In the 33rd Ward, our office uses a practice that we call Community Driven Zoning and Development (CDZD) to collect questions, comments, and feedback regarding zoning and land use decisions. As part of our process, our office gives a number of neighbor-led organizations and community groups the opportunity to take a “first look” at zoning change applications. This zoning process originated with the 35th Ward and our office adopted the process shortly after I took office. 

Several weeks ago, Full Circle Communities and Visionary Ventures, an affordable housing developer, submitted an application for a zoning change to our office which starts our CDZD process. 

Full Circle and Visionary Ventures propose to build 45 units of affordable housing at 2907-2917 W Irving Park Road. As detailed in Block Club Chicago stories by Alex Hernandez and Kelly Bauer back in 2021, Full Circle and Visionary Ventures were awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) by the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing. LIHTC is essentially the only federal funding that goes to constructing new, affordable housing in the United States. Funding and resources are so limited that oftentimes affordable housing developers try multiple times to win these coveted tax credits. It can be nearly impossible to try to build affordable housing without LIHTC. The city’s Department of Housing awards LIHTC specifically to affordable housing proposals that truly are the best of the best – proposals that respond to communities where affordable housing is limited, communities where there are substantial inequalities between homeowners and renters, and factors that drive displacement like deconversions and demolitions are happening more frequently. In order to make the most impact with extremely limited funds, the Department of Housing also has minimum requirements that LIHTC proposals must meet such as the overall number of units in a project and the number of family-sized units. The fact that the Department of Housing awarded Full Circle and Visionary Ventures LIHTC means that there is a recognition that communities in the 33rd Ward – like Irving Park – are in urgent and desperate need of affordable rental housing. Since the Full Circle and Visionary Ventures proposal was selected in late 2021, both the Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Housing have been reviewing and making recommendations about how Full Circle and Visionary Ventures can refine their proposal. Recently, Full Circle and Visionary Ventures were cleared to begin our ward office’s CDZD process. 

A little over two weeks ago, as part of our process, CDZD organizations received Full Circle and Visionary Venture’s application materials and were asked to take two weeks to review the materials, provide some initial feedback, and questions for Full Circle and Visionary Ventures. 

As our office and I have become aware, some CDZD members and non-member groups shared some social media posts about this project giving the perception that these two weeks would be the only opportunity to provide public feedback. That is simply not the case.

As of this morning, our office has provided Full Circle and Visionary Ventures with the questions, comments, and feedback we’ve received from CDZD organizations. Now Full Circle and Visionary Ventures are reviewing that feedback and questions. After Full Circle, Visionary Ventures, and their architects have had an opportunity to address these questions and make some refinements, our office will make it available on our website for community members to review. Once the proposal is available online, community members will also be able to fill out an online feedback form and our office will schedule a public meeting for Full Circle and Visionary Ventures to present their proposal. Our office will include information about the meeting date via our newsletter, social media, and flyering. Following the public meeting, our office will continue to collect feedback on the proposal for two weeks. 

The reason that I instituted a Community Driven Zoning Process in the 33rd Ward is because recommending or not recommending a zoning change is a decision with decades-long ramifications. It’s not simply a question about what a major street along Albany Park or Irving Park or Avondale might look like in 2023 or 2025, but who can and will be able to afford to live here a decade or two from now, and where will the people who can afford to live here then send their children to school or play. That’s why I ask for the input and feedback from community organizations and the ward-at-large. I look forward to hearing about this case from you in the days and weeks to come. 

–Rossana

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!

Volunteer Opportunities to Support the Newly Arrived Migrants

The Sanctuary Working Group of the Chicago Religious Leaders Network has developed a model for how to accompany families and they want to share this model.

If you are interested in being part of this effort, please go to lppchurch.org and fill out the form on that page and submit it. Once you submit it, someone will be in touch within 48 hours. Individual people or households can also be a part of this effort and will follow the same process.

Every person or community member interested will be required to attend an in person Training/Orientation. Please email Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church if you are interested in attending an upcoming training session at office@lppchurch.org.

Department of Water Management’s New Citywide Service Line Website

Check out DWM’s new citywide water service line website! In case you don’t know, the service line is the pip that carries water from the water main in the street to the property. DWM’s new website will allow for you to learn what kind of material your service line pipe is made of and if it needs replacement. All you have to do is go to their website, type in your address or water account number, and press find. The website will give you the status of your service line and offer next steps based on the results. 

For more questions, please call DWM at (312)-742-2406.

Community Advisory Council Applications, Deadline June 30th

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is currently accepting applicants to our Community Advisory Council. This council is responsible for serving as a conduit between the broader Chicago community and COPA in order to assist the agency in creating and maintaining an effective and transparent dialog with the citizens we serve. Council members will share perspectives from the community about the agency’s work, as well as provide input on COPA-related topics that affect City of Chicago residents.

This is a great opportunity for interested Chicago residents to get involved with COPA and civilian oversight of law enforcement. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

Neighborhood Events

1. Free Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling, June 24th

2. Grief Summit, June 24th

6. 312 River Run, June 24th

4. 10th Annual Procurement Symposium, July 13th

5. Free Paper Shredding Event, July 14th

6. Thrive Together Annual Summer Fundraiser, July 20th

7. Horner Park Brewfest, July 21st

Youth Opportunities

1. Roosevelt High School Registration Days

2. ComEd CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Youth Academy program, Applications Due TOMORROW

ComEd is taking applications for the new CONSTRUCT Youth Academy – a new paid summer job training program for youth to learn about what it’s like to work in the utilities/trades.

The three-week paid training program will be offered in partnership with the YMCA of Metro Chicago. Students participating in the program will attend classes at the Y’s South Side location, and head out for some firsthand insight from ComEd about what it’s like to work in the field, maintaining the power grid that serves 9 million people in northern Illinois. 

3. Mayor’s Youth Commission Accepting Application for 2023-2024 Cohort, Due July 1st

The Mayor’s Youth Commission is a group of up to 32 Chicagoans between the ages of 14 and 19 that serve as a liaison between the Chicago Mayor’s Office and Chicago’s youth. The Commission meets monthly to foster youth-driven civic engagement and amplify youth vices to impact the City’s critical policy conversations. Any youth that is interested must apply by July 1st.

This is a paid opportunity for youth and a great way for young people to get their voice heard! Click here to apply today!

For any questions about the application or for more information about the Mayor’s Youth Council, please email mayorsyouthcommission@cityofchicago.org

4. Chicago Fire Student Discount

Chicago Fire is offering student passes to all CPS and local college students in Chicago. Click here to get yours today.

5. Chicago Park District Summer Camp and Programs – Registration Open Now!

The Chicago Park District’s list of summer camps and other programs is available to view now on their registration portal.

For a list of camps and programs in Irving Park, Albany Park, and North Park, including programs at North Park Village and Peterson Park – see here!

6. 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.

7. 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!

Kimball Station Area & Curb Mobility Study

Help the City of Chicago build better connections to the Kimball Station! Do you shop on Lawrence Ave? Take the bus or the Brown Line? Or live in Albany Park? You can win a $25 gift card for sharing your thoughts on how you get around and why. Take the survey here.

NAMI Chicago Hotline

NAMI Chicago is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is the largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. We operate a mental health helpline where residents can call for themselves or a loved one to receive help in accessing mental health services in their community. Their Helpline can help people navigate the mental health system based on their needs and goals.

Mental health affects everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from. That’s why NAMI Chicago is committed to showing up for everyone in the community—whether it’s Chicago’s first responders, students and school staff, a person on the other end of the phone, or in the community, meeting individuals where they are. NAMI Chicago knows healing is possible on a community level. Read their Roadmap to Wellness here.

Free Asthma Services in Chicago

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.

Beat Facilitator Applications are Open

Apply today to become a Beat Facilitator.

Stand Up and Speak Out Chicago is a campaign organized by the Chicago Police Department to ask Community Residents and business stakeholders to unite efforts to work together to create change, build relationships and make Chicago safe.

They are now accepting applications. Click here for more information

Business Resources

1. Business Grant Applications

• Visa Everywhere Initiative: A global competition that gives startups the chance to win a combined $70,000 at the TechCrunch Disrupt event in September. The deadline to apply is June 26.
• WomensNet’s Grants: Offers several grants, including the monthly $10,000 Amber Grant and quarterly Startup Grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Top Small Business Awards: Offers a $25,000 cash prize to startups with fewer than 250 employees or less than $20 million in gross revenues. Deadline to apply is July 7. 
• Fresh Start Business Grant: A program that offers entrepreneurs a $2,500 grant to put toward startup and free business formation services. Deadlines are June 30 and Sept. 30. 

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

Employment Opportunities

1. Chicago Tool Library is Hiring!

The Chicago Tool Library is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide equitable access to tools, equipment, and information to allow all Chicagoans to learn, share, and create. Located in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, our lending library houses thousands of items that range from basic hand tools and table saws to ice cream makers and camping equipment. We are a forward-thinking organization hoping to help our city reshape its relationship to ownership, consumption, and creativity.

They are seeking 1-2 part-time Tool Librarians with an anticipated start in June. Click here for the full job description and to apply.

2. UR Chicago Alliance Employment Opportunities

UR Chicago Alliance is a faith-based work development program that unites and mobilizes churches, community organizations, and businesses to provide access to living-wage opportunities and long-term support through a network of Christ-centered relationships. URCA’s focus is on:

• Job Readiness and Life Skills Training: We provide 8-week training using the Chalmers Center job preparedness curriculum. We provide program participants with access to technology and coaching in digital literacy, resume building, interviewing, networking, and code switching.
• Long-Term Mentorship: Each program participant is paired with a mentor from the local community for 18 months who provides support as they pursue living-wage work.
• Community Partnerships: Our robust network of community partners helps address issues related to poverty and unemployment including adult education classes, counseling, financial literacy, and others.
• Employment Partnerships: URCA maintains an active pipeline of employer partnerships, and we regularly update Leaders on job opportunities. Once placed, our program participants earn wages ranging from $15 to $46 per hour with benefits for full-time positions.

3. 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