City Departments, State Rep. Kim du Buclet Attend 3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting

Alderman Dowell hosted her first Town Hall meeting of 2024 on February 8th at the Bronzeville Classical School. Thank you to Principal Nicole Spicer for hosting this well-attended event.

During the Town Hall meeting, residents heard from the new Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development Ciere Boatright on the City's development priorities, 5th District State Representative Kim du Buclet on her work in Springfield, the CTA on the planned renovation of the 43rd St. Green Line CTA station, CDOT on the expansive 43rd/47th/Cottage Grove Ave. Streetscape, and Cecilia Cuff of the Nascent Group on her plans for the temporary transformation of the vacant lot on the southwest corner of 47th and King Dr. A complete recap of this meeting is available on Alderman Dowell's Facebook page.

Alderman Dowell Hosts UChicago, UChicago Medicine, and City Colleges for a Washington Park Town Hall Meeting

On February 28th, Alderman Dowell was proud to host representatives from the University of Chicago, University of Chicago Medicine, and City Colleges of Chicago to announce an exciting partnership for Washington Park. At the meeting, school representatives announced a new medical research, training, and provider facility to be located in Washington Park at Garfield Blvd. and King Drive. This is an exciting opportunity to expand the University's health initiatives into Washington Park and train the next generation of health care workers for the community.

The town hall meeting served as the "kick-off" announcement of this new project. There will be many more meetings with the community to discuss the development and submit comment/suggestions on everything from design to community accessibility. A recap of the Town Hall meeting can be found on Alderman Dowell's Facebook page. Thank you to Kamau Murray of XS Tennis for hosting this event, as well as City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado, Kennedy-King College President Katonja Webb Walker, Malcolm X College President David Sanders, University of Chicago Vice President of Civic Engagement Christian Mitchell, Executive Director of Community Partnerships Wendy Walker Williams, and Senior Vice President of Community Health Brenda Battle for their role in the event.

Rebate for Condominium Associations

The city is looking to return funds to some condominium associations that were overcharged for trash collection in the past. If you live in or manage a condo building that has previously received this service, or think your building may be eligible for the refund, please email my office at ward03@cityofchicago.org so that staff can work with you to get your rebate funds released.

City Council, Alderman Dowell, Celebrate the "Divine Nine"

During the February 2024 City Council meeting, in honor of Black History Month, the City Council recognized the "Divine Nine" fraternities and sororities. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Alderman Dowell was happy to stand with her Sorors and honor their contributions to the Chicago community.

The "Divine Nine" sororities and fraternities were established in the early 20th century as a way for Black college students to connect with each other and build support networks. The "Devine Nine" are made up of: Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta. These sororities hold a significant position in the Black community, because they are known for always promoting leadership, scholarship, and community service, with their members being active in programs such as voter registration and education reform. Congratulations to all the sororities and fraternities that were able to attend this wonderful day of recognition in City Council. Keep up the amazing work!

Teacher in the Library at Chicago Bee

Chicago Bee Library (3647 S. State St.) will be offering in-person Teacher in the Library services again! If you are not familiar with this program, it is a service that specific libraries offer to students in grades K-12 where a certified teacher comes to the library and helps students with their homework for free!

Teacher in the Library at Bee is available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. until the last week of May (with breaks when public schools are not in session).

You can also register for one or more of Homework Help: Virtual Teacher in the Library sessions for a quick question or stay for the whole session. Sessions are available from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the school year, with breaks when public schools are not in session.

Teacher in the Library is also offered at King Library (3436 S. King Dr.).

CPD Vehicle Safety Day

Co-sponsored by the Chicago Police Department and Alderman Dowell, the CPD is hosting a Vehicle Safety Day for Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Event dates/locations near the 3rd Ward include:

• March 16th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at 6200 S. Ashland Ave.
• March 23rd from 9:00 am to noon at 510 W. Roosevelt Rd.
• April 6th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at 932 W. Pershing Rd.

Contact CPD Office of Community Policing Officer Edwina Morgan at edwina.morgan@chicagopolice.org or 312-745-5900 for more information.

To help prevent vehicle theft, always lock your car doors, don't leave valuables in the car, and avoid leaving your car running while unattended. Park in well-lit areas (if possible) and install security features like alarm systems, anti-theft devices, or an immobilizer system. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and don't hesitate to call 911 if you feel threatened or see anything suspicious.

Bronzeville Named One of Ten State-Designated Cultural Districts

Congratulations to the Bronzeville community and the Bronzeville Trail Coalition as the lead sponsor for being named one of ten Illinois State Designated Cultural Districts!

State-Designated Cultural Districts are communities, towns, or specific geographic areas that have a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community together. The intended purpose of the program is to encourage economic development; support the preservation and development of history and culturally significant structures, traditions, and languages; foster local cultural development and education; provide a focal point for celebrating communities’ unique cultural identities; and promote equitable growth and opportunity without generating displacement.

Recipients will be eligible to apply for $3 million in funding that will be tailored to fit the needs of individual Cultural Districts and support the goals of the program to foster economic development and help communities preserve their unique cultural identities.

City Response to Vehicular Vandalism on Indiana Ave. in the South Loop

Earlier this month, Alderman Dowell sent an email indicating she was aware of incidents of vehicular vandalism in the South Loop, particularly along Indiana Ave. In that communication, she committed to providing a response that would help deter this illegal action. After discussing available options with the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Department of Transportation, the following steps are being implemented:

• 35 light fixtures along Indiana Ave. have been changed to higher voltage lights to brighten the area
• 3 new cameras will be installed on Indiana Ave. at 13th St., 16th St. and 18th St. This is in addition to the cameras already in-place on Indiana Ave. at Cullerton St. and 22nd St.
• The Bureau of Forestry will complete tree trimming along Indiana Ave. this spring

The 1st District Police are well aware of the issue and are committed to ensuring residents and their property remain safe. Alderman Dowell continues to work with the police and relevant City departments to increase pedestrian, traffic and public safety in all parts of the community.

Alderman Dowell Hosts Annual Super Bowl Party

To celebrate this year's big game, Alderman Dowell hosted her 16th annual Super Bowl party at Studio Apartments in the South Loop! Thanks to Chicago’s Chicken and Waffles for preparing a great spread of chicken, mac and cheese, greens, potato salad, and cornbread. Dessert of cupcakes and cake. Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs for becoming back-to-back Super Bowl champions, in what ended up being a very exciting game.

Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship

The 2024 Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation is accepting applications for their scholarship through April 1st! Apply here.

Scholarships are renewable for a total of four years and awards are available to 2024 freshmen students (graduating high school seniors) pursuing a four year degree from an accredited university. The scholarships are $2,500 annually for a total of $10,000 and given to students to help alleviate the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and books.

Description of Eligibility:

• Graduating City of Chicago High School Senior 
• Attending four year accredited university as a full-time student
• Submit ONE recommendation from a teacher, faculty member, coach, or community leader
• Complete the 500-word essay
• Resident of Chicago
• Submit completed application no later than April 1, 2024 at 11:59PM CT. 

Please contact info@chicagoblackcaucus.com for any additional details needed before submission.

Traffic Calming and Safety Measures for State St. and 14th Pl.

Alderman Dowell has authorized the following improvements to the intersection of State St. and 14th Pl. as recommended by the Chicago Department of Transportation following the completion of a traffic study:

• Curb extensions for the northeast and northwest corners of State St. and 14th Pl. to help pedestrians safely cross the intersection
• Installation of two Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB) pedestrian warning signs to increase stop compliance at the intersection

These improvements are currently in the design phase. A complete construction schedule will be sent to all residents when it's completed by the Chicago Department of Transportation.

XS Tennis Hosts Yurchenko Gymnastics Tournament

In February, XS Tennis (5336 S. State St.) hosted the Yurchenko Invitational Gymnastics Tournament. At this prestigious event, 600 young athletes competed over two days on the balance beam, uneven bars, vault and floor exercises. Congratulations to all the participants, and to world-renowned gymnast Natalia Yurchenko for this incredible opportunity. Watching these young ladies, it is clear how the special talent and achievements of Simone Biles has influenced our next generation of gymnasts.

Upgrades to Chicago Hate Crime Ordinance

Recent changes to the Chicago Hate Crimes Ordinance have created new protocols for reporting HATE INCIDENTS and removal of HATEFUL GRAFFITI. A Hate Crime is a criminal act motivated by bias against a protected class, i.e., race, color, gender, age religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, or sexual orientation.

If you witness or are the victim of a hate crime, call 911 immediately! If you see hateful graffiti Call 311. The Chicago Police Department must document it and open an investigation before they clear it for removal by the Department of Streets and Sanitation. Removal of graffiti may take 3-5 business days. Please note any graffiti, whether Hateful or Non-Hateful, that is placed on a school, house of worship, government building, or which targets a public official by name, will be prioritized for documentation and prompt removal. For more information, contact the Chicago Commission on Human Relations at 312-744-4111 or visit Chicago.gov/cchr.

South Loop Event Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events. Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.

For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.soldierfield.com/events/all. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place. 

Chicago Fire vs. FC Cincinnati

Saturday, March 2nd at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. CF Montreal

Saturday, March 16th at 1:00 pm

2024 Home Repair Program

Formerly known as the Roof and Porch Repair Program, the Home Repair Program provides grants to income-eligible homeowners for improvements to their roof or porch. Interested homeowners must register during intake for a chance to apply for the service. Register online from February 26th through March 8th or call 311. Homeowners will be selected based on DOH priority areas. All interested homeowners will be contacted within a month of registration.

This program is open to residents who own and occupy a single-family or duplex residential property and meet income guidelines. Households earning up to 50% of the area median income (AMI) are eligible to participate. This must be the homeowner's primary and only residence. Call 312-744-3653 with questions.

Tax Prep Chicago

Chicago's 2024 free tax preparation assistance program is happening right now at 7 locations citywide.

This program is more important than ever with the opportunity for filers to claim the federal and Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as well as the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC). This year, additional populations over 18 and who have an ITIN are eligible for the Illinois EITC. Eligible Chicagoans could receive up to $7,430 from the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, in addition to other credits. 

Families earning up to $64,000 or individuals earning up to $32,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential Tax Prep assistance at 7 sites across Chicago. Volunteer tax preparers certified through IRS-approved training will assist them with federal and state income tax returns. Most sites will be open now through April 15th, but please refer to the links below for specific information on the location and hours of the sites.

For more information about how to access free tax assistance, Chicagoans can:

*  Call or text the City's 2-1-1 helpline

*  Visit the City's tax assistance website at www.TaxPrepChicago.org   

*  Visit Ladder Up at www.goladderup.org or call {312) 409-1555

*   Visit the IRS at www.irs.gov and type "free tax help" in the search box or call (800) 829-

1040 I (800) 829-4059 (TDD)

AJC Level Up Program

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership is the non-profit umbrella organization that operates one of the largest public workforce systems in the country. As the designated administrator of federal workforce development funding for the City of Chicago and suburban Cook County, The Partnership oversees a network of more than 90 community-based organizations, American Job Centers (AJCs), satellite sites, and sector-driven centers. The organization also oversees a diverse portfolio of dozens of initiatives representing other public, corporate and philanthropic funds. 

The ten American Job Centers are essentially the “front doors” of the network. In October, the Cook County Workforce Partnership created a campaign called Level Up. It is a website that offers a simple way for career seekers to reach out to the AJCs. The Power Up portion of the campaign is aimed at career providers (employers) looking to a find skilled, local workforce. To find out more about this great program, follow the links above.

UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Institute Culinary Apprenticeship

The UNITEHERE! Chicago Hospitality Institute (UHCHI) is an apprenticeship program training candidates for careers in world-class kitchens across Chicago’s hospitality industry. As the apprenticeship program for UNITEHERE! Local 1, the UHCHI program will provide you with culinary training for an in-demand career in hotels, banquet halls, restaurants and sports centers around Chicago. In partnership with HIRE360 and the CFL Workforce & Community Initiative, UHCHI will prepare you for a career as a Chef de Partie and support you as you take the first steps on this great career. Apply here.

Elevation of Excellence in Partnership with HBCU College Tour

Elevation of Excellence will be hosting a college tour of the following Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Grambling State University, Alcorn, Morris Brown College, Jackson State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Morehouse, Dillard University, Alabama State University, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Southern University and A&M College. For more information contact Davonna Brown at 773-340-3103 or at info@elevationofexcellence.org, or visit www.elevationofexcellence.org.

O'Hare Airport Concessionaire RFP

The Chicago Department of Aviation will be releasing an RFP for prospective O'Hare Airport concessionaires in Q1/Q2 2024. This is an exciting, once in a generation, opportunity for businesses to operate at O'Hare Airport, where you can grow your brand worldwide! When released, the RFP will be posted on the Chicago Department of Aviation's website, www.flychicago.com, on the "Bids and Contracts" page. Check the Fly Chicago website regularly for news and updates on the RFP, and if you have any questions, email them to cdaconcessions@cda.org. 

In anticipation of the RFP's release, the Chicago Department of Aviation is asking prospective bidders to get their Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise( ACDBE) certification now! ACDBE certification allows small minority- and women-owned firms access to airport concession opportunities that may not be available without ACDBE certification. Complete information on the ACDBE program can be found here. The City's Certification and Compliance website, which covers all types of disadvantaged business certifications, can be found at https://chicago.mwdbe.com/.

APL’s Summer Education Programs Registration opens on March 18th

Are you, or do you know, a teen interested in pursuing creativity, joining a community, and being paid? Join our community of young people at Arts + Public Life!

Program Dates: June 24-August 2, 2024

Schedule: Monday-Friday | 10 AM – 2 PM

For more information contact Ebere Agwuncha, Education Programs Manager

NHS Financial Literacy Webinar

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score. This is a virtual meeting.

When: Tuesday, March 5th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Bally's Chicago Casino Project

Join us on Wednesday, March 6, for a community partner briefing about the Bally's Chicago Casino project. The Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC) will give a high-level overview of the project, the construction timeline, business and workforce commitments, the procurement process, the outreach strategy, and stakeholder alignment. This session is intended for business and workforce partners who support businesses or workforce utilization. 

The team is committed to driving opportunities for diverse and local businesses in collaboration with you as a key partner. Register for this virtual event here.

When: Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. CST

Sueños and Lollapalooza Community Engagement Meeting

C3 Presents/La Cultura Presenta will be hosting a virtual community engagement meeting to share more about the Sueños and Lollapalooza summer festivals. Representatives from C3 Presents/La Cultura Presenta, the City of Chicago, and the Chicago Park District will be present to share information and answer questions from the community. Register for this virtual meeting here.

When: Thursday, March 7th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Fabulous in Fatigues

Please join the Chicago Vet Center and JBVAMC Women's Health Program to celebrate and honor women veterans with snacks, refreshments, games, and resources. This event is in honor of International Women's Day.

Where: Chicago Vet Center (8658 S. Sacramento Ave.)

When: Friday, March 8th from 10:00 am to noon

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is an eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions.

Where: NHS Chatham Office (639 E. 87th St.)

When: Saturday, March 9th and 16th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (link to register)

Children's Events at the King Branch Library

The King Branch Library will be hosting Dr. Seuss Storytime in honor of his birthday for children under 6, and Saturday STEAM for ages 6 and up. For more information contact the library at 312-747-7543)

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, March 9th from 11:00 am to noon (Dr. Seuss) and 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm (STEAM)

BMRC Community Symposium

Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC) members and affiliates discuss their latest work to document Black experiences in Chicago. The South Side Home Movie Project will present “A Movie Camera in Bronzeville: The “Newsreel-ettes” of the Ramon Williams Collection”. Register here.

Where: Regenstein Library 122 (1100 E. 57th St.)

When: Wednesday, March 13th from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm

L1 Retail Store Grand Opening

Come celebrate the grand opening of the L1 retail space for the very first sales featuring the creations of talented entrepreneurs: Oluwaseyi Adeleke, owner of prgrssn, llc, Joli Chandler, owner of Soma Gems Jewelry, and Twjuana Simone Robinson, owner of Callie Décor. 

Enjoy a delightful Happy Hour starting at 4:00 pm, and join us for an official toast honoring the L1 Fellows at 6:00 pm. Don't miss out on this exciting event! Learn more about the Fellows at shopL1.org 

Where: L1 Retail Store (319 E. Garfield Blvd.

When: Friday, March 15th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

King Branch Library Easter Egg Hunt

Children will begin their day listening to stories about Easter and making a related craft, then search for Easter eggs at the library. For ages 0 to 13. Questions? Contact the library at 312-747-7543)

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, March 23rd from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit www.chicagopolice.org to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.

1st District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 132

Date: March 20th at 5:30 pm

Location: For Zoom information, please email Caps.001District@chicagopolice.org or call312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: March 26th at 6:00 pm

Location: Our Lady of Africa - St. Elizabeth (44 E. 41st St.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: March 19 at 6:00 pm

Location: King Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

Beat: 224

Date: March 28th at 6:00 pm

Location: Taylor Park (39 W. 47th St.)

Beat: 231

Date: March 21st at 6:00 pm

Location: Washington Park Field House (5531 S. King Dr.)