I want to wish you a happy International Workers Day. May 1st, also known as May Day, commemorates the struggles and gains made by workers and the labor rights movements around the world. This holiday, which originated in Chicago during the fight for the eight hour work day, is now celebrated by millions of people around the world.

Tomorrow, Saturday at 1pm in Union Park (1501 W Randolph St), there will be a May Day rally and march. This annual event brings together a diverse group of working people and organizations committed to continuing the fight for social justice for all. 

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Our office has moved to a new location! Soon, we will be operating at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Please stay tuned to our Facebook page and upcoming newsletters for more information about our grand opening.

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

*Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check out our Community Bulletin!

*Block party applications are open! Read more under “Forms” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here!

Property Tax Exemptions Support, May 9th

On May 9th, our office will host one-on-one sessions with the Accessor’s Office for property tax exemptions. The different kinds of exemptions people can file are homeowner exemption, veterans with disabilities exemption, senior exemption, senior freeze exemption, and persons with disabilities exemption. For more information to see if you are eligible, please click here.

Appointments with the Cook County Accessor’s office must be made in order to receive support. Please click here to schedule a time or call our office at 773-840-7880.

Please note these exemptions will be reflected on your second property tax bill. Also, our office location will have moved by this date and appointments will be in person at 4747 N Sawyer.

CTA Shuttle Bus Service- Blue Line Trains

Due to construction happening at the Belmont crossover, the CTA Blue Line will offer a free shuttle service between the Addison stop and the Western stop. Shuttle buses are expected to depart from the stations every 4-15 minutes.

The dates construction will be happening are April 28th- May 1st.

33rd Ward Zoning Update

4343-4357 N Richmond 

(Zoning Board of Appeals Cases 44-23-S, 45-23-Z, 46-23-S, 47-23-S, and 48-23-S). 

There have been several developments in the Zoning Board of Appeals cases regarding the former site of Twisted Hippo and Ultimate Ninja. This parcel abuts a stretch of Montrose Avenue that is a designated pedestrian street and is currently zoned C1-2. Building in an area zoned C1-2 requires ground floor commercial space. As a reminder, the applicant began seeking special use permits and a variation from the Zoning Board of Appeals to build four, three-and-a-half story buildings containing solely residential units (24 condominiums in all).

Last week, the applicant withdrew the Special Use case for the building at 4357 N Richmond (48-23-S). This is the northernmost building which would abut Montrose Avenue most directly. The applicant will now build to the site’s current zoning (C1-2) which requires ground floor commercial space. They do not require a zoning change or a special use permit to move forward, they simply need to meet all the city’s requirements for new construction. 

The applicant and their attorney requested another continuance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for the cases involving the three remaining proposed buildings (4343 N Richmond, 4347 N Richmond, and 4353 N Richmond) (ZBA cases 44-23-S, 45-23-Z, 46-23-S, 47-23-S). These cases were continued to the June 16, 2023 meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Our office received more than 140 comments regarding the applicant’s overall proposal as of this past Monday. More than 82% of the comments expressed opposition to the proposal. Our office submitted a letter of opposition to the Zoning Board of Appeals summarizing the community’s concerns. However, the Zoning Board of Appeals will have the final say on this matter, not the 33rd Ward Alderwoman. Pending another continuance, the Zoning Board of Appeals will make the final decision about whether to approve the remaining special use and variation cases at its June 16, 2023 meeting. You can reach out to Director of Policy and Development Joe Engleman (joe@33rdward.org) with additional questions. 

Neighborhood Events

1. Irving Park Food Pantry Toiletry Drive, All Month Long

2. Wellness Workshop, May 6th

3. Spring Fling Holiday Bazaar, May 13th

4. Ravenswood Manor Annual Garage Sale, May 21st

5. 312 River Run, June 12th

6. Flavors of Albany Park, June 21st

Youth Opportunities

1. Chicago Public Schools Honorary Student Board Member

An Honorary Student Board Member is selected every year to represent the Chicago Public School’s student body by attending the Chicago Board of Education’s monthly meetings. Interested rising Juniors and Seniors must submit an application to the Board Office by April 28, 2023.

2. Summer Job Opportunities with Chicago Parks District

The Chicago Parks District has opened applications for summer job opportunities, and they have over 2500 open positions. Click here for more information.

3. Align Your Inner Self Youth Program (16-24), Now through September 2023

Black Alphabet started as an organization founded to encourage story telling and educate communities about the cultural and social contributions Black LGBTQ+ identified people have made upon the world. Now the organization has transformed and they are focused on creating and spreading awareness on issues that have an impact on the Black LGBT+ community.

Their new program, Aligning Your Inner Self, for youth ages 16-24 is to help those who are looking to align their inner voice or conscience through the use of art. The program started in March and they will have monthly sessions through September 2023.

Click here to register for a session!

4. Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) Scholarship Opportunity, Application due May 5th

Are you a college-bound high school student from Chicago? Or are you currently in undergrad? The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is providing forty $5,000 scholarships to qualified students from across Chicago! Students can apply online via the Caucus’ website. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:59pm

5. CPS Families Child Tax Credit

Chicago Public Schools families may be eligible for up to $3,600 per child through the expanded federal Child Tax Credit program.

To find out if you’re eligible, and to apply for this credit, visit GetCTC.org/chicagops, a simplified tax filing tool that takes just a few minutes to complete and does not require any tax documents. Some families may also be eligible for an additional $1,400 stimulus payment. Families have until mid-November to claim this money. More information can be found on this flier.

Space Activation Seeking Volunteers

Space Activation is looking for volunteers for their pop-up skateparks this year! They are hoping to increase the success of their events, and to make that possible, Space Activation needs more volunteers throughout the year. For each event, they would need help with general event tasks, promoting different policy initiatives, and posting fliers in the area before the event date.

The dates listed on the flyer are the dates they plan to have pop-ups, and each pop-up will be from 2pm to 5pm. Volunteers can choose a time slot that works best for their schedule.

For more information, contact Megan via email at mrhyme@gmail.com

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

The North River Commission maintains a list of the contact information and stewardship opportunities with 33rd Ward area parks, park advisory councils, the Chicago Parks Foundation, and the Friends of the Chicago River. If you are a member of a gardening group or environmental organization within the ward and want to promote your upcoming events, please contact newsletter@33rdward.org.

Taste of Chicago 2023 Applications Now Open

Taste of Chicago returns this year, June 24, July 15, and August 5 with food and music events in three Chicago neighborhoods as well as Taste of Chicago in Grant Park on September 8th , 9th, and 10th.

Vendor applications for the event are now open and the deadline to apply is May 1st. 

Free Lead Contractor Training

Cook County Department of Public Health is offering free lead contractor trainings to workers and contractors.

To register and for more information contact Leda Martin at 312-491-0081 or info@public-health-safety.com

Apply for CTA’s Citizens Advisory Board

The Chicago Transit Authority is currently accepting applications for its Citizens Advisory Board. Click here to learn more.

The application deadline is Friday, April 28th, 2023. 

Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Fundraiser

33rd Ward Residents, Sarah Hicks and Brian Miller, have converted their backyard into a cut flower garden. They are growing and selling flower bouquets to support local nonprofits. Tulips are in bloom and they have bouquets available for sale.  50% of sales go to support The Global Gardens Refugee Training Farm. Anyone interested in purchasing bouquets to support this important local organization should reach out to Sarah and Brian for an arranged pickup or delivery time. They can be reached at anthologyobjects@gmail.com.

Chicago Police Department Superintendent Search, May 4th

The CCPSA is conducting community forums as part of their search for the next Superintendent of ChicagoPolice Department. Come share your views on the qualifications and experiences you would like to see in the next superintendent. 

Session will be held on May 4th at Roosevelt High School from 6 PM to 8 PM. Please contact communitycommission@cityofchicago.org for language interpretations or accommodations needed to participate.

Business Resources

1. North River Commission Newsletter Specials

Is your business offering any specials for the upcoming month for Mother’s Day, teachers appreciation week, Cinco de Mayo, or Memorial Day Weekend? If so, reach out to the North River Commission to have them featured in their weekly newsletter. Click here for previous examples.

Email marisabel@northrivercommission.org by April 26th to have your business specials featured. 

2. Neighborhood Mix & Mingle, May 16th

Are you looking for real estate-related professionals? Join real estate agents Mary Medill and Sugandhi Chugani for a networking night with industry professionals! Meet local contractors, lawn care providers, insurance agents, and more!

3. Business Grant Applications

• Verizon Small Business Digital Ready:
  • Learn new skills, build your network, and apply for a $10k grant. For 2023, LISC and Verizon Small Business Digital Ready have committed $1 million in small business grants. Applications close at 11:59 pm PT on Friday, May 12, 2023. To unlock the application for the current round of grant funding, register on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, and complete any combination of two courses, coaching events, and community events. Learn more here.
• Back to Business Grant for Creative Arts, Hotels & Restaurants
  • Eligible restaurants, hotels, and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply for $175 million in available grant funding as part of our efforts to support ongoing recovery in hard-hit industries. All applicants will receive a grant as long as they meet eligibility requirements and submit proper documentation and attestations required by the program. Applications are open until May 10, 2023. Find more information and APPLY HERE!
• The LGBTQIA+ National Grant
  • provides eligible small businesses the chance to receive one of 25 grant packages totaling $25,000. Founders First is committed to increasing the number of diverse founder-led businesses generating over $1 million dollars in revenues. Application opens May 9, 2023, but you can pre-register today! 

For more business grant information please, visit North River Commission’s website.

Employment Opportunities

1. CTA Hiring Event, April 28th 

2. CTA’s Find a Job Fridays

MPox (MonkeyPox) Resources

The MPox virus is spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing, etc.).

Vaccinations for MPV are currently available in Chicago for adults 18 and up. Because of the limited availability of vaccines, you must meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

COVID-19 Resources

1. At-Home Vaccinations:

Get your whole family vaccinated at home! CDPH is offering vaccination appointments at home for up to 10 family members. Click here to set up your appointment!

2. Receive Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine At Home!

3. Vaccinations

CPS Students: 

– Permanent sites
– Mobile Events
– School-Based Health Centers
–  Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS

33rd Ward Vaccination Events

1. Theodore Roosevelt High School

2. Swedish Hospital: Walk-In’s Welcome

* More information on City testing sites here!

Community Safety Updates

1. 17th District CAPS Meetings

The 17th District has resumed beat meetings in-person. 

Information about Beat Meetings here.

Please contact the 17th District Community Policing Office / CAPS, if there are any questions or concerns.

Email: caps.017district@chicagopolice.org

Telephone: 312-742-4588