33rd Ward Newsletter – Jan. 28, 2022

Posted on January 28, 2022January 28, 2022 by 33rd Ward Staff

I hope you are staying warm and dry! After last night’s snowstorm, the city’s plows wrapped up big arterial streets earlier today and began work on our ward’s residential streets this afternoon.

You can see the where plows are working in real-time using the City’s Snow Plow Tracker.

Please note that to deal with the large volume of snow today, Streets & Sanitation is having refuse collection workers help out with the snow program. Therefore, If you live North of Addison and have your garbage picked up on Fridays, your garbage will likely not be picked up until tomorrow–please keep your garbage carts out if you are not serviced today.

Shoveling sidewalks remains the responsibility of building owners, and icy, uncleared sidewalks pose a serious hazard to many of our neighbors. If you encounter a business or multi-unit building that is consistently failing to clear its sidewalks, you can submit an “uncleared sidewalk complaint” to the city here, as well as letting our office know.

Snow clearance can pose a challenge for elderly or disabled homeowners in our ward, and we are here to help. If you are a neighbor who is physically unable to shovel snow and are in need of support, or if you would like to volunteer to help your neighbors clear their sidewalks, you can sign up here.

Participatory budgeting results
Job opening: 33rd Ward zoning + development
Apply for rental assistance by Jan. 31
Chicago recovery grants for small businesses
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless mutual aid fund
Chicago LSC elections
Cook County property tax exemption renewals
Covid-19 updates
Feb. 19: Junta Comunitaria ‘We Will Chicago’
Community safety updates
Free tax prep help
Winter weather tips and assistance

Quick Links

Request services	33rd Ward Calendar
ChiStreetWork construction portal	Senior Services

Review Zoning Proposals	Resources for Renters

Participatory Budgeting Results

Results are in for this year’s participatory budgeting vote in the 33rd Ward! Huge thank you to our volunteer PB committee and everyone who voted.

The results are below. We look forward to having these great projects move forward in the ward!

The 33rd Ward Office is Hiring

Our office is seeking a detailed and community minded individual for the role of Zoning & Development Administrator.

This is a part-time contract position responsible for processing applications for rezoning, troubleshooting questions related to zoning matters, and facilitating our office’s Community Driven Zoning and Development process.

Further details about the position and application process are available here.

Apply for Rental Assistance

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of homelessness due to missed payment of rental costs due to unforeseen crises, they may be eligible for the Department of Family and Support Services Rental Assistance Program. The deadline to apply has been extended through January 31, 2022.

Learn more and apply here or call the North Area Community Service Center, 845 W. Wilson, at 312- 744-2580.

Chicago Recovery Grants Available

Chicago Recovery Plan community development grants are being made available to Chicago entrepreneurs, small businesses and developers, with the initial round open through January 2022. Learn more about the Chicago Recovery Plan here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The first-round application deadline is Jan. 31, 2022, followed by a second-round application deadline of March 10, 2022.

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Mutual Aid Fund

The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Mutual Aid Fund will open on Tuesday, February 1st.

This fund provides a one-time emergency grants of $500 to 120 individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This includes individuals or families who are living in shelters, living outside, or temporarily staying with family and friends. The application is short, low-barrier, and simple to access.

Applications can be submitted online at www.chicagohomeless.org/MAF or by calling 312-641-4148 starting Tuesday, February 1st at 9:00am.

For more information visit the Mutual Aid Fund FAQ here: https://www.chicagohomeless.org/mutualaidfaq/

Chicago Local School Council Elections

CPS Local School Council (LSC) elections are coming up soon! Whether you’re a parent, teacher or community member, this is a great way to get involved in your local school community. This year, the deadline to submit an application to run as a candidate is 3 p.m. Friday, March 4. Learn more about LSC responsibilities and how to apply here.

LSC members are elected every two years by parents, community members and school staff. Members serve two-year terms, with the exception of student representatives, who serve one-year terms. New this year: students in sixth grade and up may now run for a seat on LSCs!

A 33rd Ward neighbor and retiring three-time elected LSC community rep put together this handy guide on the how-to of running for and serving on LSCs. If you’re interested in running, check it out!

Cook County Property Tax Exemption Update

The Cook County Assessor’s Office has announced that most property tax exemptions will auto-renew next year with no need to reapply. If you receive the following exemptions, you will automatically receive those in you 2021 second installment:

Homeowner Exemption
Senior Exemption
Senior Freeze Exemption
Persons with Disabilities Exemption
Veterans with Disabilities Exemption

You can read the full announcement from the Cook County Assessor’s Office here. To verify which exemptions were received last year, homeowners can visit the Cook County Property Tax Portal at cookcountypropertyinfo.com, enter their PIN and look under the exemption tab.

Additionally, homeowners will receive a postcard or letter in March 2022 confirming which exemptions will be automatically renewed.

For those first time applicants, the 2021 tax year exemption filing period will begin in early March 2022. Homeowner are encouraged to file online. To learn more about property tax exemptions and eligibility, visit cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions.

Covid-19 Updates

Mask Delivery for Seniors

The 33rd Ward Sage Brigade is also still offering home delivery of KN95 masks to seniors in the ward who weren’t able to pick one up during general distribution last week.

If you are a senior who lives in the ward and are in need of a high-grade KN95 mask, please submit your information here and a volunteer will contact you.

Free At-Home Covid Tests

Free at-home COVID-19 test kits are now available from the federal government.

Submit your information here to receive four rapid antigen tests to your home. Unfortunately, there is a limit of one order per household.

Should you need assistance filling out the form, please call our office at 773-840-7880.

Report Complaints for Pop-up Testing Sites

Block Club Chicago has been reporting on a chain of pop-up testing sites, The Center for Covid Control, which is now closed amidst a state investigation. The chain reportedly lied to customers about test results and other extremely serious problems.The office of the Attorney General urges residents to exercise caution before visiting any testing site. Read the full consumer alert here. It is recommended that residents first try to utilize a state-sponsored testing site. For information on COVID-19 testing in Chicago, go to Chicago.gov/covidtesting. Complaints related to COVID-19 testing sites may be filed with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Office. Click here to file a complaint or call the AG’s consumer fraud hotline at 1-800-386-5438.

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!

CPS Vaccination Events Find a COVID-19 vaccine appointment this week through CPS:

– Permanent sites – Mobile Events – School-Based Health Centers

Bateman Elementary will host a mobile vaccination event on Thursday, Feb. 10 from 10AM – 1PM. You can reserve a spot for your student here.

Other Vaccination Events Booster doses for everyone 16 years and older are now available at all CDPH clinics and even at home! Getting boosted helps keep you and your family protected from the virus. Make a plan for your family at chi.gov/covidvax. Some easy, nearby options for all 33rd Ward residents age 5 and up to get vaccinated include: Theodore Roosevelt High School
3436 W Wilson Ave
Mondays-Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Anyone 5+ Pfizer
Also 18+ Johnson & Johnson
Walk-ins welcome, appointments can be made online. Click this link to IDPH registration
Additional information available on the CPS COVID vaccination page.

Swedish Hospital: Walk-In’s Welcome Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please note: The Vaccine Clinic has moved to the Professional Plaza,2740 W. Foster Ave. Suite 108 (building directly across from our Emergency Department).www.swedishcovenant.org/covid/covid-19-vaccine Get tested: Anyone, including people who are fully vaccinated, should consider getting tested before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household. Find testing locations here. Indoor Vaccine Requirements The vaccine requirement for certain indoor spaces is now in effect. Any individual 5 years of age or older is required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or enjoy entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. Learn more about the Chicago Vaccine Requirement here.

This new requirement is in response to an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases both locally and nationally, driven in part by the Omicron variant, and is similar to requirements already in place in other large cities, including New York City and Los Angeles. In addition to proof of vaccination, patrons 16 and older must show a valid ID that matches the vaccination record. Businesses seeking more information and guidance should go to Chicago.gov/reopening.

Feb. 16: Junta Comunitaria ‘We Will Chicago’

North River Commission lo invita a unirse a sus vecinos en línea para discutir la creación de viviendas más asequibles y seguras a través del plan “We Will Chicago”. Traé tu voz a la mesa virtual el miércoles 16 de febrero a las 6 pm. ¡Nuestro objetivo es crear comunidades seguras y asequibles y apoyar el bienestar de los residentes, los vecindarios y todo Chicago! Demos juntos los siguientes pasos. RSVP en https://www.eventbrite.com/e/junta-comunitaria-para-vivienda-y-barrios-parte-de-we-will-chicago-registration-244094381867.

“We Will Chicago” es una nueva iniciativa de planificación de toda la ciudad bajo la alcaldesa Lori E. Lightfoot que fomentará el crecimiento y la vitalidad de los vecindarios al mismo tiempo que aborda las desigualdades sociales y económicas. Su participación ayudará a promover los objetivos de utilizar un compromiso significativo e inclusivo para dar forma al plan.

North River Commission y sus socios de We Will Chicago están ofreciendo un número limitado de boletos de apoyo comunitario, que brindan a los asistentes una tarjeta de regalo de $25. *Es requerido atender y participar en la junta para recibir la tarjeta.

Community Safety Updates

Violence Prevention Grants Available

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICIJIA) has opened grant opportunities for organizations of various sizes to fund violence prevention work. Select communities are eligible to apply for the grant. To read through eligibility visit this link https://r3.illinois.gov/

17th District CAPS Meeting Virtual

The 17th District has resumed beat meetings virtually.

Beat meetings are a resource for neighbors to get the latest update on occurrences of crime and other related activities in the ward. Our office and neighboring ward offices attend these meetings regularly and provide additional news related to ward activities. See below for a full calendar of 17th District 2022 beat meetings.

Beat 1711 and 1712 meeting link.

Beat 1713 and 1724 meeting link

Beat 1722 and 1723 meeting link

Beat 1731 meeting link

Beat 1732 and 1733 meeting link

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 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

Utility Scammers

We want to keep reminding neighbors not to let anyone into their homes unless they explicitly requested someone from a utility company to come out. There was an instance where a neighbor had a fake utility worker ask to access his home and the worker came in, pretended to provide a service, and stole several items of value and money. The family did not realize that they were being robbed until after the fact which goes to show how sneaky these individuals can be.

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.

Free Tax Prep Help

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 eight locations across Chicago starting as early as January 24, 2022 (Please visit www.TaxPrepChicago.org for updated information on site locations, dates, and hours).

Eligible Chicagoans could receive up to $7628 from the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits alone, 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 $58,000 and individuals earning up to $32,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential Tax Prep assistance at eight sites across Chicago. Volunteer tax preparers certified through IRS-approved training will assist them with federal and state income tax returns.

For more information about how to access the free tax assistance program, Chicagoans can visit the City’s tax assistance website at www.TaxPrepChicago.org or call (312) 588-6900 to schedule an appointment.

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.

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 ended in October. 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.

Utility Billing Relief

Utility Billing Relief (UBR) provides low-income City of Chicago residents with a reduced rate on their water, sewer, and water-sewer tax as well as debt relief for those who demonstrate they can manage the reduced rate bills for one year. Benefits for UBR participants include:

A reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax.
No late payment penalties or debt collection activity including water shut-off.
Debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past-due balance.

To learn more and apply, visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/provdrs/utility_billing/svcs/utility-bill-relief-program.html

Free Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic