Some alders are calling for better coordination of infrastructure projects after a local agency tore up the same Near West Side street that another department had completed work on just weeks earlier.

• They say it's emblematic of a practice that happens far too frequently.

Why it matters: The repetitive digging and patching snarls traffic and, according to Ald. Gilbert Villegas, drives millions of dollars in extra costs that often could've been avoided by planning.

Driving the news: Villegas (36th) and Ald. Greg Mitchell (7th) plan to propose legislation to improve such coordination early next year.

Catch up fast: The call comes after Villegas last week denounced the Chicago Department of Water Management's decision to rip up Grand Avenue's "brand-new bike lanes and street," which were completed by the city's Transportation Department weeks prior.

• "Never mind the fact that the surface was exposed for three months before being resurfaced," Villegas wrote on social media. "Incompetence on full display."

What they're saying: Water officials tell Axios they had to dig up the street to comply with a state law requiring water lines to be repaired within 30 days of finding a leak.

The other side: Villegas tells Axios that when he confronted CDWM commissioner Andrea Cheng about it, she blamed the 30-day rule and called the situation an emergency.

• "If you have failed to coordinate with another department doing work, that doesn't constitute an emergency," Villegas tells Axios.

CDWM declined to provide documents showing that the leak was discovered too late to coordinate repairs with CDOT.

Between the lines: Villegas, a former Illinois Department of Transportation official, acknowledges that "an Office of Underground Coordination" is already tasked with coordinating repairs, but he alleges it "hasn't been successful" in compelling timely information-sharing.

• "So if we need to mandate it, then we can do that with legislation," he says.

What's ahead: Mitchell says he plans to consult with CDOT on the ordinance.

• "It's a work in progress."

Share this story

City officials tell Axios they've filed 55 lawsuits against "rogue buses" for delivering migrants on weekends, after 5pm on weekdays, and in locations other than the city's landing zone.

By the numbers: Fifteen buses arrived outside sanctioned hours and locations this weekend, including 10 on Saturday — the highest daily total of bus arrivals since early October.

What we're watching: Tomorrow the City Council is expected to vote on a measure that would also let the city impound buses for delivering migrants outside authorized times and places.

🇵🇸 Over 200 Chicago-area businesses and schools closed yesterday as part of a global strike calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Protesters shut down roads in Bridgeview, halting afternoon traffic in the southwest suburb. (WGN/ABC7)

✏️ CPS has tapped Josh Long to lead its special education department. The Golden Apple award winner has been principal of Southside Occupational Academy High School since 2010. (Sun-Times)

⚖️ Highland Park mass shooting suspect Robert Crimo III will represent himself in his February trial. He's facing several counts of first-degree murder for the July Fourth shooting in 2022. (Tribune)

🎤 A Bono impersonator fooled several patrons of a North Side bar and restaurant into thinking he was really the famous Irish rocker. (Block Club)

📻 Two more WBEZ executives announced they're leaving justified a week after the station's CEO signaled his departure on the same day the board was being asked to investigate claims of "a hostile work environment." (Crain's)

Last week, in honor of Hanukkah, we shared our favorite spots for latkes, and readers responded with a sizzling batch of their own potato pancake favorites.

• On this sixth night of the Festival of Lights, we share some of the hottest latke tips.

Reader recommendations:

• Schmaltz Deli in Lisle. Its latkes are made from a "combination of shredded and mashed potatoes, finished with a crisp outside and a creamy center," writes reader Michael G.
• Manny's Deli in the South Loop has the very best latkes, according to Sue B. "Fluffy and just the right mix of flavors."
• Walker Brothers, with locations in Wilmette, Glenview and Schaumburg.
• Max & Benny's in Northbrook. "Their noodle soup is a close second," says Henry M.
• The Onion Roll in Oak Park. "Crispy on the outside, moist, tender, and flavorful inside. Heavenly," Connie B. writes.
• Eleven City Diner in the South Loop.
• Sideshow Gelato in Lincoln Square serves potato and sour cream gelato, topped with an applesauce swirl and crunchy potato sticks. "Nothing else like it in the city," writes Anne G.

Our potato pancake picks

💼 Check out who's hiring now.

1. Head of Service Desk Strategy and Operations at JLL Technologies.
2. PEPI Director - IT & Merger Integration at Alvarez & Marsal.
3. Director, Solutions at Ryan Specialty.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Use code FIRST50 for $50 off your first job post.

Today's photo quiz hint:

• This pathway allows you to enter,
• Chicago's bustling Mexican center.
• With colorful boutiques and scrumptious eats,
• It's a full display of how the Southwest Side is so alive.

📪 Reply to this email with the right answer and you will be entered into a drawing for Axios swag.