The two lanes along the Ashland Avenue median would become express lanes for special buses in a $160 million project to open in 2016. Ever since the CTA's April announcement, a drive along the route between Cortland and 31st streets raises questions about how the express lanes will work -- especially when traffic stops for a delivery truck, a parallel parker, a narrow underpass or a queue of turning cars. Chris Ziemann, project manager for Chicago Bus Rapid Transit, will have some answers at the July 1 East Village Association meeting at 7 pm in the Happy Village Tavern, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present "The Comedy of Errors" at 4pm Sunday, July 28 in Eckhart Park at 1330 W. Chicago Ave. Mayor Rahm Emanuel posed in May at Garfield Park with last year's Shakespeare in the Park actors. Nancy Cortés, community and audience engagement consultant for this year's park performances, will attend Monday's East Village Association meeting to give members a preview of the free 90-minute show. The July 1 meeting is at 7 pm in the Happy Village Tavern, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave.

By Berenice Vallecillos, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning What parking challenges need to be addressed? A public meeting Wednesday will introduce the Innovation in Parking Management Plan for Wicker Park and Bucktown. The hearing will gather community feedback from 6 to 7:30pm at the Bucktown-Wicker Park Library, 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave. We want to hear from you about parking and active transportation -- biking, walking and transit. The goal of the project is to balance diverse community needs, improve transportation and support local businesses. Bring your friends and neighbors: Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists welcome. To RSVP, contact Beth Sholtis at the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, 773-384-2672 ext. 217. For additional information, visit the project web page . The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce & Special Service Area 33 is developing the parking plan in in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. The sponsor is the U.S...

West Town Crime May 2013 Crimes in the West Town area continued their lower monthly pace. Reports in the Chicago Tribune included a May 7 break-in at city office space in the Goldblatt's building. The East Village Association analyzed May and year-to-date statistics downloaded from the City of Chicago Data Portal and published on the Tribune Crime in Chicago website, comparing them to 2012. Crime type May % cng YTD % cng Violent crime 32 -56% 194 -22% Homicide 0 -100% 4 0% Sexual assault 0 -100% 8 -11% Assault 7 -22% 32 0 Battery 6 -63% 39 -26% Robbery 19 -58% 111 -26% Property crime 342 -8% 1,459 -8% Burglary 71 0 303 11% Theft 237 -4% 914 -15% Auto theft 34 -38% 239 0 Arson 0 0 3 50% Quality-of-life crime 110 -4% 443 73% ...

You are invited to view an exhibition of new paintings by Chicago artists Tom O'Gorman (left) and Adam Umbach 10 am-6pm June 22 in the garden at 1059 N. Winchester St.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks will hold a spring workshop on historic preservation June 22 with Carol Dyson from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The seminar is 9-11am at the DePaul University School of Music, 804 W. Belden Ave. If you would like to represent East Village, contact Beth Johnson of the Department of Housing and Economic Development, 312-744-9145.

Josh Jada Davila (Fox photo) By Anne Shaw A performance by Chicagoan and 2013 "American Idol" contestant Josh Jada Davila will be featured in the free Chicago neighborhood safety event Tuesday, June 11 at the Output Lounge, 1758 W. Grand Ave. (at Wood Street). The event from 7-8:30pm with reception following is sponsored by Output Lounge (312.929.2515, www.outputlounge.com ). • Meet your neighbors and Chicago’s 12th District police commander • Learn how to protect yourself, family, home and business • Safety tips, demonstration, burglary prevention instructions • Refreshments and appetizers served • Fun and live entertainment to follow Speakers include: • Chicago Police 12th District Commander Melissa Staples, Sgt. Juan Clas (CAPS), Officer Ronald Rufo • Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Vice President Daniel Gorman • Chicago Democratic Alliance President Greg Hernandez Welcome homeowners, renters, businesses, and friends of: Chicago Grand Neighbroh, East Villa...