This year the 33rd Ward had its highest turnout yet for participatory budget! More than 1300 eligible neighbors voted about how our 33rd Ward office should spend its menu budget – an all-time record. We couldn’t have gotten that many people without the tireless efforts of our Neighborhood Services Director, Stacy Erenberg, motivated and tireless volunteers, and so many students throughout the ward to name just a few. I’m so proud of the community participation that we’ve been able to foster through Participatory Budgeting these last four years – we vowed to bring democratic decision making to the ward and we are so proud of the work this committee has done to make voting and participation as accessible and transparent as possible. By hitting an all-time high in turnout, we are demonstrating how many people want to have more democratic control of neighborhood improvements and infrastructure.

We are already collecting PB ideas for 2024 – if you have an idea about how the community should spend $1,000,000, submit that here! If you’re interested in joining the PB committee for next year and working towards making some of these ideas a reality, sign up here! 

In that same vein, I’m excited to provide an update on the Roosevelt High School’s new turf field. As some of you may know, I’m it’s 100 years of existence, Roosevelt High School has never had a chance to play a home game for sports like soccer and football. Using Tax Increment Financing dollars, I was able to secure the funding to make this turf field a reality. This new stadium, these new lights, and the safety netting will give Roosevelt’s teams a place to reach their full potential. This turf field will help  ensure that Roosevelt High School continues to be a beacon, a community center, and a source of pride for the 33rd Ward. 

Now you don’t need to have been reading Ben Joravsky in the Chicago Reader to know what a mess Tax Increment Financing funds can be. I vowed from my first day in office that for the TIF Districts that exist in the ward, I would use them to ensure we could address infrastructure needs for all institutions serving our communities. We may not always have TIF districts in the ward, but while we do, we need to make sure that we use TIF for what it was created – nothing has made me happier than to see this turf field become a reality for Roosevelt. We’ll break ground soon and along with Roosevelt’s students, staff, and faculty, I cannot wait until the lights go on for the first time.

****

Election Day is Tuesday, February 28th. The polls will be open from 6 am to 7 p.m. You can find your polling place by visiting the Board of Elections website. For people with disabilities and mobility issues, the Board of Elections have sorted each of its polling places into accessibility tiers – you can find 33rd Ward polling places listed on page 33 of the document. The American Indian Center (3401 W Ainslie St), which is the 33rd Ward’s early voting site, has one of the highest accessibility ratings of any polling place in the ward. It will be open on Election Day and any 33rd Ward resident can vote in-person there. If you have questions or concerns about polling place accessibility you can call 312-269-7976 or email cboe@chicagoelections.gov.

If you want to vote before Election Day, early voting continues until this Monday, February 27th. 

The American Indian Center’s hours on this Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and coming Monday will be: 

Weekdays: 9:00am- 6:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

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

Violence Prevention Community Roundtable

Today in the spirit of co-governance we had a gathering of elected officials at all levels of government and community partners who are working on efforts to prevent and address violence in our communities. We had the opportunity to host Senator Dick Durbin, House Representative Delia Ramirez, Ald. Carlos Ramírez Rosa and Commissioner Anthony Quezada alongside partners from Roosevelt High School, Israel Gifts of Hope, North River Commission, Kedzie, Center, Communities United and Lurie Children’s Hospital. Preventing Violence and healing our communities takes a lot of work and it’s great to have collaboration with so many wonderful leaders to do all that urgent work. Thank you to Noono Kabob for hosting!

Apply Online for Maria Elena Sifuentes Apartments

If you were unable to attend the Maria Elena Sifuentes Apartments Application event last month you have another chance to apply! Applications can now be submitted online. Once 250 applications have been received the online application portal will be closed. Because of this it is important to complete the online application as soon as you are able.

If you have questions about the online process, please email info@3559wlawrence.com or call (773) 989-8000.

33rd Ward Zoning Update

The applicant is seeking a Special Use Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals to build four, three-and-a-half story residential condo buildings with six units (24 total) in a C1-2 zone. The case was continued until April so that a virtual public meeting could be held to discuss this proposal. You can review the proposal on our zoning website and community members can provide feedback by clicking here. 

Our office is working with the applicant to schedule a virtual public community meeting in late March or early April so the applicant can present their proposal to the community. Our office will provide an update via social media and the 33rd Ward Newsletter once it is set. 

As a reminder: Special Use Permits are issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals and not the 33rd Ward Alderwoman. The Zoning Board of Appeals will have the final say in this matter. For questions, email Director of Policy and Development Joe Engleman at joe@33rdward.org

Free Tax Prep for Income Eligible Families

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is happy to announce that the City’s Tax Prep Chicago free income tax preparation and assistance program is back, offering expanded in-person, drop-off, and by-appointment services at 11 locations across Chicago. This program is more important than ever with opportunity to claim Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Please note all sites are first come, first served.

Eligible Chicagoans could receive up to $8,183 from the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, in addition to other credits. But many people may not claim all the credits they deserve without the help of knowledgeable preparers.

Families earning up to $60,000 and individuals earning up to $32,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential Tax Prep assistance at eleven sites across Chicago. Volunteer tax preparers certified through IRS-approved training will assist them with federal and state income tax returns. Most sites will be open between end of January and mid-April 2023. (Please refer to the attached flyers and links below for specific information on site locations and hours.)

For more information about how to access the free tax assistance program, Chicagoans can:

• Call the City’s 311 helpline
• Visit the City’s tax assistance website at www.TaxPrepChicago.org
• Call (312) 588-6900 if you have any questions
• Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and type “free tax help” in the search box or call (800) 829-1040.

Neighborhood Events

1. Christ Lutheran Church Blood Drive, February 25th

2. Visceral Dance Chicago Winter Engagement, February 23rd-26th

3. Cleveland Open House, February 25th

4. Albany Park Mutual Aid Winter Diaper Drive, Ends February 28th

5. Chicago’s Annual Polar Plunge, March 5th

Youth Opportunities

1. Teen Opportunity Fairs

The Chicago Park District is excited to present three Teen Opportunity Fairs over the next few weeks for local youth. This is a great opportunity for youth to network, apply for summer jobs, and learn more about resources available to them. The Teen Opportunity Fairs are free and geared toward youth 13-19. For more information about the Teen Opportunity Fair please visit this website.

Saturday, February 25

• Truman College, 10 AM to 1 PM

Saturday, March 18

• Kennedy King College, 10 AM to 1 PM

Saturday, March 25

• Malcom X College, 11 AM to 2 PM

2. Spring/Summer Softball & Baseball sign ups for K-12 at Gompers Park

The Gompers Park Athletic Association is a youth baseball and softball league serving Chicago’s Northwest Side for almost 50 years. They have opened registration to their youth softball and baseball teams. For more information, click here.

3. Girls Who Code Summer Program, General Application Due March 24th

Girls Who Code: Summer Program Application Now Open!
Girls Who Code is offering a two-week summer immersion program or a 6-week self-paced experience that will allow students an opportunity to learn about computer science in a style that works best for them while making meaningful connections. All high school students who identify as girls or non-binary can apply, and no prior computer science experience is required! The general application deadline is Friday, March 24.

4. 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.

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. 

Senior Housing Available at North Park Village Apartments

There are currently one-bedroom and studio units available at North Park Village Apartments for income qualified seniors! Amenities include safe and off street parking, up to date appliances, 24 hour emergency maintenance, shuttle bus to public transportation, and more! For questions and more information, please call David Jones at 773-478-6890.

Social Hour for Seniors, Starting March 1st

Concordia Place is starting a 6 week program for seniors to allow for more opportunities to meet other seniors in the area. This program will begin Wednesday, March 1st and will go through April 5th. Each Wednesday lunch will be provided for those that attend.

If you would like to participate in this program or have questions, please call 773-463-1600 or email Kiki at kcollias@concordiaplace.org or Amy at amy.mcnicholas@aah.org.

2023 Horner Park Farmer’s Market

Horner Park is happy to announce that the 2023 Horner Park Farmers Market will take place on Saturdays from June 3 through October 14 – their 9th season!

Their 2023 Market Guidelines, 2023 Market Application, and 2023 Market Application for Business/Nonprofit are now online. Here’s a quick list of the particulars:

Overview:

• Location: Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 (Horner Park is a Chicago Park District park). Map
• Dates: Saturdays, June 3 through October 14, 2023.
• Hours: 7:30am-9am setup, 9am-1pm open, 1pm-2pm takedown.
• Fees:

• $35 application fee (non-refundable). Payable via electronic invoice or via check.
• $30 per date for a space of approximately 11’x11’, fitting a 10’x10’ canopy; $10 for each additional adjacent space, up to 3 total spaces ($30 for 1 space, $40 for 2 adjacent spaces, $50 for 3 adjacent spaces).
• Vendors who pay for the entire 2023 regular season of 20 markets prior to June 3 will receive a discount of two free markets, paying for 18 markets instead of all 20.

Two Grant Programs Offered by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

Chicago Arts Recovery Program

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations of all sizes can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 – $250,000 to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will support solution-oriented initiatives in marketing and audience development, facility access and management, technology, planning, and workforce development.   The deadline to submit an application is February 28, 2023 at 5:00pm CT. To learn more and apply, visit chicagoculturalgrants.org.

CityArts Program

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations of all sizes can apply for general operating grants. In direct response to community needs, general operating grant amounts are now significantly larger, and grants are renewable for one year. The deadline to submit an application is March 24, 2023 at 5:00pm CT. To learn more and apply, visit chicagoculturalgrants.org.

Avondale Garden Alliance Seed Swap & More!

February is all about seeds. Get access to their free AGA seed library here! Make sure to join their AGA dedicated seed swap Facebook sub-group (opens March 13th) to see what your neighbors are trading- you don’t need to have your own seeds to share to join. Whether you join the dedicated Facebook sub-group or not, don’t miss the fun of their in-person swap on Sunday, February 26th. Any seeds you trade in the dedicated Facebook sub-group, seeds you request through the AGA seed library, and any seeds you ordered through AGA bulk orders will be available for you at their in-person swap.

Excited to get your seeds but a bit intimidated about getting them started? No worries. The AGA will have an in-person seed starting demonstration on Thursday, March 2nd. Can’t make it that day or need a little extra support? Hit up their YouTube channel and watch your neighbors chat about the ins and outs of seed starting.

Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events Application Webinars

The City of Chicago – Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will be conducting a series of webinars to help you get ready for the 2023 season for the Special Event Permitting Process.  

DCASE staff will run through the online application process in English and Spanish: 

General Permit Application Discussion (Spanish) – Wednesday, March 29 at 1 pm -2:30pm  

They will also host Department specific webinars for a more in-depth overview and conversation: 

• Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)/Chicago Department of Public Health(CDPH)/Illinois Liquor (State) –  Wednesday, March 1 at 1 pm -2:30 pm 
• Chicago Police Department (CPD)/Chicago Fire Department (CFD)/Office of Emergency and Management Communications (OEMC)  – Tuesday, March 7 at 1:30 pm  – 3:00pm 
• Department of Buildings (DOB)/Streets & Sanitation/Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)/Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) – Wednesday, March 8 at 12 pm – 1:30pm 

ALL organizers are strongly encouraged to attend or view these webinars. Please check their website one week prior to each webinar for the zoom link. The webinars will also be recorded and posted on our website for future reference. 

For additional questions please e-mail SEPermits@cityofchicago.org   

Community Hygiene Supplies Collection, Deadline March 8th

The North River Youth Council is a group of young individuals from Chicago’s Northwest Side with the goal of enriching their local areas and creating vibrant, safe, and healthy communities. To further improve our community, we have decided to organize a hygiene drive.

Items being collected:

• soap
• shampoo
• deodorant
• toothbrushes/ toothpaste
• shaving cream
• dental floss
• skin lotions
• diapers size 4-6
• feminine hygiene pads
• hand scrub brushes
• nail clippers
• wet wipes
• disposable washcloths

The public can donate at any one of these three locations: Albany Park Branch Library, Mayfair Branch Library, and Christ Lutheran Church. The last day to donate will be March 8, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact mlopez@northrivercommission.org. 

Items will be distributed through the food pantry at Christ Lutheran Church and through other agencies.

Immigrant Tenant Workshop, March 9th

Join North River Commission and Latino Policy Forum for an Immigrant Tenant Protections Workshop on Thursday, March 9th from 6-7 PM. Learn about the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act, finding accessible housing resources, and housing rights and protections! Connect with us via Zoom or in-person at our office 3403 W Lawrence Ave. 

To RSVP please email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Community Resource Fair, March 12th

We are delighted to invite you to the next event being held at The Friendship Center! On Sunday, March 12, they will be hosting 12 of their partner organizations onsite at their pantry for a Community Resource Fair. Please join them between 2:00-4:00 pm to learn more about resources on the north and northwest sides that may be useful to you and your families, to meet new contacts in the social service field, and to learn more about the work The Friendship Center does.

The Friendship Center has some fantastic partners in the work they do, and they are excited to bring some of them together in one space. They’ll be having conversations about mental health, specialty health care, domestic violence resources, new immigrant community resources and much more. They will be joined by organizations including but not limited to: Apna Ghar, Tapestry 360 Health, the Hana Center, and Swedish Hospital Food Connections and Transformations programs, all of whom will be happy to share more about their work and connect you directly to services.

You can join by taking the 81 Lawrence bus, taking the Brown Line to the Rockwell station and walking a few blocks, or utilizing the free parking on Lawrence or Washtenaw.

All are welcome to join and information will be offered in multiple languages. Please feel free to let them know about any questions or accessibility needs by emailing lena@friendshipcenterchicago.org.

Public Health & Safety Community Meeting, March 21st

Join North River Commission and your neighbors to discuss health and public safety in our communities. Learn about NRC’s Health Equity and Violence Prevention initiatives and work. Discuss action steps and upcoming opportunities to engage and volunteer so that together we can help create safer and healthier communities. Everyone is welcome to attend and no RSVP is required.

Spanish translation and child care will be provided.

Small Business Spotlight: Tristine Walker Imagery & It’s Lit Yoga and Fitness Studio

Tristine Walker Imagery is located at 3334 W Lawrence  on the 3rd floor. This is a new photography studio owned by a local resident of the ward. We are happy to welcome Tristine and hope people get in touch with them! For more information, check out their Facebook page or give them a call at 773-554-4218.

It’s Lit Yoga and Fitness Studio is from the owners of Scent Queens! We love them and welcome the new mind-body sanctuary they created for our community to use. Go visit them at 3726 W Montrose!

Business Resources

1. Small Business Expo, March 11th

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Small Business Expo Series.

This is a free event and will be located at Kennedy King College from 8:30am to 1:30pm. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

2. Roosevelt High School Apprenticeship Program

North River Commission is seeking Albany Park businesses to work with our youth. We want to encourage our youth to gain a sense of responsibility while offering an opportunity for hands-on entrepreneurial experience!

If you are interested in mentoring high school students on how to be successful in your respective professional arena, please reach out to Megan Lacey, Youth & Family Organizer, at meganl@northrivercommission.org or 312-718-3819. 

3. How to Write a Business Plan Webinar, February 28th

Do you have a business idea, but don’t know where to start? Are you already a business owner, but are struggling to secure funding? Is your marketing strategy not working, but you don’t know why? Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce and Founders First for a three-part webinar series about how to write a business plan. You’ll get all your questions answered, and end the series with a business plan! 

Tuesday, February 28th  at 12 PM – Marketing Plan and Operations Plan- click here to register

Did you miss Session 1: Industry and Market Analysis? Don’t worry, email Catherine at cgeorge@northrivercommission.org for a recording of the webinar and notes. 

4. Business Grant Applications

• Own your business property or expand to a new location. If your business is a woman-owned business enterprise (WBE) or a minority-owned business enterprise (MBE), Bank of America invites you to participate in their new Down Payment Program that provides a grant of up to 50% of the required down payment on SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans for owner-occupied commercial real estate in Opportunity Zones within your city. The grant itself, which is not to exceed $25,000, does not have to be repaid.
  • Talk to a Bank of America Small Business Specialist today!

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

Employment Opportunities

1. Heartland Alliance’s Free Customer Service Bridge Class

Heartland Alliance is hosting a Customer Service class to support English Language Learners that want to work in customer service roles. This class will help participants prepare a resume, practice interviewing, and learn about different job opportunities.

This course is free and completely online through Zoom. All interested participants need is a stable internet connection and a cellphone, computer, or tablet. 

Classes begin on March 6th and end on March 30th (Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30am to 2pm).

If interested please call or text Alyssa at 872-346-8184.

2. CTA’s Second Chance Program

3. St. Mary of Providence is hiring for 2 positions

4. 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