COVID-19 Booster Shots and Flu Shots Now Available

Federal health officials have authorized an updated COVID-19 vaccine designed specifically to target the omicron subvariants. Anyone age 12 and up who has received a primary series can receive this new, updated vaccine. Click HERE for details.

Alderman Dowell's office is also hosting a COVID-19/Flu Vaccine Clinic out of her ward office at 5046 S. State St. on October 5, 2022. Come get protected for the winter right in your neighborhood. Registration is suggested, but not required. Register by clicking here.

Alderman Dowell Hosts 3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting

On September 27th, Alderman Dowell welcomed P3 Markets, Policy Kings, CPS, and the CTA to a 3rd Ward Town Hall meeting to introduce various projects planned for throughout ward. P3 Markets was on hand to present on 43 Green Phase II, the second part of their mixed-use, mixed-income development at the corner of 43rd St. and Calumet Ave. Policy Kings discussed their proposed commercial renovation of the vacant buildings on 51st St. just west of King Dr. CPS delivered a presentation on a potential new Near South High School to serve the South Loop, Douglas, Chinatown, Loop, and Armor Square communities. And the CTA was on hand to present on their plan to extend the Red Line south from 95th St. to 130th St. The entire Town Hall meeting video can be found on Alderman Dowell's YouTube page here. Thank you to everyone who attended and presented during this very informative meeting.

Alderman Dowell Organizes South Loop Public Safety Meeting

On September 20th, neighborhood residents attended a South Loop Community Meeting held at South Loop Elementary School. Alderman Pat Dowell, Chicago Police Department's 1st District Commander David Harris, a Tactical Sergeant, several Tactical Officers, Principal of South Loop Elementary School Tara Shelton, and a CAPS Office representative were on hand to outline the actions put in place to address public safety concerns, answer questions, and partner together to advance public safety in the community. Alderman Dowell announced the following actions have or will be implemented to increase public safety:

• Enhance the lighting at the Mary Richardson Jones Park
• Change the park's closing hours from 11:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Install additional cameras on the exterior of South Loop Elementary School
• ​Add ​additional lighting along Federal, Plymouth, 13th and 14th Streets
• Explore additional POD Cameras in the area
• Evaluate the safety access of the walkway entrance off of Roosevelt Rd. and State St.
• Encourage residents to obtain security cameras/devices through the City's Home and Business Protection Program

Residents were also encouraged to strengthen their community partnerships with their neighbors, local businesses, Alderman Dowell's 3rd Ward Office, and the Chicago Police Department. As a reminder, residents were urged to call 911 for any illegal activity and to report groups congregating after park hours, to attend CAPS meetings, to work with the CAPS office in starting a block club, and to develop a neighborhood phone tree. Alderman Dowell emphasized these measures will raise the awareness of suspicious activity in Dearborn Park II and the surrounding area, and highlighted that by working together we will create a safer community.  

Alderman Dowell Cuts Ribbon on New Phillips HS Athletic Center

On Wednesday, September 7th, Alderman Dowell, fellow elected officials, students, teachers, and the community gathered together to cut the ribbon on the $16.9 M athletic center at Phillips Academy High School. This was truly a collaborative effort by CPS, Senator Mattie Hunter and Alderman Dowell to build a new state-of-the-art facility to support student and alumni activities. Thanks to Mayor Lightfoot, Principal Rashad Talley, the mighty Phillips Alumni Association, former Principal Matthew Sullivan, the Harlem Globetrotters, Burling Builders, Moody Nolan Architects, and the Greater Bronzeville Community Action Council for being a part of this journey. To the current student body, stay focused, dream big and seek to add your name to the Phillips Hall of Fame.

Alderman Dowell Organizes 35th/Prairie Ave. Public Safety Meeting

On September 24th, neighborhood residents were invited to attend a community meeting with the Chicago Police Department to discuss public safety in the broader GAP community. Alderman Pat Dowell, Alderman Sophia King (4th), Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown, 2nd District Commander Joshua Wallace, 3rd District Commander Roderick Watson, 15th District Commander Ernest Cato, Captain Clark, and Sergeant Michael Magno attended the meeting to engage with residents and explain what the police are doing to keep the community safe. Because of the meeting, the following action items were agreed to:

• Holding officers accountable for their on-duty performance
• Assigning undercover officers to assist with drug issues in the community
• Meeting with the community every two weeks to discuss solutions, crime metrics, and receive feedback. Meetings will be attended by Superintendent Brown, the Commander of the 2nd District, the Commander of the Narcotics and Gangs Division, Captain Clark, and area detectives
• Identify, with the community's assistance, opportunities to form partnerships to tackle crime and share information
• The GAP community and surrounding area will work with CPD leadership, attend regularly scheduled meetings, and provide open and honest feedback to CPD leadership

Residents were also briefed on CPD crime statistics and provided updates on the plans for 35th and Prairie with respect to drugs. Commander Watson discussed the deployment of Community Safety Teams and an initiative that may include a "Residents/Police corners takeover." Captain Clark provided an update on specific crime incidents. Finally, the community was given the opportunity to make remarks which were heard and responded to by the Chicago Police Department.

3rd Ward Senior Update Enjoyed by All

So great for Alderman Dowell to once again be able to host the 3rd Ward Senior Update in-person. Over 300 seniors joined Alderman Dowell for an afternoon of fun, food, information and community. Big thank you to Kamau Murray of XS Tennis for hosting the event, as well as the Chicago Deltas who as usual showed up and showed out for our seniors. Fantastic food was provided by Chicago's Chicken and Waffles, who without a doubt gained a few new loyal customers with their fantastic fried chicken, mac and cheese, and greens. Seeing the smiling, happy faces on our seniors is so rewarding and such a great reminder of what we can do together to build and uplift community!

Chicago Plan Commission Approves Solar Lofts Project

With Alderman Pat Dowell’s support, on September 15, 2022 the Chicago Plan Commission approved the Solar Lofts project at 2556 S. Federal St. Solar Lofts will renovate a currently vacant green-focused 47-unit apartment building. To achieve a more green building, the development will include many unique infrastructure components, including electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient appliances, rooftop solar panels, and more. Solar Lofts is the brainchild of developer A.J. Patton, CEO of 548 Capital.

The 47-units building will offer 32 affordable units. 28 of the affordable units are being funded as part of Chicago's Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO). Sterling Bay, the developer of a separate 30-story, 282-unit building in Fulton Market, made a $5.2 million payment to the ARO as part of their Fulton Market project which is now being used to fund the affordable units in the Solar Lofts building. Alderman Dowell is a strong supporter of the ARO and was instrumental in the ordinance’s recent modernization which mandates that more affordable units be built citywide, especially in neighborhoods that lack affordable housing.

43 Green Phase II Gets Plan Commission Approval

On September 15, 2022 the Chicago Plan Commission approved 43 Green Phase II, the second part of a residential development project under construction on the north side of 43rd St. at Calumet Ave. 43 Green Phase I is currently midway through construction and is slated to open in Spring 2023.

43 Green Phase II will be a 10-story, 80 unit building, with ground floor retail, 13 parking spaces, and 53 bike spaces. Studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments will be offered to both market-rate and subsidized renters. 43 Green Phase I and II are being built as equitable Transit-Oriented Developments (eTOD) on currently vacant land adjacent to the 43rd St. Green Line station.

Alderman Pat Dowell worked closely with the developers P3 Markets, the property manager The Habitat Company, and the builders BOWA Construction, to bring this historic development to the community. To learn more about this exciting new development for the Bronzeville community, visit www.live43green.com.

Nicole Spicer Named Permanent Principal of BCS

Current Interim Principal Nicole Spicer has been elevated to the full principal position at Bronzeville Classical School. Principal Spicer has been with Bronzeville Classical since it first opened, having been selected by CPS and the community, after a rigorous application process, as the school's inaugural principal. Principal Spicer has guided Bronzeville Classical to be one of the destination elementary schools in all of Chicago's South Side. Congratulations Principal Spicer on the well-deserved recognition and appointment! 

Cement Shortage Impacting Chicago Region

Every construction season presents its own unique challenges. This year a cement shortage is affecting projects in and around Chicago. The shortages are a fluid, day-to-day situation with the final impacts yet to be fully determined. The suppliers are currently rationing concrete deliveries to approximately 50% of their previous order rates with limited or no deliveries on weekends. As a result, the project schedules for many Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) programs have been affected, such as Aldermanic Menu, Arterial Resurfacing, and Shared Cost Sidewalk. 

Please be patient as the shortage is worked through. There is a lot of work still ongoing across the City, but the cement shortages are impacting work schedules. If you have any questions about projects in your area, please contact the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at [email protected] or at 773-373-9273.

3rd Ward Gardens Win Awards

The Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards (CEGA) Committee has recognized two gardens in the 3rd Ward at their annual ceremony. The two gardens winners are Jordyn Cohen for her container garden in the South Loop and the Blanc Gallery in Bronzeville. Both gardens received honorable mentions. 

After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, the CEGA Committee was able to visit gardens in person once again this year. These awards are proof that individual citizens can do wonders in their own neighborhoods to make Chicago more beautiful and sustainable. For more information visit www.chicagogardeningawards.org.

Filmmaking Booming in the 3rd Ward

As Chicago has become a hub of the film and television industry, the 3rd Ward is helping to lead the way! In 2021 and 2022, the communities that make up the 3rd Ward were in the top 5 of total permits issued. In 2021 there were 133 permits issued (4th in the City), and so far in 2022, 65 permits have been issued (5th). While certainly filmmaking may temporarily inconvenience residents, the economic and cultural benefits for the ward and the City as a whole are substantial.

Alderman Dowell routinely works with neighborhood residents and the Chicago Film Office to ensure communities are respected throughout the filming process. If residents ever have an issue with a film crew, whether it's parking, noise, traffic, or sanitation in nature, please contact the 3rd Ward Public Service office and staff will work to resolve the complaint.

44th Pl. from Princeton Ave. to Shields Ave. - Sewer Main Replacement 

Through the Building a New Chicago infrastructure improvement program, the Department of Water Management (DWM) is installing a new sewer on 44th Pl. from Princeton Ave. to Shields Ave. (Project Number 7445). DWM estimates the new sewer main will be installed, and the street partially restored by winter 2022 and completed by spring 2023.

When DWM is working in the street, they may close it to traffic for safety reasons, but you will always be able to reach your home or business on foot. Outside of working hours, a travel lane may be left open for local traffic only.

DWM will need to limit parking in the construction area during work hours (generally 7am-4pm). “No Parking” signs will be posted just prior to the start of construction during the mobilization phase. They are agreeable to parking outside of these hours, but cars will need to be moved by the start of the next workday. DWM will try to preserve as much parking as possible.

DWM knows that construction always involves inconvenience and noise. They will do everything possible to maintain your quality of life throughout these projects and conduct themselves as good and thoughtful neighbors during our presence on your street. Any questions about this project can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at [email protected] or at 773-373-9273.

Problem Business - Ziad Certified Foods

As of September 12, 2022, an emergency closure order has been issued for Ziad Certified Foods (513 E. 47th St.) by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. An investigation of the business found it to be operating in violation of the plan of operation, failure to display plan of operation, failure to display alcohol sellers training certificate, outdated merchandise, operating violation, failure to display “warning to minors” sign, citizens complaint, failure to display Liquor license-Package Goods, failure to display Retail Food license, and failure to display Tobacco license. The business has been issued a $20,000 fine and must remain closed for thirty (30) days ending on October 19, 2022. Questions regarding this case can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373- 9273.

Problem Business - Community Currency Exchange

As of September 16, 2022, a 30-day notice to correct has been issued for Community Currency Exchange (432 E. 47th St.) by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. An investigation of the business found it to be operating without the required business license, and a failure to display the required license. A 30-day notice to correct was issued for operating a currency exchange and u-haul vehicles, and for maintaining two signs on the public way without the proper licenses and permits. The business is scheduled in court on these violations on November 15, 2022 at 10:00 am. Questions regarding this case can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373- 9273.

Problem Business - Anas Food Mart

On September 26, 2022, an inspection of Anas Food Mart (246 W. 43rd St.) was conducted by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. The investigation found the business to be operating without the required Retail Food Establishment license, engaging in the business of retail tobacco dealer without the required license, failure to display required licenses, and failure to visibly display the tobacco products or accessories sale to minors warning sign. A Cease and Desist order for sales of tobacco products, a 30-day notice to correct, and a 10-day notice to correct was issued. The business is scheduled in court on these violations on November 25, 2022 at 9:00 am. Questions regarding this case can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373- 9273.

Chicago Marathon - Sunday, October 9th

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 9th. Streets in certain areas of the 3rd Ward along the course route will be closed to traffic starting at 7:00 am and continuing to 4:00 pm. A comprehensive list of street closures and their approximate reopening is available at chicagomarathon.com/streetclosures. Towing of vehicles on the course will begin at 1:00 am on Sunday, October 9th. For inquiries about towed vehicles, call 312-744-4444. If you have any questions, contact the Chicago Marathon by emailing [email protected] or visit chicagomarathon.com for more information about the event.

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 Bears vs. Washington Commanders

Thursday, October 13th at 7:15 pm

The Chicago Fire Department is Hiring

Join the hottest team in town. Ignite your career and become a Chicago Firefighter/EMT. The application for Firefighter/EMT with the Chicago Fire Department is open! Make sure to submit your application and all associated documents as soon as possible. Apply here. 

Overflow Coffee Offering 10% Off for First Responders

Starting on October 1st, Overflow Coffee (1449 S. Michigan Ave.) is offering a 10% discount to all first responders. That includes Chicago Police officers, Chicago Fire Department employees, veterans, health professionals and others. Please show an ID upon purchase to receive the discount.

35th/Wallace SBIF Open 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 35th/Wallace TIF district in November.

Applications open: 9 a.m. Tuesday, November 1st. Applications close: 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 30th. 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.

Chicago Debates Judges Needed

Chicago Debates is on a mission to reduce the educational opportunity gap through the transformative power of academic debate. We are proud to serve 75+ schools and 1,200+ students across the city of Chicago. Academic Debate is life changing for the debaters, but you can benefit too!

We're looking for people who are interested in helping out on October 22 at Beasley Academic Center. Scheduling is flexible and you're free to judge anywhere from two to eight hours. A volunteer who judges a full day of debate impacts 16 students who wouldn't have had the chance to be heard otherwise. A half-day of your time impacts 8 students, and just two hours of your time helps four ambitious and courageous students! 

Anyone who volunteers with us is provided lunch and has the option to collect our judging stipend. This tournament pays $15 a debate round, judging all day will earn you $60 plus a $10 bonus! Interested in serving as a volunteer? Sign-up HERE! After completing your application, you will be prompted to select your availability before submitting your final registration. 

If this date doesn't work for you but you want to be contacted about future opportunities, submit a volunteer application here. If you have any questions or want to learn more about this opportunity reach out to the Volunteer & Outreach Manager: [email protected]. 

Trinity UCC Early Childhood Centers Now Hiring

Are you passionate about children? Trinity UCC Early Childhood Centers is hiring and hosting a job fair. Be prepared for an on-site interview, the dress code is business casual, a copy of your transcript is preferred, and a resume is required to interview with their team of directors. Contact [email protected] with questions or for more information.

Comcast RISE - Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment

RISE was created to help underrepresented small businesses thrive. Small businesses in Cook County owned by women and people of color can apply for $10,000 grants from the Comcast RISE Investment Fund from October 3-16, 2022. Apply here.

APPLY TODAY FOR THE SOURCE GROW GRANT

The Source Grow Grant – provides $10,000 grants to small businesses, prioritizing those owned by historically excluded populations and in sectors hard hit by the pandemic.

Your business is eligible if it: Is a for-profit business in Cook County, IL, has less than 20 employees, has operated and conducted business since 2020, and has experienced a negative financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications now open! To learn more visit: cookcountysmallbiz.org/growgrant.

1st Police District Community Conversation

Residents are invited to participate in the community conversation to create the 2023 strategic plan for the 1st Police District. To register, visit chicagopolice.org/convo. For more information or if you require a special accommodation, contact 312-745-4381 or email [email protected]. A virtual meeting will also be offered on Wednesday, October 19th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Zoom Meeting ID is 898 4806 7593 passcode 756421.

Where: Willow Creek Community Church (1347 S. State St.)

When: Wednesday, October 5th at 6:00 pm

CFD Firefighter Exam Recruitment Fair

Have you ever pictured yourself working for the Chicago Fire Department? If you have, it's time to ignite your career and join the hottest team in town. Learn about exiting opportunities and apply for one of the most rewarding careers.

Where: African American Firehouse (5349 S. Wabash Ave.)

When: Saturday, October 8th from 11:00 am to 3:00 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, October 8th at 9:00 am (link to register) and Saturday, October 15th at 9:00 am (link to register)

Financial Management and Analysis: Telling Your Story

Join QCDC for a financial workshop to learn how the company's financial statements can be used to support decision-making and improve financial performance. This is a free workshop and at the end of the series, each participant will receive a certificate of completion.

Where: QCDC Offices (4210 S. Berkeley Ave.)

When: Monday, October 10th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am

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, October 11th at 6:00 pm (link to register), and Tuesday, October 25th at 6:00 pm (link to register)

2nd Police District Community Conversation

Residents are invited to participate in the community conversation to create the 2023 strategic plan for the 2nd Police District. To register, visit chicagopolice.org/convo. For more information or if you require a special accommodation, contact 312-747-5109 or email [email protected]. A virtual meeting will also be offered on Wednesday, October 12th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Zoom Meeting ID is 828 3599 7865, passcode 571126.

Where: Hatch 41 (4131 S. State St.)

When: Wednesday, October 19th at 6:00 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: Wednesday, October 19th at 6:00 pm

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

312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: October 25th at 6:00 pm

Location Zoom Meeting ID: 890 0660 2371 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 221/223

Date: October18th at 6:00 pm

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