On Thursday evening, our office hosted a public community meeting to discuss the proposal for 45 units of 100% affordable housing at 2907-2917 W Irving Park Road. This was one of the most attended, if not the most attended zoning meeting our office has ever held. 

Our office is accepting questions and comments for the next two weeks. You can come to our office to fill out a paper feedback form, fill out the form online, or by visiting our website.

If this is the first that you’re hearing of this proposal, you can visit our website to learn more. As detailed in Block Club Chicago stories by Alex Hernandez and Kelly Bauer back in 2021, Full Circle and Visionary Ventures were awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) by the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing.

Here’s some key background information: 

This project is 100% affordable housing development being developed by Full Circle Communities and Visionary Ventures, two of the most respected affordable housing developers active in the city. 

The proposal calls for 45 units and every single unit will be affordable. This proposal has been reviewed by the city’s Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Housing for two years now. It is incredibly difficult to build affordable housing because of the complexity of the financing involved.This gets even more challenging in communities like Irving Park that are experiencing displacement of renters, deconversions of multi-unit properties, and are becoming increasingly unaffordable to renters. LIHTC is essentially the only federal funding that goes to constructing new, affordable housing in the United States. Funding and resources are so limited that oftentimes affordable housing developers try multiple times to win these coveted tax credits. It can be nearly impossible to try to build affordable housing without LIHTC. The city’s Department of Housing awards LIHTC specifically to affordable housing proposals that truly are the best of the best – proposals that respond to communities where affordable housing is limited, communities where there are substantial inequalities between homeowners and renters, and factors that drive displacement like deconversions and demolitions are happening more frequently. In order to make the most impact with extremely limited funds, the Department of Housing also has minimum requirements that LIHTC proposals must meet such as the overall number of units in a project and the number of family-sized units. 

Let’s distill this for you: 

• 45 units of affordable housing
• Three units will be available at 15% of Area Median Income. 10 units will be at 30%. 15 units will be at 50%, and 18 units will be at 60% of Area Median Income. 
• Every single unit in the building will be affordable. 
• Every single unit in the building will be ADA-compliant. 
• The majority of units in the building will be family-sized. 
• The building will be fully electrified, include 45 units of interior bike storage, and will feature a green roof. 
• The zoning designation that Full Circle and Visionary Ventures are seeking is already in place directly across the street, on the northside of Irving Park Road, and has been in place for years without issue. 
• The federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is so limited when it comes to Chicago, a minimum threshold of units is required. Reducing the number of units in the building below 45 would put the entire proposal at risk. 

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The reason that I instituted a Community Driven Zoning Process in the 33rd Ward is because recommending or not recommending a zoning change is a decision with decades-long ramifications. It’s not simply a question about what a major street along Albany Park or Irving Park or Avondale might look like in 2023 or 2025, but who can and will be able to afford to live here a decade or two from now, and where will the people who can afford to live here then send their children to school or play. That’s why I ask for the input and feedback from community organizations and the ward-at-large. I look forward to hearing about this case from you in the days and weeks to come. 

I want the 33rd Ward to continue to be a place where Chicagoans from all walks of life can afford to live. Over the last decade, the Irving Park area has seen a substantial amount of displacement. When you see the level of displacement and the loss of multi-unit rental housing that you have in Irving Park, you understand why the Department of Housing would support an emergency measure like a proposal for 45 units of affordable housing. 

I also want to hear from you. We’ve already received a substantial number of comments via our feedback form and if you haven’t already, I encourage you to fill it out or to stop by our office and fill out a paper version. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to my staff and they will do their best to answer your questions about the proposal. 

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

Ward Night Out

Ward Night Out is an opportunity to bring your questions or concerns to the Alderwoman in a one-on-one meeting. Each Ward Night Out is first come, first serve. Walk-ins will be taken until 6:45 pm. For more information, please contact our office at info@33rdward.org or 773-840-7880.

Zoning Update

The Board of Education of the City of Chicago (BOE) is seeking to change the zoning designation for North River Elementary School and ASPIRA Haugan Middle School” with a common address of 3729 W. Leland Avenue (the “Property” or “School”) from its current Institutional Planned Development #878 (IPD #878) to a B1-3 Neighborhood Shopping District and then to Institutional Planned Development #878, as Amended.    

The purpose of the application is simply to allow a new sign with a 17 square foot dynamic image display within the School’s courtyard entry area on W. Leland Avenue.  The sign will face west down W. Leland Avenue. No other changes to the School or its operations are proposed.  The proposed zoning application will be heard by the Chicago Plan Commission at its hearing on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 10am in City Council Chambers, 121 N. LaSalle Street. 

Any questions regarding the application can be addressed to our office or counsel for the BOE, Scott R. Borstein, 312 641-7144.

Kedzie Avenue Complete Streets Realignment Update

The Chicago Department of Transportation is in the final stages of a new Complete Streets curb alignment along Kedzie Avenue that further shields both bikes and pedestrians from car traffic. Within the 33rd Ward, this new alignment is in place for four blocks from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street. 

This new parking configuration will likely take some time to socialize because it is new to many residents and business owners and customers; in the long term this will make Kedzie safer for all users of the road. CDOT has prepared instructional materials with how to park in this new alignment. Our office also encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with “The Dutch Reach” when exiting a vehicle. This way of exiting a vehicle encourages drivers and passengers to open a car door with their far-hand. This gives a person exiting the vehicle a better line of sight of oncoming traffic. This technique has saved the lives of countless bike riders and pedestrians around the world who might otherwise have been doored and can also be extremely helpful for keeping people exiting vehicles safe from oncoming traffic.  

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Reminder

As traffic violence continues to increase against pedestrians, bicyclists, and even first responders like firefighters and paramedics, remember to obey traffic signals including red lights. Our office also asks that drivers remember that they must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. If you see this sign and a pedestrian is present, you must let them cross before proceeding. Additionally, our office encourages drivers to be patient and generous with all users of the road. Remember that pedestrians and cyclists are not surrounded by air bags or encased in a ton of steel. 

Neighborhood Events

1. Israel’s Gifts of Hope Back to School Drive, August 12th

2. Kelvyn Park’s Annual Mercado & Back to School Fair, August 12th

3. Back 2 School Fiesta, August 19th

4. Transforming Community Safety Collective’s Pop-Up Skatepark, August 20th

5. Clean & Green, August 26th

6. Self Defense & Empowerment Seminar, August 26th

7. River Park Summer Event Calendar

Youth Opportunities

1. 2023 Community Services Block Grant Scholarship Program

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is currently accepting applications for its 2023 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program.

The CSBG scholarship program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents attending post-secondary education programs during the fall semester of 2023 and has minimum income requirements to meet the eligibility criteria. DFSS is dedicated and committed to making resources available to residents that build stability, support their well-being, and empower them to thrive. To learn more, click here. 

Applications must be received by DFSS via the web-based CSBG Scholarship Application Platform on Friday, August 25, 2023, by 5:00 p.m. DFSS will host webinars on August 2nd and August 9th at 10:00 a.m to discuss the program. To register for a webinar, applicants should email their choice of date and time to:  DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org. For additional questions or concerns, please contact us at DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org.

2. Roosevelt High School Registration Days

3. Align Your Inner Self Youth Program (16-24), Now through September 2023

Black Alphabet started as an organization founded to encourage story telling and educate communities about the cultural and social contributions Black LGBTQ+ identified people have made upon the world. Now the organization has transformed and they are focused on creating and spreading awareness on issues that have an impact on the Black LGBT+ community.

Their new program, Aligning Your Inner Self, for youth ages 16-24 is to help those who are looking to align their inner voice or conscience through the use of art. The program started in March and they will have monthly sessions through September 2023.

Click here to register for a session!

Financial Health Workshop, August 9th

Join North River Commission, Wintrust Bank, and The Friendship Center for a free in-person workshop on financial health on Wednesday, August 9 at 6 pm

In this workshop you will learn how to:

• Protect your financial info online
• Benefits and programs offered by Wintrust
• Online banking

RSVP with Erika via email at erika@northrivercommission.org or text at 872-257-8773.

Department of Planning and Development Grant Programs, Applications Due August 18th

The City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development is currently accepting applications for its Community Development, Climate Infrastructure Fund, and Equitable Transit-Oriented Development grant programs. You can review the criteria for each of the programs here. Applications are due by Friday, August 18th.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Fall Registration

Are you intellectually curious? Or looking for engagement and social connection? OLLI invites you to join this vibrant learning community at Northwestern University, specially designed for adults age 50+. In stimulating discussions, you’ll explore a wide range of your favorite subjects, including history, literature, creative arts, contemporary issues, science, technology, and more–with no tests or grades. Registration is August 7-21 for 14-week study groups that begin September 5th in Evanston, downtown Chicago, or online. To view ourfall catalog of 100 study groups, email olli@northwestern.edu. And join us for “A Taste of OLLI,” our free online information session on August 1^st (Register here ). 

Small Business Spotlight: Los Barriles

A new restaurant has joined the bustling Kedzie Avenue Persian food corridor. Maman Zari (4639 N Kedzie), named after co-owner Mariam Shahsavarani’s grandmother, aims to “expand peoples’ idea of Persian food” and offers dishes that are “authentic to their origins and modern in preparation.” The new spot boasts a pair of seasonal nine-course tasting menus. You can learn more about Maman Zari and make a reservation by visiting their website.

Business Resources

1. B2B Networking Event: POS & E-Commerce, August 24th 

Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce on the fourth B2B networking event of the year where Maru Braemer, consultant at EPNA, will lead a discussion about POS and e-commerce. A networking happy hour will follow the presentation. Light appetizers will be served and you will be able to buy delicious cocktails and refreshing beer at Los Barriles Restaurant and Sports Bar.

• WHERE: Los Barriles Restaurant, 3548 W Lawrence
• PRICE: Free for Chamber members + 1 guest; $5 for non-members
• TICKETS: Get your tickets here

2. Maximizing Social Media & Digital for Your Small Business, August 29th

In this FREE workshop, in partnership with Uptown United, you will learn how to take better photos for social media and for your website, Google visibility, learn about free digital tools for your business, and SEO. 

• WHERE: On-Zoom and in-person at 4619 N Broadway
• REGISTER: for Zoom; for in-person

3. Business Grant Applications

• 2023 Source Grant provides up to $20,000 to small businesses to help stabilize operations, foster recovery, and resiliency, and advance equity in a post-pandemic economy. This grant is brought to you by the Cook County Small Business Resource. Businesses located in Cook County with fewer than 20 full-time employees that were in business prior to 2020 are eligible to apply. This opportunity is available for businesses in all sectors. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 18.
  • Businesses with 2019 gross revenue between $20k-$50k are eligible to receive $10K grants
  • Businesses with 2019 gross revenue of more than $50k are eligible to receive $20K grants.
• The Chicago Recovery Plan: provides additional opportunities for the City to invest in catalytic local development through three grants. DPD is accepting applications for grant funding to support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing development. City staff will prioritize projects in areas of Chicago where there is a history of disinvestment or limited private investment. The deadline to apply for all three grants is Friday, August 18th.
  • Community Development Grants: Grants of more than $250,000 that can be used for pre-development, construction, or renovation costs for permanent capital improvement projects. Open to community developers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and property owners. Site control is preferred, but not required.
  • Equitable Transit-Oriented Development: The City of Chicago is giving grants to support eligible affordable housing, mixed-use, or small-business ETOD.
    • ETOD Development Grants: Grants of up to $250,000 to be used for construction or renovation costs for permanent capital improvement projects. Proposals will be evaluated based on how they help to meet the goals of the ETOD Policy Plan and advance aspects of the Connected Communities Ordinance.
    • ETOD Pre-Development Grants: Grants up to $150,000 to execute planning and pre-development activities for ETOD initiatives during a twelve-month period (with the opportunity for extension).
    • Climate Infrastructure Fund: $50,000 to $250,000 will be awarded to neighborhood projects that mitigate the effects of climate change and accelerate the city’s equitable transition to the green economy. The three categories for the application are: 1) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Systems, 2) Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV Charging Infrastructure, 3) Green Infrastructure (GI).

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

Employment Opportunities

1. CTA Second Chance Program

2. Job Fair & Open House at HANA Center, August 11th

HANA Center is excited to invite you to their 2023 in-person Job Fair!

Come prepared to connect with employers from various industries – please bring multiple copies of your resume and cover letter, or sign up for their resume writing workshop before the event (Contact Rubi at rzamudio-rivera@hanacenter.org or 847-250-7348)

This is a free event to both job seekers and employers. Plus, get a professional haircut or get your professional headshot taken at NO COST!

Click here to RSVP today!

3. CTA’s Find a Job Fridays

If you’re looking for work, consider giving the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) a look. The CTA is in the midst of a major recruitment campaign. Visit the CTA’s careers website to learn more. New jobs are posted every Friday.

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