3659 S. Halsted | Chicago, IL 60609 | 773.254.6677

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October 1, 2023

Hello Neighbors,

Happy October! Though you could hardly tell with the unseasonably warm weather we had this weekend. Be that as it may, ‘tis the season to remind everyone to schedule your vaccinations!  We’ll be holding a Vaccination Event on Thursday, October 19th at McGuane Park from 10AM - 2PM where the Chicago Department of Public Health will be offering the seasonal Flu vaccination as well as COVID-19 shots.  All you need to do is register for the event using this link. Our neighbors at the 12th Ward will also be holding a free Vaccination event at McKinley Park Branch Library from 12:30PM - 4:30PM on October 6th. Those interested can register here. For more details, please refer to the flyer below. 

Our Resource and Career Fair was a massive success! It was so great seeing everyone come together for an afternoon of professional networking at the Bridgeport Art Center. I enjoyed stopping by different tables and learning more about the opportunities available. Thank you to the 40+ job representatives and the nearly 200 job seekers for joining us, and we look forward to hosting another job fair in the near future!

Public safety events

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday evening at the Pui Tak Center where the 9th District hosted the first of their yearly Community Conversations with community members in order to help the district’s development of their strategic plan for 2024. Among the feedback received were:

• The development of community groups composed of youth, faith and business leaders to act as liaisons between CPD and the community with particular attention towards informing the elderly in the community who have been targets of crime
• The need for beat cops who understand the cultural and, when needed, linguistic needs of the community they serve
• The need to encourage the community to call 911 when they witness potential criminal activity as it is more important than ever for neighbors to look out for one another 

The second of the 9th District Community Conversation will take place on October 25th from 3:30pm-5pm at Nightingale Elementary School on 5225 S Talman Ave. Anyone seeking to participate in this conversation should register their interest here.

The Community Conversation was then followed by the 9th District Council meeting where members of the community were given the platform to give public comment on public safety concerns to our newly elected council members. Also in attendance was CCPSA (Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability) President Anthony Driver who spoke about the CCPSA process of selecting the new superintendent. CCPSA members were also present to seek feedback on what criteria the community sees as essential for the next CCPSA Commission. We encourage all those unable to attend to submit their feedback online here. 

With the fall underway, I can’t wait to spend another season with the community! Here is what 11th Ward residents can look forward to this week:

• On Thursday October 5th, Commissioner Daley and I are partnering with the Cook County Sheriff's Office to provide catalytic converter marking services to help promote the community from vehicular theft and resale. This event is only open to those who pre-registered, but stay tuned for additional opportunities in the future.
• On Saturday, October 7, we will have our last Shred Event of the season where residents can take advantage of FREE electronics recycling, paper shredding and medicine collection services at our Shred Event. From 9AM to 12PM at 3400 S. Shields Ave. See you there!

This week in City Council

Special City Council on Wednesday, September 27 was held to confirm the appointment of Chief of Counter Terrorism, Larry Snelling as the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  He was appointed with the unanimous support of the City Council.  Congratulations to Superintendent Snelling. My colleagues and I look forward to partnering with him to make the city a safer place.  

On Friday I participated in two Council Committee Meetings:

1. The Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights held a fourth hearing that centered on our city’s ongoing migrant crisis. Many topics and issues were raised over the course of that 5 hour hearing but if I were to try to sum it up key themes:
2. It is clear that we can all agree that the current situation is unsustainable for everyone involved: in fact, I learnt this Thursday that the 9th District had the highest number of asylum seekers in the city. Police stations are workplaces and should not constitute temporary housing for anyone. 
3. Constituents have called and/or written to our office about concerns over the city signing a contract with GardaWorld to set up “winterized basecamps'' in an effort to get migrants out of police stations and offer them temporary shelter as they continue to pursue their asylum-seeking process with winter approaching. To be clear: many colleagues and I share your concerns–as we voiced in the hearing–as well as the questions you have. I have serious concerns about this contract, the contractor, and the procurement. In order to deal with this crisis as best we can, we need better transparency and more creativity. 
4. As buses continue to be sent to Chicago, we will need every level of government to help us deal with this influx of asylum seekers. We also need to acknowledge the gargantuan work of the 9th District community who have…
5. Joint meeting for the the Committee of Public Safety and Committee of Police & Fire
6. Per requirements of the municipal code we had a joint hearing where the Office of the Inspector General presented key findings from their 2022 Annual Report about Public Safety. 
7. The Public Safety Section of the Office of the Inspector General has three strategic priorities:
8. Improving CPD’s administrative, managerial, and operational competencies to render it more effective in the performance of its critical public safety functions and more efficient in its administration.
9. Ensuring transparency, diligence, fairness, consistency, and timeliness in the police discipline and accountability system.
10. Ensuring that Chicagoans’ constitutional and civil rights are sufficiently and equitably protected in all aspects of public safety operations.
11. The Public Safety section conducts program and system-focused inquiries and reviews of CPD,COPA, the Police Board, and other agencies involved in the public safety operations of the City. Based on these inquiries, OIG makes recommendations to improve the policies, procedures, and practices of those entities.  The Public Safety Section reviewed the following in 2022:
12. Race- and Ethnicity-based Disparities in the Chicago Police Department’s Use of Force (March 2022)
13. Investigations of Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Chicago  Members 2021 (June 2022)
14. Fairness and Consistency in the Disciplinary Process for Chicago Police

Department Members (June 2022)

1. Consecutive Days Worked by Chicago Police Department Members, April-May 2022(August 2022)
2. Understanding the Chicago Police Department’s Budget (September 2022)
3. Use of Litigation Data in Risk Management Strategies for the Chicago Police (September 2022)
4. City of Chicago Office of Inspector GeneralAnnual Report 2022 Page 14

The Chicago Police Department’s Peer and Supervisory Wellness Support Strategies (November 2022)

There will be a meeting of the full City Council this Wednesday, October 4 at 10:00 AM.

And finally, get ready for the annual Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 8! There will be extensive street closures in the area starting at 7AM, and organizers at Bank of America will be partnering with CPD to keep residents up to date on the latest traffic restrictions during the event. Good luck to all of the runners! See a comprehensive list of street closures at chicagomarathon.com

Enjoy your week ahead,

Nicole

Norfolk Southern continues to make repairs to the viaducts replacing aging columns. Here's an update on the work scheduled:

• 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 15 shelters, currently housing approximately 8,300 people. The city continues to evaluate 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 100 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. With the colder weather upon us, the shop is now ready to accept winter clothing and shoes for men, women and children in all sizes except for XL or larger. Arriving migrants are smaller in build than the average American. We continue to have needs for baggage (suitcases with wheels, backpacks, duffle bags), blankets, sleeping bags, underwear and strollers.

How you can help

We are in need of volunteers to help us organize and sort our free shop as we get ready for colder weather. Thanks to those who volunteered yesterday to help with the changeover to winter clothing. If you'd like to volunteer, please email us at: ward11@cityofchicago.org.

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]

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. 

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