3rd Ward School Event and School Supply Donation Drive

On Sunday, August 6th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, enjoy a day of fun for your entire family! Get free school supplies and free food, and enjoy music, games, raffles, vendors, giveaways, haircuts and more.

To support our local youth Alderman Dowell's office is hosting a school supply donation drive to help neighborhood children transition back to school after summer break. Please donate your unused notebooks, backpacks, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, rulers, calculators, batteries, and other supplies to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 5046 S. State St. by Wednesday, August 2nd. The office will be open to receive donations between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Alderman Dowell will then distribute the collected school supplies to students before the start of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Thank you in advance for your kind donations. If you have any questions about the donation drive, please call Alderman Dowell's office at 773-373-9273 or email Ward03@cityofchicago.org.

NASCAR Chicago 3^rd Ward Resident Polling Results

Following the conclusion of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, Alderman Dowell distributed a poll to her constituents to gauge the race's impact on 3^rd Ward residents. Over 400 individuals, half of whom live within ¼ of a mile of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race track, responded to the poll and shared their thoughts on the race. A selected summary of the poll results are as follows:

• Was your daily commute significantly affected by the NASCAR Street Race Setup? 47% - NO, 52% - YES
• Was your commute significantly affected on race day? 62% - NO, 37% - YES
• How did you get information about the NASCAR Street Race? - 24% - Television, 15% - Newspapers, 31% - 3^rd Ward Communications, 10% - NASCAR Website
• Did you attend any NASCAR Events? 70% - NO, 15% - Free Race Viewing Areas, 14% - Attended the Race
• [For business owners] Did the NASCAR Street Race increase or decrease customers? 68% - No Impact, 19% - Decrease, 11% - Increase

For the open answer questions, residents gave thoughtful responses primarily centered around street closures, park access, economic impact, promoting the City of Chicago, event day activities, and neighborhood outreach. For example:

"It was probably good for the city in general, or at least I hope that the city was able to recognize increased tourism revenue from the race. I don't think it was great for the residents that live/work in the loop area primarily because of street closures and increased congestion in the area."

"BAD- too many street closures for too long. Our public parks closed so many days out of the summer so we cannot enjoy. The revenue and what the city charged for a permit did not bring in money for the city to justify all of the closures. It inconvenienced the people who live and work here." 

"I initially had negative feelings about it but I was surprised at how well it was planned, promoted and conducted so my impression is now positive. The inconvenience was not oppressive...I also liked how NASCAR did community outreach to welcome residents and be part of the city."

There is still a lot of information to gather related to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, its impact on the City, and its effect on the lives of Chicago residents. The City is also awaiting an economic impact study on the race conducted by Temple University. Alderman Dowell remains open to resident feedback on the event. Please email any thoughts or comments to Ward03@cityofchicago.org. 

Deeply Rooted Dance Center is Coming to Bronzeville

The Deeply Rooted Center for Black Dance and Creative Communities (Deeply Rooted Dance Center) will transform a vacant lot at 5339 South State Street into a premier training and presenting space that will serve as an international home for Black dance and a thriving network of dance partners. The Deeply Rooted Dance Center’s state-of-the-art space will include dance studios, a black box theater performance and rehearsal space, a costume and set design shop, offices, meeting rooms, a library and resource center, and green spaces for community gatherings, including a rooftop garden. Deeply Rooted is scheduled to open in December 2024.

Alderman Dowell has been a lead advocate for the new development. To support the project, the City of Chicago is selling two parcels of vacant land to Deeply Rooted Dance Theater for $1 each for the construction of the 33,270-square-foot Deeply Rooted Dance Center. In addition, Deeply Rooted won a $5 million grant from the city’s Recovery Plan Fund, $3 million from the state’s Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program grant fund, a $500,000 Together We Heal Creative Place grant from the city, and another $1 million from private donors. 

As part of their project, the leadership of Deeply Rooted Dance Center is launching a capital campaign. They have already raised $13 million towards the $15.6 million goal. If you would like to support this historic development, please click here.

Help Support Our City's New Arrivals

The City of Chicago is asking for the public's support in welcoming new arrivals to our city. There are many ways you can help these new families transition to life in Chicago, including by simply providing badly needed information and access to already available neighborhood resources. Please use the contact information below should you or someone you know be able to help with any of the following:

• Landlords looking help new arrivals with apartments for rent. Catholic Charities will conduct a vetting process to confirm eligibility. To begin the intake process, please contact Maria Quiroz at mquiroz@catholiccharities.net
• Free programing or enrichment opportunities for new arrivals of all ages, ranging from coordinated activities, free events, outings, etc.
• Donation needs – new items are strongly preferred:
• Washers / Dryers
• Refrigerators
• Patio Furniture
• Televisions for common areas
• Industrial fans
• Pack ‘n Plays
• Strollers
• Car seats (for all ages)
• Chicago Furniture Bank In partnership with New Life Centers is providing furniture to new arrivals resettling into permanent housing. Chicago Furniture Bank is also the largest provider of free furniture to Chicago’s unhoused population. For more information about their operations visit https://www.chicagofurniturebank.org. To schedule furniture Pick-Up go to https://www.chicagofurniturebank.org/pickups Donation drop-offs are accepted at 4801 S. Whipple St, Chicago, IL, 60632 [Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm]

Alderman Dowell Visits CRR1919 Bike Ride, New Sip and Savor, Local Events

On July 22nd Alderman Dowell spent a busy Saturday with events all around the community, starting with the 5th annual Chicago Race Riot of 1919 (CRR1919) historic bike tour. Amazing to see what Peter Cole, Franklin Cosey-Gay, Syda Segovia Taylor, and Myles Francis have built in such a short time. The bike tour helps to remember the 38 people killed in the 1919 race riot by connecting participants to key places and people throughout the City.

Following CRR1919, Alderman Dowell happily welcomed Trez V. Pugh III’s newest Sip and Savor on Roosevelt Rd. and Wabash Ave. replacing the old Starbucks. Trez really has built a Chicago coffee empire! So glad to see this well-traveled intersection activated once again.

From there, Alderman Dowel visited her first of many Back to School fairs at Dearborn Homes, and finally a friendly, relaxing barbecue at Pilgrim Baptist Church. Wonderful to see the 3rd Ward show up and show out on a fun summer Saturday!

Roberts Temple Designated National Monument

President Joe Biden visited Chicago's 3rd Ward to designate the historic Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ (4021 S. State St.) the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. This designation is the culmination of decades of work undertaken by local and national Civil Rights leaders to honor the Till family for their sacrifice, and to protect the church that provided the world indisputable visual proof of the horrible treatment of African-American citizens in our country.

During the designation ceremony speakers discussed the role of the Till family and Roberts Temple as part of the Civil Rights movement and the importance of creating this national monument:

“The new monument will protect places that tell the story of Emmett Till’s too-short life and racially motivated murder, the unjust acquittal of his murderers, and the activism of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, who courageously brought the world’s attention to the brutal injustices and racism of the time, catalyzing the civil rights movement.”

Alderman Dowell has long advocated for federal protection of Roberts Temple, which would help maintain and upgrade this important historical site. Previously, Roberts Temple was designated a Chicago City Landmark in 2006.

Lollapalloza Street Closures

Lollapalloza is right around the corner! Grant Park will be hosting Chicago's biggest music festival on Thursday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 6th. Setup work is underway and the following street closures will be in effect:

• Balbo Drive from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive is currently closed through Sunday, August 13; Balbo closure extends to Michigan Avenue on Monday, July 31, 8 p.m. and remains closed through Monday, August 7. 
• Jackson Drive from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive is currently closed through Saturday, August 12; Jackson closure extends to Michigan Avenue on Monday, July 31 8 p.m. and remains closed through Monday, August 7 
• Columbus from Monroe to Roosevelt will be closed Monday, July 31, 8 p.m. through Monday, August 7; Additional northbound center lanes on Columbus from 13th Street to Roosevelt Road will be closed on Monday, July 31 at 8 p.m., with Columbus reopening on Monday, August 7. 
• Congress Pkwy/Circle is closed from Michigan to Columbus on Monday, July 31 at 8 p.m. and remains closed through Monday, August 7. 
• Monroe Street from Michigan to DuSable Lake Shore Drive is closed Wednesday, August 3 through 6:30 a.m. Monday, August 7 at 7 a.m. 

For the most up-to-date street closure and emergency alert information, visit Chicago.gov/OEMC or download the Chicago OEMC App click HERE.

Alderman Dowell Welcomes Ultimate Frisbee to the 3rd Ward

Alderman Dowell attended a Chicago Union vs. the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds Frisbee game on July 8th to throw the symbolic “first frisbee.” The Chicago Union play at De La Salle Institute in the 3rd Ward as part of the AUDL Central Division. Concessions were provided by local vendor Pier 31.

Four-Way Stop at 51st St. and Prairie Ave.

Due to Alderman Dowell's support and the advocacy of community members, the Chicago Department of Transportation will convert the intersection of 51st St. and Prairie Ave. into a four-way stop. This will help improve pedestrian and traffic safety at the intersection. Questions about the intersection change can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at Ward03@cityofchicago.org or at 773-373-9273.

Alderman Dowell Participates in National Night Out

On August 1st, Alderman Dowell participated in the National Night Out events in the 1st and 2nd Police Districts. Thank you to all the police officers and community members that work to keep us safe!! Alderman Dowell continues to support the great work of interim Superintendent Fred Waller and thank you to 2nd District Police Commander Wallace and 1st District Police Commander Harris for everything you do to lead our districts and promote safety in the community. Thanks to all the constituents who showed up at this 40th annual event!

Bronzeville Students Participate in Northwestern Doctors Program

Now in its 13th year at Northwestern Medicine, the Grosvenor Scholars Program selects local high school students for a four-week program to teach them some of the skills they need to become doctors. This year, 27 students from two Bronzeville high schools were chosen by their school counselors to take part in the summer program. All students received class credit for participation. Program participants learn important skills like how to stitch up patients, and were allowed to use sought after technology like the labor and delivery simulator. Congratulations to all the students who were selected to participate in this prestigious program.

Monumental Baptist Church and Mt. Pisgah M.B. Church get Landmarks Illinois Grant

Landmarks Illinois has awarded Monumental Baptist Church (729 E. Oakwood Blvd.) and Mt. Pisgah M.B. Church (4600 S. King Drive) $2,500 each as part of the Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicago's South Side. Funds will be used to help repair Monumental Baptist Church's roof, and erect scaffolding at Mt. Pisgah to address storm damage, water infiltration and overall deterioration. The grant is named in honor of local Bronzeville historian Timuel Black who passed away in 2021.

Bronzeville YMCA Receives Federal Grant for Restoration of Mural, Pool

The historic Bronzeville YMCA (3763 S. Wabash Ave,) has won a federal Historic Preservation Fund grant. Proceeds from this grant will go to restore the "Mind, Body, Spirit" mural painted in 1936 by Renaissance artist William Edouard Scott, renovate the gym, refurbish the pool, and upgrade meeting rooms in the building. Construction is set to begin in August and will last three months.

The Bronzeville YMCA occupies an important place in Chicago's African-American history, and this $436,375 grant will go a long way to preserving its place in the 3rd Ward. Formerly known as the Wabash YMCA, countless new African-American South Side residents learned to swim at the pool, the gym was once used by the Harlem Globetrotters, and activist Carter G. Woodson announced the first Negro History Week to be held on the second week of February at the Wabash YMCA. Now operated by the Renaissance Collaborative, the building houses separate residential sections and recreational sections.

Illinois Multi-Year Highway Program Infrastructure Improvements

As part of the State of Illinois' Multi-Year Improvement Program (MYP), highway and bridge infrastructure in and around the 3rd Ward will receive much needed renovations. A preliminary list of improvements include:

• Pershing Rd. between Racine Ave. and the CN Railroad - bridge replacement - $54 million
• Ida B. Wells Drive at the Old Post Office - bridge and superstructure replacement - $26.7 million
• Roosevelt Rd. at the Dan Ryan Expressway - bridge repair - $1.1 million
• 47th St. at the Dan Ryan Expressway - bridge repair - $2.0 million

For a complete list of projects please visit https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-management/transportation-improvement-programs/myp.html.

Problem Business - Alex Scott (4707 S. Vincennes Ave.)

On June 30, 2023 Alex Scott who operated a social club without a business license at 4707 S. Vincennes Ave. was issued violations for operating without a business license, operating without a retail food establishment license, selling liquor without a club license, allowing persons to smoke in a place of employment, and a failure to display required licenses. As a result of these violations, the location was issued cease and desist orders effective July 1, 2023. The operator is scheduled to appear in Administrative Hearings court (400 W. Superior, Room 107) on Tuesday, August 29th at 9:00 am. Questions regarding this case can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Problem Business - 1522-24 S. Wabash Ave.

On July 14. 2023 an unlicensed event space (1522-24 S. Wabash Ave.) was issued an emergency closure order by the Chicago Department of Buildings for the following violations that caused dangerous and hazardous conditions: unlicensed event space operating without required public place of amusement license, food and liquor licenses, or permits for the buildout of the event space including raised stage, kitchen plumbing and electrical. The closure will remain in effect until all violations are corrected and allowed to reopen per written authorization by the City of Chicago. Questions regarding this case can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Problem Business - NYFC (316 E. 47th St.)

On July 18. 2023 NYFC at 316 E. 47th St. issued an emergency closure order by the Chicago Department of Buildings for the following violations that caused dangerous and hazardous conditions: roof leaking below electrical panel equipment, unclean and unsanitary conditions throughout, water damage to distribution panels, open junction boxes and wires, PVC pipe in commercial property, missing cold water ground, and more. The closure will remain in effect until all violations are corrected and allowed to reopen per written authorization by the City of Chicago. Questions regarding this case can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

13th St. and Wabash Ave. - Comcast Fiber Optic Conduit Installation

Comcast has requested the installation of a fiber optic conduit installation at the intersection of 13th St. and Wabash Ave.. The purpose of this infrastructure work is to bring advanced cellular technology to the area. Construction is planned to begin in Q3 2023. When a schedule for the work is established, it will be posted publicly by Comcast 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. 

Chelsea Vs. Dortmund

Wednesday, August 2nd at 7:30 pm

Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans (Pre-Season)

Saturday, August 12th at noon

Chicago Fire FC vs. Orlando City SC

Sunday, August 20th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills (Pre-Season)

Saturday, August 26th at noon

Chicago Fire FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Wednesday, August 30th at 7:30 pm

CPS Job Fair

Chicago Public Schools is seeking candidates for operations roles in transportation, facilities and nutrition. Apply today at cps.edu/careers.

Where: Rickover Naval Academy (5700 W. Berteau Ave.)

When: Wednesday, August 2nd from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Teen Arts Showcase

Come be a part of a delightful summer evening filled with creativity, presentations, and mesmerizing performances at the APL Teen Arts Showcase! Our brilliant youth artists are taking center stage as they host this exciting event.

Prepare to be amazed as you witness the extraordinary masterpieces crafted by our talented young artists and immerse yourself in the profound influence of our arts education program (@apl_edu). Don't miss this chance to experience firsthand the transformative power of the arts! This is a free event. Register here.

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

When: Thursday, August 3rd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Annual Senior Resource Fair

The office of Congressman Jonathan Jackson (D-1st) is hosting a day dedicated to serving senior citizens. Free health screenings, Medicare/Medicaid services, nutrition and wellness experts, and other community services will be available.

Where: Kroc Center (1250 W. 119th St.)

When: Friday, August 4th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

State Senator Mattie Hunter 19th Annual Family Health and Fitness Fair

The event will feature a bounce house, school physicals, health screenings, City Keys, back to school giveaways, face painting and more. For more information call 312-949-1908.

Where: IIT Campus at 33rd St. and State St.

When: Saturday, August 5th from 10:00 am to 2:00 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: Thursdays August 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register); Saturdays August 5th and 12th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (link to register)

Technology and Social Media Awareness Part II

South Side Community Federal Credit Union is hosting a seminar to discuss The Advantages and Disadvantages of social media, how to set up social media accounts and tailor them for your use and security, best practices for online banking transactions, cell phones and its many uses, securing your computer and more. Register here.

When: Saturday, August 5th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Vendor Fair

Join the outreach ministry of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church for a vendor fair offering cosmetics, hair products, health services, food, painting, clothes, jewelry and more. For vendor inquiries contact Maxine Toliver at 773-995-1119.

Where: Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church (4501 S. Vincennes Ave.)

When: Saturday, August 5th from noon to 4:00 pm

Provident Hospital 30th Anniversary

Provident Hospital has a proud history of providing quality health care to residents on the South Side of Chicago ever since Dr. Daniel Hale Williams opened the hospital in 1891. Provident has been the site of many notable health care milestones, including the first nursing school for Black women in Chicago and the nation's first successful open-heart surgery. Come celebrate these achievements! RSVP to rsvp@cookcountyhhs.org.

When: Thursday, August 10th at 1:00 pm

Where: Provident Hospital Cafeteria (500 E. 51st St.)

Sandbox Symphony

The Sandbox Symphony offers music, yoga, dance, fitness, interactive exhibitions, and food and vendors for residents of all ages. Come to the beach to enjoy a day of fun, culture and food! More information is available at www.sandboxsymphony.com.

Where: Oakwood Beach (4100 South Lake Shore Drive)

When: Saturday, August 12th from noon to 10:00 pm

The Brown Derby Jazz Series

The 51st St. Business Association and the Bronzeville Winery present Charles Heath as part of the Brown Derby Jazz Series. $10 donation at the door. Appetizer menu will be available.

Where: The Bronzeville Winery (4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

When: Monday, August 14th from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Secretary of State Mobile Driver Services Facility

Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner is hosting a Secretary of State Mobile Driver Services Facility. The event will offer vision screening, Driver's License/State ID Card renewal or replacement, license plate renewal stickers, organ/tissue donor registry, motor voter registration and more. For complete rules regarding services offered, please visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Where: Ellis Park (3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

When: Wednesday, August 16th from noon to 4:00 pm

The Bronzeville Jazz-Music Festival

the 11th Anniversary of the Bronzeville Jazz-Music Festival will feature Bill McFarland and the Chicago Horns, Bethany Pickens, Bobbi Wylsin, the Brown Savage World, Nanette Frank, Funkadesi, with a special performance by The Brown Derby All Stars. A kids corner with blessing bank and traveling zoo opens at 10:00 am. This event is free to the public.

Where: 51st St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

When: Saturday, August 19th from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Alderman Dowell Hires Yvonne Green as Newest 3rd Ward Staff Member

The 3rd Ward Public Service Office has hired a new staff member to work out of the ward office. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Yvonne Green to the team! Yvonne comes to us from East Lake Management where she spent the last 10 years as a resident service coordinator. With East Lake she helped ensure that seniors were able to access all of the services they needed to continue living rich, full lives in the independent living building she helped to manage.

Yvonne is a native of the Mississippi delta, and current resident of the 3rd Ward. She is excited to continue to work with our ward's seniors to deliver services - and smiles. Welcome to the team Yvonne.

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: August 16th at 5:30 pm

Location: For location information, please email Caps.001District@chicagopolice.org or call

312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: August 22nd at 6:00 pm

Location: Rosenwald Courts Apartments Senior Room (4642 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: August 15th at 6:00 pm

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