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September 24, 2023
Hello Neighbors,
Our beloved friend and colleague Wally Gusich was laid to rest on Friday after a beautiful mass at St. Jerome’s on Friday. Wally devoted his entire life to civil service, and spent the majority of his career serving constituents here at the 11th Ward Aldermanic Office: initially as front desk secretary and and eventually served as Senior Citizens Coordinator where he indefatigably elevated the needs of our seniors. We already miss you, Wally, and we are lucky to have had the opportunity to know and learn from you. Our office won’t be the same without you but we take heart that you are reunited with Grace and Cindy, who we know you missed dearly, and are finally and deservedly resting.
Congratulations to the more than 600 Special Olympics Athletes from across the city who competed in the city-wide Bocce tournament hosted by Armour Square Park on Saturday. It was a perfect day for Bocce! Special thanks to all of the sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible.
Our office has a few great things planned this fall and we hope to see you all there. Stay tuned via our Facebook and newsletter for more information, but in the meantime, we would like to flag are some upcoming events happening in the ward:
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Our Resource and Career Fair on Tuesday, September 26 promises to be an engaging afternoon filled with professional networking! Whether you are interested in a new career path or looking to make some new hires, everyone is welcome to join us. See below to secure your spot today!
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In an effort to deter catalytic converter and vehicular theft, we have teamed up with Commissioner Daley and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to host the first VIN number Catalytic Converter Marking Event from October 5 - October 6. Aimed at making both catalytic converters and cars less attractive to steal or sell, we encourage all interested to pre-register as this is a limited opportunity and all cars must be pre-registered to participate. The deadline to pre-register is Friday, September 29. More information is available below.
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Mark your calendars for our Shred Event on Saturday, October 7. We have partnered with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to bring FREE recycling, shredding and medicine collection services to 11th Ward residents. There’s no better time to do some fall cleaning. More details below!
CAPS meetings, as ever, are invaluable opportunities to hear directly from residents and police alike about all public safety concerns in our neighborhood. For all those planning to attend the Beat 914 meeting, please note that the location of this meeting will be at the Pui Tak Center (2216 S Wentworth Ave) on Wednesday, September 27 from 5:30pm- 7:30pm as part of one of the 9th District’s yearly Community Conversations held to allow the community participate in the creation of their district’s strategic plan for the following calendar year. Your feedback is invaluable as these conversations help CPD’s development of crime reduction strategies and engagement priorities. We hope to see you there! Please register your interest here. Those unable to attend are very welcome to participate over Zoom using this link.
As a member of the Committee on Police and Fire, I attended a meeting on Friday where we heard from Chief Larry Snelling. He is Mayor Johnson’s choice to be the next Superintendent of Police and was one of the candidates selected by the Community Commision on Public Safety to be considered for the top job. He has served in the Chicago Police Department for 30 years and leads the Counterterrorism Bureau. He grew up in Englewood and is a product of the Chicago Public Schools and a graduate of DePaul University. As I have talked to members of CPD, I know that Chief Snelling is well respected and is the right person to lead the department. Our committee voted unanimously to advance his appointment to the full Council.
Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night at Sox Park on Saturday, September 30. This year, the Chicago White Sox announced they will be giving away a special La Catrina bobblehead in tribute to the Día de los Muertos icon for the first 10,000 fans (21+). Come support our team as they take on the Padres, and make sure you stay for the post-game fireworks.
The annual Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 8 and there will be extensive street closures in the area. Starting at 7AM and continuing to 4PM, more than 47,000 participants will pass through the 11th Ward and make their way to the finish line in Grant Park. As in years past, organizers at Bank of America will work with CPD to inform residents of traffic restrictions during the event. See a comprehensive list of street closures at chicagomarathon.com.
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. Deadline to apply is Monday, October 16, 2023. Visit the Cook County Emergency Management page to learn more.
One last note -- a reminder to the community that the parks at fields at our area schools are not public parks or dog parks. We have received word from schools that residents have been walking their dogs in the parks and fields and not picking up after poop (yes, I said poop in my newsletter). Remember that kids play in these areas and always remember to pick up after your pets.
Have a great week ahead!
Nicole
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Halsted Street Restoration
The last portion of the contract work on Halsted Street will be the restoration of the interior of the MWRD Sewer Manhole on Halsted Street just North of Pershing.
The work will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
The Northbound lane of Halsted and the Southbound left turn lane on Halsted will be closed. Throughout the duration of the work, the intersection of Halsted and Pershing will be affected. Southbound Halsted will not be affected except, there will not be a dedicated left turn lane to Eastbound Pershing. Northbound Halsted at 38th Place and going North will be unaffected.
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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:
- 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.
- The remaining four (4) columns are to be replaced after White Sox Season in October
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This Tuesday!
11th Ward Career and Resource Fair
Are you interested in a new career path or looking for new hires? Save the date for the 11th Ward Career and Resource Fair! On September 26, have the chance to get connected with opportunities with city departments and local businesses.
➡️If you are a job applicant interested in attending the event, register here: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/eleventhwardjobfair
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Catalytic Converter Marking Event | |
9th District Police Council Meeting | |
CBCAC Civic Education Series | |
IIT Community Farmers Market | |
Parish & School Announcements | |
Bridgeport Catholic Academy | |
De La Salle Volleyball
Breast Cancer Awareness Night
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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. If you are attending in person please call ahead and arrive five minutes early.
Recordings of past meetings are available on our YouTube Channel
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Results of 11th Ward Community Meetings for Zoning Change Requests | |
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Looking to have a Garage Sale?
Garage Sale Permits are available by walk-in
at the 11th Ward Office.
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Donovan Park Art Classes! | |
Canaryville Branch September Calendar | |
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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 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: [email protected].
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: [email protected].
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]
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Announcements & Information | |
Become an Election Judge! | |
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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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Chicago Resident Opportunities | |
Wateriders Chicago Kayak Tours and Rentals
Water Riders is located right in Bridgeport at Bubbly Creek! See details in the link below: https://wateriders.com/
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Free Museum Days In Chicago
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9th District Police
District Council & Beat Meeting Schedules
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Recordings of Beat meetings can be found on our Youtube channel here. | |
Location change for Beat 925
Meetings will be held at St. Gabriel School Hall, 4500 S Wallace Street.
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Ramova Chicago
The Ramova Theatre, Brewery, and Grill is opening this fall in Bridgeport and we are hiring! Visit www.ramovachicago.com for a complete listing of current open positions. We will be updating the site with new postings regularly.
We’d love to hear about your professional experiences in person at the 11th Ward Career and Resource Fair at Bridgeport Art Center on Tuesday,
September 26th from 12-4pm. Save the date!
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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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