Dear 33rd Ward Community,
For the past two years, two of the most respected affordable housing developers in the city – Full Circle Communities and Visionary Ventures – have been working with the Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Housing to develop a 100% affordable housing proposal that is responsive to the increasing housing pressures that are facing Chicago’s Native community, Irving Park and the 33rd Ward.
I’ve made the decision to recommend the zoning change that would make it possible to build 45 units of 100% affordable housing on Irving Park Road because of the overwhelming community benefits this proposal would bring:
- Over the last decade, the Irving Park area has seen a significant loss of housing units through the demolition of two-flats and three-flats and the deconversion of these multi-unit buildings into single-family homes. These demolitions and deconversions are currently permitted by the RS-3 zoning designation that covers much of the residential areas in Irving Park. These 45 units of new 100% affordable and accessible housing are still less than the total amount of housing that we’ve lost over the last decade, but it represents the bold response that’s required to improve affordability in a community that has seen such a significant loss of apartments and residences.
- These demolitions and deconversions have had ripple effects tied to the displacement we’ve experienced. A decade ago, Chicago Public Schools projected that Cleveland Elementary School would need to *expand* its capacity to accommodate more students by 2023. Instead Cleveland has seen enrollment decline. Cleveland Elementary’s principal and Local School Council have been emphatic about their support for this affordable housing development because they recognize that it will have a catalytic impact on the area.
- The Connected Communities ordinance, which sets rules for new developments along transit-served locations on major arterial streets like Irving Park Road, requires pedestrian improvements and at least one bike parking spot for every apartment in the building. 45 units of bike parking make an increase in bike usage in the area very likely. This will create an increased demand for infrastructure improvements like low-stress greenways that connect to Horner Park, California Park, and the Riverfront Trail and benefit all residents in the area.
- Our office has received overwhelming feedback in favor of this proposal through the channels our office established. More than 100 people attended a public meeting on the proposal and more than 375 people took time to weigh in on this proposal. Of the more than 375 people who took the time to fill out our feedback form either online or in-person at my office, more than 73% expressed their support for the proposal. More than 76% expressed that they would rather see 45 units of affordable housing than no affordable housing at the site. No affordable housing at the site would be the outcome of not supporting the proposed zoning change.
- We want – and need – our city and its agencies to be responsive to community needs. It is incredibly difficult to build any amount of affordable housing in this country. It’s almost financially impossible to build small affordable housing developments, particularly in areas where land values tend to be higher. The city’s Department of Housing has extremely limited resources for building affordable housing relative to the demand and need for it. Out of all the proposals that they received in 2021, this proposal was one that DOH selected as one of its most ambitious and promising candidates. There’s no doubt that DOH recognized the trends of demolition and displacement I discussed above. I cannot accept the idea that the city would recognize this affordable housing crisis, be responsive to it, and offer to make a substantial investment in our community only to say no. Saying no to something like this may make it less likely that comparable investments – like more affordable housing – could happen in our ward in the future.
33rd Ward residents elected me to tackle the big challenges facing our communities head on. I’m so proud that I was able to bring the Maria Elena Sifuentes affordable housing development to the Albany Park area in my first term. I’m incredibly proud that Irving Park will be the first recipient of affordable housing in my second term. My vision for improving the ward is building communities of care and this 100% affordable housing development, with family-sized units, is a manifestation of that idea. I have no doubt that it will make our community better and stronger.
-Rossana
School starts this Monday August 21st
We are excited for all our schools welcoming the children of the 33rd ward. We wish everyone a fun and safe return to class.
We want to make sure you know that there is a current school bus driver shortage that will impact our schools.
Without school buses, the campus of Edison Regional, Hibbard Elementary, and Albany Park Multicultural Academy is expecting a significant increase in car traffic. To accommodate this, the schools are creating a “drop and go” location at the eastern corner of the campus on Argyle and Sawyer. Another “drop and go” zone will be located at the western corner at Ainslie and Sawyer. Given the area traffic patterns, the principals encourage parents to use the eastern drop and go location at Argyle and Sawyer. Please note: No parking will be permitted along Ainslie between Sawyer and Kedzie and no use of the alley behind the school will be permitted.
Free CTA Rides on First Day of School for K-12 Students
The popular ‘First Day, Free Rides’ tradition is once again sponsored by Chicagoland-based Butcher Boy Cooking Oils, helping students get ready for a triumphant school year
To help promote attendance on the first day of Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will again offer its ‘First Day, Free Rides’ program for all K-12, Chicago-area students. Once again, CTA is partnering with Butcher Boy Cooking Oils to provide free CTA bus and train rides to students at public and private elementary and high schools, as well an accompanying adult on Monday, Aug. 21, which coincides with the first day of the Chicago Public Schools’ school year.
For more information about Student Reduced Fare, please visit: www.transitchicago.com/students/
Liquor Moratorium Lift Request (3158 W Montrose Ave) Community Meeting, Wednesday, August 23rd
My office will be hosting a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, August 23 at 6 PM to gather community input on a business’s proposal to have a liquor moratorium lifted in our ward.
The owner of David’s Liquor & Liquor (3158 W. Montrose Ave) is requesting a liquor moratorium be lifted in order to sell his business to another party. As a result, the current liquor moratorium for the area will have to be lifted in order for the new party to apply and obtain a new Packaged Goods License at the current address. If the liquor moratorium is lifted, this would also allow other businesses in the area to apply for Packaged Good Licenses. Please note that this does not mean that every business will be approved for a liquor license.
The current liquor moratorium in place restricts the issuance of Packaged Goods Licenses (retail sale of alcohol) on W Montrose Avenue between N. Kedzie Avenue and N.Sacramento Avenue. The description of the liquor moratorium from the Chicago Municipal Code is listed below for your reference:
Chicago Municipal Code Section 4-60-023
(33.17) On Montrose Avenue, from Kedzie Avenue to Sacramento Avenue. (Added Coun. J. 10-3-12, p. 35378, § 3)
Please register here to attend the community meeting and use this feedback form to provide input on the proposed liquor moratorium lift.
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.
How to support new arrivals in Chicago
Our office continues to receive calls, emails, and walk-ins from constituents who wish to support new Chicagoans. At this time there are a number of ways to support new arrivals throughout the city.
One of the immediate ways to help is to check the Amazon Wish List which is regularly updated by Instituto del Progreso Latino. The list is updated frequently to meet the needs of new arrivals in the city’s temporary shelters. Additionally, Instituto del Progreso Latino is accepting monetary donations to purchase items in bulk for new arrivals. Donations can be made by visiting InstitutoChicago.org. For additional information, visit chicago.gov/support.
Note: Please do not drop or donate items at Chicago Police Districts. Additionally only new items are being accepted at this time. Toiletries and new items from the Amazon Wish list are the highest priority right now.
If you do have furniture to donate that is in good condition, the Chicago Furniture Bank is your best bet. The Furniture Bank, in partnership with New Life Centers, is providing furniture to new arrivals who are being resettled into permanent housing. The Furniture Bank is also the largest provider of free furniture to the unhoused Chicagoans as well.
Finally, if you are interested in donating some of your time, energy, and skills, you can volunteer with the ongoing mutual aid efforts in the 33rd Ward to support new arrivals (the Community Care Collective), please click here to learn more.
Federal Flooding Assistance
Earlier this week, President Biden approved a Disaster Declaration for the State of Illinois and Cook County more specifically for the rainstorms from late June to early July. Residents and business owners who sustained losses during the flooding in late June/early July can immediately begin to apply for assistance by clicking here. Block Club Chicago also provided a guide for applying for disaster assistance here.
Grid-Based Tree Trimming
As some of you may already know, the Bureau of Forestry is no longer doing tree trims by request and has instead moved to a grid-based system similar to street sweeping. You can see how the grids are laid out across the ward in this map. The first grid that was to be completed was N032 W028, which spans Addison to Belmont from California to Kedzie. The next grid that will be completed is N040 W028, which covers Montrose to Irving Park Rd from California to Kedzie. Each grid can take anywhere between about three weeks and two months to complete. Tree trimming personnel will be in the ward weekly, weather permitting. Similar to street sweeping notifications, trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming. Upon the completion of each grid, we will make an announcement about which grid will be completed next. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made.
The results of both increased funding for the Department of Forestry and move to a grid-based system has resulted in more than triple the amount of trees being trimmed this year compared to the same time period last year. This change in system, along with an increase in full-time equivalents for forestry operations in the 2023 budget, will mean more trees in our ward, and the city, will be maintained than year’s past.
Having trouble filling a vacant apartment? Chicago Rents can help
Earlier this week, Ariel Parrella-Aureli reported on the Chicago Rents program for Block Club. If you’re not already familiar with this program, Chicago Rents is a program that offers guaranteed rents and additional incentives for landlords interested in providing affordable housing for tenants.The program has already housed more than 2000 Chicagoans. Chicago Rents provides support to both the tenant and the landlord throughout the duration of the lease. If you’re a landlord who’s interested in learning more, click here. Landlords can also fill out a survey by clicking here and Chicago Rents staff will reach out to you.
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.
Alt Text: A rectangle-shaped yellow sign with an illustration of a diamond-shaped “yield” sign above a pedestrian walking.
Update on Kedzie Avenue Complete Streets realignment
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 take time to get used to for 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.
Having trouble filling a vacant apartment? Chicago Rents can help
Earlier this week, Ariel Parrella-Aureli reported on the Chicago Rents program for Block Club. If you’re not already familiar with this program, Chicago Rents is a program that offers guaranteed rents and additional incentives for landlords interested in providing affordable housing for tenants.The program has already housed more than 2000 Chicagoans. Chicago Rents provides support to both the tenant and the landlord throughout the duration of the lease. If you’re a landlord who’s interested in learning more, click here. Landlords can also fill out a survey by clicking here and Chicago Rents staff will reach out to you.
Filming notice in Albany Park: Bernard and Lawrence, Aug 24th
Dear Residents & Business Owners:
Sweet Void Cinema will be filming scenes for the movie titled What Rhymes with Magdalena in your neighborhood on August 24th from 6:30-11:00pm.
In order to park essential vehicles and equipment, streets in your area will be posted as a NO PARKING/TOW ZONE during the above mentioned times.
Where? Both sides of N. Bernard from W Lawrence to 4818, the North side of W Lawrence from Bernard to 3444 W Lawrence.
If you have any questions, concerns or need for accommodation, PLEASE CONTACT:
Location Manager Jake Prine at 608-212-6930 and the On-site coordinator Gia Capra at 715-651-3004
Permits and traffic control, if required, are being coordinated by the Chicago Film Office and the Chicago Police Department. There will NOT be blocked driveways, loading zones, fire hydrants, bus stops or disabled parking zones.
If you have any additional questions regarding this filming, you may also contact the Chicago Film Office at 312-744-6415.
Neighborhood Events
1. Back 2 School Fiesta, TODAY, August 19th!
2. Community Summer Block Party, TODAY, August 19th!
3. Transforming Community Safety Collective’s Pop-Up Skatepark, August 20th
4. SAGE Brigade Summer Meet-up
You are cordially invited to the Summer Sage Brigade Senior Meet-Up!
With guest speaker from the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). SHIP is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. The helpline can answer questions on Medicare, Medicaid, enrollment, drug plan information, and more.
5.Dine to Donate at Angelo’s to support Bateman Elementary! Thursdays, August 24th & August 31st from 4pm-10pm
Join Bateman Elementary for a Dine to Donate at Angelo’s Wine Bar located at 3026 W Montrose Ave on Thursday, August 24th and Thursday, August 31st from 4:00PM – 10:00PM! Be sure to mention ‘Bateman’ and Angelo’s Wine Bar will give 20% back to support ALL students at Bateman Elementary School.
Dine in, takeout or delivery via https://angeloswinebar.lightspeedordering.com/ or phone (773-539-0111) ONLY.
Use promotion code BATEMAN. Cannot be used with any 3rd party vendors
6. Clean & Green Events, August 26th
-Lawrence, from Central Park to Pulaski
-4800 Block of N Drake
Tired of the trash hanging around? Let’s do something about it!
The neighbors of 4832 N Drake are hosing a Neighborhood Clean-up on August 26th from 11AM-2PM.
Snacks from neighborhood favorite Something Sweet Donuts and Dulce De Leche Cafe will be provided along with gloves and other sanitation items.
7. Self Defense & Empowerment Seminar, August 26th
8. Participatory Budgeting (PB) Launch Party! 🎉 Aug 31st
Join us for an exciting evening of community empowerment as we kick off our Participatory Budgeting initiative.
Are you curious about how local infrastructure improvements are decided? Interested in having a say in where funds are allocated?
This is your chance! Learn the ins and outs of Participatory Budgeting, learn about upcoming projects, and find out how you can join the PB Committee. Your voice matters, and together, we can improve and maintain our community through direct participation in infrastructure decisions. Mark your calendar and join us in our office located at 4747 N Sawyer on August 31st from 4-7pm. Let’s shape our community, together!
9. River Park Summer Event Calendar
10. Horner Park Advisory Council Summer Concert Series. Find the schedule here.
11. FEEDING CATS? SEEING CATS NEAR YOU? OR JUST WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Log in to this free community Zoom workshop from Cats in Action.
Helping Cats Near You
The 4th Sunday of every month
4pm – 6pm
Details here: www.catsinaction.org/workshops
Zoom Meeting ID:
868 5394 9492
Learn how to help community cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), what to do with kittens, ongoing colony management, preventing nuisance issues and much more!
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. 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!
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.
Employment Opportunities
1. CTA Second Chance Program
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 for CPS students
– Permanent sites
– Mobile Events
– School-Based Health Centers
– Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS
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
2. Mayor Johnson selected the nominee for the position of Chicago Police Superintendent.
Last Sunday, Mayor Johnson selected Larry Snelling as the nominee for the position of the new Superintendent for the Chicago Police Department. Snelling has a three-decade-long tenure within CPD, and currently holds the role of the Chief for the Bureau of Counterterrorism. The City Council is set to evaluate and vote on Snelling’s nomination.
3. The Village and Ravenswood Manor-Albany Park Circle hosting a Zoom with 17th Police District Council on Thursday, August 30. The 3 elected members are confirmed to participate.
On Thursday, August 30th at 7 pm, the Village and Ravenswood Manor-Albany Park Circle will host a Zoom meeting with 17th District Police Councilors Anthony Tamez, Elizabeth Rochford and Steve Spagnolo. Contact Karen, kegerer@comcast.net, for the Zoom link and with any questions you have for our three 17th District Police Council Members.
