3659 S. Halsted | Chicago, IL 60609 | 773.254.6677

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August 27, 2023

Hello Neighbors,

School is back in session, and I feel like everything else ramped up in the ward this week just to keep our office on its toes!  Please forgive the length and the late arrival of this week’s newsletter: it’s been an challenging week in the ward to say the least. 

COVID cases are on the rise and take it from me (I tested positive on Friday morning), you don’t want to get it so please take all necessary precautions.  From a ward office operations perspective we will remain open and my staff in the office will be testing regularly and masking up, out of an abundance of caution. If you are planning to participate in person for Zoning Community Meetings at the ward office, you will be required to wear a mask, otherwise, we ask that you join virtually. For information on where you can get vaccinated, visit the Chicago Department of Public Health,

To all my fellow parents for whom this was Back to School week, we made it! I am hopeful for a safe, fun and productive year for all of our kids. I know that there are many families who have been negatively impacted by the bus driver shortage and CPS change in transportation policy.This bus driver shortage has forced CPS to prioritize diverse learners and homeless students as required by federal law. There is no doubt that this has put many families in the difficult position of sorting out transportation. Some neighbors are carpooling and others reevaluating their choice of school for their children as a result of this shortage of transportation. I want to be careful about managing expectations: as I currently understand, it is unlikely CPS will be able to resume providing the same scope of transport that some families have relied on during this upcoming school year. Nonetheless, I have every sympathy for parents having to navigate this issue and I am exploring all options available to me as Alderperson to find some remedy for this situation in the immediate term, and for future years to come. Please see here for more information regarding CPS transportation eligibility.

With kids returning to school, traffic safety at drop-off and pick-up at area schools another issue we’re all dealing with.  Parents, if you’re dropping off your kids at school, please adhere to your school’s process for drop-off – help keep everyone safe by not double parking your car in areas where they should not be and be patient.  Speaking of safety, here is another call for  the 11th Ward Safety Ambassador program! We are still  looking for volunteers to assist Healy School staff during drop-off and pick-up. If you're interested in helping our kids get to school safely, please sign up using this link. 

In other news, the White Sox were ‘batting a thousand’ in the news this week, though many likely consider the management shakeup a good thing! Earlier in the week there was news of the Sox considering relocating from Guaranteed Rate Field. The White Sox are a cornerstone of the 11th Ward, both economically as a major employer for residents and emotionally for generations of fans and visitors. As a lifelong fan and the Alderwoman of the ward, I of course want to ensure they stay where they belong as Chicago’s South Side team.  I look forward to being an active participant in the process and am committed to ensuring the community is also engaged. The worst Sox related news of the week was the shooting incident at the ballpark on Friday night. I was shocked and sickened when I got the news of what happened. My heart goes out to the gunshot victims and anyone deterred from attending a game out of concern for their safety. I am in contact with both the Chicago Police Department and the White Sox organization as we continue to look for answers to the questions many of us in the community have  I will be meeting with the White Sox this week to discuss protocols to ensure fans’ safety at future games and will continue to update everyone with any information I learn.

Early Wednesday morning, a fire broke out at the Park to Shop Supermarket on Archer and caused significant damage to the store. Thanks to the Chicago Fire Department and other first responders, the situation was contained within hours and luckily there were no injuries. I am so grateful to the crews who worked in shifts under extreme temperatures to extinguish the flames. While the cause of the fire remains unknown, it is clear that this is a major loss for our community. I have every expectation that the Park to Shop team will rebuild quickly, and want to extend my support to the family at this time. 

I am aware of what happened overnight at 35th and Ashland in the early hours of Sunday morning and have been in contact with the 9th District about the incident.  I’m grateful to the officers who responded and were ultimately able to move those gathered along despite the fact that a police vehicle was damaged in the process. This is a citywide issue that we must find real solutions for and I am committed to having meaningful conversations with my colleagues and other government entities about how we can keep people from participating in these unsafe and disruptive actions.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed increasing the real estate transfer tax on properties worth over $1 million in an effort to better support unhoused Chicagoans through the Bring Chicago Home ordinance. I participated in an aldermanic briefing about the new proposal and asked several questions about the proposal and how funds are planned to be spent.  In the coming months City Council will vote on whether this measure will be put before voters as a referendum on the March 2024 ballot. As with all City Council proposals, my decision will be guided by examining the impact on the ward and doing what is best for my constituents and the city. I look forward to continuing conversations with my colleagues at City Hall as well as hearing feedback from residents. If you have input to share, please stop by or email my office at ward11@cityofchicago.org 

Save the date for the 11th Ward Career Fair! In partnership with Commissioner Daley’s office, job seekers of all ages, education levels and backgrounds will have the opportunity to connect with employers from a diverse range of industries including City of Chicago departments, local businesses and more. The event will take place at the Bridgeport Art Center on Tuesday, September 26 from 12PM to 4PM. If you are a job seeker interested in attending, register for the Career Fair here. If you are an employer interested in reserving a table, please use this link to secure your spot. See you there!

And finally, are you a Cook County resident impacted by the severe storms and flooding between June 29 - July 2, 2023? FEMA assistance is now available for those affected and may help provide temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov to get started. Deadline to apply is Monday, October 16, 2023.

Hope we all have a better week!

Nicole

UPDATE 8/13:

Existing alley pavement removal and stone placement 8/8 to 8/21

Concrete formwork and placement: 8/22 to 8/30

Site cleanup: 8/30 to 8/31

During construction, residents will not have access to the alley including their garages.

Residents will also need to move their trash cans and dumpsters to the front of their homes. To take pressure off of the street parking, we will not have street cleaning on Lowe or Wallace between 33rd and 35th Streets while the alley is under construction.

This project will be managed by the Chicago Department of Transportation. If you have any additional information regarding this project, please contact 312-722-6590.

Have you noticed the work going on in the viaduct at 37th and Shields? Norfolk Southern continues to make repairs to the viaducts replacing aging columns. Here's an update on the work scheduled:

• 32nd St and Stewart
• Seven (7) columns are to be replaced over approximately 5 weeks following the conclusion of 37^th and Shields work (this includes us opening the street & sidewalks for White Sox home games).
• 33^rd St and Stewart
• Six (6) columns are to be replaced for approximately 6 weeks following the conclusion of 32^nd and Stewart work (this includes us opening the street & sidewalks for White Sox home games).
• 35^th and Shields
• Two center-bent columns were replaced from March 13 through March 18.
• The remaining four (4) columns are to be replaced after White Sox Season in October

Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Join the the Offie of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for fun across the city!

Link to Calendar to Chicago Events.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/events2.html

Please see attached letters below for 11th Ward Community Meetings for Zoning Requests. Community Meetings are hosted on Zoom, Zoom information and instructions are provided in the letters below. Meetings last approximately thirty (30) minutes. Please test your computer connections in advance. If you are attending in person please call ahead and arrive five minutes early.

Recordings of past meetings are available on our YouTube Channel

Looking to have a Garage Sale?

Garage Sale Permits are available by walk-in at the

11th Ward Office.

The migrant crisis in Chicago continues to grow and the crisis is putting an incredible amount of pressure on not only Police Districts across the city while city officials work to get more respite centers and shelters open. The city has now opened 13 shelters, currently housing approximately 5,100 people. The city is also evaluating four additional locations for shelters.

I continue to field questions and requests from residents about how we can help to find proper shelter for the migrants here in the 11th Ward while others have expressed their concerns and objections to any of our programs being displaced. Please know that if or when the time comes for a shelter or respite center in the 11th Ward, there will be an opportunity for the community to weigh in. In the meantime, let me know your thoughts and or concerns at our email address: ward11@cityofchicago.org. 

What's happening in the ward

1st District (State &18th)

Together with the help of the Ping Tom Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District, we are operating a program to allow migrants at the 1st District Police Station to use the showers at the Fieldhouse.

9th District (31st & Halsted)

This week, the 9th District has had on average 40 people, including many children, sleeping in the station.

We continue to operate the shower program at Wilson Community Center for migrants. We are continuing to evaluate and make adjustments as needed as the numbers of migrants at the 9th district changes.

The 11th Ward Office continues to collaborate with other area elected officials and a mutual aid group started by neighbors to support migrant families with meals and basic needs items for those at the 9th District. We have established a distribution center for donated items on Halsted near the 9th District that serves migrants at Police Districts in the surrounding area. The response to our drive has been overwhelming -- many thanks to those who have dropped off clothes and supplies. We now have more womens clothing than we can store at the moment so we're asking that donors prioritize mens clothing (size M/L), gently used gym shoes of all sizes and baggage (suitcases with wheels, backpacks, duffle bags.

How you can help

If you’re interested in helping, click here for the 11th Ward Migrant Support Group and learn how you can get involved. You can also help by donating basic needs items to migrant families from the list below.

Many thanks to all of our neighbors who have organized themselves and coordinated volunteers, and donated supplies and meals.

The City of Chicago is accepting donations through an Amazon Wishlist set up in partnership with Instituto del Progreso Latino. To donate, please click here.

If you are a landlord looking to aid the migrant mission with apartments for rent, Catholic Charities will conduct a vetting process to confirm eligibility, send us an email so we can connect you to the right team.

Chicago Furniture Bank In partnership with New Life Centers, the Chicago Furniture Bank is providing furniture to new arrivals resettling into permanent housing. Chicago Furniture Bank is also the largest provider of free furniture to Chicago’s unhoused population. To donate extra furniture to our unhoused neighbors, including new arrivals, go to: https://www.chicagofurniturebank.org/

a. Schedule Furniture Pick-Up here: https://www.chicagofurniturebank.org/pickups

b. Donation Drop-offs: 4801 S Whipple St, Chicago, IL, 60632 [Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm]

Due to the overwhelming response by donors, we are not accepting any more donations of clothing unless you are bringing boys/mens shorts, blue jeans or athletic pants (no dress pants or khakis) for at least one week due to space constraints at our shop.

Now that summer is hear, many people are out and about in our beautiful parks. While we are working on getting a dog park for the ward, please remember that all dogs should be leashed on the public way. Dogs are not allowed in Chicago Park District Parks that are not designated dog friendly areas. For the safety of park goers, especially children and seniors, please remember to leash and control your pet.

1. Leash and control your pet. It's against the law for you to allow your pet to be off leash on the public way in Chicago, except for in official dog friendly areas. A list of dog friendly areas can be found at http:// www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/dog-friendly-areas/. Make sure that your animal is under control when on a leash. If your animal has issues with biting or aggression, ensure the animal wears a muzzle or head harness when encountering new animals, people and situations.
2. Treat your animal appropriately and with care. Ensure your pet has a proper diet, fresh water, shelter from the elements, and socialization. Do not leave your animal alone for long periods of time, especially in cars, or in your hard, and especially in extreme elements. Hot and cold weather pet care tips can be found on CAGG's website at www.adoptchicago.org
3. Spay and Neuter your pet. Do not contribute to pet overpopulation. GAGG impounds 20,000 4 stray, lost, unwanted and injured animals each year. Spaying and neutering your pet is a critical ibp component to limiting the number of homeless and unwanted animals in Chicago. Various community organizations offer free, and low-cost spay/neuter services. These services can also be rendered by your pet's veterinarian.
4. Leash and control your pet. It's against the law for you to allow your pet to be off leash on the public way in Chicago, except for in official dog friendly areas. A list of dog friendly areas can be found at http:// www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/dog-friendly-areas/. Make sure that your animal is under control when on a leash. If your animal has issues with biting or aggression, ensure the animal wears a muzzle or head harness when encountering new animals, people and situations.
5. Be a considerate pet owner. It is against the law for your animal to make continuous excessive noise in your home. If your pet is very vocal, and it is bothering your neighbors consider working with a trainer to minimize the issue.
6. Provide appropriate veterinary care for your animal. This includes preventive treatments such as vaccinations, routine checkups, and resources and a plan in the event emergency treatment is needed for your pet. It is the law that all cats, dogs and ferrets over four months old have a current rabies vaccine. But several other vaccines are critical, especially if your animal encounters other animals frequently, including dog friendly areas and boarding facilities. Consult your veterinarian for more details.
7. Identify your Pet. Ensure you have proper licensure for your pet. In Chicago, all dogs over four months must have a City dog license which can be obtained at http://chicityclerk.com/dog-registration/. To use dog friendly areas, you must also have a separate license. Micro chipping your pet is also a great option, so that your pet can still be identified even if his/her leash falls off or is removed.
8. Have a plan for your pet. A plan in the event of a natural disaster is key. But a life plan is equally important. Research your pet to get an estimate of life expectancy and ensure you have a plan for the full life of your pet. Consider your pet when making important decisions, including relocating your home, and travel plans.

The 11th Ward office is happy to announce has a free ‘Constituent Education Resource Card’ available to residents wishing to visit select museums and zoos in the Chicagoland area. Constituents can reserve our Constituent Education Resource Card on a first come first serve basis (more instructions below), to visit any of the following museums in 2023:

• Adler Planetarium
• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Brookfield Zoo
• Chicago Botanic Garden
• Chicago Children’s Museum
• Chicago History Museum
• Dusable Museum of African American History
• The Field Museum
• Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Museum of Science and Industry
• National Museum of Mexican Art
• National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
• John G. Shedd Aquarium

Only one group of up to four (4) can reserve the pass at a time. The pass must be picked up and brought back to the 11th Ward Office. Constituents need to call for an appointment to come to the office to pick up the pass before visiting the museums. We recommend calling two business days before your scheduled visit. 

It is strongly recommended that families utilizing the card contact the museum they plan to visit to learn if pre-registration is required to visit. 

The Chicago White Sox Stickers will be mailed to residents within the Sox Boundaries Zone who have a vehicle registered to the City of Chicago. Stickers and guest passes will be available in our Ward office for residents who:

• Did not receive their sticker in the mail
• Do not have a vehicle registered to the City of Chicago

To obtain a sticker and or guest passes, residents must present proof of address (ID, utility bill, lease). Stickers will be given with proof of vehicle registration (city sticker receipt, car insurance showing address car is registered to). Stickers may only be used for vehicles with city stickers.

Area businesses within the zone will be given parking passes for customers. Residents of the 11th Ward and all residents of Canaryville who do not live within the zone may receive stickers only, no guest passes.

Recordings of Beat meetings can be found on our Youtube channel here.

Are you a business in the ward that's hiring? 

Send us your job opportunities and we'll share them.

The office has extended hours on Monday nights until 7:30 p.m. is open on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00am - 12:00 pm, if it's a holiday weekend, the office will

be open the following Saturday and/or Monday.

Alderwoman Lee will be happy to see residents on Monday nights from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. If you'd like to make an appointment, please call the ward office at 773.254.6677.

11th Ward Office| 3659 South Halsted Chicago, IL 60609 |

773-254-6677