LINCOLN SQUARE — A neighborhood organization is bringing elected officials, police and community leaders together Thursday for a “state of the neighborhood” event that will allow residents to ask questions about issues facing the area.
Paige Worthy co-founder of Heart of Lincoln Square, said the group was formed a year ago to organize neighbors in the area bounded by Damen, Western, Montrose and Lawrence into a civic organization.
The first state of the neighborhood meeting in January drew big crowds despite short notice and a “pretty loose agenda,” Worthy said.
“We want people throughout our membership and who attend this meeting to understand they have power as a resident of this neighborhood and here’s how you can use it in a positive and constructive way,” Worthy said. “Not just voting in the national elections but understanding the impact you have as a citizen and constituent on every aspect of how your life is governed.”
Worthy said Thursday’s meeting at DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., is aimed at driving home the importance of grassroots involvement in the neighborhood.
“In a neighborhood that feels so closely knit and ‘neighborhoody’ like Lincoln Square does there really wasn’t anything like our group that felt cohesive,” Worthy said. “There were some really great groups doing some really cool stuff, but not in our immediate area.”
The following elected and city officials have been invited to Thursday’s event:
• U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, 5th District
• Illinois Representative Ann Williams, 11th District
• Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, 10th District
• Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey, 12th District
• Ald. Pat O’Connor (40th)
• Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th)
• Commander Marc Buslik, Chicago Police Department, 19th District
• Commander Sean Loughran, Chicago Police Department, 20th District
Thursday’s free event begins at 6:30 p.m. Questions for officials attending the State of Lincoln Square event can be submitted in advance using this online form.
Additional information about Thursday’s event can be found here.
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