Dear Neighbor,  
Starting on June 6, the Chicago Department of Transportation Permit Office will resume accepting Block Party applications for events scheduled for July 5 or later in the year. If you would like to host a block party, please fill out the two required documents below and email them to our ward office at ward41@cityofchicago.org. For more information please *Click Here*
High-Rise Apartment Building being pushed into our Ward!
We fought against this high-rise development at 8535 W. Higgins in 2018 and won. Now, the developer is taking advantage of the Mayor’s recent executive order and attempting an end around. This developer, and future developers, will be going straight to City Hall in hopes to change their zoning from commercial to high-density residential and build 297 apartments. This entire stretch of Higgins is commercial zoning and should remain commercial zoning. This development is unwanted by the local residents in Chicago and Park Ridge. Changing the zoning will set a precedent for the remaining stretch of Higgins.
We have warned that this was coming. If this developer is successful in sidestepping local community approval, developers will be targeting locations throughout the 41st Ward and the City of Chicago. Now, we need your help! Please take a moment and sign the petition against this development. *Click Here*
This year our 41st Ward office will be allocating $30,000 to each of our three Chambers of Commerce to help boost our local business corridors after Covid. This boost will give the Chambers the ability to add detailing such as infrastructure upgrades, promotional banners, seating, flowering and decorative appeal through the Chicago Department of Transportation. This spring and summer, we need to continue to come together with strong Northwest Side pride and support all our local businesses, they are the backbone of the 41st Ward.
41st Ward Community Safety Program 

Warm weather has finally arrived and we are excited to once again launch our 41st Ward "Slow Down for Kids" campaign. Help us remind drivers to be cautious in our neighborhoods. Stop by and pick up your free yard sign at our ward office while supplies last.  
COVID-19 Bridge Phase

Chicago is in the Bridge Phase. These restrictions are the most up to date and take precedence over the industry-specific guidelines if there are points of contradiction. In all settings, six feet of physical distance must be maintained between different parties. If necessary, facilities should operate a lower capacity to achieve six feet between all parties.
Vaccine Exemption
Friday, May 14th, all Chicago businesses will have the option of taking advantage of a new Vaccine Exemption. Fully vaccinated individuals do not have to count towards COVID-19 capacity limits across all industries. This FAQ provides an overview of the Vaccine Exemption and how businesses can stay compliant.
Masks
Beginning Tuesday, May 18, following guidance from the CDC and the State of Illinois, and recognizing how safe and effective the COVID vaccine is, the City of Chicago will no longer require masks for fully vaccinated people in most settings, including businesses. In alignment with federal and state guidelines, masks will still be required, regardless of vaccination status, in health care settings, schools, correctional/congregate settings, and on public transportation.
Businesses are strongly encouraged to verify vaccination status before allowing customers and/or employees to not wear face coverings. The City also strongly encourages businesses to continue requiring face coverings in all indoor settings in Chicago until we enter Phase Five and all regulations are lifted, especially if businesses do not have the capacity to verify vaccination status or if employees, clients or attendees are not all known to be vaccinated. Read this FAQ for more information.
Operating Hours
Bars, restaurants and other establishments with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity license can resume normal hours of operation. Establishments with a Late Hour Liquor License can operate without hour restrictions if only fully vaccinated patrons and no unvaccinated patrons are permitted to enter during late night operations. Liquor stores, grocery stores and other establishments with a Package Goods license must still cease alcohol sales at 11:00 pm.
Restaurants may continue to sell food via delivery, takeout, or curbside pickup at all hours. For more information please visit: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/reopening-chicago.html
Chicago Travel Order
 
In response to the changing dynamics of COVID-19 transmission across the United States, and to support Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City issued a Travel Order in July 2020, applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list was directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 10-day period. For the first time since July 2020, as of June 1, 2021, no states are at the 15 cases per 100,000 residents threshold for the orange tier. Chicagoans are urged to delay travel until they are fully vaccinated.
 
41st Ward Street Sweeping
To access your schedule please *Click Here*

Please Note: If street sweeping is scheduled on your day of garbage service and you have curbside pickup, please place your carts in the parkway near the curb. This will ensure that your carts are serviced and keep the curb lane open for street sweeping.
Neighborhoods throughout Chicago have been negatively affected by online, temporary home and room rentals. These online rentals are on the rise and may pose a threat to our community by facilitating pop-up parties and illegal activity. These "hotel-houses" may also have a negative impact on property values. The quality of life in our neighborhoods is paramount and we need your help banning these "hotel-houses" on your block and throughout the 41st Ward.
*CLICK HERE* and find out how you can ban hotel-houses in your precinct.
The flu vaccine has saved millions of lives. It is safe, effective, and available at no cost citywide at many doctor's offices, pharmacies, community health centers, and flu clinics. 
 CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D."What will happen this fall and winter is uncertain, but it is likely that there will be both COVID-19 and seasonal flu activity. Getting the seasonal flu vaccination before the end of October is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, your community and the global community from the flu."
Business Resources
Restaurant owners: financial help has arrived!
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. This fund will provide emergency assistance for restaurants and bars impacted by COVID-19. Learn more: sba.gov/restaurants.

Payment Protection Program has re-opened!

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
“The historically successful Paycheck Protection Program served as an economic lifeline to millions of small businesses and their employees when they needed it most,” said Administrator Jovita Carranza. “Today’s guidance builds on the success of the program and adapts to the changing needs of small business owners by providing targeted relief and a simpler forgiveness process to ensure their path to recovery.”
“The Paycheck Protection Program has successfully provided 5.2 million loans worth $525 billion to America’s small businesses, supporting more than 51 million jobs,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “This updated guidance enhances the PPP’s targeted relief to small businesses most impacted by COVID-19. We are committed to implementing this round of PPP quickly to continue supporting American small businesses and their workers.”
Key PPP updates include:
  • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
  • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
  • The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
  • The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
  • Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
  • Has no more than 300 employees; and
  • Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
The new guidance released includes:
For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.


  • Illinois Business Interruption Grants $175 Million still available! *Click Here* for more information including how to apply. 

  • $10 Million Chicago Hospitality Grant Program now available as Part of Emergency Relief Package for Restaurants, Bars and Their Employees. *Click Here* for more information including how to apply.
Expanded Outdoor Seating Permits
 
This new permit has been created specifically for temporary outdoor dining on the public way or private property.
Existing, fully-licensed restaurants and food establishments may apply to temporarily use streets and private property to extend dining space, where proper social distancing and adherence to public health guidelines are observed.
For more information including how to apply click *HERE* 
The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection's FREE business education workshops are now available as WEBINARS! 
 
To register visit www.chicago.gov/businessworkshops 
 
*SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES* 
 
Our local businesses desperately need our help! Many businesses have made adjustments to accommodate you during this crisis including free delivery and curbside pickup. For more information please contact: 
 
Edison Park Chamber of Commerce 
(773) 631-0063 | melissa@edisonpark.org
 
Edgebrook / Sauganash Chamber of Commerce
(773) 545-9300 | info@escc60646.com
 
Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce
(773) 763-3606 | ATriptow@norwoodpark.org
 
Everyday Edgebrook
info@everydayedgebrook.com
Job Opportunities

Find career opportunities with the City of Chicago
FOLLOW US! 
If you utilize social media, please consider following us at the links provided below.
 
41st WARD APB was created to provide text alerts notifying residents of changes in ward services and to share important ward information. Although this service is provided by Twitter, you do not need a Twitter account to sign up.
To sign up for text alerts, text follow 41stwardapb to the phone number 40404.  
41st Ward Service Office
7442 N. Harlem Ave.
Chicago, IL 60631
TEL: (773) 631-2241
FAX: (773) 631-2479
EMAIL: ward41@cityofchicago.org

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