Fifth Ward Alderman Hosts Town Hall Meeting
Fifth Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy during a recent Town Hall Meeting at Hyde Park Academy High School. PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES.
Fifth Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy updated constituents on public safety, the budget process and renovation projects in the Ward. Since Yancy took office, he has been hosting Quarterly Meetings. The first was in South Shore.
In October 2023, the basketball court at 63rd and Hayes Drive was renovated. There was also a street renaming for The Rev. Dr. Leon Finney on 63rd Street and Harper Ave. in November 2023.
Two police districts are included in the 5th Ward, District 002 and District 003. Both districts gave presentations during the meeting.
District 003 Commander Captain Melvin Branch asked the residents to partner with the police department. He said the residents are the eyes and ears of the community.
“You are out there, you live there,” Branch said. “The more information you share with us … we can get you personalized attention.”
Residents talked about issues going on: Safety, traffic safety and theft. Residents were encouraged to call 911 first, then call the police district. Branch added that residents should be on alert, not only for themselves but for their neighbors. He said residents should get to know the police officers in the District, so that they are familiar with each other’s faces.
Ibrahim Okoe, Fifth Ward Superintendent, informed residents that street cleaning would resume on April 1. Right now, the Department of Streets and Sanitation is in mode to remove snow, despite the nice weather and lack of snow. He also informed residents about the permanent street cleaning signs, and added that cars have been towed because they have not adhered to the signs.
Josh Harris, Vice President of Public Engagement at the Obama Foundation, and Erica Hubbard, Director of Chicago Programs at the Obama Foundation, gave updates about the Obama Presidential Center and Future Series.
There was a video of what the inside of the museum at the Obama Presidential Center would look like on the inside once completed. Harris said that the museum would have memorabilia, a replica of the Oval Office, the Obamas journey to the White House, the campaigns and post-Presidential life. There will also be a sit-down restaurant and café, offices, space for retail, a 300-seat Forum, as well as a Chicago Public Library on the campus. The 19.3-acre campus’ anticipated completion date is October 2025.
“The President wants this place to be a place where people feel inspired,” Harris said.
Hubbard talked about the Future Series and its goal of giving Hyde Park High School students access to people in the community who have made significant inroads. In the past, Grammy award winner J. Ivy and Chef Darnell Reed. The students will hear from the owners of Baldwin-Richardson Foods in April.
“If they can see it, they can be it, but we have to show them first,” Hubbard said.
Hubbard also encouraged residents to come to the table and give feedback on the Obama Presidential Center.
For more information about 5th Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy, email Ward05@cityofchicago.org or call 773-324-5555.
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