This week, I have spent time meeting with neighbors to discuss the critical issue of community safety and the next steps we can take together to build safe, healthy communities for all. As a resident and mother of a young child in the ward, I share your concerns and convictions about the urgency of addressing gun violence, and I want to share with residents both the immediate steps we currently take to confront these issues and the longer-term solutions we are building towards.
On Wednesday, a shooting took place on the 3800 block of N Richmond, and two men were injured and transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where they were treated and are in stable condition. When incidents like this one occur in the ward, we use every tool at our disposal. We liaise directly with district and area police leadership to relay any available information to affected residents. We also work with outreach workers from the Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO), who began working in our ward just last year, to speak with those impacted and continue a presence in the area. We work with groups like the Transforming Community Safety Collective to continue engaging neighbors and reclaim public space in areas where violence has occurred, as well as with groups like Israel’s Gifts of Hope to support families and individuals who have survived violence. And we expedite infrastructure requests related to safety whenever possible, including ensuring that streetlight outages are restored as quickly as possible to help keep our streets safe and well-lit.
We want to respond quickly to emergency situations, but more than anything, we want to prevent them from happening in the first place. Preventing violence and addressing its root causes is a critical task that our entire city must confront.
There is ample evidence for what we need to do to interrupt cycles of violence and build equitable, healthy communities. Yet we continue to see effective public programs underfunded, if they are funded at all. We cannot solve violence in just one neighborhood or one ward, and as a public policy-maker, I will continue to advocate to fully fund violence prevention and evidence-based crisis response citywide through measures like Treatment Not Trauma and the Peace Book ordinance.
As alderman and as a longtime resident of this ward, it is also deeply important to me that we build out these resources as quickly as possible. To that end, I will be utilizing the automatic pay increase that City Council members receive next year to support violence prevention and mental health initiatives in our ward. This automatic increase, which is the result of a 2006 ordinance tying City Council’s pay to inflation, takes effect in January 2022. Prior to that time, I plan to share full details with residents as to how I will allocate these funds towards the goal of building a safe and thriving ward.
Thank you to the neighbors who have engaged our office in these critical conversations. I wish you all a safe and relaxing weekend.
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In This Week’s Newsletter
- Infrastructure and construction
- City Council updates
- Apply for rent or mortgage assistance
- Sept. 18: Free recycling/ shredding in Avondale
- Sept. 18: Ronan Park sculpture garden opening
- Sept. 18: Blood drive at Christ Lutheran Church
- Sept. 25: Block party & rally for housing
- Sept. 25: Outreach event for 3559 W Lawrence
- Sept. 26: Free Albany Park block party + house music
- Applications open for ‘Claiming Our Space’
- Community bulletin board – click here for more events, job listings, and resources!
Quick Links
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.
Brown Line Interruption Sunday, Sept. 19
Brown Line Interruption on Sunday, September 19th Due to Track Maintenance on the Brown Line between Belmont Brown Line Station and Irving Park Brown Line Station, service on the Brown Line will be cut on Sunday, September 19, 2021 – 5AM until – Noon or completion. 
Bus Operations will provide Bus Substitution Shuttle Service between Belmont and Irving Park during Brown Line operating hours. Frequency of Shuttle Bus Service: Bus will stop near all closed stations. The shuttle will operate with a 7.5 – 15 minute headways. Visit CTA’s website and sign up to receive service updates and alerts via email and/or text message at www.TransitChicago.Com.
Street Closure at Sacramento
Peoples Gas is starting work on the last 2 connections of a large diameter main at Sacramento & Irving Park and Sacramento & Montrose. This is a street closure on Sacramento Ave to the north and south of Irving Park, but this will NOT include a closure of Irving Park. Closure will be in effect on 9/27 thru mid-November during work hours — streets will reopen streets during evenings.
Lighting Restored at Ronan Park
Thank you to the neighbor who reached out to report the lights out at Ronan Park. We worked with the Park District, and as of Tuesday the lights are back on. If you spot streetlight outages in your area, please help us keep our streets safe and well-lit by reporting the outages to 311 and to our office.
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.
City Council Updates
At this week’s City Council meeting, I co-sponsored a resolution calling for hearings on Chicago Public Schools’ return to school, alongside my colleagues Maria Hadden and Jeanette Taylor.
My own child is a CPS student, and since the return to in-person learning, we have heard reports about inadequate protocols for contact tracing and notification when a student has been exposed to Covid. This is especially worrying because data shows that the Delta variant is more contagious, especially among unvaccinated individuals, and there is not yet an authorized vaccine for individuals under 12 years old. We need full transparency from CPS about their plans to improve safety and mitigation protocols to keep students, families and staff healthy.
I was also one of eight alders to vote no on the contract between the City of Chicago and the Fraternal Order of Police union. Organizations including the ACLU of Illinois, the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, Business & Professional People for the Public Interest, and the Chicago Council of Lawyers agreed that the accountability measures in the contract simply don’t go far enough to ensure that alleged police misconduct is investigated and addressed. The FOP agreed to just 7 of the 14 reforms recommended in 2016 by the Chicago Police Accountability Task Force in 2016, a body chaired by Mayor Lightfoot prior to her election.
I also joined organizations including the ACLU, along with the Cook County Public Defender, Organized Communities against Deportation, Black Lives Matter-Chicago, and the Community Justice Clinic at the Northwestern Law School in opposing an ordinance which would allow the city of Chicago to sue people it deems gang members in an effort to seize their assets. I did so because I believe that this ordinance will not reduce violent crime and could be abused by allowing law enforcement to target the possessions of innocent people. I believe this is, at best, a publicity stunt and, at worst, a tool that could be used to further harm the communities which are already the worst impacted by violence. We urgently need to embrace evidence-based solutions for the violence our city is continuing to experience.
Apply for Rent or Mortgage 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.
Reminder: a ban on enforcement of evictions in Illinois is in place through Oct. 3, after Gov. Pritzker again announced he would extend protections this week. While landlords can serve tenants with notice of eviction for unpaid rent, court hearings and enforcement in non-payment cases cannot proceed until after this date.
Remember: Only the sheriff can evict, and it is illegal for landlords to remove your belongings, change the locks or otherwise attempt to force you out of your home without a court order. Please alert our office if your landlord is attempting or threatening to evict you illegally.
If you have been served an eviction notice by your landlord or fear that you may, you can use a tool developed by the Chicago Lawyers Committee for Better Housing and Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO): https://rentervention.com/. This tool creates an Illinois Moratorium Declaration to protect you and your household from eviction for nonpayment of rent. You can also visit EvictionHelpIllinois.org, or call (855) 631-0811 for free legal aid, landlord-tenant mediation services, and connections to rental assistance programs.
If you know that multiple tenants in your apartment building are at risk of eviction and you are interested in creating a tenants’ union to collectively negotiate with your landlord, you can contact the Autonomous Tenants Union at 773-657-8700 or housing.atu@gmail.com.
Dealing with an old eviction on your record that makes it difficult to find new housing? A new Illinois law makes sealing old eviction records less difficult for tens of thousands of tenants statewide. You can use the website https://rentervention.com/ to help with this process.
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.
Sept. 18: Free Recycling/ Shredding in Avondale
Our office is partnering with other northwest-side legislators to host a free electronics recycling/ document shredding/ prescription drug takeback/ Covid-19 testing event. Join us on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9 – 11AM at Avondale-Logandale Elementary, 3212 W George.
Sept. 18: Ronan Park Sculpture Garden Official Opening
Join us in Ronan Park (the south end, near Lawrence Avenue) at 1 p.m., Saturday September 18, to celebrate the new sculpture garden. There will be speakers, musical performances, and a special performance by Dance Avondale at 2:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!
The Ronan Park Sculpture Garden is a collaborative project led by the North River Commission, in partnership with our 33rd Ward office, Chicago Park District, River Park Advisory Council, Chicago Sculpture International, National Cambodian Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial, and the many residents and organizations represented on the Confluence Steering Committee.
Sept. 18: Blood Drive at Christ Lutheran Church
Donate blood, save a life! Our community partners at Christ Lutheran Church and Versiti will host another blood drive on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 10AM – 3PM.
Sept. 18: Green Garage Sale
The annual St. Benedict Parish and School Baby & Kids Green Garage Sale will be Saturday. Sept. 18 from 8AM – 3:30PM.
COVID precautions will be in place. Attendees are encouraged to register for a time slot in advance here or using the QR code below.
Sept. 25: People United for Albany Park Block Party and Rally for Housing
Join People United for Albany Park for a block party with free Covid vaccines and testing, housing and eviction defense information, and free groceries from 1 – 2:30PM. Located at the Our Lady of Mercy lot on Kedzie, north of Montrose.
Sept. 25: Community Outreach Event for 3559 W Lawrence Ave
Sept. 26: Albany Park Block Party
I am very excited to announce this FREE upcoming event on Sunday, September 26th at Lawrence & Kimball. Join us for this celebration of our beautifully diverse Albany Park and enjoy live music, shop from local small vendors, and bring your family along for kids activities.
I am very excited to announce this FREE upcoming event on Sunday, September 26th at Lawrence & Kimball. Join us for this celebration of our beautifully diverse Albany Park and enjoy live music, shop from local small vendors, and bring your family along for kids activities.
Applications Open for ‘Claiming Our Space’
The Kedzie Center, in collaboration with 2nd Story, is building a dynamic program for students who identify as DACA/Undocumented and reside in the North River area. Over the course of ten weeks, students will learn how to tell and shape their own personal stories/narratives in a positive way. Every student will be compensated for their time.
Participation is limited so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Program Schedule:
Thursdays, October 7 thru December 16 (with taking off for Thanksgiving), from 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Qualifications:
Students must be between the ages of 17 and 24
Students must be either DACA or Undocumented
Students must have been enrolled in school within the last six months
Application Process:
1.) Submit Your Application
2.) A 20-minute conversation with a Representative from The Kedzie Center, 2nd Story, and/or the North River CommissionOffice Hours:
Boletín del 17 de septiembre
Esta semana, he pasado mucho tiempo reuniéndome con vecinos para discutir el tema crítico de la seguridad comunitaria y los próximos pasos que podemos tomar juntos para construir comunidades seguras y saludables para todos. Como residente y madre de un niño pequeño en el barrio, comparto sus preocupaciones y convicciones sobre la urgencia de abordar la violencia armada, y quiero compartir con los residentes los pasos inmediatos que tomamos actualmente para enfrentar estos problemas y los soluciones hacia las que estamos construyendo.
El miércoles, se produjo un tiroteo en la cuadra 3800 de N Richmond, y dos hombres resultaron heridos y transportados al Illinois Masonic Medical Center, donde fueron tratados y se encuentran en condición estable. Cuando ocurren incidentes como este en la comunidad, utilizamos todas las herramientas a nuestra disposición. Nos comunicamos directamente con el liderazgo policial del distrito y del área para transmitir cualquier información disponible a los residentes afectados. También trabajamos con trabajadores de alcance de la Alianza de Organizaciones de Servicios Locales (ALSO), que comenzaron a trabajar en nuestro barrio el año pasado. Trabajamos con grupos como el Colectivo Transformando la Seguridad de la Comunidad para continuar involucrando a los vecinos y recuperar el espacio público en las áreas donde ha ocurrido la violencia, así como con grupos como Israel Gifts Of Hope para apoyar a las familias y las personas que han sobrevivido a la violencia. También agilizamos las solicitudes de infraestructura relacionadas con la seguridad siempre que sea posible, lo que incluye garantizar que los cortes de luz de las calles se restablezcan lo más rápido posible para ayudar a mantener nuestras calles seguras y bien iluminadas.
Queremos responder rápidamente a situaciones de emergencia, pero más que nada queremos evitar que sucedan en primer lugar. Prevenir la violencia y abordar la raíz de la causa es una tarea fundamental que toda nuestra ciudad debe afrontar. Existe una amplia evidencia de lo que debemos hacer para interrumpir los ciclos de violencia y construir comunidades equitativas y saludables; sin embargo, seguimos viendo programas públicos efectivos con financiamiento insuficiente, si es que lo están.
No podemos resolver la violencia en un solo vecindario o barrio, y como responsable de la formulación de políticas públicas, continuaré abogando por financiar por completo la prevención de la violencia y la respuesta a crisis basada en evidencia en toda la ciudad a través de medidas como Treatment Not Trauma y la el proyecto Peace Book.
Como concejal y como residente desde hace mucho tiempo de este barrio, es muy importante para conseguir estos recursos lo más rápido posible. Con ese fin, utilizaré el aumento salarial automático que los miembros del Concejo Municipal recibirán el próximo año para apoyar a organizaciones trabajando con prevención de violencia y salud mental en nuestro barrio. Este aumento automático, que es el resultado de una ordenanza de 2006 que vincula el pago del Ayuntamiento a la inflación, entra en vigencia en enero de 2022. Antes de ese momento, planeo compartir todos los detalles con los residentes sobre cómo asignaré estos fondos adicionales de la ciudad con el objetivo de construir un barrio seguro y próspero.
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