We’re wrapping up a busy week in the ward helping community members get ready for the holidays, including by getting vaccinated. 

One of the highlights was stopping by Moo Gong Terrance and Darul Amaan, two senior housing facilities in the ward, to distribute beautiful artwork donated by students at our neighborhood schools to brighten up seniors’ holiday seasons.

This initiative was imagined and executed with the help of our Senior volunteers who make up the brand new 33rd Ward Sage Brigade–read more below about this new effort to connect seniors with information and resources in this difficult time. 

Today, our team was at Rincon Family Services’ weekly Friday food pantry, where residents were also able to get vaccinated and vote in our 33rd Ward participatory budgeting process. 

Voting for participatory budgeting is open until TONIGHT at 11:59 PM. Check out the proposed projects below, and don’t forget to vote!

A big thank you to Mr. McIntosh, who invited us into his civics class at Roosevelt HS to talk about participatory budgeting!

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

Holiday Office Closure

The 33rd Ward office will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 22 – Sunday, Jan. 3. Our Friday newsletter will also resume in January. 

Sanitation crews will be completing garbage pick-up next week by Thursday, with Friday the 24th as a holiday, so please bring your garbage cans out at the beginning of the week. 

Participatory Budgeting Proposals

We are extending voting in this year’s 33rd Ward participatory budgeting process through Dec. 17!  Sign up to vote online.

You can also access our paper ballot here and drop it off at our ward office during business hours or at Dulce de Leche cafe (3441 W Lawrence Ave.) Or stop by our next community voting event at our office (3001 W Irving Park) on Monday, Dec. 13 from 5 – 7 PM. 

Community-proposed projects on the ballot for funding this cycle include: 

• Kedzie Public Gathering Space

This project will be an introduction to a larger streetscape project or “Gateway to Albany Park.” Ideas for this space include, public single seats, paving of a portion of the grass, expanding the curb, public art, and repair or removal of old decorative street lights. The design will be developed  in collaboration with neighbors, local groups, and businesses.Estimated Cost: $25,000

• Safety Net at Cleveland Elementary Soccer Field

A net surrounding the soccer field to prevent balls from flying into the street and objects from outside the school from landing on the fieldEstimated Cost: $16,000

• Nature Play Space for Bateman Elementary School

A nature play space at Bateman would be a dream come true for the school, parents, and students. Bateman’s community is working collaboratively to design natural play and learning areas for the children. These funds would help make this proposal feasible and allow them to give their students a new and educational play area.Estimated Cost: $75,000

• Left Turn Arrow Upgrades at California & Diversey

This intersection is next to the Kennedy Expressway and has left turn arrows on two of the four lights. This price will only fund one arrow, which will be installed either on California heading south or Diversey heading east depending on the results of a traffic study, making it safer for all drivers passing through this intersectionEstimated Cost: $74,000

• Repaving Sidewalks of Physically Disabled/Elderly Residents

The City of Chicago makes residents pay for sidewalk repairs unless they are small repairs. Every year, the ward is only able to fund a handful of sidewalks for residents who are physically disabled/elderly. This ballot item would allow us to repair three to five additional sidewalks.Estimated Cost: $50,000

• Stamped Crosswalks

Stamped crosswalks are crosswalks that are painted and stamped with a red brick-like pattern. This will improve the visibility of the crosswalk making it safer for pedestrians to cross. This proposal would allow the installation of approximately three crosswalks near a school, park, and/or commercial corridor. The decision on where these will go will be determined after a CDOT traffic study.Estimated Cost: $60,000

•  Picnic Tables at California Park

With the completion of the bike path, the use of the ADA softball field and the planned repair and reopening of the pool house next year, more outdoor seating is needed in this area. This proposal includes new pool tables with umbrellas as well as picnic tables outside of the pool area, and ADA accessible picnic tables near the softball field to create pleasant gathering spots for all. Estimated Cost: $15,000

• Benches and Repair of the Dolphin Statue at Brands Park 

Installation of new benches will provide a comfortable space for neighbors to better enjoy this highly used park. In the entire park, there are only two old wooden benches and a playground bench. Funds will also go toward repairing the much beloved dolphin statue in front of the Fieldhouse so that this esteemed creature may continue to brighten everyone’s day for years to come.Estimated Cost: $24,000 

• Tennis Court Resurfacing at Brands Park

Repair and resurfacing two tennis courts with pickleball lines. The current courts are in poor condition, making them difficult to use for their intended purpose. This project will improve the community’s use and enjoyment of these busy neighborhood courts. Estimated Cost: $60,000 

• Playground Upgrades at West River Park

This little playlot is in need of some love. Funds will be used for playground improvements to create a better play experience for families coming for soccer events with little ones and neighbors alike. $250,000

• Trees Planting Around the Ward

Recognizing the importance of trees to both beautify our neighborhoods and protect against climate change, funds will go toward planting birch trees in LaPointe Park as well as 25 new trees along Lawrence Ave, Montrose and Irving Park. $25,000 

• Drake Garden Food Pantry Structure  

During the pandemic, neighbors came together to create a food pantry out of a plastic shed at the Drake Garden. This proposal would fund the creation of a permanent structure to hold food pantry items, serve as a shed for neighbors and volunteers to store tools & supplies, and house a fold-out stand to hold small event sales.$25,000 

Calling All Seniors – Introducing the Sage Brigade

The newly formed 33rd Ward Sage Brigade, made up of senior citizens in our community, is looking to provide information and resources that would be helpful to fellow seniors.

They plan to share details on how to get a reduced fare CTA pass, help with lower utility bills, access to meals, tax filing assistance and more. 

Could you or someone you know benefit from this information, or would you like to connect with other seniors in the community? 

Fill out this form with your contact information. Also let us know if you’re interested in volunteering!

Zoning Decision for Lexington Homes Proposal

This week, I informed community members that I have denied the zoning change for the proposed project for the property generally located at 3601-3737 N California; 2722-2758 W Addison St. 

Our office engages in a participatory process when deciding what development projects we move forward in our ward. In the process of soliciting feedback for 3601-3737 N California; 2722-2758 W Addison an overwhelming majority of neighbors communicated strong opposition to the project. 

Although the developer offered to make changes to their proposal, said changes were supposed to be submitted in November and to this point neither my office nor the Department of Planning and Development has received any modifications to review. 

A majority of our ward’s neighbor-led organizations in the area of the site have also expressed opposition to this project due to its height, significant density, a design that does not fit the current character of its surroundings, its obstruction to access to the river and current public space, its obstruction to current green space among other concerns. 

The community has clearly expressed that they would strongly prefer a development project that preserves open green space, with an environmental focus that can better serve the community. We want to open space for that opportunity. 

Given the lack of community support for this development I have decided to deny the zoning change requested for this project. If you have any further questions you may contact my office at 773.840.7880 or email info@33rdward.org . 

33rd Ward Holiday Pop-Ups

This holiday season, find unique gift ideas for your loved ones and support our local artists and businesses by visiting our special holiday pop-up shops! 

Urban Market (4730 N. Kimball Ave) Hours: Thurs-Fri 4p-9p, Sat 11a-6p, Sun 11a-5p, and Mon-Wed by appointment only Bonus: Workshops for children will be offered starting next Thursday (12/9) evening – stay tuned for more dates!

Fine Arts & Goods (4747 N Sawyer) Hours: Fridays 2pm-7pm, Saturdays 11am-6pm, and Sundays 12pm-5pm & by appointment Open through December 23rd Special Holiday Train Hours: Wednesday 12/1: 3pm-6pm; Thursday 12/2: 3:45pm-6:45pm; Friday 12/3: 3pm-6pm, and Saturday 12/4: 12:45pm-5pm

After School Special: Tuesday 12/7 1:30-7p (% of sales will be donated to local schools) Pop Art + Modern Design (4637 N Kedzie Ave) Hours: Fridays 3pm-7pm, Saturdays 11am-6pm, and Sundays 12pm-5pm

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Rental Assistance Programs Now Open

Rental Assistance Re-opened

There are currently two open programs to receive assistance if you or your tenants are behind on rent due to COVID-19.

• Applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) are now open! The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021. Apply for the City’s program at www.chicago.gov/renthelp. Need assistance completing an application? The ERAP Call Center is available by calling 312.698.0202.

• The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) is NOW accepting applications through Sunday, January 9, 2022. If your household or your tenant has experienced hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for rental assistance. Grant amounts will vary and will be matched to the tenant’s specific needs.

Read more here about eligibility and how to apply for both programs. 

Protect Yourself from Energy Scams

Protect Yourself from Energy Scams

Our office has had reports this month of individuals posing as ComEd technicians going door-to-door and soliciting personal information from residents. 

Please be aware of the below tips from ComEd and alert our office if you and your neighbors experience this. 

ComEd will never call or come to your home or business to:

• Sell you electricity
• Ask for your account number
• Ask you to make a direct payment with a prepaid cash card, cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, or third-party electronic banking app such as Cash App, Zelle, QuickPay or Venmo
• Ask for your personal information such as Social Security number, Tax ID, or bank information

Please be aware of potential email and web scams:

• Carefully review messages originating from outside your organization’s network
• Check the name of the sender and business in the email and make sure it matches the name and business in the email address. Look for misspellings and zeros in place of the letter O.
• Do you recognize the sender? Don’t hesitate to make a phone call to verify a message is being sent from a trusted source. Use a phone number from your own records or the company’s official website and not the number provided in the email.
• Confirm the contents of the email look legitimate especially when a request can have financial impacts, such as transferring money
• Hover over website links before clicking to confirm legitimacy of the site

If at any time you are uncomfortable, or you feel you are experiencing suspicious behavior, call ComEd immediately at 800-EDISON1.

Dec. 19: Winter Wonderland Windows Performance

LBP School of Dance invites you to their Winter Wonderland Windows event which will include a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet. Join for a block-party style gathering, friendly for the whole family.

Neighbors should expect a full street closure of Francisco south of the Brown Line Station until Eastwood during the evening. Vehicles traveling East on Eastwood will be able to turn South with no issue.

Dec. 21: Homeless Persons Memorial Day 

Together with the Illinois Union of the Homeless and Tabor Lutheran Church, we invite you to attend the Homeless Remembrance Walk.

Meet at the corner of Montrose & California at 6pm as we recognize the homeless neighbors that we lost in 2021, and hear from organizations who are working to assist our homeless population.

Facebook event. 

Celebrate the Holidays at Metropolitan Brewing

Metropolitan Brewing is a dynamic, woman-owned small business that has delighted customers with German-style lagers since opening in 2009. Like many small businesses, the brewery has faced financial challenges during the lingering pandemic.

Learn more about the brewery (located at 3057 N. Rockwell St.), its holiday offers, and how we can come together to support this community-focused small business in this post.

Winter Weather Preparations

It’s getting colder outside! See below for tips about staying warm this winter and keeping heating bills lower.

Higher Gas Bills Anticipated This Winter As we head into winter, Peoples Gas is informing customers that their heating bills will likely rise as the temperatures fall due the price of natural gas, which has more than doubled this year. The increase is due mainly to tight supplies and a worldwide increase in demand for natural gas. An analysis done by Peoples Gas predicts the typical residential customer will pay $60 more a month this winter compared to last winter.  

In order to help customers in the greatest need, bill payment assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Share the Warmth program. To see if they are eligible and apply, Peoples Gas customers can call the Community Economic Development Association (CEDA) at 800-571-2332, or go to cedarorg.net. Peoples Gas will also work with any customer to arrange a payment plan that best fits their needs, and to set up Budget Billing that keeps bills stable from month to month. Customers can call Peoples Gas or go to peoplesgasdelivery.com to discuss options.  

Customers can take steps to manage their energy use by turning down their thermostats, using programmable thermostats, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and scheduling an annual furnace tuneup. Peoples Gas also offers free energy efficiency consultations. For more low and no cost energy-saving tips, go to peoplesgasdelivery.com/savings. Residents who purchase an Energy Star smart thermostat through December 31, 2021 can receive a $100 rebate from ComEd. For more information on receiving this rebate, go to the ComEd Smart Thermostat Rebates page.   Click here to read more about your rights as a utility customer and ways to save on heating costs this winter courtesy of the Citizens Utility Board.

Chicago Residential Heat Ordinance Chicago’s Heat Ordinance requires that buildings keep residential units at or above 66 degrees overnight (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 68 degrees during the day (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Violations of the heat ordinance are taken very seriously. Please call 311 to file a complaint and arrange for an inspector to investigate. 

City Warming Centers When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below – warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. City-operated libraries and park facilities also may activate warming areas, if needed, including during evening hours, weekends and holidays. View locations and more information here.

Emergency Heating Repair Program  The Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) Emergency Heating Repair Program provides a grant up to $24,999 to low-moderate income, owner-occupied residential building of one to four (1-4) units. Interested homeowners can download an application package through April 1, 2022 at www.chicago.gov/ehrp. Funding is limited and available on a first-come-first-service basis. Homeowners can call the Department of Housing’s customer service line at 312.744.3653 for more information.

Resources for Residents

Eviction Support for Tenants

The eviction moratorium entered by Governor Pritzker is scheduled to end this Sunday, Oct. 3rd. The City of Chicago Department of Housing is working to support Chicagoans who will no longer be protected by the moratorium. Even though the eviction moratorium is coming to a close, there is help, both legal and financial, to keep residents in their homes.

Here are some key things to remember when facing an eviction.

1. Don’t self-evict. A notice of eviction from your landlord does not mean you need to leave your home right away. Only the Sheriff can legally remove you from your home.
2. Get legal help. Free legal assistance is available to Chicago renters. Go to www.Rentervention.com , which is provided by the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing, a Department of Housing delegate agency.
3. Get financial help. The Department of Housing maintains a current list of places residents can apply for emergency rental assistance at Chicago.gov/RentHelp.

 You can find more details on renters’ rights and other resources at Chicago.gov/Eviction.

Mortgage Assistance Program – Applications Ongoing

The Mortgage Assistance Program, provides assistance to low-to-moderate-income homeowners who have suffered an economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are having difficulty paying their mortgage.

The maximum amount of assistance available is $3,300. Grant amounts awarded will be based on the amount needed to bring your mortgage current.

Please note: Eligible homeowners will have the assistance paid directly to their mortgage servicer. If you received assistance in 2020 you are not eligible for this round of funds.

To be eligible you must:

• Be a resident of the City of Chicago
• Live in the home (single-family up to 4 units) for which you are applying for assistance. It must be your primary place of residence.
• Demonstrate your total household income was 120% or below the Area Median Income (AMI) prior to March 1, 2020. (Click to see table)
• Have a mortgage on your home that was current as of March 1, 2020, and is now delinquent. You may be on a forbearance plan.
• Have experienced a change in your financial status after March 1, 2020, due to the COVID-19 crisis

If you need assistance applying for mortgage assistance, you can also contact Neighborhood Housing Servicesat 800-831-7949 or email EmergencyAssistance@nhschicago.org.

Free Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic

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Monday: 12:00 PM – 7 PM

Tues – Thurs: 10 AM – 5 PM

Friday: 9 AM – 4PM  

️E-mail info@33rdward.org anytime for service requests or general queries

️ Call us at 773-840-7880 during business hours

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter

Check out our ward website for info on services and events: https://www.33rdward.org/

Best,

Rossana Rodriguez