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August 17, 2025
Dear neighbors,
It was another great (albeit hot) day to celebrate Velika Gospa festivities with the parish community at St. Jerome’s, a special event in the special parish founded in 1912. Even those of us that are not Croatian (I am Cro-Asian) can enjoy the feast of lamb, and the spiritual processional that winds through the neighborhood—I definitely do! Big kudos and thanks to the organizers and volunteers who make this event possible, especially Louie Scalise and Ken Zekich.
This weekend also marked the St. Therese Parish’s celebration of the feast and parade of St. Rocco di Simbario, which is so historical you can even find pictures of processions past in the Library of Congress! It was an honor to join everyone at my home parish, St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta, with the members of the San Rocco Society and their families. This celebration has happened every year for the last 105 years!
Founded August 13, 1926 - Congratulations St. Joseph's Club for another milestone birthday! What a tremendous cornerstone organization of the neigborhood—thank you for your longevity!
There were also block parties, and other celebrations in the ward as our neighbors are soaking in the last of summer before kids start school next week!
There was a Ramova Theater community meeting held this week as a checkpoint to receive feedback on how the venue is impacting the community. Thank you to everyone who turned out, if you have additional feedback about the theater's impact, please feel free to reach out to the ward.
Finally, I joined the ribbon cutting of the new Horizon Science Academy, which is a STEM-focused high school serving the ward. Welcome to the neighborhood, and I hope all the students there have a great year!
Upcoming in City Council
The City Council takes a recess for the month of August every year. The next full meeting of the City Council will be September 25, 2025 at 10AM.
Public Safety
Tragic News
Tonight, we mourn the loss of the young woman who was shot and killed around 8:30 PM Saturday night near the northern border of Palmisano Park during what appears to be an attempted robbery. Our prayers go out to all those who knew Gabriella Ochoa. This is a tragic and unnecessary loss. We will not rest until the person or group who took her life are found and put to justice.
We’ve had a series of escalating violent attacks in that area, including a non-fatal shooting around 12AM on August 11 around 29th and Poplar, and a string of burglaries on the SW side targeting seniors, including an incident at 2600 South Shields this past week.
I am extremely concerned about this rash of disgustingly bold and violent crimes, and CPD will be focusing increased patrols on the area.
While no precaution can fully deter those bent on violence, be aware that many of these events have a common denominator of people in groups, approaching in cars, and the burglary cases may be connected to people going on vacation. Look out for your neighbors who are out of town, be extremely proactive to report any suspicious vehicles to the police (especially those without license plates), and unfortunately, be cautious around the park in the evening hours.
Around the Ward
Schulze & Burch Chamber Tour
This Wednesday, the Chamber’s monthly networking event will be a unique opportunity to tour the historic business, Schulze & Birch Biscuit Co.! Open to all, 16+, register here!
Farmers Market Season
Farmers market season is underway. More info can be found here. Although we don’t have a Bridgeport farmer’s market right now, we do have the monthly Ramova Theater Community Market.
Attention residents on 30th–31st Union Ave
If you haven’t already, please sign up for the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement program. This is a valuable opportunity to remove lead pipes at no cost to you while the city is already doing related work nearby. Reach out to the ward office with any questions.
Graffiti and Sign Issues
Graffiti and bent signs continue to pop up around the ward. Please help keep our community clean and safe by reporting graffiti and bent street signs. You can do so through the 311 app, emailing our office or calling us at 773-254-6677. Please provide our office with the location of the graffiti (an address is best) and what it’s on (building, fence, sign, etc).
Infrastructure updates
A new sewer improvement project began on July 28 to upgrade critical infrastructure in our community. Work will take place in the following areas:
- S Canal St: from W 31st St to W 33rd St
- W 33rd St: from S Canal St to S Normal Ave
- S Normal Ave: from W 33rd St to 50 feet south of W 33rd St
- W 33rd St: from S Emerald Ave to S Wallace St
Construction is expected to be completed by November 2025. Please note: No parking or through traffic will be allowed during working hours (7:00 AM-4:00 PM). Once the sewer main installation is complete, Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) work will follow in the same areas.
You may be noticing no parking signs around the neighborhood for construction work. We’ve been requesting advanced notice for construction projects for months without receiving good information. Please know that we are working to secure accurate information on projects so that we can share it with you, our constituents. With any construction project we realize there will be inconveniences and an impact on your daily life, our goal is to minimize those while work to improve our infrastructure take place - and to give you a heads up. We rely on city departments to provide the information we can share with you.
Housekeeping
35th Street Parking Changes
Time restrictions have been removed to now allow residents to park along 35th Street throughout the day between Ashland and Western.
White Sox and Event Residential Parking decals and passes
Decals and passes are available for pickup at the ward office.
Summer Hours
We are operating with Summer Hours until August 29, 2025. On Fridays during the summer we are open 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Have a great week,
Nicole
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