Last week, nearly 300 of you joined our office for a public safety town hall with the Office of Inspector General’s Office, Area 5 detectives and the 17th police district. Next week, we invite you to join Part 2 of the conversation.
On Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 5:30, we’ll host representatives the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx to answer questions about safety in our ward and Chicago. You can register to attend here, or sign up to ask a question.
Our goal with these conversations—and all of community safety work—is to bring together different stakeholders for comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to confronting violence. While it’s easy to point fingers or promise quick solutions, the truth is that interrupting long-standing cycles of violence requires year-round work to strengthen our communities, both here in the 33rd Ward as well as across Chicago.
As we continue these community dialogues, it’s also critical that we pass a city budget that prioritizes effective interventions and programs that address the root causes of violence.
As a reminder, a public hearing on the full budget is scheduled for our City Council meeting at 10AM on Thursday, October 14. You can learn how to sign up for public comment, or view the hearings (and the recordings) on the City Clerks’ site: www.chicityclerk.com. You can also view all of the 2022 budget documents on the city’s website here.
P.S. Our Offices and other City of Chicago offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 12 in observance of Indigenous People’s Day. You may still submit service requests tp info@33rdward.org. Monday garbage pick-up will be moved to Tuesday–please plan accordingly.
In This Week’s Newsletter
- Oct. 21: Drive-through fundraiser for Von Linne
- Infrastructure and construction
- Resources for residents
- Community bulletin board – click here for more events, job listings, and resources!
Quick Links
Community Safety Updates
“Early Signs of Success for Chicago’s Street Outreach Collaboration”
A recent study from Northwestern University concluded that the violence prevention being deployed in 28 Chicago neighborhoods, including parts of the 33rd Ward, is successfully reducing gun victimization among participants.
Scaling up these programs remains a major challenge, however. Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO) began working in our area last year, and while the program has a $5 million violence reduction investment from Cook County, it received no city funding this year.
Want to learn more about how the street outreach model works? This week, my staff and I and ALSO street outreach workers met with Irving Park neighbors to answer questions about the program. Block Club Chicago has a great write-up:
On Tuesday, violence interrupters from the Alliance of Local Service Organizations joined a block party hosted by Irving Park East Neighborhood Association, sharing pizza and s’mores while the outreach team introduced themselves and talked to neighbors about their concerns.
“I’m a firm believer of not just showing up when an incident like a shooting happens,” said Samuel Santana, who oversees outreach teams in Belmont Cragin, Avondale and Albany Park. “It doesn’t have to be a violent problem for us to help; it could be anything. And we’re not just here to fix a problem and leave — we’re part of this community, too.”
The outreach workers are gaining a foothold in the neighborhoods as city leaders furiously debate how to reduce violent crime throughout Chicago.
…
ALSO has conducted outreach efforts in Humboldt Park since 2008, said Jorge Matos, the group’s director of safe streets. He spoke to Block Club in March when the initiative was seeking out people like Santana to build its outreach team for the Albany Park area.
“It takes time to expand into a new community. This is not the kind of work that you just pop up, hire just anyone and then get into the community and stop the violence overnight,” Matos said. “It takes time to build relationships with neighbors and those at the highest risk for violence.”
Police District Strategic Plans
The police districts covering our ward are hosting public conversations about their 2022 strategic plans. You can check which police district covers your home or workplace here. 14th District Join the 14th District for a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 6pm – 8pm. Register now through EventBrite here. Zoom meeting ID: 898-6544-6978 / Passcode: 658885. Call: 312-626-6799, if you are unable to join virtually. 19th District The 19th District will hold a two-part virtual community conversation starting Monday, Oct. 25 from 6pm – 8pm. Info below.
Covid-19 Vaccination Events
33rd Ward Flu/ Covid Vaccine Event Oct. 15
With new Covid cases still high, it’s so important to get your flu shot this year. Join our office and the Chicago Department of Public Health for a free flu shot event Friday, Oct. 15 from 11am – 3pm at Roosevelt High School, 3436 W Wilson.
We will also be offering first or second Pfizer doses for those who have not been vaccinated. The health department is not yet providing Pfizer boosters at ward-based events, however. Read below for more information about eligibility for boosters and how to obtain them.
Covid-19 Booster Shots
Many residents have been asking about the Pfizer booster. The city is following the CDC’s guidelines on eligibility.
While we are unable to offer booster shots at our ward event at this time, the City is hosting several clinics where Pfizer boosters will be available.
The clinic closest to the 33rd Ward where boosters are available will be held Sat., Oct. 23 from 9AM to 10PM at Truman College, 1145 W Wilson Ave. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can register here.
To see additional dates and locations where the health department will offer Pfizer booster vaccines, please see the full list of flu/ Covid-19 clinics here.
Community Zoning Meeting for Proposed Development at California and Addison
In the 33rd Ward, we follow a community-driven zoning and development (CDZD) process that developers must go through whenever they seek a zoning change from our office. The goal is to give residents power over development decisions that impact their everyday lives. When developers file paperwork to pursue projects in our ward, they have the right to a City Hearing, but we make it clear that they must go through our community process and engage directly with the neighbors who would be impacted.
As many of you know, the developer Lexington Homes has proposed a six-story, 269-unit apartment building and 88 riverfront townhomes 3601–3737 N. California Ave.; 2722–2758 W. Addison St. More than 300 neighbors have already sent their feedback during our first round of outreach, and we are now ready to hold a public meeting with the developer. The Public Community Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 6pm. We will also be conducting outreach through physical notices and flyering near the site and surrounding areas.
In order to maintain health protocols under COVID, the 33rd Ward Office will be hosting the meeting with the developer and with community members over Zoom and not in person. In order to facilitate transparency and participation, we are collecting submissions for questions ahead of the meeting on October 12th.
You can also call in by dialing +1 312 626 6799 and entering the Webinar ID: 871 7350 4175.
If you have any further questions please contact vicko@33rdward.org or leanna@33rdward.org.
Oct. 9: Community Blood Drive
Our community partners at Christ Lutheran Church will host another blood drive from 10AM – 3PM on Sat., Oct. 9 at 4541 N Spaulding.
Sign up here to save a life by donating blood.
Oct. 13: Fundraiser for Clark Park Nature Playspace
The Clark Park Advisory Council invites you to a fundraiser at Metropolitan Brewing, 3057 N Rockwell, from 6 – 9PM on Wednesday, Oct. 13.
Your $50 donation benefits the Clark Park nature play space. Purchase your ticket here.
Oct. 14: Chicago Public Schools Family Town Hall
CEO Pedro Martinez is hosting a Family Town Hall to discuss the district’s approach to ensuring the safety of students and staff in our schools in response to COVID-19. The discussion will cover the evolving nature of the pandemic, anticipated expansion of vaccination availability for students ages 5 to 11 years old, testing availability and ongoing contact tracing efforts.
The Town Hall will be held on October 14, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Simultaneous Spanish translation and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided to ensure all families can participate.
To participate, please register here.
Oct. 21: Property Tax Appeal Workshop
Join our office and other Northwest side officials for a free property tax appeal workshop on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 6PM at Avondale-Logandale Gynmasium, 3212 W George.
We will have both indoor and outdoor options for assistance, masks required indoor. Please bring your 2nd installment property tax or PIN number.
Oct. 21: Drive-through fundraiser for Von Linne
Infrastructure and Construction
Summer is construction season, and we know residents want to be able to plan ahead for street closures and parking disruptions. As a periodic reminder, we keep a map of the ward updated with all the information we’ve received to date from city agencies, utility companies, and other project managers. You can check out the construction map here.
You can also use the city’s ChiStreetWork portal, where you can search by address.
Street Closure at Sacramento There will be a full street closure on Sacramento Ave for People’s Gas work as they make their last connections to their mains. Here’s what you need to know: 
The closures will be on Sacramento, north AND south of Irving Park until the alley. Irving Park will NOT close. 
There will be no Parking or thru traffic on these sections of Sacramento during work hours (8AM-3PM) 
The alley will be accessible, therefore, neighbors should expect to see increased traffic in surrounding alleys during work hours. 
The streets will reopen to traffic daily after work hours (approx. 3PM) If you are planning your visit to our office, there is meter parking along Irving Park except at the bus stop outside our door.
Sewer Cleaning on N Troy from Addison to Eddy
This rehabilitation work includes cleaning the sewers and the installation of CIPP (Cure in place pipe). The installation of CIPP consists of lining the existing sewers and generally does not require excavation except when repairs are required prior to lining of the sewer main, catch basin lateral connections, catch basin structures or manhole structures.
The work is scheduled to be completed by February, 2022. It is performed in staggered stages, therefore crews will not be on-site every day for the extended period described. As they begin lining the main sewers, residents will be provided with a letter/flyers with notification of the work for each project location. No parking signs will be posted in the immediate area a workday prior to the start of any scheduled work. It will be necessary to close some lanes, but the streets will remain open to traffic.
Lead Service Line Replacement Program
The Department of Water Management has started Phase 1 of the lead service line replacement program and has provided the following information on two programs for qualifying homeowners who want to replace their lead service lines. If you are interested in participating, please visit www.LeadSafeChicago.org for more information:
- Homeowner-Initiated. The City will waive up to $3,100 in permit fees for any resident homeowner who wishes to replace their lead service line. The fee waiver will not be available if the request is made in conjunction with a structural renovation.
- Equity Program. To offer assistance to those most in need of lead service line replacement, residents whose water persistently tests over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Action Level of 15 parts per billion of lead and have a household income below 80% of the area median income, may qualify for a free lead service line replacement. For the Equity LSLR Program, residences must be owner-occupied and either a single-family or two-flat home.
If you have not yet had your water tested using the free lead testing kits that are provided by the city, please contact my office at 773-887-3772 or 311 to request a free water test kit.Street Resurfacing
West Irving Park Road from North Ravenswood Avenue to North Kolmar Avenue.
The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, bus pad construction, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement, and striping.
During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. All work on this corridor is scheduled to be completed November 30, 2021.North Sacramento Avenue from North Elston Avenue to North Milwaukee Avenue
The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, pedestrian refuge island, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement, and striping.
During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. All work on this corridor is scheduled to be completed October 29, 2021.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Apply for Rental Assistance
On Sept. 7th, All Chicago opened an online application for rental assistance under the Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) through the Illinois Department of Human Services. For more info and to apply visit http://rentrelief.com/allchicago/.
For tenants/landlords who need help with the application, All Chicago has partnered with Catholic Charities, Heartland Human Care Services, Lawyers Committee for Better Housing, Phalanx Family Services, and Spanish Coalition for Housing to provide assistance. Eligible households can apply online, by calling 311 or 312-744-5000 and asking for short-term assistance, or by contacting one of the partners listed above.
Chicago Families Forward Fund for Students in Temporary Living Situations
Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS) may qualify for a new program called The Chicago Families Forward Fund. Temporary living situations refer to a lack of fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including students/families who are doubled-up or couch surfing due to loss of housing or economic hardship, or staying in an emergency or transitional shelter.The Chicago Families Forward Fund
WHAT: Eligible students can receive a $500 check to help with back-to-school and everyday household expenses.
WHY: These funds are intended to remove barriers to the start of school and student learning during this phase of COVID-19 recovery.
HOW: This program is funded by the City of Chicago through federal stimulus dollars from the Coronavirus Relief Fund.
To receive this funding, please fill out this short program enrollment form by Friday, October 1, 2021. Paper copies are also available upon request and can be picked up at your student’s school.
After the form has been submitted, the City and CPS will notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) when funds may be picked up from the main office at their child’s school.
Tax Delinquency Sale Nov. 5
The Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office will be conducting a delinquent property tax sale on November 5th.
Delinquent taxes that are sold put a lien against the property – the first step in a process that can end with loss of the property. It’s possible that owners may be unaware their properties are headed to the tax sale because the U.S. Postal Service has returned bills and subsequent notices on 17,702 properties.
To avoid the tax sale, property owners can do a Delinquent Property Tax Search here to see if their taxes are delinquent. You can search by Property Index Number (PIN) or Search by Property Address.
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
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