RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Mary T. Bonome has announced her resignation effective June 30, 2017 as Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development following a highly distinguished tenure in public service; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her retirement by Alderman Edward M. Burke and Alderman Margaret Laurino and fellow members of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, Mary T. Bonome was raised in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood and settled in the Sauganash community where she resides today; and
WHEREAS, Mary T. Bonome attended Our Lady of the Angels Elementary School, St. Patrick's Academy and Southern Illinois University; and
WHEREAS, Mary T. Bonome began her career on August 2, 1982 as a Planning Assistant with the Department of Planning and Development. After years as a staff assistant, project manager, city planner and project coordinator, Mary T. Bonome was promoted to Assistant Commissioner in 2001 and as a Deputy Commissioner in 2004; and
WHEREAS, During her career, Mary T. Bonome earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Chicago's foremost experts on city planning issues and developed a vast institutional knowledge of both the department and its history; and
WHEREAS, Mary T. Bonome worked closely alongside local aldermen to establish the Pilsen Industrial Corridor TIF, as well as industrial projects including the International Produce Market, Restaurant Depot, American Linen, Testa Produce and the Halsted-Morgan Business Center; and
WHEREAS, Mary T. Bonome worked on major retail developments including Walmart stores in the Austin and Pullman communities, Whole Foods Market in Sauganash, Shop and Save on the Southwest Side, Seafood City in Mayfair, and Culvers near Midway Airport; and
WHEREAS, Mary T. Bonome was also involved in planning for residential developments such as Roosevelt Square and West End, both of which were part of the CHA transformation of the ABLA and Henry Horner Homes; and
WHEREAS, Mary T. Bonome was instrumental in her work on Mt. Sinai Hospital and Rush Medical Center's transformation & redevelopment and Resurrection University Medical Center Nursing School; and
WHEREAS, Widely admired for her tenacious spirit, keen intellect, and unique sense of style, Mary T. Bonome has been the "go to" person.and confidante for Aldermen and their staffs on planning issues and on everyday matters, taking calls on nights and weekends; and
WHEREAS, Mary T. Bonome's long career in the Department of Planning and Development endured through six Chicago Mayors, six United States Presidents, 14 Commissioners, and numerous departmental name changes; and
WHEREAS, during her "down time" from the City, Mary T. Bonome is known for helping people to get into and stay in shape by teaching Pilates, "Power Ride", and other cycling classes at the East Bank Club; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Mary T. Bonome serve as an example to all; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-eighth day of June, 2017, do hereby congratulate Mary T. Bonome on the occasion of her retirement from public service and do hereby express our best wishes for her continued success in all of her future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mary T. Bonome.
