Winter Cold Safety Tips

Chicago is in the middle of stretch of dangerously cold weather. To protect you and those around you, Alderman Dowell is sharing the following winter weather safety information.

The Chicago Heat Ordinance mandates indoor temperatures for residential units be maintained at 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees in the evening. If where you live is not heated properly, contact 311 immediately and submit a heat complaint. City inspectors prioritize heat issues during the winter months and will respond as quickly as possible.

The City of Chicago operates numerous warming centers in across the City, including at the six DFSS Community Service Centers. In addition, libraries, park district facilities and other public buildings are available as warming centers.

Please check on your neighbors, especially individuals in your community vulnerable to the cold like the elderly or unhoused. If you suspect an issue, please contact 311 for a well-being check. Finally, when its snowing, you can access the snow plow tracker here.

Alderman Dowell Hosts Town Hall Meeting January 10th

On January 10, 2023 Alderman Dowell welcomed the developers of proposed projects for 328 W. 40th Pl. and 72 E. 51st St. to a virtual Town Hall meeting. During the meeting, each development team presented their projects - a new transportation and logistics/storage center for 328 W. 40th Pl., and a new gas station for 72 E. 51st St. - and members of the public were able to ask questions about the developments.

Of particular note, the gas station on 51st St. will require approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) before it can receive permits to move forward. The project is scheduled to be heard by the ZBA on March 17, 2023. Public comment is an important part of the ZBA's decision-making process. To submit public comment on this proposal, click here.

A copy of the Town Hall video can be found here.

Near South High School Community Meeting Video and Survey

On Thursday, January 19th, CPS hosted a virtual community meeting to discuss the proposed Near South High School. To keep residents informed, Alderman Dowell is distributing links to the meeting video, engagement website, and the post-session survey.

• YouTube Link
• Engagement Website
• Survey

In July, the CHA board granted CPS a 95-year lease for the land at 2450 S. State St. to build the new school. On December 14th, the Chicago City Council approved an ordinance to authorize a land swap and $8 million acquisition of property payment with the CHA at 2300 S. Wabash to allow for the appropriate number of affordable/CHA units to be built as part of the Southbridge development. This swap would allow the school to be built at 2450 S. State St. while maintaining the CHA's commitment to build the promised number of affordable units. The State of Illinois has also preliminarily allocated $50 million toward the construction of the new school.

In addition, Alderman Dowell is committed - and CPS has agreed - to invest in the existing neighborhood schools that serve the community: Phillips High School, Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, and DuSable High School. Alderman Dowell firmly believes that creating new school, and supporting our existing schools, can both occur. This has already started under Alderman Dowell's watch, with the construction of a new athletic facility for Phillips High School, and needed infrastructure upgrades to the DuSable High School campus.

Before any construction can begin on the new Near South High School, significant community engagement and numerous City Council actions will need to take place. This ensures residents voices will be heard throughout the process. To that end, please fill out the survey, and as additional information and meetings on this issue are made public, Alderman Dowell's office will inform the community immediately.

Alderman Dowell Signs Onto the Major Taylor Initiative

The Major Taylor Initiative was established by the Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc. as a petition to advocate for the awarding of Marshall W. ‘Major’ Taylor the Congressional Gold Medal. Major Taylor was an African American professional cyclist. He became the first African American to become the cycling champion of the world and earned the title of the “world’s fastest man.”

To learn more about the petition and to sign on, please click here.

Alderman Dowell Honors the Life of Shirley Newsome

During the January 18, 2023 City Council meeting, Alderman Dowell introduced a memorial resolution honoring former 4th Ward Alderman and community organizer Shirley J. Newsome, who passed on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2022.

Ms. Newsome was a tireless leader for the community, starting in 1981 when she organized the Lake Park-Berkeley-Ellis-Drexel Block Club Association. Her work continued as the head of the Kenwood-Oakland Community Conservation Council (NK-O CCC) where she fought against the displacement of longtime residents by helping the neighborhoods receive landmark status to preserve existing housing. She then served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the South East Chicago Commission from 2008 to 2019 and as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Quad Communities Development Corporation since 2008 where through both organizations she focused on bringing economic development to the mid-south side. Because of her vast experience in housing, Ms. Newsome was appointed Vice-Chair/Commissioner of the Chicago Community Development Commission.

Shirley Newsome was taken out of retirement in 2011 when she was appointed as the Alderman of the 4th Ward to replace Toni Preckwinkle following her election as the President of the Cook County Board. Always grounded in her faith, Ms. Newsome worshiped and served in various leadership positions at Monumental Baptist Church since 1979. Her warmth, faith, leadership and unwavering dedication to the community will be greatly missed.

All-Electric Homes Debut in 3rd Ward

Staying on the cutting edge of residential construction, the 3rd Ward is proud to debut all-electric homes by Greenline Development at 4551 S. Prairie Ave. This project is part of the 3rd Ward Parade of Homes, which is continuing to develop single-family, market-rate homes on formerly vacant City-owned land in the Bronzeville community. Greenline Development's all-electric home will feature: Advanced soundproofing and high-end appliances, anticipated LEED platinum-certification, 2,300 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, a basement with garage and solar panels, and full masonry construction with reclaimed Chicago common brick.

For Greenline, this is one of four new beautifully designed net-zero energy capable, contemporary luxury homes starting in the mid-400s. For more information on the 3rd Ward Parade of Homes click here.

Alderman Dowell Addresses 7th and 8th Grade Students at OSM

Alderman Dowell had the pleasure of speaking to the 7th and 8th grade students at Old St. Mary's School about what it's like being an alderman. During the discussion, students asked Alderman Dowell questions about her role as an elected official, including: what is an alderman's role in the community, what are her priorities over the next four years, and how much money does an alderman make. Such a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of civic leaders!

New Start Chicago Fines and Fees Reform Program

This City of Chicago has launched a new website for the New Start Chicago program, which gives residents a “New Start” to get back on the path to compliance and economic opportunity. Program areas include:

• Administrative Debt Relief Program - Standard Relief Program for individuals and businesses, and a Hardship Relief Program for low-income individuals, both of which provide for the waiver of interest, costs, and fees.
• Clear Path Relief Program - Available to low-income and current Utility Billing Relief households to pay off vehicle debt
• Utility Billing Relief Program - Assistance paying water and sewer bills
• Suspended License, Booting, Ticketing, and Towing Reforms - New reforms around driver's license suspension, booting, ticketing and towing
• Fresh Start Debt Relief Program - For those who have entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy and need debt relief from City debt
• Vehicle Impoundment Program - Reduced fines and limited fees for impounded vehicles, decreased the number of situations in which a vehicle can be impounded, and added new defenses to help residents get their cars back.

City Of Chicago Announces Expansion Of Alternative 911 Response Program

The City of Chicago announced the launch of a new alternate 911 response team on the West Side of the city and more mental health crisis teams starting this spring and summer, further expanding the City’s innovative Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) program. CARE integrates mental health and substance use professionals into teams that respond to 911 emergency calls when those calls have a mental health or substance use component.

In 2023, the City will expand 911 mental health teams into three more sets of neighborhoods with the highest volume of mental health-related 911 calls over the last three years (2020-2022). In March, the City plans to launch a new CARE mental health team in the Loop and Near South Side. By this summer, the City plans to expand CARE mental health teams to the neighborhoods furthest north -- Rogers Park, West Ridge, and parts of Edgewater -- and furthest south of Chicago -- South Chicago, Avalon Park, Calumet Heights, South Deering, East Side, and Hegewisch.

The City has received approval from the State of Illinois to expand the minimum age eligibility down to 12 years old (previously 18 years old) and the range of 911 calls to which CARE teams may respond. Beginning in March, CARE teams will begin to respond to suicide threats and will be eligible to respond to calls related to well-being checks, criminal trespass, or suspicious person when they involve a mental health component.

To read the entire press release on the announcement click here.

46th St. and Prairie Ave. - Netsync Conduit Installation

Netsync has requested the installation of a 4x4 communication manhole at 46th St. and Prairie 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.

46th St. and State St. - Netsync Conduit Installation

Netsync has requested the installation of two 36'' round communications manholes at 46th St. and State St. 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.

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. 

There are no Soldier Field events scheduled for February

City of Chicago Announces Nonprofit Capacity Building Program  

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the launch of a new Nonprofit Capacity Building program that will offer coaching and assistance to nonprofits interested in applying for Chicago Recovery Plan opportunities. This initiative is being organized in collaboration with several local organizations that have been awarded grants to support the growth of nonprofits across the City. The Nonprofit Capacity Building program will offer a variety of resources to make nonprofits more aware of and better positioned to apply for and manage recovery program grants, including quarterly Readiness Summits, monthly webinars, weekly workshops and one-on-one application assistance.  

SNAP Customers: SNAP Benefits Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels

SNAP emergency allotments will end in March as a result of federal policy changes. SNAP benefits increased during COVID-19 due to the public health emergency. Since April 2020, Illinois LINK households received their regular monthly benefit and an emergency SNAP issuance. February 2023 will be the last month of emergency SNAP allotments. Plan accordingly. Purchase non-perishables, shop your pantry, and find local food pantries in your community at chicagosfoodbank.org/findfood. More information is available at abe.illinois.gov or at 800-843-6154.

NOF Application Deadline February 24th

The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund finances commercial and cultural projects in neighborhoods that lack private investment, using revenue generated from downtown development. In order to be considered for the first round of NOF funding, applications must be submitted by 11:59PM (CST), on Friday, February 24, 2023. 

47th/State SBIF Opening for Applications

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in the 47th/State TIF in March.

Applications open: 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 1st. Applications close: 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 31st. Learn more and apply at www.chicago.gov/sbif.

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.

Collegiate Scholars Program

The University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program (CSP) is a free, three-year enrichment program to prepare motivated, under-represented Chicago Public Schools high school students for admission to and success at highly selective colleges and universities. CSP offers free college-level courses, enrichment activities, and opportunities to connect with other students. Apply online through February 10th at collegiatescholars.uchicago.edu. Questions, call 773-834-2774. Applications are for current 9th grade students.

14th Annual UChicago International Education Conference

UChicago Educator Outreach invites you to join us for the 14th Annual UChicago International Education Conference: "Beyond the Headlines: The Russia-Ukraine War and its Global Impacts." Our morning session will center on voices from Ukraine, including a high school teacher, so as to better understand the current situation in Ukraine. Our afternoon session will bring together a diverse group of scholars and experts to better contextualize the global impacts of the war on agriculture, energy, and the refugee crisis. Register now at Ticketleap.

Where: Swift Hall (1025 E. 58th St.)

When: Friday, February 3rd from 8:30 am to 2:30 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, February 4th at 9:00 am (link to register) and Saturday, February 11th at 9:00 am (link to register)

First Monday Jazz Featuring Margaret Murphy-Webb

Launched in 2013, Arts + Public Life’s First Monday Jazz series presents an impressive roster of Chicago-affiliated jazz musicians and singers, who take the stage each month, delighting audiences with original songs and time-honored classics. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of our signature series, Arts + Public Life presents First Monday Jazz: Origins & Evolutions. February’s featured artist is Margaret Murphy-Webb. RSVP for the event here.

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

When: Monday, February 6th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 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, February 7thth at 6:00 pm (link to register)

Keeping up with Kim

A panel discussion on public safety and justice in our communities with State's Attorney Kim Foxx. For more information email [email protected]. Register at bit.ly/KeepingUpWithKimDusable.

Where: Dusable Museum ( 740 E. 56th Pl., 57th St. entrance)

When: Wednesday, February 8th starting at 5:30 pm

Sojourner Truth Festival Meet Ups

Join UChicago's Arts and Public Life for Happy Hour and then head over together for a night of films and discussion at the Sojourner Truth Festival of the Arts at the Logan Center for the Arts. Happy Hour includes a drink ticket and appetizers. Admission to the film program is free. One-way shuttle from Retreat to Logan Center is free – return trip not included but APL staff will assist in ride sharing if necessary. Sponsored by Arts + Public Life and Logan Center Community Engagement.

Where/When: Logan Cafe, 915 E. 60th St. (Thursday, February 9th from 6:30 pm to 9:45 pm)/Retreat, 305 E. Garfield Blvd. (Thursday, February 16th from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm)

YWCA Fifty+

Are you a woman over 50 years old and looking for a new job? The YWCA can help with free employment training and job assistance. Register online at bit.ly/FiftyPlusReg or contact Cheryl Travis at 773-372-8456.

Where: YWCA Parks Francis Center (6600 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

When: February 14th, 16th, 21st, and 23rd

The Chicago Transit Authority Building Small Business Program

Building Small Businesses (BSB) is an immersive financial capacity building program tailored for small business acceleration. BSB will provide programming focused on financial management, access to capital, technical assistance, and procurement connections. Register for this virtual meeting here. For more information contact Candace Strother at [email protected].

When: Wednesday, February 22nd from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Cook County Property Tax Information Sessions

Are you a Cook County property owner, commercial or residential? Join a discussion about how to understand your tax bill, available exemptions, and the property tax appeals process. Bring your 2nd Installment 2021 Property Tax Bill to the meeting for an onsite review. Please register here in advance.

Where/When: QCDC Office, 4210 S. Berkeley Ave., (Wednesday, February 22nd from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm / Greater Englewood Development Corporation, 815 W. 63rd St., 4th Fl. (Wednesday, March 1st from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm)

Know Your Rights

State Representative Lamont J. Robinson invites you to talk to legal, housing and social justice professionals about your rights. Resources tables from The Safer Foundation, Project H.O.O.D., Department of Housing, First Defense Legal Aid, and more will be on hand. Questions? Email, [email protected].

Where: King Public Library (3436 S. King Drive)

When: Thursday, March 2nd at 5:30 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: February 15th at 3:00 pm

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

312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: 21st at 6:00 pm

Location Zoom Meeting ID: 890 0660 2371 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 221/223

Date: February 15th at 6:00 pm

Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 870 7383 9739 Passcode: 5101