis, a high end kitchen and bath fixture store in Lincoln Park.

“Environmentally-friendly products and business practices save more than our planet, they help save businesses money as well,” said Kim Schilf, President and CEO of the LPCC. “The LPCC is committed not only to promoting local businesses, but also to shaping a healthy environment for generations to come.”

Sponsored by Premier Waste and Recycling, the “Going Green” Business After Hours” featured environmentally-friendly business tips and products, as well as a raffle that included recycled aluminum foil from Reynolds Wrap, tickets to a Chicago White Sox game a gift basket filled with green cleaning supplies. Everyone who attended the Going Green Business After Hours was presented with CFL light bulbs from the City of Chicago and a water bottle to help limit landfill waste created by bottled water.

Photos of the event are available here:


Thanks again to everyone who came out and made this a memorable and “green” event!

Cooperative Advertising Program Offers Savings

The LPCC is pleased to announce our cooperative advertising program – a money-saving benefit of your LPCC membership!

In 2009, we have partnered with Chicagoland media and publishers to provide a variety of options for discounted advertising. In the coming weeks and months, we will send out reminders about each opportunity. Complete details are available at www.lincolnparkchamber.com/business/cooperative-advertising/.

Please note: Advertising rates are good for all of 2009 except through publications where specific issues are highlighted and only open to members of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. Padraic Swanton at the LPCC at (773) 880-5200 can also answer general questions cooperative advertising.

Save the Date: The Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival

Saturday and Sunday, August 8th and 9th

The LPCC is thrilled to announce the first annual Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, August 8th and 9th. This new event will replace past LPCC festivals including Pizza Fest, Fall Fest and the Whole Foods FlavorFest, encompassing the best of the three into one main event.

One of the festival’s biggest assets will be its central location. The Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival will be held on Racine, between Fullerton and Webster in the heart of Lincoln Park and just steps from DePaul University, public transportation and Trebes Park.

In the spirit of the Chicago street festival model, but with a more refined approach, the Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival will feature food and drinks from some of the neighborhood’s most famous restaurants and bars. LPCC members are currently being tapped to participate as food vendors at the event to represent the best of what the neighborhood has to offer.

In addition to quality food and refreshing drinks, the Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival will bring back two of Pizza Fest’s most popular attractions: a “bags” tournament and a pizza eating contest. These attractions are sure to bring a smile to your face whether you’re a participant or simply a spectator.

For additional entertainment, the event will feature premier live music on two stages on both Saturday and Sunday. Check the LPCC’s website regularly for information on confirmed headliners and a complete list of musicians scheduled to perform at the event.

LPCC members are also being invited to serve as vendors at the festival and to sell and display their wares. Artists from around the country will also be on-hand to sell and discuss their work. A special area will also feature activities and games for young children to ensure that visitors of all ages are entertained at the event.

The LPCC is currently soliciting LPCC and community members for volunteers at the event. With more than 20,000 people expected during the two-day festival, hundreds of volunteers will be needed to take tickets, collect entrance fees, pour beer, entertain children and assist revelers in whatever way necessary. Please contact Katie Freese, director of sales and events at (773) 880-5200 if you’re interested.

“I love volunteering at the festivals because it’s so much fun being outside, listening to great music, great for people watching and it feels good to doing something for the Chamber and the community,” said Lincoln Park Massage Spa’s Chris Ramsey, a past volunteer. “Of course enjoying a nice cold beer at the end of a shift is a great benefit.”

The Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival will serve as a vital fundraising effort for the LPCC and help sustain our mission to invest in new programs and activities that benefit our members and the surrounding community. Please contact the LPCC today if you’d like to join the new Festival Steering Committee.