Slam the brakes on reckless drivers

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By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327

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The most popular topic of conversation in our neighborhood lately is the problem of speeding drivers. There are car accidents every single day due to drivers who break the law. I hope the city will add even more cameras to catch these criminals and give the police the power and resources they need to apprehend them.

The recent death of a pedestrian at 44th Pulaski is further proof of the need to protect our residents. Thank you to all who attended recent neighborhood CAPS meetings and all who are in touch with our local police and politicians about this issue.

We used to have a problem speeding drivers near the old Kmart property at 7050 S. Pulaski. Thanks to 13^th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn and 23^rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares, that problem has been solved with barricades installed to block the lawbreakers from using the property as a car racing facility.

Peggy Zabicki

As you know from reading the Greater Southwest News-Herald in 2023, the vacant Kmart was considered for housing migrants, by both city and state government officials. Alderman Tabares took action to block that from happening by speaking out about the best needs of our neighborhood.

Tabares continues to focus on using the old Kmart property. She recently organized a walk-through with new owner Eddie Punjabi and several neighborhood leaders and business owners. She said, “I look forward to working with our community partners in bringing new businesses and jobs to this site.”

A while back I asked the readers of this column what they would like to see at the Kmart site. I heard a lot of great ideas. Everything from an indoor water park to a gymnastic school to a giant grocery store with an adjoining restaurant was suggested. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.

The West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St., has some fun activities planned for teens (13-19), who are invited to drop in after school on Thursday, March 7 at 4 p.m. and learn about Perler bead art. Relax and have fun while creating something new.

On Saturday, March 2 the library continues to host Dungeons and Dragons games from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Players can choose their own adventures and explore new lands in this role playing game. Registration is required for both activities.  Call the library at (312) 747-7381.

Would you or someone you know like to learn English? The library offers English classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 2 p.m. Register at the library front desk or call Universidad Popular at (773) 352-8494. This neighborhood organization will be conducting the classes.

St. Mary Star of the Sea School and Parish will be holding a blood drive on Sunday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The drive will take place at 6435 S. Kilbourn. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 1-800-7-TO-GIVE for information or to register.

The Calvary Seniors would like to extend deepest sympathy to the many family members and friends of Jenny Cole on her recent passing. Jenny was a member of the Calvary Senior Club for many years and brought her beautiful warmth to each meeting. She often shared stories of her family and was so proud of their many accomplishments. Faith, family and friends brought her happiness and she shared this joy with everyone. Jenny was a bright light and will be missed by all who knew her. May her memory be a blessing.