Our Participatory Budgeting process for 2023 is almost to a close. We opened the voting process on December 12, 2022 and today we have reached over 1,000 votes! We are so grateful for everyone who has volunteered, voted, or spread the word about this process. In this final week of voting we are asking you to continue to help us reach our goal of 2,000 votes. Click here to view the projects our volunteers have agreed upon.

The final day to cast your vote is Friday, January 20th. You are able to vote online using this link. If you prefer to vote in person you can do so at 3 locations: the 33rd Ward Alderman’s Office, Roosevelt High School, and Linne Elementary School. To be eligible to vote you must be 13 years old or older, live in the 33rd ward, or have a child that attends school in the 33rd ward.

We want to make sure all voices are heard. If there is a project that means a lot to you please take some time to vote before the voting period ends next Friday.

****

UPDATE: The Maria Elenes Sifuentes Apartments application is currently postponed. Our office will provide an update once a final date, time, and location is determined. If you have any questions please contact our office at 773-840-7880

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

*Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check out our Community Bulletin!

Zoning Update for the 33rd Ward

The Board of Education of the City of Chicago (“BOE”) has filed an Application for Variation under the requirements of the Chicago Zoning Ordinance with the Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Chicago (“ZBA”) for the property located at 3436 W. Wilson Avenue (Roosevelt High School, hereinafter the “Property”).

The BOE is undertaking an exterior renovation and improvement project at the school which will include the repaving and landscaping of the parking area at the northwest corner of the campus and adding a new minimum regulation-size artificial turf sports field with bleachers, scoreboard, lighting, and sports netting along W. Leland Avenue at the northeast portion of the campus. The new turf field and parking lot improvements are permitted and do not require approval by the ZBA.

The purpose of the application relates strictly to the 70’ tall light poles and 20’ high sports netting and is required to reduce the required rear setback on West Leland Avenue from 50’ to 0.5’ to allow these improvements. There are two light poles along W. Leland Avenue at each corner of the new field and the sports netting runs along the entire length of the new field. The lighting, which will only be used during limited evening practice and game times, will be directed south over the field and won’t disperse into the neighborhood. The netting is a safety feature and will prevent balls from entering W. Leland Avenue. 

As a result, the requested Variations will greatly improve the usefulness of the field and will benefit the neighborhood as well. Plans for the project can be viewed on our website. Questions about the project can be directed to Scott R. Borstein at 312-641-7144 (Counsel for the BOE).  

Christmas Tree Recycling Program

Starting January 7th, you can recycle your Christmas tree at 26 locations around the city. Only live or natural trees will be accepted. No garlands or wreaths can be recycled, and all ornaments and decorations should be removed from trees. If you put a plastic bag on your tree to move it, you must remove it before leaving it to be recycled. Each location will be accepting tree donations until January 22nd. 

For a full list of Christmas tree recycling locations, click here. 

Area Tree Trimming, Starting Spring 2023

Thanks to additional funding, the DSS Bureau of Forestry has increased its tree trimming crews and has the capacity to move to a citywide area tree trimming program beginning Spring 2023. This means crews are able to trim all trees in one geographic area at the same time, creating a more efficient and equitable process for Chicago residents, and allowing for the proper maintenance of the City’s overall urban tree canopy.

Please note the City of Chicago is no longer accepting individual tree trimming requests and any such requests received in 2022 have been moved to the new area tree trimming program. Also, DSS is working to complete any requests still pending from 2021, and residents who submitted a trimming request in 2022 will receive a letter of notification on the new program.

The Bureau of Forestry’s goal is to operate in neighborhoods across the City every week, barring any emergency weather incidents. Trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming.

Chicago Neighborhood Awards, Applications Due January 18th

Applications are open for the 29th Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in neighborhood real estate development, community engagement, neighborhood planning, creative placemaking and building stronger and healthier communities.

Monetary awards will be presented to the winners, who will be announced and honored at the 29th Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards in the Spring of 2023.

Applications are due on January 18, 2023. Applications must be submitted online. To apply and for more information on project eligibility and rules please visit http://app.lisc-cnda.org/.

Learn about the past CNDA and Driehaus Foundation Award winners here.

Neighborhood Events

1. Northwest Brewfest, February 4th

Youth Opportunities

1. NewHouse Architecture & Design Competition

The annual Newhouse Architecture + Design Competition showcases the talents of Chicago-area high school students who create projects that solve real-world problems. This competition gives students an opportunity to practice and refine design skills and create a project that could be part of their portfolio. It inspires teens to understand why design matters by researching, representing, and redesigning the built environment to solve challenges that are personal and place based. This is their 41st Annual Newhouse Competition, and the theme for this year is, “Sustainability Through the Lens of Biophilia.” Teenagers can participate to win prizes such as boat cruise tickets, cash prizes, and meeting professionals in the field.

2. CPS Families Child Tax Credit

Chicago Public Schools families may be eligible for up to $3,600 per child through the expanded federal Child Tax Credit program.

To find out if you’re eligible, and to apply for this credit, visit GetCTC.org/chicagops, a simplified tax filing tool that takes just a few minutes to complete and does not require any tax documents. Some families may also be eligible for an additional $1,400 stimulus payment. Families have until mid-November to claim this money. More information can be found on this flier.

Chicago Park District Winter Programs, Now – March 2023

Registration for all Chicago Park District Winter Programs is now open, with lots of availability for recreation, fitness, arts & culture, drop-in programs, and more. Programs range in age group from tots, youth, teens, adults, and seniors.

Most programs start next week, so sign up now to beat the winter blues, stay active, and have fun with the Chicago Park District this winter. Nearby programs with availability include such fun options as:

• Archery at Horner Park, Thu 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM,  January 12 to March 23 (ages 11-16)
• Arts and Crafts at Peterson Park, Mon 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, January 9 to March 20 (ages 6 – 12)
• Color Theory & Oil Painting at Eugene Field, Mon 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, January 9 – March 20 (age 18 and up)
• Drop-in at Gompers, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, January 10 – March 23 (Ages 6-12)
• Many, many more! 

Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/winter-programs for full details on Winter programs, and click the special link below to see programs with openings at parks near Albany Park, Irving Park, and North Park! 

Period Poverty in the Latinx Community

Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, education or waste management – an issue that affects 16.9 million people in the U.S.

This is a health barrier that is difficult for many people to overcome: due to the stigmatization of periods, it tends to be something that people are embarrassed or ashamed to talk about. This issue is underreported and there isn’t a lot of data to show how many people are affected in our state. To determine how many people in Illinois and Chicago are affected and what information/resources are needed, a survey has been created that asks participants about their experiences with menstruation. This survey is available in both English and Spanish and takes just a few minutes to fill out online. Click here to complete the survey today.

The goal is to reach as many Chicagoans as possible in order to get the best results that will promote menstrual equity and help those in need. For more information on this call to action, please read this article.

Queen of Angels Open House, January 17th

Click here to sign up today.

Fair Housing Workshop for Landlords, January 26th

Are you a landlord? Join the North River Commission in partnership with the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance (CAFHA) and HOPE Fair Housing Center for a FREE landlord workshop on Thursday, January 26th at 10:30 am via Zoom. Come learn the basics of fair housing, federal and local laws, disability rights, and the new source-of-income protections that went into effect on January 1, 2023. To RSVP email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org.

Chamber of Commerce Marketing Happy Hour, January 26th

Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce on the first Business to Business Networking Event of 2023 – Marketing Happy Hour! Meet other business owners, grow your professional network and learn about marketing and event planning at our panel discussion with professionals from Hush. Ask questions and get answers about best marketing practices, new events for your business, and 2023 strategies to grow your customer base! This is a cash bar event and light appetizers will be served.

LOCATION: Los Molcajetes, 3532 W Montrose

• 5:30 PM: Panel discussion with professionals from Hush
• 6:30 PM: Meet other business peers and create long-lasting relationships!

RSVP by 12:00 pm on Thursday, January 26th. Get your tickets today!

PRICE:

• FREE for 2023 Albany Park Chamber of Commerce Members plus one guest.
• Non-Chamber Members: $5 to attend, per person

For questions, contact Marisabel at 312-860-9294 or marisabel@northrivercommission.org.

Composting at your Business or Organization Webinar, January 31st & February 1st

If you’re looking to make your company more eco-friendly in 2023, look no further! Block Bins will be hosting a webinar about bringing composting to your business or organization, with two dates/times to choose from. Whether you’re a restaurant, school, hair salon, nonprofit, small grocery store, office, farmers market, or something else, everyone can reduce their environmental impact through composting! Please check out the links below to register.

DAYTIME SESSION- January 31st, 2 – 3 PM: Click here to register

EVENING SESSION- February 1st, 6:30 – 7:30 PM: Click here to register

Fair Housing Workshop for Tenants, February 8th

Join the North River Commission in partnership with Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance CAFHA and HOPE Fair Housing Center for a FREE tenants workshop to learn about tenants’ protections under state and local laws and how to identify housing discrimination.

When: WEDNESDAY, February 8th at 12 pm
Where: Christ Lutheran Church located at 3253 W Wilson Ave

Light refreshments will be provided. To RSVP email Erika at erika@northrivercommission.org.

Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) Relaunch

IHDA has opened a new round of the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) to help homeowners who continue to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the trends they have identified during the first round of applications, they have doubled the maximum ILHAF grant amount from $30,000 to $60,000! This grant can cover overdue mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and association fees.

To date, ILHAF has provided $32.5 million to help 2,346 Illinois homeowners avoid foreclosure. Doubling their assistance amount to $60,000 will allow for them to help even more homeowners remain in their homes as they navigate inflation fears, changing market conditions, and continue to support the state’s overall recovery from the pandemic.

Households who need help with past-due mortgage payments and related expenses can apply for free assistance at www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org until Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. If you would like to learn more or share ILHAF information with your communities, you can find a downloadable ILHAF outreach toolkit in both English and Spanish at www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org/toolkit-mortgage.

If you have questions about ILHAF, please call at 1-866-ILHELP-1 (1-866-454-3571) or email them at HAFQuestions@ihda.org.

Trilogy Winter Clothing Drive

Trilogy is a community mental health agency located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. This year they are having a winter clothing drive for Chicagoans in need. If you are able to donate they are accepting donations in Albany Park at 3737 W Lawrence Ave Monday through Thursday from 11am – 4pm. If you have questions on what kind of clothing items they are looking for, please contact them at (773)- 508-6100. 

Business Resources

1. Plant Chicago Circular Economy Leadership Network Applications Now Open

Plant Chicago, based in Back of the Yards, is recruiting for the 2023 cohort of its Circular Economy Leadership Network. The program is open to any Chicago-based small business, early-stage entrepreneurs, home-based businesses, and independent contractors interested in implementing and establishing circular economy practices. Plant Chicago is accepting applications until Wednesday, February 1st, 2023. For additional information about how to apply, you can learn more here or reach out to Plant Chicago’s Circular Economy & Small Business Manager Elise O’Malley at elise@plantchicago.org. 

2. Business Grant Applications

• Founder’s First Grant — A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 30 businesses in Chicago in the form of cash and full-tuition scholarships to a stellar accelerator.
  • Grant money can be used as growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs.
  • Cash infusion can be used to purchase, fix or enhance equipment necessary to help you manage growth challenges and scale for the future.
  • Founder identifies as one of the following: Latinx, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQIA+, Military Veteran, or located in a Low to Moderate Income area.
  • TO QUALIFY: Must be located in the state of Illinois and have a current staff of 2-20 employees. Will have the ability to add 1-2+ net new premium wage jobs in the next 12 months. Your company must be a service-based business and at least one revenue stream serving other businesses. Must be a for-profit company with annual revenues between $100K and $3 million.
  • The application deadline is February 4, 2023.  Please email chicago.jobcreators@foundersfirstcdc.org with any questions about the Job Creators Quest Grant.
• Innovations for Healthy Living – Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities funding opportunity
  • Granted by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) as part of the America’s Seed Fund. This opportunity is for eligible SBIR/STTR entities to develop technologies and products that address health disparities while engaging and empowering individuals and communities.
• Upskilling Initiative
  • Provides professional development grants to businesses that serve employees aged fifty (50) and older who are currently earning up to $16 an hour. Training funds will be disbursed in $2,000 increments, pending a guaranteed commitment from the employer of a $1.50 or more per hour wage increase respectively after the training is complete.

• HerRise Micro-Grant
  • Provides financial assistance, with the help of our corporate sponsors and donors, to women of color creating innovative solutions that impact their community and that are often unable to secure funding for their small business. Each month a $500 micro-grant will be awarded to a small business owned by women of color.
  • Small business grants are useful for financing a particular small business need. Past recipients used their growth grants for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software purchase, website creation and more.

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

Employment Opportunities

1. Greencorps Chicago Employment Opportunities, January 18th

Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. Greencorps Chicago is currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program.  More information and how to apply can be found at https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.

During the ten-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50. Greencorps Chicago trainees receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries.  Trainees are offered a number of professional certifications including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license.  Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance finding full time employment upon completion of the program. 

For more info, please see: https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.

2. Contracting Opportunities Open House with CTA, January 19th

Join CTA as they share information about the Red Line Extension Project, All Station Accessibility Projects, and many other projects to upgrade the Chicago Transit Authority infrastructure. Learn how your firm can partner on these projects to keep Chicago moving as you meet with potential prime contractors! This event takes place Thursday January 19, 2023, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the Kehrein Center located at 5628 W Washington Chicago IL 60644.Doors open at 9:45 am. Presentation starts at 10:15 am. Click here to register.

3. CPS Paraprofessional Job Fair, January 18th

The Chicago Public Schools Talent Office is hosting a CPS Job Fair for paraprofessional positions for our 2022-23 school year. 

Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: 36th Ward Office – C118, 6560 West Fullerton Ave

Click here to register for this event.

4. Pace Hire-on-the-Spot Event, January 21st

Looking for a rewarding career with excellent pay and benefits? Get hired immediately for available bus operator, mechanic, and administrative positions at Pace’s first Hire on the Spot event of 2023. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Pace’s headquarters in Arlington Heights (550 W. Algonquin Road). Same-day job offers will be made, light refreshments will be served, and attendees will be entered into a raffle for Schaumburg Boomers baseball tickets!

Those interested in becoming professional bus operators or mechanics should bring their Secretary of State driver’s abstract/MVR and attend one of two three-hour assessment sessions beginning at 9:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. All others interested in learning more or applying for employment can stop by any time between 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m

5. Become A Medical Interpreter Today 

6. Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club is hiring

For a full list of open positions and jobs descriptions click here.

7. St. Mary of Providence is hiring for 2 positions

8. Tapestry 360 Health now hiring

Tapestry 360 Health is hiring Medical Assistants ($500 hiring bonus), Medical Receptionists ($500 hiring bonus), Call Center Representatives ($500 hiring bonus), and Nurses ($3000 hiring bonus). 

Tapestry 360 Health, formerly known as Heartland Health Centers, is a federally qualified health center with 16 locations serving Chicago’s north side and nearby suburbs, offering affordable and comprehensive primary care, oral health care, and behavioral health care services. 

9. CTA’s Find a Job Fridays

MonkeyPox Resources

The monkeypox 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