32nd Ward Newsletter May 14, 2021 |
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Greetings!
The City of Chicago has begun offering the Pfizer vaccine to youth ages 12 to 15 effective today at City-operated vaccination sites. Appointments can be booked now through the City’s call center at 312.746.4835 or through www.zocdoc.com/vaccine. All vaccine sites will accept walk-ins for 12 to 15 year olds starting today. 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith has arranged for a vaccination site that will be hosted at Francis Parker School at 2233 N. Clark Street this weekend - Saturday and Sunday (9-6) Pediatricians will be on hand to comfort children and to answer your questions or concerns.
To register, go to https://www.getinstavax.com/ivxweb/welcome, register, and select 1st dose, Pfizer and "Francis Parker" as the location for your appointment. Please register in your child's name and register for each child. Adults are welcome as well. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once appointment slots for the initial dates are filled, a wait list will be opened.
In this newsletter, parents and students are asked by CPS to provide input on the next Chicago Public Schools CEO, a short update is provided on the new City recycling contract, info on state funds for housing, info that CHA Receives Emergency Housing Vouchers, and many upcoming (virtual) events. This weekend Chicago Public Libraries offers the sixth annual for-teens-by-teens ChiTeen Lit Fest (starts May 16) and the Girls Summit May 18th.
This month is also Mental Health Awareness Month, so groups like NAMI are working to help in prevention of mental health issues and offer help via the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-NAMI Or in a crisis, text "NAMI" to 741741. The Chicago Department of Public Health has made great strides on combatting the Covid virus but we need to continue to be mindful of the virus dangers, and the other often unseen mental health issues that have been exacerbated during this trying time. If you feel like you are in need reach out for support and help from NAMI, NRS, CDPH or other organizations and friends or family. Chicago Connects has information on 24-hour hotlines.
Chicago Connects shares information about mental illness.
Chicago Connects has information on peer support groups.
Chicago Connects also has information about substance use disorders.
National Runaway Safeline (NRS)- also offers assistance to those who need it at 1-800-RUNAWAY. While Runaway Safeline has primarily focused on youth and runaways but offers help to all of those who need it. If you are in need here is How to find support.
Have a nice weekend,
Alderman Scott Waguespack
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Street sweeping for 2021 has begun. The sections of the 32nd Ward to be swept next week will be sections 14, 1, and 2, (parts of Bucktown, Palmer Square, and Logan Square).
Please make sure to move your vehicle on your scheduled day (south and east sides of the street are normally done on the first day, north and west on the second; please watch for signs). Please take the time to help clear the curb in front of your property. It is helpful to clear debris and clogs to keep the sewers flowing well. Please do not sweep landscaping debris into the street. Any landscaping debris should be bagged and put in the alley.
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I'll be joining the Wicker Park and Bucktown Chamber of Commerce for a business community annual update on June 2. Wicker Park Bucktown businesses are invited to attend to get an update on license, COVID re-opening issues and more at the WPB. The meeting includes three WPB aldermen representing the area. For more info on upcoming WPB events- see this link. |
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Armitage Water Main Update DWM Project #2001026
This week, Dept. of Water Management (DWM) crews began the work to install a new 8-inch water main in Armitage Avenue, from Western to Paulina. The original water main dates back to 1893, and needs to be replaced. This project will help prevent the water main breaks that have happened frequently along Armitage the past several years as more development has taken place and tied into the old water system.
This work is expected to be completed by December 2021, with restoration, including street resurfacing and repair of damaged parkways and sidewalks, to follow. Dates may change depending on weather and other project related factors.
The westbound traffic lane will be closed throughout the project; eastbound will remain open. Signs and barricades have been installed along the stretch of the project. North and Fullerton Avenues are open and are suggested detours for westbound traffic. The Armitage bus will be rerouted at times during this project; please make sure to watch for signs posted at bus stop. The 14th Police District is working with us to enforce traffic at stop signs when they can. We have modified some of the signage and are asking CDOT to help us with additional traffic controls at certain locations to slow detoured traffic.
Businesses along Armitage Avenue are still open during this time, and we encourage neighbors to continue to support local shops in the neighborhood.
The Department of Water Management (DWM) has two water construction crews working on Armitage. This week, the first crew will be working to install the main on the north side of Armitage between Western and Oakley. The second crew will be working to install the main on the north side of Armitage between Leavitt and Hoyne.
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. The work crews have also stored equipment on side streets and need that space clear of vehicles by the morning.
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. The Bureau of Forestry is also working to trim trees on Armitage between Western and Damen to avoid damage from construction equipment. 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, crews may not be able to give you prior warning. Again, check the water flushing procedures for clearing water.
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 (Project 2001026)
- Anthony Falada, General Superintendent of Water: 312-617-2218
- Kerri Stojack in the Ward Office - 773-248-1330
If you would like to receive regular email updates about the progress of this project, please go to BuildingANewChicago.org to register for project notifications. Simply enter your name, email address, and the project identification number (2001026). By signing up for the project notifications, you will be informed as the project enters each new construction phase - from mobilization of equipment onto the site, to the installation of new pipes, to the final restoration of the street.
We apologize for the inconvenience but the work must be done. Please drive carefully and take extra time to go slowly and safely through the neighborhood!
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Blue Cart Recycling Update
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve recycling and waste diversion in Chicago, LRS, formerly known as Lakeshore Recycling Systems, will be the new service provider for the residential Blue Cart recycling program. The transition will take place on Monday, June 7th in recycling areas currently serviced by Waste Management. This will impact the part of the 32nd Ward that is west of the river; east of the river will continue to be picked up by the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS).
The only change you may see is different trucks picking up your recyclables. The week and day of collection services will remain the same and there will not be any change in services. While DSS does not anticipate any service interruptions, any missed pick-up requests should be called in to 311 or entered into the MyChi311 App.
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Help Find Chicago Public Schools Next CEO
Working alongside Mayor Lightfoot, the Chicago Board of Education is launching a comprehensive search process for Chicago Public School's next CEO that includes unprecedented public engagement. They are looking for a leader who shares a commitment to equity, transparency, and integrity, and potential candidates should also be ready to listen to and partner with families and community partners across the city.
To help lead this inclusive and transparent selection process, the Board will be partnering with BWP & Associates, an Illinois-based executive search firm with experience conducting national superintendent searches. They have begun the search process to identify strong candidates to be our next CEO this summer.
To ensure diverse voices are heard and represented, community members are being asked to complete this interest form, which will allow them to ensure focus groups representing all members of the school system can be formed. There will also be Spanish-only focus groups to ensure Latinx families are heard and engaged during this search for a new CEO. The interest form will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, so please sign up today.
More information about the timeline and process for engaging stakeholders, and ultimately selection process is available on this transition web page. Thank you for your continued support and partnership
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The City of Chicago has begun offering the Pfizer vaccine to youth ages 12 to 15 at City-operated vaccination sites. Appointments can be booked now through the City’s call center at 312.746.4835 or through www.zocdoc.com/vaccine. All vaccine sites will accept walk-ins for 12 to 15 year olds. No appointment will be necessary, although pre-registration is encouraged! A parent or guardian must accompany any minor under age 18, and unvaccinated parents and guardians will be encouraged to receive a vaccine as well.
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State Rental Assistance
On Monday, May 17, the Illinois Housing Development Authority is opening a new statewide rental assistance program - the Illinois Rental Payment Program.
Landlords/housing providers must initiate an application for assistance. Applications will go live on Monday, May 17 here.
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CHA Receives Emergency Housing Vouchers to Address Victims of Domestic Violence and Other At Risk Populations
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) announced that it is receiving 1,097 special Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The American Rescue Plan Act, which passed in March as part of the federal government’s COVID-19 stimulus package, provided $5 billion in funding for EHVs for Public Housing Authorities throughout the country. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the allocations to Public Housing Authorities this week, including the 1,097 EHVs coming to Chicagoans.
The coronavirus pandemic exacerbated housing insecurity and incidents of domestic violence. In 2020, advocates saw an increase in calls to domestic violence hotlines, and many of those callers needed shelter. To further address these issues, CHA, one of the nation’s largest public housing authorities, will continue its partnerships with the Chicago Continuum of Care, The Network (formerly Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network), the Corporation for
Supportive Housing, and others. HUD recently established guidelines for the EHVs, and CHA and its partners will finalize the terms of the new program and work to issue these vouchers to Chicagoans. EHVs become effective July 1, 2021.
Housing vouchers subsidize rental payments of low-income families and individuals who qualify. To be eligible for EHV, applicants must meet income restrictions and fall into one of four eligibility categories:
(1) homeless (as defined by law under the McKinney-Vento Act)
(2) at risk of homelessness
(3) fleeing or attempting to flee, domestic
violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking,
(4) recently homeless.
CHA’s vision is to foster strong, vibrant communities throughout Chicago by increasing affordable housing choices for low-income families. The CHA is also the largest rental housing owner in the City of Chicago. It serves more than 133,000 people in 63,000 households across the city through our Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Project-Based Voucher programs.
The Chicago Continuum of Care is supported by All Chicago Making Homelessness History. Together with The Network and the Corporation for Supportive Housing as members of the Continuum of Care, they provide solutions that foster greater housing security, improve the lives of those impacted by domestic violence, and create cost-effective solutions to homelessness and poverty.
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Chicago Public Library Events
This summer the Chicago Public Library (CPL) will be hosting a variety of virtual programs, distributing grab-and-go kits, and developing take-home resources, as well as web-based options for participation in summer programs for children, teens, and adults. Please check online for regular event updates.
- Program dates: June 28th through August 22nd
- Most resources will be the same across all branch locations, however, other elements are developed “in-house” so they will vary from site to site based on community needs.
- More details and event listings will be available as we get closer to the start date.
Please note: Due to the pandemic and for your safety, Chicago Public Libraries will not be hosting any library programs in their buildings this summer. All programs will be zoom.
Here is a list of current and near future programs that may interest you:
May 16th through 22nd
The sixth annual for-teens-by-teens ChiTeen Lit Fest takes place May 16-22, 2021. The fest is fully virtual and lasts all week! ChiTeen Lit Fest provides a safe and creative space for you to unlock and discover your unique voice through literary arts.
Year long program
CPL's online store features CPL merchandise, including One Book, One Chicago, with a portion of every sale going to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
Available all year
Find YOUmedia and teen news and events, book recommendations, homework help, college and career resources and online resources for…
CPL is here for you while you stay safe at home. Contact us to get help online with your school work, job search, research, and more.…
Go to chipublib.org/CPLatHome to browse events, request virtual appointments, access library apps, and more. CLICK HERE for event specifically located at Lincoln Belmont Library.
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DCASE Cultural Grants Programs
The mission of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is to enrich Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. To support this overarching mission, the Cultural Grants Program’s goal is to play an active role in the development of Chicago’s arts and culture community by funding artists and arts organizations that have the potential to meaningfully contribute to the City’s cultural vitality.
The DCASE Cultural Grants Program strives to:
(1) Elevate Chicago’s arts and culture community;
(2) Promote access to the breadth of arts and cultural programming in our city; and
(3) Support those not typically represented in traditional local funding infrastructures.
DCASE is looking to help support all these goals through the grant program. If you're interested in learning more, click here to review what grants are available and how to apply!
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Volunteer for Wicker Park Farmers Market! |
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The Wicker Park Farmers Market is opening for its 21st season on May 16th and needs volunteers! You can find more information and a link to sign up on their website here.
Market hours are 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM every Sunday through October 31st. Yoga and Pilates is returning every Sunday from 9:00 - 9:45 AM, just south of the fountain. Mats are required. SNAP is accepted - fresh produce is eligible, LINK Match up to $25. Follow them on Instagram @wickerpark_farmersmarket for the latest updates!
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Announcement: NEW Roscoe Village Farmers Market at Jahn School |
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The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the opening season of the Roscoe Village Farmers Market!
This market will provide local, sustainably produced foods to the Roscoe Village community on Sundays from 9:30am - 2pm starting June 13 through October 17 at Jahn Elementary.
Get ready to enjoy local produce along with vendors offering fresh breads, pastries, cheeses, coffee, and even ice cream! By prioritizing dedicated, local farmers and makers within walking distance for the community, the market will be a hub of sustainability for shoppers and vendors alike. We look forward to seeing you at the market! Learn more here.
We believe this will be a great resource for fresh and healthy foods for our neighbors!
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Current Guidelines for Businesses
Last week, the Mayor allowed for a change in the Phase Four Regulations. Most Chicago industries will have the ability to increase capacity effective immediately, including the following changes:
- Restaurants and bars: Indoor capacity can increase to the lesser of 50% or 100 people.
- Spectator events, theater, and performing arts: Large indoor venues, including the United Center, can now operate at 25% capacity.
- Meetings, conferences, and conventions: Large indoor venues can now operate at the lesser of 25% or 250 people.
- Places of worship: Large indoor venues can now operate at 25% capacity.
- Festivals and general admission outdoor spectator events: Operate at 15 people per 1,000 sq. ft.
- Flea and farmers markets: Operate at 25% capacity or 15 people per 1,000 sq. Ft.
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U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Funding for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund will provide funding to restaurants, bars, food trucks, caterers, and other qualifying businesses that continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is currently open.
Eligibility
The following entities that have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss are eligible to apply:
- Restaurants
- Food stands, food trucks, food carts
- Caterers
- Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
- Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
- Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products
How to Apply
Starting today, you can register for the SBA application portal here. You can also apply through SBA-recognized Point of Sale (POS) vendors or directly via through the online portal. Participating POS providers include Square, Toast, Clover, NCR Corporation (Aloha). If you are working with Square or Toast, you do not need to register beforehand on the application portal.
Visit sba.gov/restaurants for more details, including how to calculate funding, how funds can be used and information on the priority application period.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant is designed to provide emergency assistance to venue that have been greatly impacted by COVID-19. Applications are available today via the SBA’s online portal.
Eligibility
Eligible entities include:
- Live venue operators or promoters
- Theatrical producers
- Live performing arts organization operators
- Museum operators
- Motion picture theater operators (including owners)
- Talent representatives
Additionally, venues must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020, and a venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount.
How to Apply
Applications are available today via the SBA’s online portal. View the following documents for more detail on the SVOG and how to apply:
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
As a reminder, the SBA has extended the deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to May 31, 2021. Learn more about this program at sba.gov/ppp and apply today through eligible lenders.
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
The COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is accepting applications until December 31, 2021. Learn more and apply at sba.gov/eidl.
For assistance with your application for any of these programs or for any of your business needs, please speak your local Neighborhood Business Development Center. Additionally, BACP has created the Chicago Business Center program and equipped eight Chicago-based business service organizations to serve as regional hubs to provide resources and assistance to small businesses. Learn more and set up an appointment at chicago.gov/cbc.
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ComEd Small Business Assistance Program
The Small Business Assistance Program provides eligible small business customers, with a one-time grant up to $1,000 towards a past due balance, once every 12 months. Eligible customers may also place a remaining balance into a payment plan of up to six months.
Eligibility
Small business customers applying for this program must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have an active ComEd service account (includes customers disconnected within the past 30 days).
- Use less than 1400 kilowatts (kWs) of peak demand. This includes customers who are
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0-100kW or watt hour. To confirm the amount of kWs your business uses, reference your ComEd bill (see sample bill).
- Have a past balance, per the bill due date.
- Have not received Nonprofit Special Hardship grants in 2020.
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Apply Now!
To apply for the Small Business Assistance Program, please call 1-877-4-COMED-1 (1-877-426-6331)
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The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Due to COVID-19, all programs are currently being offered as webinars. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
Wednesday, 5/19 at 3:00 PM
Accounting in Quickbooks
Presented by Trak Patel, ARCC Consulting
Learn how to keep your financial recordkeeping books using QuickBooks. We will identify the differences between QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop and list the important features and benefits.
Friday, 5/21 Webinar at 9:30 AM
Grants, incentives, and FREE assistance for your business
Presented by Andrew Fogaty, Executive Director 36Squared Business Incubator
Every year the City, State, and Federal government spends MILLIONS of dollars to provide grants, incentives, and free assistance to Chicago area companies. Was your company one of them?
Come to this FREE informative event and learn how your business can access assistance for everything from building improvement and property acquisition to export assistance and government contracting.
Wednesday, 5/26 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Transform Your Dream into a Real Startup
Presented by Score Chicago
Do you have what it takes to start and run a successful business? If so, do you know what the start-up journey is like? Or what initial steps you need to take?
This webinar will help you assess your prospects, give you the initial direction you need, and inspire you to move forward to realize your dream. The webinar will also cover pricing, promotion, competition, and marketing to give you a competitive edge.
Friday, 5/28 Webinar at 9:30 AM
(workshop will be conducted in Spanish)
Cómo Encontrar y Retener Clientes Utilizando Datos Digitales
Presentado por El Centro de Desarrollo de Pequeñas Empresas del estado de Illinois, (SBDC) de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Illinois.
Aprenda a reducir costos, aumentar la eficiencia, y tomar decisiones basadas en evidencia a través del análisis de datos. Comprender la información digital es vital para los empresarios de hoy en día sin importar el tamaño de su empresa. El análisis de información digital le ayudará a competir en un mercado más amplio y satisfacer las necesidades de sus clientes de manera precisa.
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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.
May CAPS Meetings
14th Police District-
1413- May 19, 6:30pm
1431- May 20, 6:30pm
1432- May 27, 6:30pm
19th Police District-
1921- May 19, 6:30pm
Meeting ID: 848 4924 6773
Passcode: 390796
1931- May 25, 6:30pm
Meeting ID: 811 8955 3379
Passcode: 995403
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Bike Theft Prevention
One of the most common thefts in the city is that of bikes. Below are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of this crime.
- Always lock your bike, even if you have it in your garage or on your porch. Many garage burglaries include theft of the bikes inside. Make sure your garage is always locked, both the overhead door as well as the side door, and make sure it has proper lighting, preferably with motion sensor lights.
- Make sure to lock both the frame and wheels, preferably with a U-lock. Make sure to lock it to a sturdy structure that is not easily removable. There have been cases where people have locked their bikes up to small trees in the parkway and someone has cut down the tree to get the bike.
- Make sure to take a picture of your bike as well as write down its serial number and keep the receipt as proof of purchase. As an additional way to prove that the bike is yours, insert one of your business cards in the handlebars or seat post tube.
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Make sure to register your bike with the police. In the event your stolen bike is found, this will make it easier for you to get it back. Once it is registered, your local police district can give you a security decal to put on your bike. If the decal is peeled, "void" appears as a result. If the bicycle is stolen and recovered, it can be traced back and returned to the rightful owner.
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If your bike is stolen, make sure to make a report either through 311 or at your local police station. After you do this, make sure to post it on the Chicago Stolen Bike Registry.
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Emergency Travel Order
Updated 5/4/2021
Based on data as of 5/3/2021
In response to the changing dynamics of COVID-19 transmission across the United States, and to support Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City is issuing a Travel Order applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 10-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter).
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Alderman Scott Waguespack
2657 North Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-1330
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