33rd Ward Newsletter – August 25, 2023

Posted on August 25, 2023August 25, 2023 by 33rd Ward Staff

Dear 33rd Ward Community,

The beginning of the school year is an exciting time for our communities. Our children are able to reconnect with their friends and our teachers welcome our young neighbors back into the classroom to engage in learning and play. Playgrounds are once again vibrant, colorful places full of laughter. I wish all students, teachers, staff, and administrators a successful school year together.

During this first week of classes, we want to share some great news about improvements to Von Linne and Bateman that are on their way. Through our Participatory Budgeting process, both school communities organized and proposed improvement projects for their playgrounds. They showed up, organized with us, knocked on doors, and our community voted to provide a portion of our office’s infrastructure funds to improve the playgrounds at both schools. In collaboration with CPS we now have the full funding needed to start the construction next summer at Von Linne Elementary of a new turf soccer field, running track, and basketball court that will replace an existing asphalt playlot. The total investment on this project will be $600K. We are proud to partner with our school communities to improve every school and make every school a great place to learn. We will have news about Bateman elementary coming soon!

This year’s Participatory Budgeting process (PB) begins next Thursday, August 31, with a launch party at our office located at 4747 N Sawyer. Join us from 4:00pm – 6:00pm to learn the ins and outs of Participatory Budgeting, learn about upcoming projects, and find out how you can join the PB Committee. Your voice matters, and together, we can improve and maintain our community through direct participation in infrastructure decisions. Let’s shape our community together!

I would also like to recognize a member of our 33rd ward office staff that will be leaving us this week to return to school. John Cruz-Barcenas has been with our staff for the past three summers, and has offered invaluable support to our community as a neighborhood services coordinator, and most recently as a staff member to Chicago’s Committee on Health and Human Relations. John will continue pursuing a master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of Chicago. He currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering. His areas of focus include public safety, environmental, and health policy. It is a privilege to have a staff of committed public servants and community leaders, like John, to make sure our multicultural community will continue to provide sanctuary to all Chicagoans.

-Rossana

33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION

Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm; Friday 9am – 4pm
Phone: 773-840-7880
Email: info@33rdward.org
Website and constituent resources: www.33rdward.org
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

WARD EVENTS

Ward Night Out
Upcoming: Monday, September 18, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm outside Horner Park

Ward Night Out is an opportunity to bring your questions or concerns to the Alderwoman in a one-on-one meeting. Each Ward Night Out is first come, first serve. Walk-ins will be taken until 6:45 pm. For more information, please contact our office at info@33rdward.org or 773-840-7880.

Participatory Budgeting (PB) Launch Party!
Thursday, August 31 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at our ward office: 4747 N Sawyer

Join us for an exciting evening of community empowerment as we kick off our Participatory Budgeting initiative. Are you curious about how local infrastructure improvements are decided? Interested in having a say in where funds are allocated? This is your chance!

Learn the ins and outs of Participatory Budgeting, learn about upcoming projects, and find out how you can join the PB Committee. Your voice matters, and together, we can improve and maintain our community through direct participation in infrastructure decisions. Let’s shape our community, together!

WARD UPDATES

Liquor Moratorium Lift Request (3158 W Montrose Ave)
Our office hosted a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, August 23 to gather community input on a business’s proposal to have a liquor moratorium lifted in our ward. Our office is accepting feedback through September 6 at 5pm. Please use the link to provide feedback on the proposed liquor moratorium lift.
Feedback Form Link: https://forms.gle/A5pHqtSF4z6EKLCW7

The owner of David’s Liquor & Liquor (3158 W Montrose Ave) is requesting a liquor moratorium be lifted in order to sell his business to another party. As a result, the current liquor moratorium for the area will have to be lifted in order for the new party to apply and obtain a new Packaged Goods License at the current address. If the liquor moratorium is lifted, this would also allow other businesses in the area to apply for Packaged Good Licenses. Please note that this does not mean that every business will be approved for a liquor license.

The current liquor moratorium in place restricts the issuance of Packaged Goods Licenses (retail sale of alcohol) on W Montrose Avenue between N Kedzie Avenue and N Sacramento Avenue. The description of the liquor moratorium from the Chicago Municipal Code is listed below for your reference.

Chicago Municipal Code Section 4-60-023
(33.17) On Montrose Avenue, from Kedzie Avenue to Sacramento Avenue. (Added Coun. J. 10-3-12, p. 35378, § 3)

Federal Flooding Assistance
President Biden approved a Disaster Declaration for the State of Illinois, and Cook County more specifically, for this summer’s heavy rainstorms. Residents and business owners who sustained losses during the flooding during the period of storms from June 29 – July 2, 2023 can immediately begin to apply for assistance by clicking here. You can also call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Block Club Chicago has provided a guide for applying for disaster assistance. FEMA is taking applications for assistance through October 16, 2023. More detailed information about applying for relief can be found below in our newsletter.

Grid-Based Tree Trimming
The Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here.

Previously completed grid section: N032 W028, which covers Addison to Belmont from California to Kedzie
Current grid section: N040 W028, which covers Montrose to Irving Park Rd from California to Kedzie

Each grid segment can take between three weeks and two months to complete. Tree trimming personnel will be in the ward weekly, weather permitting. Similar to street sweeping notifications, trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming. Upon the completion of each grid segment, we will make an announcement about which grid will be completed next. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made.

The results of both increased funding for the Department of Forestry and move to a grid-based system has resulted in more than triple the amount of trees being trimmed this year compared to the same time period last year. This change in system, along with an increase in full-time equivalents for forestry operations in the 2023 budget, will mean more trees in our ward, and the city, will be maintained than year’s past.

School-bus driver shortage will impact area schools
Without school buses, the campus of Edison Regional, Hibbard Elementary, and Albany Park Multicultural Academy is expecting a significant increase in car traffic. To accommodate this, the schools are creating a “drop and go” location at the eastern corner of the campus on Argyle and Sawyer. Another “drop and go” zone will be located at the western corner at Ainslie and Sawyer. Given the area traffic patterns, the principals encourage parents to use the eastern drop and go location at Argyle and Sawyer. Please note: No parking will be permitted along Ainslie between Sawyer and Kedzie and no use of the alley behind the school will be permitted.

Having trouble filling a vacant apartment? Chicago Rents can help:
Ariel Parrella-Aureli reported on the Chicago Rents program for Block Club. Chicago Rents is a program that offers guaranteed rents and additional incentives for landlords interested in providing affordable housing for tenants.The program has already housed more than 2000 Chicagoans. Chicago Rents provides support to both the tenant and the landlord throughout the duration of the lease. If you’re a landlord who’s interested in learning more, click here. Landlords can also fill out a survey by clicking here and Chicago Rents staff will reach out to you.

Kedzie Avenue Complete Streets realignment
The Chicago Department of Transportation is in the final stages of a new Complete Streets curb alignment along Kedzie Avenue that further shields both bikes and pedestrians from car traffic. Within the 33rd Ward, this new alignment is in place for four blocks from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street.

This new parking configuration will take time to get used to for residents and business owners and customers; in the long term this will make Kedzie safer for all users of the road. CDOT has prepared instructional materials with how to park in this new alignment. Our office also encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with “The Dutch Reach” when exiting a vehicle. This way of exiting a vehicle encourages drivers and passengers to open a car door with their far-hand. This gives a person exiting the vehicle a better line of sight of oncoming traffic. This technique has saved the lives of countless bike riders and pedestrians around the world who might otherwise have been doored and can also be extremely helpful for keeping people exiting vehicles safe from oncoming traffic.

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

Filming Notice – August 27th, 2023
In order to park essential vehicles and equipment, streets in the area will be posted as a NO PARKING/TOW ZONE during the following dates/times:

Sunday, August 27th from 5 AM to 7 PM
East side of N California Ave from W Irving Park Rd to W Belle Plaine Ave

If you have any questions, concerns, or special needs, PLEASE CONTACT:
Location Manager, Clare Bisignano: (781) 424 – 1728

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety reminder
As traffic violence continues to increase against pedestrians, bicyclists, and even first responders like firefighters and paramedics, remember to obey traffic signals including red lights. Our office also asks that drivers remember that they must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. If you see this sign and a pedestrian is present, you must let them cross before proceeding. Additionally, our office encourages drivers to be patient and generous with all users of the road. Remember that pedestrians and cyclists are not surrounded by air bags or encased in a ton of steel.

Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
Our office has been certified to distribute Narcan and Fentanyl testing resources to our community. You can stop by during our open hours or reach out to info@33rdward.org for more information.

SUPPORTING NEW CHICAGOANS

Donations
Our office continues to receive calls, emails, and walk-ins from constituents who wish to support new Chicagoans. One of the immediate ways to help is to check the Instituto del Progreso Latino Amazon Wish List which is updated frequently to meet the needs of new arrivals in the city’s temporary shelters. Only new items are being accepted at this time. Additionally, Instituto del Progreso Latino is accepting monetary donations to purchase items in bulk. Donations can be made by visiting InstitutoChicago.org. For additional information, visit chicago.gov/support.

Please do not drop or donate any items at Chicago Police Districts.

Furniture can be donated to Chicago Furniture Bank. The Furniture Bank, in partnership with New Life Centers, is providing furniture to new arrivals who are being resettled into permanent housing. The Furniture Bank is also the largest provider of free furniture to the unhoused Chicagoans as well.

Volunteer Opportunities

Members of our community have formed the Community Care Collective to direct mutual aid efforts in the 33rd Ward. You can learn about volunteer opportunities by following this link.

APPLYING FOR FLOOD RELIEF FROM FEMA

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Monday, October 16, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CT. You must register with FEMA to receive assistance.

How to Apply:
If you have insurance coverage, first file a claim. If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, contact FEMA by going online to disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. When calling the FEMA Helpline, multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

Federal assistance may include temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.

Have the following information ready when you register with FEMA:

A current phone number where you can be contacted
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
Your social security number (or the social security number of a minor child in your household, if you’re applying on their behalf).
A general list of damage and losses
Banking information if you choose direct deposit
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
When registering, one member of a household needs to comply with citizenship criteria. That means a minor child who is a citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen can have a parent or guardian who is not eligible apply for assistance on the child’s behalf.
What to Expect After You Apply:
A FEMA inspector may call you to set up a time and date to perform the inspection at the damaged address. If you have filed for assistance and receive a call from an out of state number, pick it up. Be sure to have your application number available.
During the inspection inspectors will:
Observe social distancing guidelines
Show their credentials
Ask to see a photo ID
Ask to see documents to verify the home ownership or occupancy if FEMA has been unable to verify
Walk around the interior and exterior of your home if feasible
Document damage
Inspectors WON’T decide if you will receive assistance, ask for money, bank account information or credit card information. Residents can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify a FEMA visit is legitimate.
Within 10 days after the inspectors visit, you will:
Receive a letter of electronic correspondence explaining FEMA’s decision
If you are determined eligible for assistance, you may receive a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit
For more information click here

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Monarch Palooza [Free]
Saturday, August 26 from 10am – 3pm
North Park Village Nature Center Park, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. PH: 312-744-5472

Annual Block Party – Irving Park Early Learning Center [Free]
Saturday, August 26, 11 АМ – 4 PM, 3023 W Montrose Ave

Avondale Garden and Agriculture Fair
Sunday, August 27 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Tour gardens throughout Avondale. To get involved or be included in the tour, contact avondalefair@gmail.com. You can learn more information and access the tour map by clicking here.

Clean & Green Event – Lawrence Ave
Saturday, August 26th from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the corner of N Central Park and Lawrence

Clean & Green Event – 4800 Block of N Drake
Saturday August 26 from 11:00am – 2:00pm at 4832 N Drake.
Tired of the trash hanging around? Let’s do something about it! The neighbors of 4832 N Drake are hosting a Neighborhood Clean-up. Snacks from neighborhood favorite Something Sweet Donuts and Dulce De Leche Cafe will be provided along with gloves and other sanitation items.

Self Defense & Empowerment Seminar
Saturday, August 26th from 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow
Monday, August 28 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm at Daley Plaza

The Pre-Game brings the City’s largest public and private financial institutions, non-profits, and organizations together to engage the community in financial discussions and education. It allows the residents of Chicago to discover the financial resources this great City has to offer, all while enjoying live music, a DJ, food trucks, and special guest speakers. Finally, the Treasurer will make a surprise BWTT-related announcement that no one will want to miss!

Dine to Donate at Angelo’s
Thursday, August 31st from 4pm-10pm

Join Bateman Elementary for a Dine to Donate at A ngelo’s Wine Bar located at 3026 W Montrose Ave on Thursday, August 31st from 4:00PM – 10:00PM! Be sure to mention ‘Bateman’ and Angelo’s Wine Bar will give 20% back to support ALL students at Bateman Elementary School. Dine in, takeout or delivery via https://angeloswinebar.lightspeedordering.com/ or phone (773-539-0111) ONLY. Use promotion code BATEMAN. Cannot be used with any 3rd party vendors

Twilight Canoe/Kayak Trip & Dinner in the Park
Sunday, September 10th from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Clark Park at Rockwell & Roscoe

Evening includes all canoe/kayak equipment, catered dinner, silent auction and entertainment provided by the Horner Park Jazz Band! Proceeds benefit park improvements.

Cost: $100/person, $25/child with an adult family member
Register at: https://bit.ly/Twilight-Canoe

North River Commission Community Health Fair
Saturday, September 16th | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cano Health • 4733 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625

The North River Commission staff are hosting a FREE health fair on Saturday, September 16th from 10AM – 1PM at Cano Health. The health fair is free to attend and provides the community with preventive healthcare practices and access to physical and mental health resources. Health services will be available including free flu vaccinations, health screenings, nutritional information, and an overview of local community resources.

River Park Summer Event Calendar

Horner Park Advisory Council Summer Concert Series.
Find the schedule here.

FEEDING CATS? SEEING CATS NEAR YOU? OR JUST WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Log in to this free community Zoom workshop from Cats in Action.

Helping Cats Near You
The 4th Sunday of every month
4pm – 6pm

Details here: www.catsinaction.org/workshops

Zoom Meeting ID:
868 5394 9492

Learn how to help community cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), what to do with kittens, ongoing colony management, preventing nuisance issues and much more!

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

Apply for the Amtrak Scholarship

The Amtrak Scholarship Program provides academic scholarships to high school students, undergraduate and graduate college students who have an active interest in the railroad industry. This program has been established to provide support to help encourage academic achievement within railroad programs, ensuring a future in this industry.

More information by clicking here.

Align Your Inner Self Youth Program (Ages 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!

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Small Business Grant Awarded to Bokeh Bar
Congratulations to Bokeh Bar, located at 4716 N Kedzie in the 33rd Ward, for being awarded a small business grant. The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBTQ+ community and certifying body for LGBTQ+-owned businesses nationwide, and the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, are pleased to announce 10 small businesses in Chicago, and nearby suburbs, will be the recipients of small business grants over ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 giving a away a total of over $50,000. The NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, supports LGBTQ+ & Allied-owned restaurant businesses.

Maximizing Social Media & Digital for Your Small Business [Free]Tuesday, August 29 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm

In this FREE workshop, in partnership with Uptown United, you will learn how to take better photos for social media and for your website, Google visibility, learn about free digital tools for your business, and SEO.

WHERE: On-Zoom and in-person at 4619 N Broadway
REGISTER: for Zoom; for in-person

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Apply to be catering vendor at Obama Presidential Library
The Barack Obama Foundation will be releasing an RFP later this month seeking qualified and experienced caterers for the Obama Presidential Center. In efforts to answer any questions prospective applicants may have, the Foundation’s procurement team will be hosting a virtual informational webinar on Monday, Aug 28th at 2pm CST.

To register for the informational website, please ensure that you review and sign the linked NDA so our Procurement team can be as informative as possible and share all details during their presentation. Please expect the Zoom meeting link to be shared with you from our Procurement team once they have confirmed you have completed the NDA.

You may read more about the Catering Services RFP here and find more general information about all of the Foundation’s current and upcoming RFP opportunities on our vendor website.

Further questions about this RFP can be directed to procurement@obama.org.

Multi-lingual Customer Service Representatives at O’Hare Airport
O’Hare Airport is hiring customer service representatives that speak a minimum of 3 languages. If you are interested, you can view more information by clicking here.

CTA Second Chance Program

CTA’s Find a Job Fridays

If you’re looking for work, consider giving the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) a look. The CTA is in the midst of a major recruitment campaign. Visit the CTA’s careers website to learn more. New jobs are posted every Friday.

COVID-19 RESOURCES & COMMUNITY HEALTH

Free Asthma Services from American Lung Association
Do you know a child, adult or family member that has uncontrolled asthma? The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago has a program where a skilled healthcare professional will visit your home and provide an asthma assessment. The healthcare professional will provide health education and any materials and products needed to mitigate your asthma symptoms. Products include, but are not limited to, green cleaners, HEPA vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, beds, bed and pillow covers. More information by clicking here.

Receive Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine At Home!

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!

Vaccinations for CPS Students:

COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATES

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

Mayor Johnson selected the nominee for the position of Chicago Police Superintendent.
Last Sunday, Mayor Johnson selected Larry Snelling as the nominee for the position of the new Superintendent for the Chicago Police Department. Snelling has a three-decade-long tenure within CPD, and currently holds the role of the Chief for the Bureau of Counterterrorism. The City Council is set to evaluate and vote on Snelling’s nomination.

The Village and Ravenswood Manor-Albany Park Circle hosting a Zoom with 17th Police District Council on Thursday, August 30. The 3 elected members are confirmed to participate.
On Thursday, August 30th at 7 pm, the Village and Ravenswood Manor-Albany Park Circle will host a Zoom meeting with 17th District Police Councilors Anthony Tamez, Elizabeth Rochford and Steve Spagnolo. Contact Karen, kegerer@comcast.net, for the Zoom link and with any questions you have for our three 17th District Police Council Members.