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Alderman Ray Suarez Protect Our Environment
Alderman Ray Suarez (31st Ward) amends legislation to include Licensed Businesses to require Security Cameras. The amended ordinance will make business owners aware of certain areas and secure them to make for a safer environment for their patrons.
The amended ordinance, introduced by Alderman Ray Suarez into City Council on November 30, 2005 requires licensed establishments operating more than 12 hours to install security cameras.
The ordinance states, “Any establishment licensed.................which gives the general public access to its premises for more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period shall install and maintain functioning security cameras sufficient in number to record all areas of any parking facility.....and all areas of the premises..... excepting restrooms.”
Alderman Suarez states, “I believe security cameras will serve as a preventative tool to deter crime. Overlooking and ignoring these parking areas and other areas of the premises have lead to muggings, purse snatchings and car jacking. I am hopeful the cameras will deter people from committing crimes, or at least catch those who do.”
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March 1, 2006
Alderman Ray Suarez Announces the Installation
of a Red-Light Photo Camera
Alderman Ray Suarez (31st) has worked with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) to ensure the installation of a Red Light camera at the intersection of N. Cicero Ave. and W. Fullerton Ave. The Red Light camera is intended to reduce the number of red light violations that result in accidents and injuries. The cameras record only those vehicles that have gone through the red-light.
Suarez states, “This is about safety for our pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists. Enforcing the red-light camera will make this intersection safer by addressing the problem of vehicles running the red-light.”
Motorists who violate the red-light will receive a fine through the mail. “It is my hope the Red-Light Camera Enforcement Program will encourage drivers to drive safer and obey the rules of the road,” states Alderman Suarez.
The cameras are scheduled to be installed by April 2006.
Photos Attached
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Alderman Ray Suarez to End Excessive Noise-Making in Chicago Neighborhoods
Alderman Ray Suarez amends legislation as a measure to clarify an existing ordinance meant to improve public safety and address noise nuisance issues. The amended ordinance restricts ice cream trucks from sounding music when the vehicle is stopped.
The amended ordinance, introduced by Alderman Suarez, is an enforcement tool in dealing with public safety and noise violations. It states:
“Mobile food dispenser vehicles employing musical or noise-making devices shall only sound the devices when on the public way and shall be prohibited from sounding the devices when the mobile food dispenser vehicle is stopped.”
“Noise isn’t the only issue—it’s safety, as well. When the weather is nice, ice cream trucks will be out, playing their loud music outside of someone’s window, simultaneously luring children onto a traffic-filled street and polluting someone’s air with loud music,” states Alderman Ray Suarez.
Alderman Suarez introduces the amended ordinance as a means of addressing the concerns of 31st Ward residents who consider the ice cream trucks’ amplified loop of music an annoyance.
September 13, 2006
Alderman Ray Suarez to Keep Residential Feel of Chicago Neighborhoods
Alderman Ray Suarez (31st Ward) introduced legislation into the City Council amending the truck booting ordinance July 26, 2006. The amended ordinance restricts commercial trucks from parking on residential or business streets in Chicago. Under the proposed ordinance, all commercial trucks parked on residential or business streets will be eligible to be booted and towed. The Truck Booting Ordinance passed the Committee on Traffic Control and Safety on September 11, 2006, and will go before the full City Council on today.
Alderman Suarez introduced the ordinance to sustain a neighborhood feel for our communities. By disallowing commercial trucks from parking on our streets, we will increase the amount of parking for residents and patrons of our businesses.
Alderman Suarez states, “The ordinance will reduce accidents due to large commercial trucks blocking the view of cars leaving their driveways or other streets. It’s dangerous for pedestrians, as well, as often the large commercial trucks decrease their visibility when crossing the street. This ordinance will make Chicago a safer place for both motorists and pedestrians.”
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Alderman Ray Suarez Announces
The First Astro-turf Soccer Field
At Falconer School
Alderman Ray Suarez is pleased to announce the installation of a new astro-turf playing field at Falconer School, located at 3020 N. Lamon Ave., in the 31st Ward. It is the first of its kind in any Chicago Public School and it will be used as an outdoor soccer field for students.
Alderman Ray Suarez recognizes a great need to improve and enhance the existing playing grounds for children. He worked closely with the Chicago Public Schools in obtaining funding to construct the new astro-turf field. Suarez states, “I believe the astro-turf will provide an ideal playing field for practices and leagues because it is safe, long lasting and a low maintenance alternative to grass.”
Alderman Suarez is joined by other elected officials, community residents, local school administration, local business owners and community organizations as he performs a Ribbon-cutting Ceremony on:
Friday, April 21, 2006
11:00 a.m.
3020 N. Lamon Ave.
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Alderman Ray Suarez (31) Brings Affordable Housing into the Community
Alderman Ray Suarez (31st Ward) is pleased to announce the redevelopment of the old Florsheim Shoe Company factory, located at 3927-3963 W. Belmont (Belmont Ave. & Pulaski Rd.).
Alderman Suarez held several community meetings to get the community’s input, hear their concerns and gain their support of the overall project. The project will bring 175 residential condominium units with ample parking spaces and neighborhood retail space into an obsolete building. The roofs will be made into vegetated “green” roof with a roof deck accessible to building residents. The building located at 3961 W. Belmont Ave. is rated “orange” on the Chicago Historic Inventory and will be retained.
Alderman Suarez worked with the developer to ensure opportunities for affordable condominiums in this development. Alderman Suarez received a commitment from the developer to make 20% of the units affordable. In total 35 of the 175 units will be marketed at affordable prices.
To be eligible to purchase an affordable unit, applicants must be first-time buyers (have not owned a home within the last 3 years) and income eligible obtain a mortgage loan approval, receive certificate of counseling completion, and schedule an appointment with the Department of Housing. The first step in applying is to receive pre-purchasing counseling.
The following area agencies provide pre-purchase counseling:
(for a complete list of agencies, visit: cityofchicago.org)LUCHA (773) 276-5338
Rogers Park (773) 338-7732
Spanish Coalition (773) 342-7575
Alderman Ray Suarez Amends Legislation
to Reduce Youth Access to Tobacco
Alderman Ray Suarez and others strengthens legislation to provide retailers with stringent penalties for selling tobacco products to minors. The amended ordinance, which passed the Committee on License and Consumer Protection on June 1, 2005, will go before the full City Council today.
The ordinance is aimed at deterring tobacco retailers from making illegal sales to the underage. In effect, the ordinance will focus on reducing youth access to tobacco.
The amended ordinance, sponsored by Alderman Suarez, proposes new changes on retailers selling tobacco. The ordinance will impose a “retail tobacco dealer’s license or tobacco product sampler’s license” revocation for a “period of one year” if they are found selling tobacco to minors. It further emphasizes, “In the case of a legal entity, all owners, officers and directors of the entity shall be subject to the prohibition....”
“The ordinance is an enforcement tool for the City to make retailers more responsible and accountable for their tobacco sales. Stricter tobacco laws will work for our city if we all work together, by promoting education to youth in our schools and by parents talking to their children about the dangers of tobacco.” states Alderman Ray Suarez.
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