32nd Ward Newsletter June 25, 2021
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Greetings!
Two major construction projects are underway in the ward and will be affecting traffic on both Armitage, and at Barry west of Lincoln. Please look for alternate routes and if you are parking in these work zones outside of work hours, please park clear of equipment and move your car well before work starts during weekdays.
The weather was pretty intense today and we are working on clearing viaducts of water, as well as several arterial streets with backed up water. Now is good time to check sewer covers to make sure they are clear of landscaping debris. The City and surrounding suburbs were hit pretty hard with rainfall and many areas are flooded. For more information on the system and learn why we have flooding, check out the Friends of the River system graphic and info here.
The City Council met twice this week to pass several major ordinances including the pro-business package that now allows businesses to do many things we have been advocating for over several years. A-Frames signage for businesses is now passed, along with an extension of our food delivery cap at 15%. We tried to pass reforms to the ROW signage process that would have cut weeks off of waiting for signage as the process wends it way through aldermanic offices. The reforms would have been a substantive change but were separated from the main business package vote. Many cities take just a few weeks to get signs approved, Chicago's can take months. Alderman have abused the system in the past and held up simple licenses of restaurants in alleged extortion schemes, so businesses have a point about wanting to pass the Mayor's business reform ordinance.
The ordinance also uses $10 million in federal relief to offer targeted grants to businesses impacted by the Covid pandemic, clarifies the minimum wage ordinance so chain businesses do not undercount employees, and requires that domestic employees be paid at least $15 an hour, with a contract. This was a very good business package overall and supported by groups like the Illinois Restaurant Association, the SBAC-IL and our local chambers of commerce who have been working with us for years on these reforms. I was glad to see almost all of their long standing requests incorporated into the mayor's proposal and passed by aldermen.
The council also affirmed the new corporation counsel for the city after aldermen used parliamentary maneuvers to delay her appointment. The question of how parliamentary procedure is used did come up on both Wednesday and Friday, and at the same time Alderman Beale made a motion to circumvent the Illinois Open Meetings Act during the actual council meeting in a bizarre end around on parliamentary procedure. The demand to push through his ordinance eventually ended with him finally withdrawing the motion.
We also voted on a compromise language for LSD, which excluded almost all buildings and refers to LSD as LSD DuSable Drive on the outer portions. The last minute compromise by sponsors allowed for many of us to vote on a compromise version of the naming and geography, and ended the acrimonious, haranguing name calling in the meeting. Compromises of renaming the new Riverwalk or Millennium Park were rejected. DuSable will now have a park, harbor, school, museum, bridge and LSD named after him.
The Council also voted to pass about $18.5 million in funds to rebuild some parks located in TIF Districts. Finally, we passed the Urban Forestry Advisory Board (UFAB) with the great assistance of Openlands and many environmental activists. I'm proud to work with Openlands and our many governmental agencies to create the UFAB. Passage of our ordinance ushers in a new level of cooperation to save and (re)build our tree canopy and tackle the climate change problem. We haev seen the devastation caused by recent Derecho storms, as well as the Emerald Ash Borer that has destroyed millions of trees in the Midwest and Chicago, especially in our parks. I thank Openlands for their long term advocacy for UFAB and the joint efforts to provide a healthy environment for us and future generations.
The Secretary of State of Illinois will no longer suspend a license for any ticket debt, fines, or fees. This change includes suspension and holds due to: parking tickets, vehicle compliance tickets, red-light camera tickets, automatic speed camera tickets, traffic tickets, and abandoned vehicle fees. Read below for more details. If you are planning on getting a new license or other documentation from the Secretary of State's offices, call ahead to see what you need and where to obtain it. The SOS lines downtown at the Thompson Center wrap around the block and may have you waiting in line, so call ahead.
Alderman Scott Waguespack
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In-home vaccination is now available to all Chicago residents. Protect Chicago At Home offers up to 10 people at a residence to be vaccinated – even if individuals are not Chicago residents. People will be given a choice between the Pfizer (12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (18 and older) vaccines.
Every household that chooses in-home vaccination will also receive a $50 gift card from Grubhub. Appointments can be booked now and gift card distribution will begin June 28. The gift cards will be usable immediately at any restaurant available through the Grubhub app.
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Blood Drive Event at the Lincoln Park Branch Library
On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the Lincoln Park Branch Library will host a blood drive with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois from 12 to 5 p.m. The blood drive will take place in a mobile bus parked along the south side of Fullerton Avenue, directly across the street from the Lincoln Park Branch.
The gift of blood is critical - donated blood saves lives. To register for the drive, or to learn more, please click here.
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Lincoln/Barry Water Main Project Update #1701048
In early August, Dept. of Water Management (DWM) crews will begin the work to install 1,987 feet of new 8-inch water main in Lincoln from Belmont to Wellington, and in Barry from the alley just east of Greenview to the alley just west of Greenview. The old water main dates back to 1899, and needs to be replaced to create a more reliable and efficient system. This work is expected to be completed by late fall 2021, with restoration, including street resurfacing and repair of damaged parkways and sidewalks, to follow. Dates may change depending on weather and other factors.
When they are working in the street, they may close it to traffic for safety reasons, but you will always be able to reach your home or business. Outside of working hours, a travel lane will be left open for local traffic only.
The work area will be posted for "No Parking" as needed during work hours (generally 7 am - 4 pm). Parking is allowed outside of those hours, but cars will need to be moved by the start of the next workday. They will try to preserve as much parking as possible.
Construction always involves inconveniences and noise. They will do everything possible to maintain your quality of life throughout this project, and conduct themselves as good and thoughtful neighbors in the course of their presence on your street.
DWM does everything possible to preserve homeowner improvements within the public right of way when doing infrastructure work, but does not assume responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including sprinkling systems, fences, flower beds, and shrubbery. Any homeowner added improvements including fencing, landscaping, etc. should be removed by the individual homeowner prior to the water main installation.
When they switch over the services from the old main to the new water main, they will interrupt water service. They will give you 24-hour notice when this is to happen. However, in the event of an emergency shutdown during construction, they may not be able to give you prior warning.
Should you have any questions or concerns, you can either ask the construction foreman during the project, or call any of the following numbers:
- 24-Hour Service and Information Line: 311
- Anthony Falada, General Superintendent of Water Management: 312-617-2218
- 32nd Ward Office: 773-248-1330
If you would like to receive regular email updates about the progress of these projects, please go to BuildingANewChicago.org to register for project notifications. Simply enter your name, email address, and the project identification number (1701048). By signing up for the project notifications, you will be informed as the project enters each new construction phase - from mobilization of equipment onto
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Armitage Water Main Update DWM Project #2001026
The Department of Water Management (DWM) has four construction crews working on Armitage. This week, the first the crew will start transferring water services from the old water main to the new one between Western and Leavitt. The second crew will flush the new water main between Leavitt and Damen, then pressure test it. Crews 3 and 4 will help water quality with chlorination of the new water main on Armitage between Damen and Paulina.
Should you have any questions or concerns, you can either ask the construction foreman of the project, or call any of the following numbers:
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24-Hour Service and Information Line: 311 (Project 2001026)
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Anthony Falada, General Superintendent of Water: 312-617-2218
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32nd Ward Office - 773-248-1330
The westbound traffic lane will be closed throughout the project. Please drive carefully and take extra time to go slowly and safely through the neighborhood!
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Chicago USPS Postmaster Replaced
After months and months of complaints about delayed and missing mail, Chicago's United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster has been replaced. For the last year, our office has received numerous calls concerning mail service. For complaints about the post office, you can call 1-800-275-8777.
To read more about this change, please read this story by WGN News or visit the Inside Booster at insideonline.com for the story above (click on picture).
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CARE AND RESPECT: Supporting and Affirming Chicago’s Trans and Nonbinary Communities
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Domestic Violence Resources
The Division on Domestic Violence (DDV) at the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is an active partner in Chicago’s effort to end domestic violence. The Division annually serves more than 12,000 survivors through approximately 30 community-based programs and supports. DDV convenes the City’s Domestic Violence Coordinated Response Council – a multi-disciplinary council with representatives from City and County departments in addition to domestic violence service providers. The council formulates strategies and uses a
unified approach to service domestic violence victims citywide.
The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline (1-877-863-6338):
DDV oversees the operation of the 24-hour, toll-free hotline. Callers receive confidential connection to domestic violence services. Survivors, concerned family and friends, perpetrators of domestic violence, health care workers, faith leaders, police officers, prosecutors, and others utilize the hotline for information and direct links to community-based resources. The hotline provides bilingual and bi-cultural Spanish speaking support, as well as support in 240 other languages. The hotline also accepts and responds to text messages.
Domestic Violence Services Provided By Delegate Agencies:
Approximately, 20 non-profit agencies serve domestic violence victims and their children at 30 programs located throughout Chicago. These agencies provide assistance and advocacy to victims of physical, sexual, or emotional domestic abuse, with programs spanning six program models:
- Counseling Services: Emotional support and counseling, safety planning, explanation of victim rights under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and information on obtaining an Order of Protection.
- Legal Advocacy & Counseling Services: Includes the services listed above in addition to accompaniment to court for emotional support.
- Legal Services: Legal counseling and attorney representation.
- Supervised Child Visitation & Safe Exchange Centers: Safe spaces for court-ordered supervised visits between children, and custodial or non-custodial parents.
- Resource and Information Advocate: Assistance navigating the Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse including linkage to needed services.
- Multi-Disciplinary Team Services: Crisis counseling, safety planning and placement services for victims referred by the Chicago Police Department.
Domestic Violence Services at Community Service Centers:
Access to citywide domestic violence services, shelter placement, and rental assistance is available at the following community service centers managed by the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services.
- Englewood Community Service Center, 1140 W. 79th Street, 312-747-0200
- Garfield Community Service Center, 10 S. Kedzie Avenue, 312-746-5400
- King Community Service Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, 312-747-2300
- North Area Community Service Center, 845 W. Wilson Avenue, 312-744-2580
- Trina Davila Community Service Center, 4312 W. North Avenue, 312-744-2014
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Roscoe Village Garage Sale
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Summer Art Blooms in the Bucktown Neighborhood
The Bucktown Arts Fest is excited to announce four art events throughout the neighborhood this summer. Partnering with the Friends of Holstein Park, Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern, and Little Broken Things, the aim is to celebrate local artists and the artist in you.
Events include a create-your-own arts fest, bird house workshop, and shows with work from recognized BAF artists:
1. Create-Your-Own Bucktown Arts Fest
- August 28th-29th
- Kits available for pre-order now
- Kits available for pickup starting August 1st
- $25
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This year, we’re creating a virtual Bucktown Arts Fest. We have the kits, you make the art! Hang it inside or out, tape it, put it on an easel − and show us your art the weekend of August 28th-29th. Tag BAF and we’ll share it online. Art kits include a canvas, paint, brushes, and BAF swag. Sponsored by the volunteers of the Bucktown Arts Fest. $5 from your purchase goes to support the fest. Visit bucktownartsfest.com to register.
2. Put a Bird In It Workshop
- August 28th
- Holstein Park − 2200 N. Oakley Ave.
- $15
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Bring the kids to decorate small bird houses together outside at Holstein Park. This fun, family project is sure to delight artists of all ages. Hosted by the Friends of Holstein Park. Email [email protected] to register.
3. Local Voices Art Show
- August 24th-September 24th
- Opening Day: August 24th, 4pm-11pm
- Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern − 2345 N. Leavitt St.
- Free
- The artists featured in this show are all distinctive; they range in both style and technique. The one thing they all have in common is their participation in the Bucktown Arts Fest, a local arts festival that has been running for over 30 years in this neighborhood. The Fest embraces all voices: which parallels the melting pot that is the United States, as well as the Bucktown community. It was originally settled by Germans, then the Polish community, followed by the Hispanic community. It has become a diverse and iconic community full of ideas. This selection of artists – Hiroshi Ariyama, Connie Hinkle, Maria Mariottini, Robert Smeltzer, and Ryan Zoghlin – expresses that commitment to the power of diversity. Sponsored by the Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern and curated by Maria Mariottini.
4. Little Broken Things Art Gallery
- August 14th-September 24th
- Open Door Showcase: August 28th-29th
- Little Broken Things − 2137 N. Western Ave.
- Free
- Little Broken Things is a boutique-style hair salon and art consignment shop in the heart of Bucktown. Championing art since their inception, they’ll be showcasing the work of an acclaimed BAF artist. More details to come. Curated by owner and Bucktown Arts Fest committee member Cassie Krepel.
Learn more about the Bucktown Arts Fest here.
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Chicago Animal Care and Control Adoption Event
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Illinois Drivers License Reinstatements Begin July 1
Starting July 1, 2021, Illinois will no longer suspend a license for any ticket debt, fines, or fees. This change includes suspension and holds due to: parking tickets, vehicle compliance tickets, red-light camera tickets, automatic speed camera tickets, traffic tickets, and abandoned vehicle fees. These changes are due to the SAFE-T Act which passed in January. The Act also reinstates driving privileges for those who have already had their driver’s license suspended/revoked for failing to pay red-light camera tickets, speed camera tickets, traffic tickets, and abandoned vehicle fees. Reinstatement is free, automatic, and will occur by July 1, 2021.
Your license might still have a suspension or a hold if there were multiple reasons for suspension/hold on your record. Call the Secretary of State's automated phone number to determine if your license is valid: 217-782-6212, select option 2, then option 1. Have your Social Security Number and Driver's License Number handy.
The law does not eliminate any outstanding ticket debt. You must still pay off your tickets, but your license will no longer be suspended due to the debt.
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Illinois Tollway Expands I-PASS Program
The Illinois Tollway opened enrollment to a significantly enhanced I-PASS Assist program to help customers realize the benefits of I-PASS. The program’s aim is to ensure all Illinois residents are able to both attain, and more importantly retain, the financial benefits of using an I-PASS transponder when traveling on the Illinois Tollway system.
I-PASS customers save 50% on tolls and have the advantage of easily managing vehicles and travel costs online. As a condition of these benefits, customers are required to fund their accounts prior to incurring tolls, periodically replenish their accounts and maintain a transponder in their vehicle. Often times, economically disadvantaged customers are reluctant to sign up for I-PASS due to the deposit required on transponders as well as the initial minimum prepayment and minimum, ongoing auto-replenishment amounts when account balances become low.
Under the enhanced I-PASS Assist Program, the financial requirements associated with an I-PASS have been reduced across the board–for qualifying customers.
- No transponder deposit required (currently $10 deposit)
- Open and fund an account with as little as $4 in initial prepaid tolls (currently $20)
- Automatic account replenishment on low balances, as little as $4 (currently $10 minimum)
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FOR A LIMITED TIME: Those who enroll in the program and create an account will be able to get a gift card of up to $20 to be used at any retail store or grocery chain (certain restrictions apply)
In addition, to help income-eligible customers retain the benefits of I-PASS, invoice fees, if any, will be eligible for dismissal through customer service for accounts in good standing. Fee avoidance has been found to be critical to assisting customers keep accounts in good standing.
To be eligible for enrollment in I-PASS Assist, household income cannot exceed 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines as verified by the Illinois Department of Revenue. For reference, an individual making $31,900/yr. and a family of four making $65,500/yr. would be eligible to enroll in I-PASS Assist.
Click here to learn more.
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Chicago Public Library Online Immigration Seminars
(English & Spanish)
The Chicago Public Library is offering 7 free online sessions for anyone to participate in covering Green Card, Naturalization, and DACA. There are programs scheduled for English and Spanish. Participants can register at this website.
English Sessions
Naturalization 101 -
Thursday August 5 – 6 p.m.
DACA 101: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Tuesday August 17 – 6 p.m.
Getting Your Green Card – Adjustment of Status Session
Wednesday October 20 – 6 p.m.
Naturalization 101 -
Thursday December 9 – 1 p.m.
En Español
Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA)
Wednesday August 18– 6 p.m.
Naturalización 101 con USCIS
Thursday September 16 – 6 p.m.
Obtención de su Tarjeta Verde
Tuesday November 9 – 6 p.m.
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STEM Opportunity for Chicago High School Students
ComEd is launching a summer Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Home Labs program. This session will feature a storyline around a Mars rover and students will build a solar-powered rover of their own while solving many challenges along the way. The program will consist of three virtual build sessions with a final in-person event. The build nights will take place July 22, 27, and 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the final event on Saturday, July 31 at noon. The location will be announced.
ComEd mentors will be working with the students to complete the projects. Mentors include Dr. Kate Biberdorf from the University of Texas, who is working with ComEd engineers to develop the curriculum. Each student who participates in at least three of the four sessions will receive an iPad for the work.
Learn more and apply here.
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The Mayor's Youth Commission is a group of high school and college aged students (14-19) that serve as a liaison between the Chicago Mayor’s Office and Chicago’s youth. Working alongside Mayor Lightfoot and her staff, the Commission will meet on a monthly basis to foster youth-driven civic engagement and amplify youth voices to impact the city’s critical policy conversations.
In the past, Youth Commissioners have had the opportunity to
- Host townhalls and events around topics such as the rise in car jackings, mental health post-pandemic, and high school and college transitions and support
- Create education resource guides for youth
- Provide valuable youth input on planning of campaigns through My CHI. My Future. such as Make 2021 Yours and Spring Forward
- Meet and collaborate with various City staff and leadership
Click here for the application.
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Western Avenue Small Business Improvement Fund Open
SBIF provides grants to businesses for building repairs and improvements such as storefront renovations, building systems, interior remodeling, and roof replacement.
Commercial businesses are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $150,000 and industrial businesses can apply for a grant of up to $250,000.
SBIF does not come around often, so we encourage business owners in the 32nd Ward to apply. The deadline to apply is June 30th at 5 p.m.
With questions and for help applying, please contact Steve Simmons, 773-929-5552 x2226 or [email protected].
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Save the Date for the BACP (Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection) Small Business Expo
Save the Date for BACP’s first Remote Expo of 2021! This year’s expos will be better than ever, with the return of over 30 exhibitors offering 1:1 business guidance. This interactive expo will also feature webinars, panels, and a keynote speaker that will help people on all stages on their entrepreneurial journey. Make sure to mark Thursday, July 22, 2021 in your calendar and visit chismallbizexpo.com for updates as the expo approaches.
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CAPS Meetings: Until further notice, all CAPS meetings will be held virtually. If you are in the 14th or 18th District, please email your district in order to get the Zoom link to your specific meeting.
June CAPS Meetings - 1433 was a relatively quiet meeting this week. WE briefly discussed attempts to rein in activity on Bosworth and North Avenues outside the 1540 North/Lotus Black bar. In the deleterious impact community meeting specific to 1540, residents were still concerned about cars parked illegally and trash that was addressed with the BACP, residents, property owner & business owner, as well as our staff in our most recent community meeting on the problem business. The business owners have several requirements of the community hearing still to meet and the property owner is also marketing the property for sale after several fights and shootings took place this past year, and has evicted all upstairs tenants involved in the crimes. We are working with the residents and BACP to provide the business with appropriate business measures. They are required to add cameras, security to clean and walk the neighborhood behind the business, and follow other business guidelines.
I've also been working with the 14th District on the carjackings that took place last week, and the murder of a woman in Bucktown last weekend. Safety of everyone's families and neighbors is always my concern, and it is of the officers in the districts that serve us. The shooting last week of that woman near Dickens and Oakley is under investigation by detectives. Shortly after dealing with the massive and out of control parking lot party at McDonalds and another restaurant on Western before 1 a.m., over a dozen shots were fired and a car chase took place with further shooting. Police got a call a little later from St. Mary's that a woman, Karina Paredes (West Garfield Pk resident) was left to die. The boyfriend of the slain woman dumped her at St. Mary's and fled before police could question him (he was later tracked down by police but refused to cooperate), and he apparently never called 911. The woman was deceased when police arrived. Police have some leads, with shell casings found by neighbors and recovered by police but the weekend violence in Humboldt Park had police running from one crime scene to the next so their hands are full.
If you have video, or information on this crime or others, please share with the police.
14th Police District next meeting: 1434- June 30th, 6:30pm
19th District - the BACP will be starting deleterious impact meeting with Dinner and a Movie, at 2500 N Ashland after several fights, noise complaints, drag racing and other illegal activity took place in the first weeks weeks after opening. The purpose of these meetings is for the various departments to hear concerns from those affected as well as to ask the business owner to take steps to address these concerns. If you are an immediate neighbor and wish to be part of the meetings, contact Elizabeth in our office for the details of the meeting.
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Car Theft Prevention Tips
Rule #1
Don't leave your car running and doors open while going into businesses or dropping things off. Your car becomes an easy "stolen vehicle" for criminals.
Carjackings are also still taking place. Be aware of your surroundings at all times per the CPD.
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Alderman Scott Waguespack
2657 North Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-1330
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