Alderman Dowell Joins UChicago, City Colleges, UChicago Medicine, Mayor Brandon Johnson for the Announcement of a Washington Park Medical Facility

Alderman Dowell was proud to host a community meeting on February 28th to introduce an exciting development project for the Washington Park community. Located near the northwest corner of Garfield Blvd. and King Drive on a vacant parcel of land owned by the University of Chicago, UChicago Medicine plans to build a new facility that consolidates its existing clinical labs, modernizes their operations, and maximizes lab test efficiency to ensure best-in-class care.

Directly west of the proposed UChicago Medicine lab facility, City Colleges of Chicago plans to construct a separate new medical learning center for Malcolm X College. The new facility would be built on land owned by the Chicago Transit Authority, immediately east of the Garfield Green Line station. Together, the facilities would support approximately 600 jobs, including 200 newly created positions at UChicago Medicine. The Malcolm X College Learning Center in Washington Park will serve up to 800 students and establish the first clinical lab technician program in Chicago.

Read the entire news release here.

Alderman Dowell Celebrates International Women's Day at De La Salle Institute

As part of De La Salle's International Women's Day program, Alderman Dowell shared the stage with Alderman Nicole Lee, Dr. Roseanne Rosenthal, Cynthia Henderson, Verna Donovan and others to discuss inspiring inclusion, diversity and empowerment. Thank you to President Anne Marie Tirpak inviting Alderman Dowell to the event.

International Women's Day (March 8th) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

Alderman Dowell Receives Awards for Her Public Service During Women's History Month

In honor of her public service work and achievements, Alderman Dowell was selected to receive a pair of awards during Women's History Month.

First, Alderman Dowell was honored by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs with the Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship Award. This year’s theme was “Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion." In addition, Alderman Dowell was proud to receive the Bronzeville Trailblazers Award, along side other phenomenal and accomplished women of the community, from Build Bronzeville. Build Bronzeville is a local neighborhood organization that is dedicated to using Bronzeville's unique assets to restore commercial activity and revitalize the historic Bronzeville neighborhood.

Phillips High School Wins Again - Illinois Class 2A Boys Basketball State Champions!

Congratulations to the entire Wendell Phillips High School community, and especially the fantastic basketball team that won the Illinois Class 2A State Boys Basketball Championship! What a wonderful accomplishment for the school of champions. Phillips held off Benton High School in the finals to win their first state title in 47 years. Most impressively, not only did the team bring home the trophy, but the players had to maintain an average GPA of 3.3 in the classroom throughout the season. The championship comes only two years after the City of Chicago, CPS, and Alderman Dowell led the charge for the construction of a new gym at Phillips High School. What a return on investment!

Citywide Clean and Green April 20th!

Chicago's 2024 Citywide Clean & Green Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 2oth. You and your neighbors can make an immediate difference in our community by volunteering your group. Clean and Greens are a great opportunity for residents, school groups, and community organizations to team up and beautify our neighborhood. The City will provide brooms, rakes, shovels and bags needed for clean-up projects. Register by Monday, April 15th by calling 311 or going to 311.chicago.gov. 

Bronzeville Receives State Designated Cultural District Recognition

Governor J.B. Pritzker designated Bronzeville as a State Cultural District in Illinois, one of 15 districts to be designated across the entire state. Through the State Designated Cultural Districts program, the State of Illinois aims to uplift the unique contributions of historic cultural districts with the goal of increasing economic development opportunities and protecting cultural identities for generations to come.

The designated area extends generally from the I-55/Stevenson Expressway to 51st Street, and from Drexel Boulevard/DuSable Lake Shore Drive to the Dan Ryan Expressway.

A number of Bronzeville organizations supported the application which was submitted by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development at the request of 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell. The organizations include the 51st Street Business Association, Bronzeville Historical Society, Bright Star Community Outreach, Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Chicago Defender Charities, Chicago Urban League, Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project, Illinois Tech, Organic Oneness, Quad Communities Development Corporation, The Renaissance Collaborative. Urban Juncture, and 4th Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson. 

The designation comes with financial and technical supports and is the first step in a process that will require extensive collaboration and cooperation for the continued growth and vitality of the Bronzeville and African American community. The next step is the development of the advisory committee and identification of priority projects. 

3rd Ward Gets First Pickleball Court

The 3rd Ward will now be home to the newest sport in town, pickleball! Alderman Dowell was able to secure the construction of a new pickleball court at Metcalfe Park (4134 S. State St.). The project is in the construction bidding phase, with estimated completion this fall. Tennis will still be able to be played on the pickleball courts. The Hebru Brantley Art Court will remain, as the work will be on the park's other basketball court (image to the left). This park improvement builds upon the other recent renovations to Metcalfe Park, which include the rehabbed comfort station.

One Summer Chicago Accepting Applications

Through One Summer Chicago, youth ages 14 to 24 will gain in-person job and life-skills training in sectors including tech, healthcare, media, and more. To apply, visit OneSummerChicago.org. Applications are due by May 3rd. In addition, organizations and companies interested in supporting Chicago's youth through One Summer Chicago are welcome to apply to become an employer.

CTA Scheduling Additional Service on Bus Routes #3, #29, #55

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) customers will see more scheduled bus service across the system in the coming weeks—the latest step in the agency’s efforts to better serve customers across the region with improved service. Nearly 30 bus routes will receive additional service in the coming weeks, as CTA continues an aggressive recruitment and hiring effort to add the staff needed to provide more service. In the 3rd Ward, bus routes #3, #5, and #55 will be a part of the service expansion plan.

Having started on March 24, 29 bus routes were returned to near pre-COVID-19 scheduled service levels. The agency targeted a diverse network of bus routes that have recently experienced strong ridership recovery and provide a critical transit network throughout Chicago. Later this spring, CTA will look to make improvements to scheduled rail service as new operators are added to revenue service following the successful completion of their training. 

Abrams International Village and Hilliard Homes Receive LIHTC Funding

Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) is pleased to announce the selection of thirteen Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments to be funded through the 2023 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). The chosen developments exemplify DOH's dedication to expanding access and choice for residents, ensuring Chicagoans’ right to quality, affordable, safe, and healthy homes.

Congratulations to Abrams Intergenerational Village by The Renaissance Collaborative for being selected as a LIHTC priory tract redevelopment area, and Hilliard Homes for their priority tract recapitalization award.

These proposals will now undergo project underwriting, design review, zoning approvals, and City Council approvals for their public subsidy. In general terms, closing on these projects is anticipated within the next 18 to 36 months.

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 Houston Dynamo

Saturday, April 6th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. Real Salt Lake

Saturday, April 20th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. Atlanta United FC

Saturday, April 27th at 7:30 pm

ChiBlockBuilder Applications are Now Open!

As of April 1st, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development is now accepting applications to purchase select City-owned vacant lots. View available lots and submit an application at Chicago.gov/BlockBuilder. Need assistance? Email info@chiblockbuilder.com or call 312.935.1030.

Michigan/Cermak SBIF Opens Monday, April 1st

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 April.

• Michigan/Cermak, Near South Side

Applications open: 9 a.m. Monday, April 1

Applications close: 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30

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.

Good Food Fund Grans and Loans

The Good Food Fund will provide support to food entrepreneurs in communities with inequitable access to food. Made possible by @chicagosmayor and @chicagobacp, the fund was designed in collaboration with the Food Equity Council and @greenwoodarchercapital. @allies4cb has been selected to manage the Good Food Fund, through which they will provide grants, low interest loans, and free business

coaching to food and beverage entrepreneurs in Chicago. Learn more: bit.ly/chicagogoodfoodfund.

Stronger Together Grants

Cook County has received an additional $44 Million for behavioral health funding “Stronger Together”. This opportunity is intended to fund community health centers, community-based organizations (CBOs), education agencies, faith-based organizations, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) serving Cook County. The following link explains the grant discussed, who is eligible to apply and the deadline: https://cookcountyhealth.org/strongertogether/. Please note that the filing deadline is April 17, 2024.

W. Bill Williams Scholarship

The Choose Chicago Foundation has announced the W. Bill Williams TRAILBLAZER Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship for high school seniors. The scholarship will award $5,000 toward college expenses and is eligible for renewal for up to four years. Other benefits include exposure to careers in hospitality and tourism, life coaching and mentorship, and paid internships. Visit the Choose Chicago website for more information or to apply.

130+ Languages Available on Secretary of State Website 

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is now offering over 130 languages on the office’s website to help ensure that Illinoisans whose primary language is not English can access critical information and resources in their preferred language .A list of all the of the languages available can be viewed here.

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.

When: Tuesday, April 2nd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Phillis Wheatley Empowerment Center Meet and Greet

Please join the Phyllis Wheatley Empowerment center for an introduction to their Cultural and Healing Garden Plan. For more information about the event, contact Joann Tate at 773-485-1328.

Where: Washington Park (5531 S. King Dr.)

When: Wednesday, April 3rd from 5:30 pm to 7:30 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. This is a virtual meeting.

When: Wednesday, April 3rd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Blood Donation Drive

Daniel Hale Williams Preparatory School of Medicine, located on the historic DuSable High School campus, is proud to partner with the American Red Cross to host a Life-Saving Event/Blood Drive. This event is open to the public. For more information, please feel free to contact Williams Prep High School at 773-535-1121.

Where: DuSable High School (4934 S. Wabash Ave.)

When: Friday, April 5th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Night of Mariachi

VanderCook College of Music in association with the National Museum of Mexican Art presents a Night of Mariachi!

Where: VanderCook College of Music (3125 S. Federal St.)

When: Friday, April 5th at 7:00 pm

Bicycle Maintenance and Repair

Looking for a cost effective way to repair your bicycle? Save hundreds of dollars and learn how to do it yourself! Get hands-on, comprehensive experience as you find out how to service and maintain your bicycle. Loaner toolkit provided for class use. Students are encouraged to bring their bicycles to class. Couse fee is %40. Register at https://forms.office.com/r/6jTLJMajw5. or call 773-291-6580 for more information.

Where: Olive-Harvey TDL Building (10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.)

When: Saturdays, April 6th through 27th from 9:00 am to noon

The Road to Financial Freedom: A Workshop

Impact 100 presents The Road to Financial Freedom: A Workshop. This is a panel discussion on what it means to be financially free, methods for a successful financial journey, and eliminating financial stress. Register for this free event by calling 773-536-3610.

Where: Cosmopolitan Community Church (5249 S. Wabash Ave.)

When: Saturday, April 6th from 10:00 am to noon

Solar Eclipse Viewing

Join King Branch staff in viewing the solar eclipse if the weather permits. Come take a peek through the library's very own telescope with a solar filter. Solar filter glasses will also be provided courtesy of the Adler Planetarium. For ages 6+.

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

When: Monday, April 8th from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

¿Para Qué? - Perdón Que No Fue Pedido

¿Para qué? - Perdón Que No Fue Pedido, is a performance that considers reconciliation for past relationships and matriarchal bonds. Torres plays between dream building, ceremony and delusion, to understand how memories can be reconfigured as a site of coping to build new ideas of self. This work considers how we give our ancestors, our mothers and ourselves "our flowers". To register click here.

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

When: Tuesday, April 9th from 9:00 pm to 10:00 am

Real Estate Matters in Chicago

This course provides an intensive study and analysis in the following: landlord-tenant issues, real estate transactions, mortgage foreclosure issues, and municipal building violations. Register at https://forms.office.com/r/6jTLJMajw5. There is a $35 dollar course fee.

Where: Olive-Harvey College (10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.)

When: Wednesdays, April 10th through April 24th from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

100,000 Challenge in 48 Hours

Celebrate National Volunteer Month and host a food drive in your community. The goal is to reach 100,000 pounds across Illinois in 48 hours. Items needed include: canned goods, fruits and vegetables, dry goods, and other non-perishable items. Hosted by the Illinois Department of Human Services, along with Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps. Sign your group up here.

When: Friday, April 12th and Saturday, April 13th

Celebrate Earth Day Everyday!

King Branch Library will be singing songs, reading stories and doing crafts about ways to celebrate Earth Day everyday! Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 years old.

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

When: Saturday, April 13th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Chicago Evictions Town Hall

The Law Center for Better Housing is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss the evictions process in Chicago and what options residents may have when facing eviction. Each expert participant brings unique insights from their professional, personal, and advocacy efforts to our ongoing conversation about the critical role of free legal aid attorneys and emergency rental assistance for low-income renters navigating Chicago's eviction court.

Where: Chicago Community Trust (33 S. State St., Suite 750) and Zoom

When: Wednesday, April 17th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am

One Earth Film Festival in Bronzeville

Join Bronzeville Partners for an official One Earth Film Festival of the acclaimed film "common Ground." Meet organizations and community leaders that are dedicate to Earth justice and learn how to get involved. Book your tickets now at oneearthfilmfest.org.

Where: Illinois Tech Tower (10 W. 35th St.)

When: Sunday, April 21st at 1:30 pm

Citywide Career Fair

Employers will be available to share employment opportunities at the upcoming City of Chicago Career Fair. Please bring an updated resume and be prepared to complete online applications. For assistance with resume and interviewing skills, visit your neighborhood American Job Center at levelupajc.org.

Where: Malcolm X College Gymnasium (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.)

When: Thursday, April 25th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Walking the Middle Path: Using Hoodoo to Tell Your Story

If your goal is to get over that writer's block and finally tell your story--the University of Chicago Arts and Public Life, and hoodoo can help! Participants will walk away with a basic understanding of how to read tarot, how to pull information from oracles, astrology, and herbs in relation to their creative writing project, and how to respectfully engage hoodoo practices when running into narrative blocks in their work. Register here.

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

When: Saturday, April 27th from noon to 12:50 pm

Williams Park 13-15 year old girls Citywide Basketball Champions 

The Park at NTA 13-15 year old Co-Rec Citywide Volleyball Champions

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: April 17th at 5:30 pm

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

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: April 23rd at 6:00 pm

Location: Rosenwald Community Center Senior Room (4642 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: April 16th at 6:00 pm

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