Chicago Moving to Phase IV
Business Interruption Grants - Apply Tomorrow
Street Sweeping Enforcement Begins July 1
Dear Neighbors,

The Lakefront path, harbors and the 606 Bloomingdale Trail reopened today. We know many are happy to have access to our beautiful lake again. However, we must remain cautious:

Beaches and bathrooms will remain closed; playgrounds will also remain closed because there is no way to control social distancing. Face masks are required and Park District ambassadors will be urging people to keep moving and maintain a safe social distance. If you don't feel well please stay home. Visible signage will be posted throughout, reminding everyone to safely enjoy time outdoors. The Chicago Tribune has more.

The lakefront path is closed south of the Chess Pavilion at North Avenue through Oak Street because of the tremendous damage done to the lakefront from high waters and storms. The path between North Avenue and Fullerton, while damaged significantly, will remain open as a shared path.
Chicago Moving to
Phase IV on June 26:
Limited Indoor Seating
at Bars and Restaurants
New Rules for the Zoo
Museums and Day Camps

Mayor Lightfoot and Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Arwady announced that Chicago will be ready to enter Phase IV "Gradually Resume" beginning June 26.

The following industries will open for the first time at the beginning of phase four in Chicago:
  • Indoor seating in bars and restaurants
  • Museums and zoos
  • Performance venues
  • Summer camps / youth activities

Lincoln Park Zoo will begin reopening, with a Member's Weekend from June 26-28, and reopening to the public on June 29. However, free reservations are required as are face coverings . Please read this webpage about the zoo's reopening. Please check the websites of museums

Bars, restaurants and taverns will be allowed to have indoor seating limited to 25% capacity with a maximum of 50 people in a room. Patrons will be seated at tables six feet apart with no more than 10 people per table. The Chicago Sun Times has more.

Industry-specific guidelines for bars and restaurants can be found here.

Seating at taverns without food will be limited to a maximum of two hours per party. Alcohol sales at bars and restaurants for on-site consumption must still end at 11:00 p.m. each night, while the sale of alcohol for carryout or delivery must cease at 9:00 p.m. each night.

Summer camps and some organized youth activities can take place under strict guidelines. Please review them here .
For Businesses
Business Interruption Grants (BIG)
Apply Tuesday, June 23


The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will launch the first round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG); providing $60 million to businesses experiencing losses or business interruption as a result of COVID-19.

The BIG Program is available for up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a limited ability to operate due to COVID-19 . DCEO will begin distributing funds to qualifying businesses in early July. The total program will provide $540 million in grants for small businesses, $270 of which has been set aside for childcare providers.

DCEO will accept applications beginning on Tuesday, June 23.  To assist applicants, the DCEO will host a webinar and offer other outreach to make eligible businesses aware of funding available to them.

Visit the Illinois Department of Commerce webpage to learn more.
Together Now:
Fund to Rebuild Our Neighborhoods
Applications Now Open
Deadline Monday June 29

Applications are now open for the “Together Now” fund launched this month by Mayor Lightfoot to provide financial relief for Chicago small businesses and non-profits that have experienced economic distress due to COVID-19 or recent property damage. The application deadline is Monday, June 29.
 
Chicago businesses with property damage will be eligible for infrastructure grants up to $10,000 to help with repair costs. Businesses that have at least a 25 percent revenue loss due to COVID-19 will be eligible for operational grants up to $4,000 to help cover economic losses.
 
Each business owner is eligible to apply for one infrastructure grant and one operational grant. Select regional or national chain businesses, including franchises, branch banks and payday loan stores, are not eligible.
 
About 2500 recipients will be selected, through a lottery following the close of the application period a week from today.
 
For more information or to apply, visit  www.chicago.gov/togethernow . Anyone who wishes to make a tax deductible donation to the Together Now fund can do so on the  Chicago Community Trust's website .
COVID-19 Relief for Small Businesses
Thursday, June 25
10:00 a.m.

An update on the Small Business Administration’s programs to assist those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, the Paycheck Protection Program, and more. We’ll discuss eligibility requirements, applying for forgiveness, and other sources of funding.

Click here  to register for the Webinar. For more BACP webinars, click here .
Streets Sweeping Enforcement
Begins July 1

Ticket enforcement activities will resume citywide, including street sweeping violations, beginning July 1.

Ticket agents will issue citations for parking or blocking the street during scheduled street cleanings.

You can view the July schedule here. 
Residential Parking Pass Enforcement Begins July 16

Motorists will receive a grace period through July 15 to purchase residential parking permits, city stickers and renew license plates before enforcement begins on July 16. It's a good idea to go on-line now and order what you need.

Visit the Chicago City Clerk's website to purchase parking stickers and to order your city sticker online.
What's Open for Business?

With a slow and steady return to business, we wanted to highlight businesses that are up and running. Please send us an email at  yourvoice@ward43.org  and let us know you're open for business!
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Support our Neighborhood Restaurants

Please patronize our neighborhood businesses as much as possible and try to order directly from the restaurant. If you are open for business, let us know.

Please stay strong and wear a face mask,






43rd Ward Office Hours: M - F 9 AM - 6 PM 
  2523 N Halsted  |  773-348-9500 |  yourvoice@ward43.org |  www.ward43.org