There have been some significant developments for the Bird Friendly Design (BFD) Ordinance. Now would be a great time for you to contact Mayor Lightfoot to show your support.
As you know, just over a year ago, on January 23, 2019, Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward introduced the BFD Ordinance (O2019-320) in the Chicago City Council.
At the time, Alderman Hopkins said "This ordinance makes the powerful statement that as we build an ever more vibrant and dynamic city, we will do so in a way that minimizes our city’s negative impact on native and migratory birds.”
Since then, the ordinance was considered by the Council's Committee on Health and Environmental Protection, reintroduced to the newly seated City Council in July 2019, and referred to the Zoning Committee, where it is currently being considered. We've reached out to many aldermen, nine of whom have signed on as co-sponsors, and we have worked with professionals in city government to hone the ordinance so that it works for birds and residents. The result is that the ordinance has garnered community and professional support; see this article by Blair Kamin, Chicago Tribune Architecture Critic: https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/blair-kamin/ct-biz-bird-friedly-building-design-kamin-20200116-dp7ubx4uuvh6pk25l2jhghf33i-story.html You might also know that in December 2019, New York City passed its own bird friendly design ordinance. https://www.audubon.org/news/new-york-city-passes-landmark-bill-make-more-buildings-bird-friendly
It is time to take action. Please write a short note to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, lori.lightfoot@cityofchicago.org, asking her to bring the Bird Friendly Design Ordinance to the City Council for a vote, soon.
Here is a sample message:
Dear Mayor Lori Lightfoot,After studies from Cornell University identified Chicago’s lights and buildings as one of the country's biggest threats to migratory birds https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2019/04/chicago-tops-list-most-dangerous-cities-migrating-birds, people here and around the nation are looking to see how Chicago will take urgent action to become a leader in the protection of the millions of birds that travel through our city each year. The Bird Friendly Design Ordinance will reduce needless harm and death, help protect the health of the local and global environment, drive jobs and design innovation, and make Chicago a welcoming host to the migratory birds that we all rely on for a sustainable world. With spring coming, more birds will be at risk. Please ask the Zoning Committee to schedule a hearing on the draft ordinance with the Chicago City Council as soon as possible.
Please sign your email with your name and address. If you live in Chicago, please include your ward number.
Thank you!
Bird Friendly Chicagoinfo@birdfriendlychicago.org
Photo by Annette Prince