Third Ward Newsletter
April
2020
In This Issue
Useful Links          

Check Building Code Violations

 

Employment

 

City Council Legislative Review (view the status of any piece of legislation introduced to the City Council)

 

After School Matters

 

Utility Assistance

 

Foreclosure Assistance

 

Scholarships

 

Join Our Mailing List

I pray you, your family and loved ones are staying safe during this difficult period of time. As I am sure you know, Governor Pritzker has recently extended the stay at home order through April 30, 2020.

COVID-19 has certainly changed each of our lives significantly. This includes the work of the 3rd Ward Public Service Office. We are doing our best to send out as much information as possible to keep you updated on the latest programs and policies put in place by Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot in response to the outbreak. The situation changes on what seems like a daily basis, so look out for frequent eblasts from my office for the latest updates. 

I have been on countless conference calls with the Mayor's office, public health experts, local businesses and citywide non-profits to coordinate a response to the outbreak. My office has been doing well-being checks on senior buildings to ensure they are getting the support they  need. We are coordinating food donations to residents, donations of masks to seniors, and providing lunch to the first responders. Thank you to Lodebar Church and Ministries, Black Fire Brigade, Mother Wade and Eli Washington, HoJo Family Assistance Program, Abed Ayesh, Keeley Food Service, Sandy Dyer, Pastor Earl Grandberry and ADG for their amazing efforts supporting the community in this time of need.

I have also compiled a long list of programs designed to help residents during the COVID-19 outbreak on my website ( www.ward03chicago.com). So, if you have questions about the stay at home order or CPS remote learning, or if you are in need of rent/mortgage assistance, internet connectivity options, utility billing information, food resources or business grants, check out my website for details.

Please follow the Governor's stay at home order closely. I know as the weather gets warmer, it's going to be very tempting to get outside more, especially for families with children. But if we all stick together and keep our distance, we can save countless lives and get back to normal sooner rather than later. Sacrifices now will have significant benefits for all of us in the long run.

The 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 5046 S. State is closed at this time and my staff and I are working remotely. So if we can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out at Ward03@cityofchicago.org. You can also leave a message on the voicemail box at 773-373-9273. Thank you for reading this newsletter. Please share it with a neighbor or friend.

Sincerely,





Pat Dowell
Alderman, 3rd War d
Third Ward Update    
Complete the 2020 Census Online Now!
It's that time again! April 1st is Census Day!! Every 10 years, the U.S. Constitution requires a count or census of the population. Why should you participate in the Census? Our numbers matter for political representation, for funding for our schools, infrastructure and social service needs. Your answers, by law, are confidential. To complete the census go to www.census.gov and then click the button that says 2020 Census Invitations To Respond. 

2021 Roof and Porch Repair Program
The open enrollment period for the Roof and Porch Repair grant program allows income-eligible Chicago homeowners an opportunity to enter a lottery in order to receive a one-time service to their roof or porch in 2021. Applicants must have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income, which for a single-person household is $49,950 and for a 4-person household is $71,300.

One-day lottery registration occurs on Thursday, May 21, 2020 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Apply online at www.chicago.gov/roofandporch or call 311 and ask for the Roof and Porch Repair program.  Questions, call 312-744-3653 or email doh@cityofchicago.org. 

Modified Street Sweeping Starts April 1st
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the City of Chicago is modifying its street sweeping operations until further notice. The City will NOT be sweeping according to a defined street sweeping schedule. Street sweepers will be deployed on an as needed basis. The City will attempt to sweep as many residential streets as possible, but can not guarantee every residential street will be swept during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arterial/main streets will continue to be swept regularly.

As street sweeping will not be done according to a set schedule, the City will NOT post and NOT ticket cars that may be on the street during sweeping. The City will do its best to sweep the streets around any vehicles parked on the street at the time it is swept. 

The Department of Streets and Sanitation will attempt to check the cleanliness of streets in the ward to determine which need to be swept urgently. However, if you would like to request your street be swept, please call 311 to request street sweeping for your block.

Site Prep for Southbridge Phase 1 
Alderman Dowell attended a site preparation kick-off event for Phase 1 of the Southbridge project at 23rd St. and State St., the former site of Ickes Homes. A formal groundbreaking will follow. 

Southbridge is a new and unique mixed-use development that is planned to provide approximately 877 residential units across income levels (including CHA, affordable, and market rate rental and for-sale units), approximately 65,000 square feet of retail, and multiple recreational areas. The development will be constructed in multiple phases and designed to meet best-in-class urban and sustainable standards while bridging the South Loop, Chinatown and the Bronzeville neighborhoods. Check out the Southbridge website at https://southbridgechicago.com/



Alderman Dowell Helps Honor Commander Paul Bauer
At the 3rd Annual Commander Paul Bauer Benefit Fundraiser, Alderman Dowell was honored to serve as a celebrity bartender. The annual fundraiser gives all tips, raffles and door donations to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

Mark Stern and Weather Mark Tavern hosted this terrific event which was filled with friends, colleagues and neighbors. Thank you to CPD Interim Superintendent Charlie Beck for making an appearance at the fundraiser to support the officers and to everyone who came out to be a part of this important cause.

Alderman Dowell Attends CFL Women's Luncheon
Alderman Dowell attended the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) Women's Luncheon. Congrats to Elise Foster, Vice President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 11 for being named CFL 2020 Woman of the Year. 

Also receiving honors at the event were Toi Hutchinson, Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer, Veronica Leal of the Painters District Council 14 and Sophia Zan of Raise the Floor Alliance. In addition, at the event Alderman Dowell was able to connect with important labor union leaders Rose Dailey of the Chicago Black Trade Unionists and Patricia Ousley of AFSCME. Thank you to Charise Williams, Director of External Affairs for the CFL for the invitation to this inspiring event. 

Two 3rd Ward Projects Selected for Tax Credit Assistance
The Chicago Department of Housing announced in March that two projects located in the 3rd Ward, 43 Green Phase 1 (321 E. 43rd St.) and Park Boulevard 3B (43 W. 36th St.) won coveted tax credit assistance from a pool of 43 applicants citywide.  Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) are a public-private partnership in which investors provide equity for low income rental properties in exchange for a federal tax credit. LIHTC is the most significant resource for creating affordable housing in the United States today. Without the equity generated from the sale of these tax credits, affordable rental housing projects often do not generate sufficient funds to work financially. The City of Chicago receives a limited number of these housing tax credits to allocate each year based on its population.

43 Green Phase 1 is a mixed-use, 8-story apartment building with approximately 91 units, 3-5 retail spaces (7,500 sq. ft.) and in-house amenities like an outdoor patio, open lobby, community room and fitness center. 50% of the units in the building will be market rate, with the other 50% designated as long-term affordable units. Target rents for the affordable units would be between $950-1,100 a month, with an income limit of $53,000 for a family of four.

Park Boulevard 3B is a CHA Plan for Transformation site and will consist of a 40-unit mixed-income residential project. This adds to the existing 475 rental and for sale mixed-use and mixed-income units constructed by Stateway Associates at the former site of Stateway Gardens.

AirBnB Establishes Complaint Line
As vacation rental through online companies becomes more and more prevalent, AirBnB has established a new phone number for neighbors who have complaints about registered AirBnB locations: 630-541-4688. Additionally, you can register a complaint on their website at www.airbnb.com.   This is just the first step in a more comprehensive regulatory structure the City may consider to ensure the health and safety of Chicago residents in regards to this emerging industry. 

New Bank Opening in Bronzeville
CIBC is set to open a new branch in Bronzeville at 458 E. Pershing Rd. From their U.S. headquarters in Chicago, CIBC provides tailored commercial, wealth management, personal, and small business financial solutions nationwide. CIBC strives to build trusting and enduring relationships by putting clients at the center of all they do. CIBC uses its values to guide decisions, actions and interactions with clients, team members and communities.

In preparation for the new branch opening, CIBC is looking to hire a branch manager. 
Interested applicants may click on the following link and apply directly for the position  https://jobs-cibcus.icims.com/jobs/5480/branch-manager-i/jobCandidates can also send their resume directly to the HR Mailbox,  hr@cibc.com , referencing their interest in the Bronzeville Branch Manager position.

51st St. from Halsted St. to Lowe Ave. - Street Resurfacing
CDOT will be resurfacing 51st St. from S. Halsted St. to S. Lowe Ave. This street is part of the Chicago Department of Transportation's Arterial Street Resurfacing - STP South Area Project, in the 3rd Ward & 20th Ward. 
 
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin on Monday, March 23, 2020 pending clearance from and coordination with existing utilities and weather permitting.  MAT Construction is the general contractor for this project with Ardmore Roderick providing Resident Engineering services for the Chicago Department of Transportation.
 
The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement, milling the existing asphalt pavement, asphalt paving, landscaping and striping.
 
During construction, temporary "No Parking" signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above.  These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work.  All work on this corridor is scheduled to be completed by May 20, 2020.

Arterial Street ADA Ramp Improvements
The City of Chicago has identified the following streets in the 3rd Ward for ADA ramp improvements to be constructed this 2020 construction season: 
  • Cermak Rd. from King Drive to Clark St.
  • Archer Ave. from State St. to Cermak Rd.
  • Cermak Rd. from Clark St. to Halsted St.
ADA ramp work includes the construction of ADA compliant sidewalk ramps, removal and replacement of existing infrastructure, traffic control and protection, and appropriate pavement marking. Additionally, there is one project adjacent to the 3rd Ward that will impact ward residents:
  • Columbus Dr. from Wacker Dr. to Balbo Dr.
For more information on these projects please contact the 3rd Ward Public Service Office.

Fiber  Optic Cable and Conduit Installation
These projects come as an effort by MCI and ComEd to build up their infrastructure in order to bring improved service to the area. CDOT has approved the construction plans and issued the proper permits.
  • Pershing Rd. and State St., MCI Fiber Installation - Q2 2020
  • 18th St. and Wentworth Ave., MCI Fiber Installation - Q2 2020
  • 13th St. Alley between Michigan and Indiana, ComEd Conduit Installation - April 6, 2020
If you have any questions about these projects, please call the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 
773-373-9273.

Problem  Business - Ziad Certified Foods
The Department of  Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has performed an inspection of Ziad Certified Foods at 513 E. 47th St. At the time of the inspection, a violation for furnishing tobacco products, samples or accessories to an individual who is under the age of (21) twenty-one. As a result of the violations, the  business is due in Administrative Hearings court on April 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm.

Ziad Certified Foods
513 E. 47th St.

Date of Court Hearing
April 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm

Violations: furnishing tobacco products, samples or accessories to an individual who is under the age of (21) twenty-one. 

Resolution: Administrative Hearing on April 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm.

Problem Business - Chicago Maker Space
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has performed an inspection of Chicago Maker Space at 2635 S. Wabash Ave. At the time of the inspection, a violation for operating without the required Manufacturing Establishment license and failure to display the required license. As a result of the violations, a (60) sixty-day Notice to Correct was issued for cutting wood, metal and fusing them together without a current license, effective March 10, 2020. T he business is due in Administrative Hearings court on May 8, 2020 at 10:00 am.

Chicago Maker Space
2635 S. Wabash Ave.

Date of Court Hearing
May 8, 2020 at 10:00 am
Violations: operating without the required Manufacturing Establishment license and failure to display the required license

Resolution: a (60) sixty-day Notice to Correct was issued for cutting wood, metal and fusing them together without a current license, effective March 10, 2020.

Red Flags Human Trafficking Awareness Conference
Peach Out of Reach International Ministry for Young Ladies is hosting a Human Trafficking Awareness Conference. Human trafficking is happening right here in our own back yard. The conference will bring to light and educate on this ever present and dangerous threat. If you have any questions or concerns, call Rev. AlyceAnn Crump at 773-234-4245.

Where: Greater Walters A.M.E. Zion Church (8422 S. Damen Ave.)
When: Saturday, April 18th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Important Announcements                          

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.net/event. 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. 

Events Postponed Until Further Notice
(As of April 1, 2020)

One City Awarded Grant from Mockingbird Foundation
VanderCook College of Music has announced that their One City outreach program has been awarded a $7,000 grant from the Mockingbird Foundation. VanderCook's One City program offers free music lessons, rehearsals and instruments to 5th through 8th graders from local schools and neighborhoods. The Mockingbird Foundation is an all-volunteer non-profit founded and run entirely by Phish fans. The One City program is one of two programs in Illinois chosen out of 1,156 applicants. For more information about One City, visit www.vandercook.edu/events/one-city
April CAPS                                                                 
 
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.

CAPS Meetings Postponed Until Further Notice
(As of April 1, 2020)