New Years message from Ald. Lyle

An Important New Year's Message from Alderman Freddrenna M. Lyle Dear Friend, Two important programs that visibly improve Chicago's neighborhoods open their doors after midnight this New Year's Eve. So if your sidewalks are in disrepair, your roof is caving in, your porch needs supporting or your heater barely warms your house -- call 311 after the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve to sign up for one of these 2 programs: · The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is a voluntary program in which property owners and the City of Chicago share the cost of replacing sidewalks. · The Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) provides grants to low-income homeowners to repair roofs, porches and heating units that are in serious disrepair. Please print this information for your neighbors who aren't on-line and encourage them to consider signing up for these programs. They can sign up any time after Jan. 1, 2011. Sincerely, Freddrenna M. Lyle 6th Ward Alderman Call 311 after Midnight to Fix Your Sidewalks Through the Shared Cost Sidewalk program, owners pay part of the cost of replacing the sidewalk in front of their property, or on both sides of a corner property, and courtesy walks. The City pays the other part of that cost, as well as for any extra-required work, such as ADA-compliant ramps. Property owners pay a set square foot cost: $3. Qualifying senior citizens and those with disabilities pay half that rate: $1.50. The approximate cost to a homeowner of an average mid-block property will range from $500 to $1,000. Those prices are significantly below what a private company would charge. When you call 311, make sure to tell them that you want to participate in the "Shared Cost Sidewalk Program". You must give them the building owner-occupant's complete name with a contact phone number, and the building's complete address. Call 311 after Midnight to Fix Your Porch or Roof Roof and Porch Repair/Replacement Applicants must call Chicago's City Services at 311 beginning after midnight January 1, 2011 to be placed on the intake list for services. The Department of Community Development will accept applicants based on available funding. Heating Unit Repair/Replacement Applicants must call 311 between October 27 and March 3rd, 2011. Improvements are limited to the repair and replacement of heating units. Thank you for your continued support and have a Happy New Year! Sincerely, Freddrenna Lyle