CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – Loop, Lincoln Park, Ravenswood, Oak Park, Portage Park

As the end of 2016 approaches, there’s New Year’s Eve celebrations to plan and business goes on as usual.

LOOP

The deadline to apply for a property tax rebate with the City of Chicago has been extended to tomorrow, Friday 12/30/16. Applications are being accepted face-to-face only at 26 neighborhood processing locations across the city, including City Hall (121 N. LaSalle St.). Quick qualifier to see if you may be eligible to receive benefit from the Chicago Property Tax Rebate Program for the tax year of 2015: Are you a Chicago Homeowner and Resident who is current with all property tax payments and City debts, had reported less than $75,000 as your household adjusted gross income and received the Cook County Homeowner’s Exemption on last year’s taxes returns, and experienced a property tax increase in the City of Chicago portion of your most recent tax bill? If so and you have not yet heard this news, then we suggest you follow the link above and make your plans to apply during tomorrow’s business hours. Come prepared with a current photo ID, your 2015 Income Tax Returns or Social Security Award Letter, and a copy of the 2nd Installment of your 2015 Property Tax Bill. Additional benefits may be rewarded to Seniors over the age of 60 and folks experiencing significant hardships such as those on Social Security Disability or Unemployment. Depending on your circumstances and  eligibility, rebates of $25 – $200 may be accessed. Every little bit counts.

LINCOLN PARK

For the 5th year in a row, MillerCoors’ Miller Lite is partnering with CTA to be your designated driver this New Year’s Eve by allowing free CTA train and bus rides between the hours of 10:00 p.m. through 4:00 a.m. New Year’s Day. It will not be necessary to tap your Ventra card to access trains and buses. In fact, don’t because you will not be reimbursed if you habitually do so and your card is debited. Lincoln Park, you’re in luck because the #66 and #151 bus routes will have more frequent service and extended hours. See the CTA New Year’s Eve Service Customer Alert for more details and other bus routes with additional service.

RAVENSWOOD

Chroma K8 Beautique, eco-friendly hair salon, at 5425 N. Lincoln Ave. wants to help you look bangin’ so you can start the year off with a bang.  Book your session as soon as possible for their New Year’s Eve Mani’s & Makeup Event. All day of Saturday, 12/31, the Chroma K8 staff will be servicing $45 mini-manicures and makeup or $75 mini-manicure, makeup, blowdry and style. Both service packages come with a Jane Iredale lipstick of your choice.

OAK PARK

The good people at OakPark.com have compiled a handy list of New Year’s celebrations going on around the area. There’s plenty to do for all ages. For the kids, Wonder Works Children’s Museum (6445 W. North Ave.) is holding a day-long New Year’s Eve party on Saturday,12/31, from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. with games, crafts, food and a family parade for $2 extra per person plus the $8 cost of general admission.  For the adults, FitzGerald’s Nightclub’s (6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn) New Year’s Eve party begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 for live entertainment provided by the eclectic cover band Expo ’76 and the Total Pro Horns, and the champagne toast at midnight. Follow the link above for more details and goings-on.

PORTAGE PARK

This mundane news may be helpful for several Chicagoans since it seems like pipes are being replaced all over town. In particular, the water main replacement project continues along the half-mile stretch of the 5100 block of W. Windsor Ave. between Lavergne and Leclaire Avenues. In order to divert service into the new pipes, water lines will need to be cut off for several hours at a time over the next few weeks. Hopefully these cut offs won’t dampen New Year’s celebrations. According to DNAinfo.com, Portage Park residents close to the site are advised to flush out their water systems of possible sediment that had shaken loose during the switchover by running faucets for five minutes continuously. If possible, start flushing out faucets on lower levels first and then continue upward. Be sure to unscrew and clear out the aerators on the ends of faucets for sediment or rust that screen may have captured by the screens. And keep in mind that anyone can request for their water to be tested for lead contamination by calling 311 to schedule an in-home test.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO