Virtual 3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting - March 16th at 6:00 pm

Join Alderman Dowell for her last virtual Town Hall (pending the lifting of the emergency order) to hear from developers about potential projects in the 3rd Ward, as well as final recommendations from CDOT regarding 13th St. and Indiana Ave. Presentations will be followed by a short questions and answer opportunity. A tentative list of topics include:

• National Guard Armory (1910 S. Calumet Ave.)
• Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre (53rd St. and State St.)
• 1225 S. Indiana Development
• CDOT Indiana/13th Traffic Study Final Recommendations

The virtual meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 16th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Register to receive the Zoom link by clicking here.

Update on Near South High School

Alderman Dowell would like to thank CPS and all of the numerous 3rd Ward stakeholders who have actively participated in the Near South High School (NSHS) planning process. This school has been a long time coming, and Alderman Dowell remains in full support of the project. With that being said, Alderman Dowell looks forward to working with community groups and the neighboring school communities to ensure that EVERY school and EVERY student gets the support they need to have a successful educational experience.

At this stage of the NSHS planning process, it is critical for residents to share their voices regarding the proposal. That can include:

• Creating dedicated Near South High School community groups with a strong social media presence to coordinate and activate residents
• Sending letters to the CPS CEO and the Mayor's Office
• Hosting resident-led meetings and inviting Alderman Dowell and/or CPS to participate
• Attending and speaking at CPS-hosted NSHS events

Thank you once again to everyone who has participated so far in what has been a long and detailed high school planning process. If you would like to send your thoughts on the high school to Alderman Dowell, please email [email protected]. Additional information on the high school, including upcoming meetings, can be found at cpsengagement.com/near-south-high-school.

Bronzeville Receives National Heritage Area Designation

President Joe Biden has signed a bill that preserves a large section of the historic Chicago neighborhood of Bronzeville as a national heritage area (NHA), providing up to $10 million in federal funding over a 15-year period for conservation, management, and development. The NHA will focus on the cultural legacy of Bronzeville and of the Great Migration’s legacy of Black Americans who moved to the city’s South Side during the early twentieth century.

The Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Act was introduced by Bobby Rush, who represented part of the South Side neighborhood for almost two decades before retiring from the United States Congress in 2022. The NHA stretches from 18th Street to the north, 71st Street to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, and Canal Street to the west. 

Additional details regarding the designation can be found in IIT's press release here.

Alderman Dowell Sponsors Super Bowl Party at Studios Apartments

Fun times hanging with residents for the big game! Alderman Dowell was honored to host the 16th Annual 3rd Ward Super Bowl party at Studios Apartments (1801 S. Wabash Ave). For the Kansas City vs. Philadelphia matchup, there was a consensus position among the residents. Go KC, who pulled it off in epic fashion! Great food, great game, great residents.

Alderman Dowell Honors the Late Harold Lucas at Bee Library

Alderman Dowell honored activist, historian, and President of the Black Metropolis Convention and Tourism Council Harold Lucas with a plaque dedicating the community room at the Bee Library (3647 S. State St.) the Harold Lucas Community Room.

Harold was a tireless advocate for Bronzeville, and an outspoken historian of the Black Migration and its effects on Chicago's history. His firm handshake and greeting when introducing himself - which consisted of a long speech all about the Black Metropolis Convention and Tourism Council, the Bronzville visitor information center, and the preservation of the Black Metropolis National Heritage Area - both perfectly encapsulated who Harold was, and is something that will be greatly missed. Alderman Dowell was honored to present this distinction in memory of Harold Lucas so that future generations will know of his great legacy and contributions to the community.

Engine Company 16 Gets New Ambulance

The Chicago Fire Department (CFD), the Department of Assets, Information, and Services, and Alderman Dowell are proud to announce a new ALS ambulance has been assigned to Engine Company 16 at Pershing Rd. and Wabash Ave. New ambulances are custom built to CFD specifications, which are specifically designed to increase patient and provider safety. The ambulance also has new state of the art siren technology to increase safety. Join Alderman Dowell in wishing the firefighters good health and safety as they service the needs of 3rd Ward residents from their new truck!

Hudson Motor Building Gets CDC Sign-Off

The proposed redevelopment of the Hudson Motor Building (2222 S. Michigan Ave.) received Community Development Commission (CDC) support during the commission's February meeting. At the meeting, commissioners approved $10 million in TIF financing to supplement the $63 million project, which will improve the 100-year-old building with 38 residential units, 18 hotel rooms, a restaurant, event space, speakeasy, and a rooftop pool and bar. This project is being undertaken by former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije in partnership with Kelemen Caamano Investments. A video of the meeting which includes the Hudson Motor Building proposal can be found here.

CDC Approves Land Sales for Housing Near XS Tennis

The Community Development Commission in February approved the land sales of 5408, 5410, and 5040 S. Dearborn St., and 5400, 5407, and 5419 S. Federal St., for the construction of residential housing for employees of neighboring XS Tennis and the broader community. The developer, Center Court Development, LLC will purchase the lots for market-rate from the City of Chicago for $302,000 as part of the $10.8 million project. When completed the development will construct 23 units on City-owned land, and 36 total units when combined with the private parcels being used, with 4 of the units being affordable. The buildings on S. Dearborn will be duplexes with 2 parking spaces, while the Federal St. buildings will be 3-sets of town homes of 6, 5, and 6 units. Center Court Development, LLC is headed by Kamau Murray, the founder and CEO of XS Tennis.

Williams Park and Dearborn Homes Parent Meeting

Residents of Dearborn Homes and Williams Park parents, you are invited to join Alderman Pat Dowell and the Chicago Park District for a conversation about ways to keep children safe, the importance of parent involvement, park program information, and seasonal jobs. Food, games, raffles and giveaways will be provided.

Where: Williams Park (2820 S. State St.)

When: Friday, March 10th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0 Now Open for Applications

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) has opened the newest application for Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0. This application will provide a one-time, $500 relief payment to up to 17,000 eligible Chicagoans who are a domestic worker or undocumented resident without legal documentation or who lack a valid social security number for employment.

This application is open to any resident who meets the following eligibility criteria:  

• Be age 18 or older AND  
• Be a current Chicago resident AND
• Have household income less than or equal to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level ($74,580 for a household of 3) AND
• Is a Domestic Worker who has been paid for household services which take place in a private home or residence, on average at least 8 hours per week over the last 12 months, OR 
• Is an Undocumented resident in Chicago without legal documentation and who lacks a Social Security Number valid for employment.  

No questions will be asked in regards to citizenship or immigration status. COVID-19 cash assistance is not considered under public charge. 

Visit www.chicash.org to learn more and complete a 30-minute application form! Have more questions? Navigate to the “Get Help” section to contact the helpdesk or find an upcoming informational or assistance event near you.

Clark St. Temporary Overnight Closure

The Chicago Department of Transportation has issued permits for the temporary full closer of Clark St. from 15th St. to 16th St. starting Thursday, March 2nd through Monday, March 6th, between the hours of 8:00 pm and 6:00 am to allow for rail construction.

Same-side pedestrian access and 3 of 4 crosswalks will be maintained at all times. Local, driveway, and business access will also be maintained at all times.

The suggested detour for northbound Clark St. is eastbound 18th St. to northbound State St. to westbound Roosevelt Rd. and back to northbound Clark St. The reverse directions are suggested for vehicles traveling southbound.

18th St. "No Driving" Signs Installed

The Chicago Department of Transportation, with the cooperation of the Chicago Park District, has installed "No Driving" signs on the east and west entrances to the 18th St. Pedestrian Bridge in response to motorcycles allegedly illegally driving on the bridge. The signs read "it is unlawful for the driving of a motorized vehicle on any pedestrian bridge, sidewalk or parkway, except on a permanent or temporary driveway in the City of Chicago. Fine $250." If you see anyone driving a motorized vehicle on the pedestrian bridge, please call 911 immediately.

Roosevelt Bridge Update

The Chicago Department of Transportation has provided an update to the scheduled repairs to the Roosevelt Rd. bridge. After reaching out to numerous vendors and suppliers, CDOT was not able to find a company to fabricate the specialty design panels needed for the bridge repair. CDOT instead shifted the work in-house and had their trades employees try and create suitable replacement pieces. CDOT has begun to install the posts and scheduled the installation of the panels for the end of February. Thank you to everyone for your patience while this work is completed.

Repair to Street Resurfacing Project - Calumet Ave. from 18th St. to Cullerton

The previously completed resurfacing of Calumet Ave. from 18th St. to Cullerton Ave. was not done properly and requires correction in multiple locations. Repair to the street will be done this spring after the asphalt plants reopen.

After a preliminary inspection by CDOT, the following issues have been identified:

• The speed humps and joints are not in good condition, and three of the four speed bumps are suggested to be reinstalled.
• The joint between the new and old pavement at Calumet Ave and Cullerton Ave. has a gap that needs to be filled
• There are issues with the curb line at 1910 S Calumet Ave. where the asphalt is in need of repair
• The west joint between 1810 and 1820 S. Calumet Ave. has a gap that needs to be filled. The east side of this section also is in need of repaving.

As conditions with the street change, CDOT will update/revise the list of repairs to better reflect the condition of the street.

53rd St. and Michigan Ave. - Netsync Conduit Installation

Netsync has requested the installation of three 36'' round communications manholes at 53rd St. and Michigan Ave.. The purpose of this infrastructure work is to bring advanced fiber optic connectivity within the Chicago Public Schools system. Construction is planned to begin in Q2 2023. When a schedule for the work is established, it will be posted publicly by ComEd and sent out by the 3rd Ward Public Service Office.

Alderman Dowell Co-Sponsors Resolution for Duty Disability for First Responders

To encourage the Illinois House of Representative to pass H.B. 3162, Alderman Pat Dowell co-sponsored a resolution explaining why extending presumptive cause for duty disability due to the chronic effects of COVID-19 is so important. Currently, presumptive cause of COVID-19 duty disability is applied only to COVID-related fatalities among first responders. The bill would extend this protection to cases where the effects of "Long COVID" are preventing first responders from returning to work.

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. New York City FC

Saturday, March 4th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. FC Cincinnati

Saturday, March 18th at 7:30 pm

Street closures for the 2023 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

The 42nd annual Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will take place the morning of Sunday, March 26,

2023. A map of the course can be found here. Please be advised that the following streets will be closed to traffic on Sunday, March 26, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. as runners pass through the area:

• Columbus Dr. from Roosevelt Rd. to Grand Ave.
• Grand Ave. from Columbus Dr. to State St.
• State St. from Grand Ave. to Wacker Dr.
• Wacker Dr. from State St. to Washington Blvd.
• Washington Blvd. from Wacker Dr. to State St.
• State St. from Washington Blvd. to Jackson Blvd.
• Jackson Blvd. from State St. to Franklin St.
• Franklin St. from Jackson Blvd. to Harrison St.
• Harrison St. from Franklin St. to Michigan Ave.
• Michigan Ave. from Harrison St. to Roosevelt Rd.
• Roosevelt Rd. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.

DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Ida B. Wells Dr. and N. Michigan Ave. will remain open.

There will be rolling street closures within Grant Park beginning Thursday, March 24, through Monday, March 27. Grant Park will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, to approximately 3 p.m., on Sunday, March 26. As in years past, we are working with the Chicago Police Department to ensure that street closures follow a “rolling pattern” so that as the last participant passes, the street will reopen and traffic will return to normal as quickly as possible. Please make adjustments to your schedule to avoid any inconvenience.

SNAP Benefits Reduced Starting in March

Attention SNAP Customers: Your monthly SNAP benefits will be reduced in March as a result of federal policy changes. To learn more and prepare, visit chicagosfoodbank.org/SNAPEA. To find free food resources near you, call 2-1-1 or visit https://211metrochicago.org/. If you have specific questions about SNAP benefits you can contact the Illinois Department of Human Services by visiting abe.illinois.gov or calling the hotline at 1-800-843-6154.  

Free Chore Services for Seniors

Chicagoans 60 and over may be eligible for free chore services from the City of Chicago. Services include: temporary home care assistance with cleaning, laundry, and/or self-care tasks like bathing, a one-time deep cleaning, removing trash or clutter, lawn care, snow removal, and more. Contact the Department of Family and Support Services Senior Services Division for information and assistance at 312-744-4016 or email [email protected].

CTA Second Chance Program

Do you have a barrier to employment that has kept you from working? The CTA Second Chance Program offers a one-year paid full-time temporary opportunity for residents in the City of Chicago who are 18 years or older. If you are interested, complete the survey of interest (transitchicago.questionpro.com/CTASecondChanceProgram) and receive an invitation to an upcoming virtual info session. Complete program details can be found here.

Chicago Announces the Expansion of Citywide Mental Health Network to All 77 Neighborhoods

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that the City of Chicago has successfully expanded access to publicly funded mental health services for residents in all 77 neighborhoods throughout the city. The City has continued to grow this network throughout the pandemic and is now funding no-barrier access to mental health services at a total of 177 clinics and clinical programs across all 77 Chicago community areas — along with primary and behavioral health care at 80 shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

For more details, access the full press release here. To find mental health services near you, please click here.

Chicago Park District Survey

The Chicago Park District wants your input! What are they doing well? Where can they improve? What programs do you want? How can they serve you better at the park level, and the District overall? Please take a few minutes to share your feedback through their survey. It’s available in English, Spanish, Polish, and Chinese. The input received will make a difference in our parks today and help shape the future of our parks. Go here to take the survey: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/survey. 

Pace Passengers Can Ride More for Less as Transfer Fee is Eliminated

Improving regional connectivity is a priority for Pace and its partners at Metra, CTA, and the RTA. In addition to the new Pace/CTA unlimited-ride passes and reduced pass pricing starting Monday, February 20th, Pace passengers will ride more for less with the elimination of transfers between Pace services. Passengers transferring to Pace premium services will continue to pay a surcharge to get to the premium base fare. Free transfers are valid when using Ventra within two hours of the first trip taken. A Ventra card is free after registration and allows riders to store passes and discounts and save money on each ride.

47th/State and Michigan/Cermak SBIFs Open March 1

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in the following TIF districts in March.

• 47th/State, Grand Boulevard and Washington Park
• Michigan/Cermak, Near South Side

Applications open: 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 1

Applications close: 5 p.m. Friday, March 31

The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own. Please note that residential projects are not eligible for the SBIF program, and residential developers should not apply.

Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid.

Know Your Rights Seminar

State Representative Lamont Robinson invites you to talk to legal, housing, and social justice professionals about your rights. Resource tables from The Safer Foundation, Project H.O.O.D., the Chicago Department of Housing, First Defense Legal Aid, and more will be on hand. Light refreshments will be served.

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

When: Thursday, March 2nd at 5:30 pm

Black Joy Always Wins by Sharyon Culberson

Join the University of Chicago Arts and Public Life for a table reading of a new sci-fi/fantasy story that asks, "What would you do with ultimate power?" Black Joy Always Wins is by Performance Resident, Sharyon Culberson and will feature the premier of the theatrical trailer. Free Eventbrite registration is required.

Where: Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Friday, March 3rd from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

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.

When: Saturday, March 4th at 9:00 am (link to register) and Saturday, March 11th at 9:00 am (link to register)

Who Builds the World? Girls?

A Women in Construction Week event for young women and girls in grades 6-12. Hosted by the Lakeside Alliance, the builders of the Obama Presidential Center. For more information, visit LakesideAllance.com.

Where: The Obama Presidential Center Project Site (6170 S. Cornell Ave.)

When: Saturday, March 4th from 9:000 am to 12:00 pm

NHS Financial Fresh Start 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.

When: Tuesday, March 7th at 6:00 pm (link to register)

Small Business Expo

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, bring free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Small Business Expo Series. The series of expos occur at different citywide locations and offer business resources such as City of Chicago business licensing consultants, tax clinic, financial advisors, workshops, professional headshots, networking and more. Get tickets here.

Where: Kennedy King College - U Building (740 W. 63rd St.)

When: Saturday, March 11th from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm

Dr. Seuss Stories and Crafts

The King Branch Library is celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday by reading stores and creating a craft. For kids ages 3-8 years old.

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

When: Saturday, March 11th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Dear Black Artist Featuring the Seventy-Sevens by Rachel Gadson

Right before the start of the pandemic, artist and community organizer Rachel Gadson began an interview series called the Seventy-Sevens. It was her way of going back to the drawing board (literally and figuratively) to truly listen to the audience that she has committed her work to; the Black artist. To discover their needs, discuss their creative journeys, barriers to access, and ultimately their greatest hopes for Black artists in the future. Between 2019 and the close of 2020, Gadson interviewed 77 Black artists from the Chicagoland area (an ode to the 77 neighborhoods existent here in Chicago). 

Dear Black Artist integrates the findings from this interview series with a love letter to her participants. A wonderful short film has emerged from this insightful and stimulating work, and we're excited to have our first screening of this project. Free Eventbrite registration is required.

Where: Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Saturday, March 11th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

State of the Cook County Health System Town Hall

Cook County is inviting all community stakeholders to participate in a town hall meeting about the health system's three-year strategic plan. RSVP to [email protected] by Monday, March 13th.

Where: CCH Professional Building (1950 W. Polk St., 5th Fl.)

When: Wednesday, March 15th at 5:30 pm

Teen Opportunity Fair

The Chicago Park District is hosting an event for teens age 13-19 to learn about programs and get more information on recreational, educational, vocational, and job readiness opportunities. Pre-registration encouraged. For more information visit ChicagoParkDistrict.com/teen-opportunity-fairs.

Where: Kennedy King College (740 W. 63rd St., U-Building

When: Saturday, March 18th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Know your Immigration/Migrant Rights!

Join King Branch Library to discover your immigration and migration rights. This workshop will help you learn more about protections based on immigration status including information about U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Defensive Asylum, as well as the Naturalization and Citizenship process. This program is in partnership with the Haitian American Museum of Chicago.

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

When: Saturday, March 25th from 3:00 pm – 4:30 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 15th at 5:30 pm

Location: For location information, please email [email protected] or call

312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: March 21st at 6:00 pm

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

Beat: 221/223

Date: March 14th at 6:00 pm

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

Beat: 224

Date: March 23rd at 6:00 pm

Location: Greencastle of Kenwood (4909 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

Beat: 225

Date: March 2nd at 6:00 pm

Location: 2nd District Community Room (5101 S. Wentworth Ave.)

Beat: 231

Date: March 16th at 6:00 pm

Location: Good Shepherd Tower (55 E. Garfield Blvd.)