The Chicago City Council approved an ordinance introduced by Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd), making Milwaukee Avenue, between Logan Boulevard and Sacramento Avenue, a “pedestrian street.” The passage mandates specific design guidelines and prohibits certain types of businesses from opening on the street.

Learn More in "Stretch Of Logan Square’s Milwaukee Avenue To Become ‘Pedestrian Street’ After Council Vote" - Mina Bloom, Block Club/Chicago - 2/23/202

Additionally, at the State level, Representative Brad Stephens (Rosemont) introduced HB 5581, designating Milwaukee Avenue, from Sangamon Street in Chicago to Greenwood Road in Niles, as the “Milwaukee Avenue Polish Heritage Corridor."

Click to read, "Pedestrian Street And Historical Polish Designation Approved

For North Milwaukee Avenue" Ian Achong, Yimby Chicago - 3/4/2022

The Cover Photo is a rendering of the Polonia Triangle. In 2017

Bugaj Architects worked with the Polish Triangle Coalition to imagine a Peoples Plaza where four Chicago neighborhoods converge at Milwaukee, Ashland & Division Streets. View their design concept gallery and a 360-degree view of potential improvements at the Polish Triangle. If you or your organization would like to be involved in seeing this become a reality, contact the Polish Triangle Coalition.

The SBIF program is a successful, long-running City program that benefits nearly every Chicago neighborhood. Administered by non-for-profit Somercor and utilizing Local Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue, qualified applicants are reimbursed for preapproved repairs and upgrades on commercial properties. 

Click here to learn about the program, elegibility/and eligible projects

Currently open for application in March - Click for Maps/details

Addison South - Lawrence/Kedzie - Pulaski Corridor - Western/Rock Island

Regional Business Centers - There are eight Chicago Business Centers (CBC) located in neighborhoods - regional hubs providing business licensing assistance. They're particularly helpful for entrepreneurs.

Learn more about the CBCs HERE. 

CHICAGO BIZ STRONG - This Initiative reimagines the way we do business in Chicago.

Subscribe to Mayor Lightfoot's "My 77" which covers what's happening in Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. Learn first hand about programs and initiatives, local resources, real estate developments, and more. Subscribe HERE.

A motion to provide partial funding for the renovation of the long-vacant Congress Theater at 2135 N Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square, was introduced by the Chicago Department of Planning & Development. Built in 1926, its most recent use was as a live-music venue before being shut down for safety violations in 2013.

Learn more, see renderings in:

Check out NW Connection's Real Estate Inventory...

NWCC MEMBERS FOCUS - Financial Institutions

With business' focus on recapping financial matters at the beginning of each year and tax filing time coming up in April for individuals, it's an excellent time to give a shout-out to NWCC's financial institution members. While there are differences between commercial and savings banks, all offer the same basic services - the important consideration is one's personal needs and comfort in interacting.

Click on each to check out their services, rates and products:

Community Savings Bank - Liberty Bank for Savings    

BMO Harris Bank - First Midwest Bank - Wintrust Bank

When Community Savings Bank acquired a vault door from a former bank when it moved to its Belmont Avenue location,a bit of Great Depression-era history was revealed.

College student Abril Chavez recently started a custom art business, Drip Trip Art, to build her college tuition fund. 

Abril is 22 and currently attends Northeastern Illinois University in the North Park neighborhood. Her plans include graduating with a major in Elementary Education with a minor in Math and Science Concepts and a career teaching in Chicago Public Schools. She's a member of the Hermosa Community Forum, where her artwork came to NWCC's attention.

Download a flyer to see Abril's work - View her Instagram site

Check Out the NW Connection Chamber website for local resources and assistance. Between issues of the eNews, Like & Follow us on Facebook for breaking news about events, programs & webinars. For information contact Pete Schmugge, NWCC Executive Director 773-558-8743 - nwconnectioncc@gmail.com

The NW Connection Chamber of Commerce - a Place Making Generalist agency for the City of Chicago Business Affairs Neighborhood Business Development Center - is funded to provide assistance to the Cragin, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, and North Austin Communities.