6th Ward E-Newsletter

November 2024

Hello, 6th Ward Community!

Today is Election Day, a vital opportunity for our voices to shape our future. If you haven’t yet, please make time to vote! You can find your polling location on the Chicago Board of Elections website.

On October 30th, the Mayor unveiled his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025, outlining priorities and plans to address the city’s needs in the coming year. This week, beginning Wednesday, November 6th, the Committee on Budget and Government Operations will hold a series of budget hearings. These hearings provide an opportunity for City Council members and the public to review and discuss the budget in detail, examining proposed allocations for departments and key initiatives. Community members are encouraged to stay informed as the discussions unfold, as these decisions will impact services, public safety, infrastructure, and other critical areas across the city.

I’m also excited to announce that the 6th Ward will host a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30th to celebrate the season together. More details will be shared soon, and I look forward to seeing you there!

As we approach the holiday season, it’s a wonderful time to connect with family, friends, and neighbors, cherishing the warmth and joy that bring us together. Please note that our office will be closed for the holidays from December 23rd to January 3rd to allow our team to spend time with their loved ones as well.

Thank you for being a valued part of our community. Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season!

Yours in Service and Community,

Alderman William E. Hall

6th Ward Events and Constituent Resource Highlights

The 6th Ward has been actively supporting residents through targeted community initiatives. Our Community Meeting welcomed 115 attendees, providing an open forum for updates and resident feedback. Flu Vaccination Clinics saw 49 residents receive flu shots, promoting health and safety as we enter flu season. Veteran Heroes Thursdays honored and assisted 26 veterans, ensuring those who served received vital support. Additionally, Shred Day drew 180 guests per event, where over 50 bins of documents, 7.5 containers of electronics, 1,087 pounds of clothing, 297 pounds of shoes, and 63 pounds of prescriptions were collected for secure disposal and recycling. These initiatives showcase our commitment to community well-being and engagement.

In the past four months, we’ve also responded to 309 service request calls to address resident concerns and improve the quality of life in our community. Our team has worked to install 5 disabled access poles at key intersections and high-traffic areas, ensuring safer, easier navigation for residents with mobility needs. Additionally, 140 speed bumps have been placed strategically throughout our neighborhood, helping to reduce speeding and enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and families. These efforts underscore our commitment to creating a safe, accessible, and responsive community for all

If you see an area that needs to be cleaned or has any city-related issues or concerns, please contact our office at 773-241-3100 to submit service requests for any city-related issues or concerns.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our community. Together, we are making the 6th Ward a better place for everyone.

Neighborhood Investments in Action - The 2024 6th Ward Menu Allocation

The 6th Ward is excited to share the latest developments in community investments and infrastructure improvements funded through the 2024 Aldermanic Menu Program. This program empowers each ward to allocate capital funding to local projects that directly impact residents' daily lives, from street resurfacing to new park amenities, ensuring our neighborhoods are safe, accessible, and vibrant.

The Office of Budget and Management (OBM) has just released the Q3 Update for the 2024 Aldermanic Menu, allowing you to explore the progress and see where funding has been allocated in our ward and beyond.

Street and Sidewalk Enhancements

• Street Resurfacing: Key areas, including Drexel Ave, Prairie Ave, and Cottage Grove Ave, are set for resurfacing to ensure safer and smoother streets for drivers and pedestrians.
• Sidewalk Repairs: Locations throughout the ward will benefit from improved sidewalks, promoting safe and accessible pathways for all residents.
• Curb & Gutter Upgrades: Upgrades are planned along major streets to improve drainage and sidewalk accessibility.

Traffic and Safety Measures

• Speed Indicator Signs: Installed at high-traffic zones to encourage safe driving speeds and reduce accidents.
• Street Speed Humps: Various streets, including Langley Ave and Eberhart Ave, will have speed humps added to promote slower speeds in residential areas.

Lighting and Safety Improvements

• Street Light Upgrades: Enhanced lighting will be installed on high-traffic streets, including Halsted St and Wentworth Ave, to increase visibility and safety.
• Street Bump-Outs and Cul-de-Sacs: Designed to calm traffic in residential neighborhoods and make intersections safer for pedestrians.

Specialized Community Projects

• Miscellaneous CDOT Projects: Various smaller projects from the Chicago Department of Transportation to address specific community needs throughout the 6th Ward.

6th Ward Events & Resources

Alderman Hall's 6th Ward November Events

Community Based Events

City Resources/News

Small business grants reopen in five TIF districts this month

Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) participants can receive grants for up to 90% of building improvement costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. 

Applications open Friday, Nov. 1, for proposed projects in the following TIF districts:

• 79th/Vincennes
• 87th/Cottage Grove
• Avalon Park/South Shore
• Elston/Armstrong
• Western/Ogden

Learn more or register for the Nov. 6 information session

Apply by Nov. 8 for development grants up to $250,000

Community Development Grants are available for commercial, mixed-use and light industrial development projects and can cover up to 75% of eligible expenses.

Applications for the latest round of small grants are due by 11:59 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8. Priority will be given to projects with strong local impacts that contribute to community vitality.

Visit the CDG website to learn more and apply

The deadline to apply for the Diverse Learners Recovery Fund has been extended to November 15, 2024. This program, launched by the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) and Ada S. McKinley Community Services, offers $500 grants to families of K-12 students with disabilities impacted by COVID-19. Up to 8,000 students will be selected through a lottery.

To qualify, students must reside in Chicago, attend K-12 public or private school, live in a household below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and have a disability covered by the ADA. Apply at AdaMOPD.com or email MOPD@adasmckinley.org for more info.

See a transit-oriented vision for the future of 95th Street

Created through an 18-month community engagement process, the draft 95th Street Corridor Plan will be presented for public review from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th St.

The plan includes recommendations and goals for equitable transit-oriented development for 95th between Halsted Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. Pending public feedback, the plan could be presented to the Chicago Plan Commission this fall.

Register now or visit the 95th Street Corridor Plan website

President Biden has issued a major disaster declaration for the severe storms in July. Cook County residents impacted, can apply for FEMA assistance, even before any in-person disaster recovery centers (DRCs) open.

Youth & Education Opportunites

GoCPS applications for the 2025/26 school year open on September 24, 2024, at 10 a.m.! Explore all the available academic programs and apply at cps.edu/GoCPS. Submit your application by November 15, 2024.

Employment/Business Opportunities

Are you passionate about making a difference in the community?

Join the movement for positive change across Chicagoland and beyond. Thresholds, one of Illinois' largest providers of community-based services for individuals with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders, is seeking a Community Support Specialist.

What is a Community Support Specialist?

At Thresholds, the philosophy is to meet individuals where they are – both in their environment and on their path to recovery. Community Support Specialists (CSS) deliver mental health and substance use treatment support directly within the community, maximizing impact.

Position Details:

Role: Community Support Specialist

Responsibilities: Provide case management, counseling, job support, and crisis de-escalation within the community.

Locations: Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kankakee, and DuPage counties

Special Programs: Services are tailored to the Deaf Community, Youth and Young Adults, Substance Use Treatment, Homeless Outreach, and more.

Thresholds also offers a premier benefits package, including competitive pay, health, dental, and vision insurance, continuing education resources, job-related reimbursements, and much more.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for our virtual job fair on Friday, November 15th, from 12–1 pm CST to explore this impactful role, meet the team, and discover the rewards of a purpose-driven career.

Use the link below to register. For questions, please contact Catlyne Lasser at catlyne.lasser@thresholds.org.

JOIN THE DCASE TEAM!

Projects Administrator, Executive Administration Division.



Job #394376-1. Apply by Friday, November 8th at 11:59 pm (CDT).

Learn more and apply at http://Chi.gov/DCASEJobs.

www.6wardchicago.com