WHEREAS, Chicago Gateway Green is dedicated to greening and beautifying Chicago's expressways, gateways and neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, in 1986 the late Donald J. DePorter founded Chicago Gateway Green as a public-private partnership dedicated to making a difference in Chicago and now plays an essential role in the ongoing commitment to beautification initiatives and supports tourism; and,
WHEREAS, in 1996 the City of Chicago dedicated the Gateway at Ohio, located at Orleans Street and Ontario Avenue, after Donald J. DePorter, and in 2012 the City of Chicago dedicated the Gateway at the Kennedy-Edens Junction after the late long-time Gateway Green Chairman Gerald J. Roper and,
WHEREAS, Chicago Gateway Green is dedicated to greening and beautifying Chicago's expressways, gateways and neighborhoods and maintains 100 expressway gardens and almost 150 acres of roadside landscaping; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Gateway Green has planted more than 4,000 trees, 80,000 shrubs, 130,000 perennials, and has removed over 1.35 million pounds of refuse from Chicago's expressways since the inception of its Expressway Partnership Program; and,
WHEREAS, Chicago Gateway Green has worked in tandem with the City of Chicago and Illinois Department of Transportation to remove graffiti and litter over the 100 miles of expressways within Chicago's boarders; and,
WHEREAS, Chicago Gateway Green showcases artists' work from international participants in the Sister Cities program, with permanent, large-scale public art that establishes Chicago as an international city of culture; and,
WHEREAS, Chicago Gateway Green has served neighborhoods throughout Chicago, from Chinatown to Englewood to Lincoln Park through tree plantings and neighborhood clean-ups; and,
WHEREAS, in 1992 Chicago Gateway Green created its marquee annual fundraising event, the Green Tie Ball; and,
WHEREAS, this year marks the 25lh anniversary of Green Tie Ball, with a spectacular gala on October 1, 2016, co-chaired by Lara Shiftman and Neal Zucker, featuring Masters of Ceremony Roe Conn and Anna Davlantes, and,
WHEREAS, 2016 also marks the 30th anniversary of Chicago Gateway Green and its dedication to greening and beautifying Chicago's expressways, gateways and neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, support of sustainable initiatives, such as those created and maintained by Chicago Gateway Green are essential for a successful local economy and a healthy environment, now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council gathered this Fourteenth day of September 2016, do hereby designate the week of September 26 through October 2, 2016 as "Gateway Green Week" in the City of Chicago, in recognition of valuable contributions of Chicago Gateway Green to the City of Chicago over the course of 30 years, and
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that ceremonial copies of this Resolution be presented to Chicago Gateway Green as an expression of gratitude for their dedication, leadership, and outstanding work in upholding the historical motto of our city, Urbs In Horto, City in a Garden.
Brian Hopkins Alderman, 2nd Ward