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June 18, 2023
Hello Neighbors!
I want to wish all the dads in the 11th Ward and beyond a Happy Father’s Day! I hope you all feel loved and appreciated, not just on this day but every day. Thank you for everything that you do!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Flag Day Ceremony on Wednesday to honor our country’s flag and all it represents. This year, we retired more than 14,000 flags - thank you to all those who brought flags to the event. Very special thanks to the Honorable James A. Balcer for his assistance and dedication to our Veterans and to the following departments and organizations for taking part in this year’s tribute and making the event possible: Assets, Information, and Services (AIS); Chicago Police Department; Chicago Fire Department; Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation; Chicago Department of Transportation; CPD/CFD Bagpipes & Drums; Dave Samber & Bentley Joyner; and Father Antonio Musa of St Jerome Croatian Catholic Church.
Last week I attended three committee meetings, two as a participating member in Finance and Economic Development and the third, Licensing, as a nonmember. As a voting member of the Committee on Finance, I voted to approve all of the routine items for TIF funded projects and legal settlements except for one where I asked to be recorded as a "no". This was the legal settlement for the case against the City of Chicago and Officers Robert Rhodes and Joseph Lisciandrello by the Estate of Sharell Brown. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability concluded that Brown proposed a threat to the officers. The settlement proposal of $1M was passed out of committee with five 'no' votes recorded and will be presented to the full city council on Wednesday.
Last month, I introduced an ordinance to lift the liquor moratorium on Halsted between 35th and 37th Streets. I did this to make way for the brewery that will be in the Ramova Theatre when it is completed. I attended the Committee on License this week to ask the committee's favorable support and it was passed out of committee and will be presented to the full city council on Wednesday for approval. The moratorium, once passed, will be lifted for a period of no less than one year.
This week, the Department of Water Management worked on an immediate sewer repair at 2352 S. Wentworth Ave., which closed northbound traffic on Wentworth Ave. from 23rd Place to 24th Street. I want to thank Chinatown residents for their patience these past few days as construction workers resolved the issue. If you have a public infrastructure problem on your street that you would like to report, please call our office at 773-254-6677 or email ward11@cityofchicago.org.
Looking for a free, family fun activity next Saturday? Come join us at the annual Chicago Dragon Boat Race on June 24! Starting at 8AM, teams will race down a 750-foot length of the Chicago River between the Canal Street Railroad Bridge and the 18th Street Bridge to help support neighborhood literacy programs. Visit Ping Tom Memorial Park for games, live performances, food and more. I hope to see you there!
As a reminder, there’s a new speed camera at 630 W Root St (west of Lowe St – south side of Root) to help keep the community safe and calm traffic. From now through July 12, drivers speeding more than 6 mph above the posted limit of 30 mph from 6 AM - 11 PM each day will receive a warning notice. Starting July 27 at 6 AM, citations will be enforced and drivers caught speeding will be fined. Drive safely!
And finally, the 11th Ward Office will be closed tomorrow in observance of Juneteenth and will resume hours on Tuesday, June 20 at 8:30 AM. Juneteenth is a day to reflect on our history and celebrate freedom in the United States. Block Club Chicago has 50 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth.
Enjoy your weekend,
Nicole
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11th Ward Infrastructure Steering Committee
I'm excited to announce that I am taking the first steps to institute participatory budgeting (PB) in the 11th Ward. By working together we can build a stronger, more involved community that can help direct the ward's growth. I hope you will consider being part of the steering committee and helping us build a better 11th Ward. Committee Members will help determine the slate of projects which will be put up for a community vote for funding infrastructure projects for 2024. The steering committee will be formed and will meet with me and my staff by the end of July to kick off the planning.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Q433-e32mbk0iOfBkrNTTPSZS6qxC3plXl0ZYvd-96k/edit
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11th & 15th Ward Flag Day Ceremony | |
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Happy Flag Day! Today marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official United States flag. Thank you to everyone who joined us to honor our national flag and all it represents.
A special thanks to the Honorable James A. Balcer for his assistance and dedication to the Veterans Community.
Many thanks also to the following City Departments that made this event possible: Assets, Information, and Services (AIS). Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, Department of Transportation, and Streets & Sanitation.
Thank you to The CPD/CFD Bagpipes & Drums, Dave Samber & Bentley Joyner, and Father Antonio Musa of St. Jerome Croatian Church for
participating in this program with us today.
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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 a shelter at Daley College. This action has helped to relieve some of the pressure at police districts including in the 9th District
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 12-15 people sleeping in the station.
We continued the shower program at Wilson Community Center last week -- with the reduction in people at the 9th district, we had a small number of people use the program one day last week. 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.
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Support Migrant Families by donating items
We ask that all gently used clothing are clean and free from pet hair.
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General Adult Needs
- Large roller board suitcases or rolling duffle bags
- Clothing - Tops, Pants (S/M/L)
- New undergarments (panties, boxers)
- Socks
- Shoes (Mens 7+, Womens 6+)
- Personal Hygiene items
- Blankets
Drop off locations
11th Ward Office
3659 S. Halsted Street
State Rep. Mah Office
2108 W 35th Street
Ald. Julia Ramirez
3858 S. Archer Ave
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Youth/Children Needs
- New undergarments
- Socks
- Spanish language books
- Coloring books
- Crayons
Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya
4374 S. Archer Ave
State Senator Celina Villenueva
2501 S. Central Park Ave
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Installation of New Speed Camera
on Root Street
A new speed camera has been installed at 630 W Root St (west of Lowe St – south side of Root). This speed camera was requested by residents concerned with speeding cars so near the park. To calm the traffic, for both lanes of West Root, the 11th Ward worked with CDOT to secure the camera which is the second one we have installed this year.
CDOT has notified us that the 30-day Warning Period has begun on June 12, 2023, at 6:00 AM.
Warning period enforcement | June 12, 2023 – July 12, 2023 (30 days)
- 6:00 am – 11:00 pm daily with a posted speed of 30 mph, warning trigger is 36 mph (6 over)
- 11:01 pm – 5:59 am No warnings issued
Blackout Period | July 13, 2023 – July 26, 2023 (14 days)
- No warnings or citations issued
Enforcement Schedule for Citations beginning July 27, 2023, 6:00 AM
Our office will continue to keep residents updated as information is available.
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An Earth Retention System (ERS) will be installed to facilitate the installation of the 9’ dia. manhole and connection to the existing MWRD sewer. The excavation for the manhole will be approx. 30’ deep. The manhole is being installed for a future project for a new sewer, which will run north on Parnell.
The work will completely close off the intersection to the homeowners. There will be no parking from Pershing North to the alley. North of the alley the residents will be able to park. They will need to use the alley to access Parnell.
Three water main shutdowns will be required for the work. One to check the valves and two to “cut and cap” the 12” WM. The residents will be notified 5 days in advance of each shutdown. The entirety of the work will last about two months.
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Norfolk Southern Viaduct Work | |
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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:
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37th St. and Shields
- Westbound sidewalk closure
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Six (6) columns to be replaced over approximately 5 weeks. This began on Monday, April 24th (this includes us opening the street & sidewalks for White Sox home games).
- 32nd St and Stewart
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Seven (7) columns are to be replaced over approximately 5 weeks following the conclusion of 37th and Shields work (this includes us opening the street & sidewalks for White Sox home games).
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33rd St and Stewart
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Six (6) columns are to be replaced for approximately 6 weeks following the conclusion of 32nd and Stewart work (this includes us opening the street & sidewalks for White Sox home games).
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35th and Shields
- Two center-bent columns were replaced from March 13 through March 18.
- Remaining four (4) columns are to be replaced after White Sox Season in October
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Grant Park Music Festival String Fellows are coming to Ping Tom Park | |
BACP and CTO Small Business Expo | |
Secretary of State Mobile Services | |
Announcements & Information | |
Chicago Animal Care and Control | |
Pui Tak Center English Classes | |
Chinatown Corridor Ambassador Program
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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11th Ward
2023 Constituent Education Resource Card
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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.
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Landscaping and Parkway Guidelines
Understanding your responsibilities as property owners
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As the summer months approach, it is important to review and make plans to maintain the parkways and landscaping for your residential and/or commercial properties.
Maintenance for landscaping in the parkway area and, private lawns include the continuous removal of weeds, mowing, trimming, edging, cultivation, reseeding, control of pests, watering, and other operations to assure normal plant growth.
Any permanent structure installed in the parkway requires a Public Way Permit issued by the Department of Business Affairs and Licensing. Applications are available at our office or online at cityofchicago.org/businessaffairs.
Infrastructure maintenance may require city crews to dig up your parkway. Though crews working in the parkway should be able to replace any permanent structures to their original position, the city does not take any responsibility for damages to plants and flowers. We will try to forward any notification of work in your parkway to you, but this may not be possible during emergency situations.
Landscape Ordinance: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/landscape_ordinance.html
Care of the Chicago Public Way:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/streets/provdrs/forestry/svcs/care_of_the_chicagopublicway.html
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Volunteers Needed for the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce's 23rd Annual Dragon Boat Race
The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce's 23rd Annual Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy is coming up on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in Ping Tom Memorial Park. Please email info@chicagochinatown.org or call 312-326-5320, if interested.
There will be Three volunteer shifts. However, we ask that you be flexible due to shift changes, no-shows, and changing conditions on site.
- 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Full day
The volunteer positions are as follows, but subject to change. Please choose your shift(s) preference and top three position choices. We will try to assign you to your first choice; however, this may not always be possible. You can work two shifts if you are able to volunteer all day. Also, please let us know if you can help with Event Tear Down, as this will ensure a successful event and to be able to continue with this event in the years to come!
- Event Set Up (Friday afternoon, Saturday morning)
- Event Tear Down (Post race cleanup)
- Safety Monitor
- Marshaling
- Finish Line Timing
- Children area
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Office of the City Clerk Senior Hours
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The Office of the City Clerk will begin offering senior hours every Tuesday starting May 9 through July 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for individuals 65 and older at their Archer and Gale Satellite locations.
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11th Ward Community Meetings for
Zoning Change Requests
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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.
Recordings of past meetings are available on our YouTube Channel
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500 W 26th Street
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Zoning change from RS 3 to B2-3
to build a 14-unit rental apartment building.
Result: more than 10 residents participated in the community meeting for this property. A request was made by a neighbor to have a side setback on the west side of the garage wall. Pending review of revised drawings, Ald. Lee will make a decision regarding support for the change.
Recording: due to a technical issue, we are not able to share a recording at this time.
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860-864 W 26th Street
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 6:45 p.m.
Zoning change from M1-2 to RM-5.5, owners are seeking support for zoning change to build a 32-unit apartment building.
Result: Residents in the immediate surrounding area expressed opposition, Ald. Lee will hold another meeting with the developer and residents from the area to determine concerns and has asked the developer to provide more detailed plans before she makes a decision.
Recording: due to a technical issue, we are not able to share the recording at this time.
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Parish & School Announcements | |
Chicago Public Schools - Local School Council
Your Local School Council needs your support! Open seats across the District need to be filled by parents, educators, students, and engaged community members like you. Learn how to support and become a member of your Local School Council at http://cps.edu/lsc
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The Chicago Park District offers Night Out in the Parks which brings activities and cultural events to local parks across the city.
Night Out in the Parks Calendar
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Celebrating 150 Years of the
Chicago Public Libraries!
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Chicago Resident Opportunities | |
Free Museum Days In Chicago
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Chicago White Sox - First Responder Tickets
The Chicago White Sox are saluting active members of the Chicago Fire and Police Departments by offering two complimentary tickets to select home games throughout the 2023 season. Chicago firefighters and police officers are invited to claim their two tickets through Wednesday, June 7, at the Guaranteed Rate Field Gate 4 Box Office. Ticket windows accommodating this offer are open on non-gamedays, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Individuals are required to show a valid photo ID, their department identification, and a badge to claim tickets.
The offer includes the following games:
Monday, June 19 vs. Texas at 7:10 p.m.
Southside Monday, presented by United Airlines
Friday, June 23 vs. Boston at 7:10 p.m.
NASCAR Night and Postgame Fireworks
Wednesday, July 5 vs. Toronto at 7:10 p.m.
Thursday, July 27 vs. Cleveland at 7:10 p.m.
Greek Heritage Night
Monday, August 21 vs. Seattle at 7:10 p.m.
Southside Monday, presented by United Airlines
Sunday, August 27 vs. Oakland at 1:10 p.m.
Coca-Cola Family Sunday
Friday, September 1 vs. Detroit at 7:10 p.m.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Night, presented by Guaranteed Rate, and Postgame Fireworks
Wednesday, September 13 vs. Kansas City at 6:40 p.m.
Summer T-Shirt Series (first 10,000 fans who enter the ballpark)
Tuesday, September 26 vs. Arizona at 6:40 p.m.
$5 Tuesday
Friday, September 29 vs. San Diego at 6:40 p.m.
Postgame Fireworks
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Chicago White Sox Zone Stickers and Passes | |
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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.
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9th District Police
Beat Meeting Schedules
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Are you a business in the ward that's hiring?
Send us your job opportunities and we'll share them.
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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.
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11th Ward Office| 3659 South Halsted Chicago, IL 60609 |
773-254-6677
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