UPDATE: Wrigley Field’s $500M Renovation Passes Chicago City Council

The ballpark upgrades, hotel, triangle plaza and more have all been given the green light, just one day after approval by the Zoning Committee.

UPDATE: Wrigley Renovations Head to City Council After Changes

The pedestrian bridge, hotel entrance and additional signage in the outfield are among the changes. Now City Council could vote as early as Wednesday.

Lathrop Homes Scaled Back, Historic Elements Preserved

Developers slashed the number of units planned at the 32-acre project while preserving some of area’s original buildings, two things residents pleaded for.

Current Metra Chief Talks Outgoing Chief's $440K Severance Package

Metra Board Chairman Brad O’Halloran said costs for the severance package and settlement with former CEO Alex Clifford will not be passed on to passengers.

Wicker Park Street Among Most Dangerous for Bikers

Chicago broke down bike crash data, and stretch of street in Wicker Park only behind Michigan Avenue for causing the most accidents in the city.

Quigley Wants to Eliminate Loopholes for Luxury Yachts

There's currently a tax provision that allows owners to write off the mortgage interest payments on their taxes if they classify their boats as second homes.

Ventra Card Debuts in August with Fewer Fees for Riders

Residents Embark on Quest to Address Parking Quandary

WPB SSA #33, CMAP and WPB community members met in the WPB Library to address the problems of transit that face the neighborhood and discussed their solutions.

Boystown Rally Draws Hundreds, Organizers Not Satisfied with IL

DOMA was struck down, a Prop 8 challenge was dismissed, but the LGBT community in Illinois says it remains “painfully aware here in Illinois” of the shortcomings.

DOMA Struck Down, Day of Decision Rally Planned for Boystown

The ban on federally recognizing same-sex marriage was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, so Chicago supporters are planning a huge rally in Boystown Wednesday night. California’s Prop 8 was also undone.

Bloomingdale Trail Construction Schedule, Road Closures Detailed

The 606 is moving forward, and officials are detailing which bridges and roads will be repaired first, shutting down streets over the next year.

Quigley, Schneider: STEM Education Key to Growing Manufacturing

The representative was joined by fellow congressman Brad Schneider when hosting a roundtable discussion with local education and manufacturing leaders.

Public Forum to Address Parking Woes, Cyclist Lanes

It is no secret that parking can be a headache in the area. Here is your chance to voice your concerns and possibly, make an impact on future neighborhood planning.

Public forum on parking to address neighborhood concerns

Voice your opinions, complaints, suggestions at the WPB parking meeting next week.

Bloomingdale Trail Now Branded 'The 606' to Create Identity

The 13-acre park is now called The 606, representing the first three digits of every Chicago zip code.

Water Main Project to Shut Down Bucktown Streets (MAP)

Three streets will be getting a new water main, according to Ald. Scott Waguespack. Driving conditions on said streets will be altered this summer.

Vienna Beef Secures $5 Million City Subsidy for South Side Move

Vienna Beef's giant Damen Avenue headquarters will soon be no more as long as the Chicago City Council green lights its planned move to the South Side.

Chicago Proposes $1,500 Littering Fine

Those opting to pitch their garbage onto the sidewalk or street will have to pay up under a newly proposed city council measure.

BuzzFeed Calls Quigley Most ‘YOLO’ Congressman

The Bucktown and Wicker Park representative’s Facebook antics caught the attention of the writers at Buzz Feed, voting him the most YOLO congressman. “You Only Legislate Once”

Chicago Approves Crackdown on Dooring, Rule-Breaking Bicyclists

The new measure more than doubles fines for bikers who break traffic laws, as well as doubles the fine for drivers who hit cyclers when opening their car door.

Cook County to Receive $52M in Federal Flood Aid

Those affected by floods should register for federal assistance.

Waguespack, Others Sound Off on Changes to Parking Meter Deal

Red Light Cameras: Neighborhood Intersections Dishing the Most Tickets

An audit of the Chicago Department of Transportation reveals red-light cameras can’t be proven to increase safety, along with a record of every camera in the city. See where the neighborhood stands, and which intersection ticketed more than 16,000 drive

Is Medical Marijuana Coming to Illinois? Bill Passes Senate Committee

Now, only Governor Pat Quinn stands in the way of Illinois legalizing medical marijuana, and he already said he's open to the idea, according to the Chicago Tribune.

City Council Considers Car Dealership on Elston

A tax incentive presented before the Chicago City Council this week would allow for a Ford dealership at 2501 N. Elson Ave.

City Seeks Bids for Bloomingdale Park, Trail

The final step before contruction is now under way. Officials say the project is on track for groundbreaking later this summer.

Milwaukee Avenue Bike Route Won't Stretch to Wicker Park

The new buffered bike lanes starting at Elston Avenue may not come to Wicker Park any time soon, officials say.

Alderman to 'Fix' Law That Allows Seedy Club to Operate Freely

Ald. Roberto Maldonado vows to remedy a loophole that allows a sketchy Humboldt Park club to operate beneath the law. The social club was the scene of a fatal Sunday morning shooting. It's one block southwest of Wicker Park.

New Law May Hamper Reggae Club's Third License Application

Ald. Michele Smith recently sent a letter to residents about how a new law will affect Wild Hare's recently filed third request for a Public Place of Amusement License. The reggae club has been struggling since its move from Wrigleyville to Lincoln

Crosswalks in the Crosshairs: Resident Pushes for Repainting

A resident in nearby Lincoln Park says she's been trying to get local officials' attention directed to two unsafe crosswalks adjacent to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Though she hasn't had much success, a nearby crosswalk is set to get a face-lif

Bike Sharing Moves Forward, Preps for Summer Kiosk Installations

The program has ward officials already selecting the locations for bike sharing kiosks after meetings with CDOT.

City Releases Renderings of Long-Awaited 6-Way Intersection Revamp

The area where North Damen, North Elston and West Fullerton avenues cross, just along Bucktown's northern border slightly shy of Lincoln Park, is one of the most dangerous in the city. Officials are finally taking the necessary steps to fix it, the

April 15 Tax Filing Deadline Encroaches

It's that time of year again. The deadline to file your taxes is April 15. Have you been putting it off?

New Homeslice Restaurant May Get Outdoor Seating

A nearby restaurant that recently opened in the Sheffield Neighborhood area on Webster Avenue and Bissell Street has requested a sidewalk cafe, city officials said. A community meeting on the matter is scheduled for tonight.

Speed Cameras Still to Come After Red Light Camera Snafu

The mayor says Chicago will still receive speed cameras although they’re tied to the company behind the red light camera bribery scheme.

Area Neighbors Tell Cubs to Slow Wrigley Rush

The Lake View Citizens Council is asking the Cubs and Mayor Rahm Emanuel to slow down while they continue to work on the details that most affect the North Side.

Council Green Lights Long-Awaited Bloomingdale Trail

Thursday was a big day for the neighborhood's highly anticipated Bloomingdale Trail, as several initiatives to make the vision a reality were approved by the the city council. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said it will be one of the most unique spaces

Officials: Wicker Park Chess Area Promotes Under-the-Table Transactions

Officials, residents, law enforcement officials and park district staff again discussed the effect Tuesday that Wicker Park's chess tables have on illegal activity. Plans to uproot them are on hold—for now.

Wicker Park Officials: Curbing Park Drinking, Drugs, Vandalism

A March 5 meeting rescheduled to Tuesday night will broach issues including drug sales, harassment and vandalism in Wicker Park.

Waguespack Tries Tweaking 'Mini-Billboard' Codes to No Avail

The 32nd Ward alderman says his office does not support the recent additions to area neighborhoods, including one at Milwaukee Avenue and Leavitt Street.