Cheryl Ronnett, Park Tower’s ASCO representative – As Park Tower’s newly-appointed ASCO representative, I’ve found the first few months very interesting. My first meeting included a Safety Presentation by the 20th and 24th Chicago Police Districts (Edgewater and Rogers Park). Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) officers offered suggestions for using the jogging/bike path and beaches.

Besides obvious high theft items like cell phones, purses and wallets, another item that is frequently stolen from the park are coolers. The officers did stress the importance of being aware of your surroundings and, if you must wear earbuds, use only one. They also mentioned that bicycle riders are subject to the same rules of the road as vehicle drivers and can now be cited for using cell phone while riding.

ASCO has teamed up with Alderman Harry Osterman to post signage along Sheridan Road reminding us that bicyclists over the age of 12 are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk. And while children age 12 and under may ride on the sidewalk, adults accompanying them may not — they must walk their bikes. Possible penalties are steep: temporary confiscation of the bike and a $250 ticket. “Walk your Wheels” signs are also being provided to ASCO’s member associations with the request that they be posted in bike rooms.
ASCO’s 19 large planters you see along Sheridan Road are refreshed twice a year, with the summer planting scheduled for the week of May 18.

Another current project is to address the flooding issues (ponding) at certain locations/intersections along Sheridan Road. One of those areas is close to us, at the northwest corner of Sheridan and Berwyn where the water sometimes blocks the crosswalks.