This year, our ward has experienced an influx of infrastructure development, which has been vital for the improvement of our streets, alleys, and sidewalks. We’d like to provide updates on these changes and give more information on what’s to come:

• Kedzie Ave has been resurfaced, neighbors can expect to see traffic lanes and bike lanes drawn soon!
• CDOT is currently building curb extensions on Irving Park Rd, Belmont Ave, and Montrose Ave to aid in pedestrian safety when crossing the street and enforcing vehicles to slow down. Curb extensions on Montrose Ave is scheduled for the week of September 5th.
• Lawrence Ave has been approved to be resurfaced! This is incredible news, however, CDOT is rushing to get the work done. As you may know, the month-long delay of this construction was due to a union strike that took place with the cement/asphalt workers.

There are several smaller resurfacing projects happening on the following residential streets in our ward:

• Roscoe St – from Kedzie to Elston
• Grace St – from Kimball to Kedzie
• Berteau Ave – from Kedzie to Sacramento
• Wilson Ave –  from Central Park to Kimball
• Sunnyside Ave –  from St. Louis to Bernard

If you are curious about what construction work is happening around you, we invite you to check out this great tool called ChiStreetWork. This tool allows you to see all construction permits that have been issued by CDOT in the city and the website places them on an interactive map.

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 “Form” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here! 

Participatory Budgeting Launch Party, September 12th

On Monday, September 12th, we will be hosting the first-ever PB33 Launch Party! We are so excited to share details of our Participatory Budgeting process for 2023 and hear from our neighbors. This opportunity would allow for you to:

• Submit your ideas for ways to improve your community
• Find out how you can get involved in the committee
• Register to vote in the 2023 cycle of PB33
• Meet your neighbors and the Alderman

Read more about Participatory Budgeting and sign up to get involved here: https://33rdward.org/participatory-budgeting. 

Liquor Moratorium Community Meeting via Zoom, August 30th

Residents of the 33rd ward will have the opportunity to learn about a proposal to bring Circle K into the area and remove the liquor moratorium for this location on Tuesday, August 30th via Zoom. This meeting is for neighbors to learn about this proposal, raise questions, and provide feedback. 

To submit feedback and/or register for the meeting, click here.

In-Person Cannabis Dispensary Meeting, August 31st

The 33rd Ward has received notice of an in-person Cannabis Dispensary Meeting hosted by the Zoning Board of Appeals. This meeting is a part of the process to potentially permit Green Star Equity LLC to operate a dispensary located at 3545 N Kedzie Ave.

Before the cannabis dispensary can open in the ward, the business is required to go through an Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary process, which includes inviting the  community to this discussion. This meeting will allow for neighbors to hear what is proposed to happen in regard to opening the dispensary and to elevate questions/concerns. The Zoning Board of Appeals will have the final say in the applicant’s approval, which will be announced at a later date. 

Date: Wednesday, August 31st | 6 p.m.
Location: Rincon Family Services | 3710 N Kedzie Ave – Second floor

RSVP is not required

If you have any questions, please direct them to the applicant’s attorney, Sylvia Michas, at (312)-836-4030 or smichas@taftlaw.com

Important CTA Service Notice, August 26th – September 2nd

Due to telecom utility work at Montrose and Kimball, the following bus stops will be temporarily eliminated on the corresponding dates:

— 78 Montrose Route: Friday, August 26th – Monday, August 29th. 

• Bus stop #11389 (westbound corner of Montrose & Kimball)

— 82 Kimball Route: Tuesday, August 30th – Friday, September 2nd.

• Bus stop #11279 (northbound corner of Kimball & Montrose)

For more information about these changes and to sign up for route notices via text, please visit www.transitchicago.com.

Neighborhood Events

1. Albany Park Lot Jams Concerts, Present-Oct 8th

 

2. Mini Music Fest, August 27th

5. Avondale Agriculture Fair, August 28th

6. Albany Park Walking Tour, August 31st

You are invited to join your neighbors and fellow Albany Park Chamber members on Wednesday, August 31st at 6PM for a historic neighborhood walking tour of Albany Park. This event is free for Albany Park Chamber members. Click here to become a member today! For non-members, this event is $15.

RSVP with Benji via email bcorpuz@northrivercommission.org or call/text at (312)-860-7884 to receive further information.

7. Albany Park Taco Crawl, September 8th

Youth Opportunities

1. CSBG Scholarship Program, Applications Due August 26th

The CSBG Scholarship Program is offering scholarships for Chicago residents to fund their education, up to $5,000!
In order to qualifying, residents:
– Must be City of Chicago resident.
– Must be enrolled as a full-time student in an Illinois Educational Institution for the Fall of 2022.
– Need to have an e-mail address to apply. If you do not have an e-mail address, you will need to create one before applying.
– Must provide an official educational institution transcript to validate your full-time fall enrollment for 2022.
– Must demonstrate academic achievement, career potential and educational motivation.
– Must meet income eligibility requirements

To read more and/or apply, visit chicago.gov/fss/scholarship

Small Business Spotlight:

1. El Tikal Restaurant

El Tikal has brought a little piece of Guatemala to Albany Park! Today was their grand opening and they are currently open for business. Stop by at 3216 W Lawrence to try some of their featured dishes. 

2. Panda Pops & Collectibles

PandaPops & Collectibles is a new store in our ward, and is officially open for business! This unique store allows you to buy or trade collectibles. This weekend they are offering grand opening deals and 15% off your order! Visit them at 4668 N Manor.

Mutual Aid Diaper Drive, August 28th

Albany Park Mutual Aid is hosting a diaper drive on Sunday and seeking donations. If you are able, please donate diapers of any size, formula, baby toiletries, and clothes. If you would like more information please visit their website or give them a call at albanyparkmutualaid.com (312)-854-9741.

MeterSave Program with DWM

The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) has announced that they are installing free water meters after approval by the City Council, which allowed for some additions to the program. The voluntary MeterSave Program, which has provided over 130,000 meters to
homeowners since 2009, has saved residents up to 50% on their water bills.

Those on the MeterSave waiting list will be prioritized when the program begins in September, but anyone interested in receiving a meter can join the list by registering at: www.MeterSave.org

The program in its current form will end in January of 2023 when the state law changes to require lead service line replacement as part of any meter installation.

New CTA Bus Tracker

Earlier this week, CTA has launched a new bus tracking system. The updated Bus Tracker website provides estimates for bus arrival times, and it now has the following improvements:

• Adaptable for all devices ranging from smartphones to desktop monitors.
• New navigation maps that allow you to zoom in and out and provides detailed information about your route.
• The website will remember stops you’ve previously searched for, quickly find the closest bus stops near you, and set favorites without creating an account.
• Better bus tracking and prediction accuracy. 

Click here to start using CTAs updated bus tracking system!

Job Resources

1. NAMI Chicago

NAMI Chicago has positions open in Mental Health Services and they are looking for outstanding and dedicated people to join their growing team. Interested candidates can apply online by selecting any of the available positions below:

• Helpline Coordinator
• Helpline Peer Support Specialist
• Helpline Specialist
• Clinical Support Manager
• Controller

2. The Kedzie Center

The mission of the Kedzie Center is to provide accessible, culturally informed, quality mental health care to North River residents through the integration of clinical practice, education and evaluation, and the application of psychological insight to address community concerns, as informed by the community and in collaboration with local residents and partners. Please click the link below if you are interested in joining their team!

• Bilingual Administrative Assistant, Marketing & Outreach

3. St. Mary of Providence

St. Mary of Providence is a nonprofit residential and day services facility whose mission is to help people with developmental disabilities meet life’s challenges and reach their highest potential in spiritual, emotional, mental and psychological growth, while also promoting their dignity as human beings. Follow the links below or contact them at humanresources@smopchicago.org.

• Teachers Aid
• Developmental Educational Instructor
• Direct Support Persons

MonkeyPox Resources

Since early May 2022, cases of monkeypox has been reported in Europe and North America, where the virus is not usually found. 

The virus is spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing, etc.). This week, there were 807 documented cases in Chicago. 

Covid-19 Resources

1. You are now eligible for 8 MORE free at-home COVID rapid tests!

Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for 8 free at-home tests on USPS.com.  

2. 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!

3. At-Home Vaccinations Incentive

Through August 30, any Chicagoan age 5 and up is now eligible to receive a $50 gift card for booster COVID vaccine doses (regardless of zip code) via the City’s At-Home vaccination program. 

Per CDC rules, this bonus is only being offered to individuals that have not received more than $100 in COVID vaccine incentives from the City. Incentives will be provided while supplies last.

Click here to schedule your appointment

4. 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