Virtual 3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting - April 6th at 6:00 pm

Alderman Dowell will be hosting her next virtual Town Hall meeting on April 6th at 6:00 pm. Presentations will be followed by a short questions and answer opportunity. A tentative list of topics to be discussed include:

• Digital Realty Trust data center (330 E. Cermak Rd.)
• Bronzeville Cares Development (4705-07 S. Forrestville, 4706 S. St. Lawrence)
• Newly elected Police District Council Members

Register to receive the Zoom link by clicking here.

Citywide Clean and Green April 22nd!

Chicago's 2023 Citywide Clean & Green Day is schedule for Saturday, April 22nd.  You and your neighbors can make an immediate difference in our community by volunteering your group. Clean and Greens are a great opportunity for residents, school groups and community organizations to team up and beautify our neighborhood. The City will provide brooms, rakes, shovels and bags needed for clean-up projects. Register by Monday, April 17th by calling 311 or going to 311.chicago.gov. 

If you are looking to join an existing neighborhood Clean and Green, the South Loop School Clean and Green is a great option! Starting at 9:00 am at Mary Richardson Jones Park (1212 S. Plymouth Ct.), interested residents can sign up at signup.com/go/GjZvGmi.

One Summer Chicago Applications Are Open

Through One Summer Chicago, youth ages 14 to 24 will gain in-person job and life-skills training in sectors including tech, healthcare, media, and more. The program runs from June 26th to August 4th. To apply, visit OneSummerChicago.org. Applications are due by June 2, 2023. In addition, organizations and companies interested in supporting Chicago's youth through One Summer Chicago are welcome to apply to become an employer.

March 16th Town Hall Recap

Thank you to everyone who attended and spoke at the Thursday, March 16th Town Hall meeting. During the meeting, residents heard from the City’s Zoning Administrator on the potential sale of the National Armory building at Calumet Ave. and Cullerton Ave., Deeply Rooted Dance Studio, developers of 1225 S. Indiana Ave., and the Chicago Department of Transportation on traffic ideas for 13th and Indiana Ave.

Copies of the presentations and a copy of the 13th and Indiana Traffic Study can be found at ward03chicago.com/march-16th-town-hall-meeting-recap/. Thoughts, comments, and ideas on any of the items presented during the Town Hall can be sent to [email protected]. A copy of the video from the meeting can be found here.

Dowell Votes "No" on More Video Surveillance/Automatic Tickets

New cameras will be mounted on CTA buses, other public transit vehicles, and on City vehicles, light poles and other property thanks to a new ordinance passed by the Chicago City Council. These cameras will generate automatic tickets for drivers who block bus lanes, bike lanes, crosswalks and loading zones. Consistent with her votes against red light and speed camera tickets, Alderman Dowell voted "No" on this expanded camera ticketing ordinance.

Specifically, the ordinance will create a two-year pilot program in two designated zones within an area bounded by Lake Michigan to Ashland Ave., North Avenue to Roosevelt Rd. Drivers will be given one warning, and then automatically fined if found in violation of this ordinance. Fines will be sent to the homes of residents no sooner than 30 days after the system is installed.

2222 S. Michigan Ave. Redevelopment Brings Jobs, Union Opportunities to Motor Row

Continuing her push to redevelop the historic Motor Row entertainment district, and to provide good paying job opportunities for local residents and MBE/DBE firms, Alderman Dowell supported using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance for the project at 2222 S. Michigan Ave.

The redevelopment of the Hudson Building at 2222 S. Michigan led by 3rd Ward resident Israel Idonjie will be a mixed-use project that will include a boutique hotel, restaurant, event space, and multifamily housing. This venture continues the reinvestment related to the McCormick Place Convention area and will provide a diverse array of needed amenities to the District. Just as important, the development will bring 8 affordable housing units, over 150 union construction jobs, and up to 150 permanent jobs. The developer has engaged a minority firm as a joint venture general contracting partner and has committed to prioritizing minority subcontracting opportunities as well as local hiring for both construction and permanent workforce positions. The developer has also agreed to enter into a Neutrality agreement (agreement to allow to unionize) with UNITE HERE Local One for the hotel.

This amount of public benefits, as well as the catalytic impact this investment will have on the area are the reasons why Alderman Dowell supports TIF being used to advance the project. 2222 S. Michigan improves on the public benefit model of the similar recent developments to the area like the Marriott Marquis and Tri Branded Hilton, both of which have hotel-only Neutrality agreements. As a matter of fairness, it is important that smaller, local minority business interests are held accountable to the same standards as larger established businesses and not targeted as an example to be singled out. 

Williams Park Wins Citywide Basketball Championship

Congratulations to our own Williams Park (2850 S. State St.) 16-17 year old athletes who won the Citywide Basketball Championship. This is an amazing accomplishment! The Williams Park team featured a winning lineup of: Vince Davis, Labron Williams, Jamal Small, Rashawn Blackmen, Fotain Thomas, Jason Wren, and Kenyatta Woods. Great job!!

Bronzeville Historical Society Awarded an Illinois Security Grant

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency announced its list of awardees for the Illinois Security Grant Award. 116 organizations, including the Bronzeville Historical Society (4455 S. King Drive), received awards totaling $20 million.

The Illinois Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP-IL) provides funding support for security enhancements for non-profit organizations that are at high risk of attack. NSGP-IL funds must be used for target-hardening activities, which can be accomplished through the purchase or installation of security equipment on real property (including buildings and improvements) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization.

Electric Vehicle Charger at 43rd St. and Calumet Avenue Data

With Alderman Dowell's support, ComEd installed a dual port electric vehicle (EV) charger on the corner of 43rd St. and Calumet Ave. on April 28th, 2022. After gathering data on charger use over the past 9 months, ComEd is reporting that the charger has gained 82 unique users from April and performed 793 total charge sessions. 50% of the user base are 1-time users of the charger. Once a vehicle was plugged in, 68.4% of the time the charger was in-use charging the vehicle. The average number of charger sessions has increased from about 1 per day, to 2.87 sessions per day.

Alderman Dowell and ComEd are continuing their discussions regarding EV charging stations in the ward, and ComEd is working on proposed plans for additional station installations. The current charger will continue to be free to all customers while ComEd monitors usage and works to develop an optimal rate structure.

Bill to Designate Roberts Temple a National Monument Introduced

Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth has introduced a bill to designate Roberts Temple Church at 4021 S. State St. a national monument. This designation would help prevent the building, which once held Emmett Till's funeral, from falling into further disrepair. Senator Duckworth's bill has bipartisan support including cosponsors Dick Durbin (D-IL), Corey Booker (D-NJ), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

Designating a site a national monument places it under management of the U.S. National Parks Service and makes it eligible for a host of additional funding opportunities. Roberts Temple was designated a Chicago City Landmark in 2006.

City Designates 70 Business Service Organizations as Development Centers

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the grantees of the BACP Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC) grant program. Participants of the $3.3 million NBDC program will deliver highly specialized business programs and services that help entrepreneurs start, and business owners grow or sustain their small businesses, as well as assist their program peers to build their respective capacities. The long-standing program provides funding to nonprofit local business service organizations, such as economic development corporations and chambers of commerce, to deliver free and confidential business assistance programs that benefit communities in every corner of the city.

The Small Business Development Centers that serve the 3rd Ward include: The 51st St. Business Association, the Near South Planning Board, the Quad Communities Development Corporation, and the South East Chicago Commission. For more information about the NBDC program, visit Chicago.gov/NBDC.

2-1-1 for Social Services Help is Live

Need help and don't know where to turn? 2-1-1 Metro Chicago assists residents finding help with: childcare, employment, food assistance, health care, housing, legal and immigration, substance use, transportation, utility assistance and much more. Residents can also access 2-1-1 services by texting their Zip Code to 898211 or by visiting 211MetroChicago.org to search or chat.

43rd St. Green Line Station Upgrade Schedule

The Chicago Transit Authority is proposing upgrades to the existing 43rd St. Green Line station. Improvements include: A new entryway into station house with a full glass entry for better light and security, new smaller footprint exit stair on southwest corner, improved cover and handrails on southeast stair, improved platform guard rails and barriers to prevent unwanted entry to adjacent properties, upgraded platform canopy and fascia, new interior stairs, ceilings, and other finishes, upgraded security cameras and systems, modernized elevators with new floors and other finishes, and installation of new artwork.

Currently, the renovations are in the design procurement and environmental coordination stages. Design development will continue through Q2 2024, with construction beginning in Q4 2024. According to the preliminary schedule, CTA estimates substantial project completion by Q2 2025.

BAM Mentorship Program Tours HBCUs

Approximately 70 Chicago Public School students had the opportunity to visit six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), courtesy of the Becoming a Man (BAM) Mentorship Program. Many of the students involved in the trip would not otherwise have the ability to visit potential colleges without the assistance of the BAM program. The tour travels to schools in the South via bus and takes place over CPS's Spring Break.

46th St. and King Drive. - Netsync Conduit Installation

Netsync has requested the installation of one 4'x4' communications manhole at 46th St. and King Drive. The purpose of this infrastructure work is to bring advanced fiber optic connectivity within the Chicago Public Schools system. Construction is planned to begin in Q2 2023. When a schedule for the work is established, it will be posted publicly and sent out by the 3rd Ward Public Service Office.

42nd St. and King Drive. - Netsync Conduit Installation

Netsync has requested the installation of three 36'' communications manholes at 42nd St. and King Drive. The purpose of this infrastructure work is to bring advanced fiber optic connectivity within the Chicago Public Schools system. Construction is planned to begin in Q2 2023. When a schedule for the work is established, it will be posted publicly and sent out by the 3rd Ward Public Service Office.

41st St. and State St. - Netsync Conduit Installation

Netsync has requested the installation of three 36'' communications manholes at 41st St. and State St. The purpose of this infrastructure work is to bring advanced fiber optic connectivity within the Chicago Public Schools system. Construction is planned to begin in Q2 2023. When a schedule for the work is established, it will be posted publicly and sent out by the 3rd Ward Public Service Office.

TIF Assistance for 43 Green Phase II Passes City Council

Partial financing for the second phase of the major mixed-use development currently under construction at 43rd St. and Prairie Ave. passed City Council in March 2023. With Alderman Dowell's strong support, $10 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance was provided to 43rd and Prairie Phase II LP for the acquisition of City-owned vacant property at 4309-4311 S. Prairie Ave. The Phase II tower, to match the one currently under construction next door, will house a mix of affordable housing and commercial space. Alderman Dowell presented this development at her September 2022 Town Hall meeting. A recap of the meeting can be found here.

Sale of 5036 S. Prairie Passes City Council

The City Council approved the sale of 5036-5044 S. Prairie Ave. to 5050 Prairie LLC as part of the March 2023 meeting. At the property, 5050 Prairie LLC proposed the construction of a new mixed-use, mixed-income development for the long dormant property. This project, along with the new Policy Kings commercial development on 51st St. just west of King Dr., will anchor the 51st St. commercial corridor, opening it up to additional development opportunities. Alderman Dowell presented this project at her September 2022 Town Hall meeting. A recap of the meeting can be found here.

5021 S. Wabash Ave. Sold to Urban Equities, Inc.

The former 3rd Ward Streets and Sanitation property at 5021 S. Wabash Ave. was sold to Urban Equities, Inc. with Alderman Dowell's support during the March 2023 City Council meeting. Urban Equities, Inc. will renovate the property to house a unique shard commercial kitchen space, complete with rental opportunities, parking, electric auto charging stations, a coffee shop, and community center. Alderman Dowell first presented this project to the community during her January 2022 Town Hall meeting. Additional project details can be found at soulcitykitchens.com/.

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Receives Adopt-a-Landmark Grant

Through the support and advocacy of Alderman Dowell, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church (4501 S. Vincennes Ave.) received a $1.6 million Adopt-a-Landmark Grant, which was approved during the March 2023 City Council meeting. Funding will be used for preservation work including masonry, roofing, and gutters. The Citywide Adopt-a-Landmark Fund provides grants to support the restoration of designated landmark buildings and structures throughout Chicago. For program details, and more information about Ebenezer's award, click here.

Alderman Dowell Approves Sale of City-Owned Lot at 5230 S. Indiana Ave.

During the March 2023 City Council meeting, Alderman Dowell supported the sale of the vacant City-owned lot at 5320-32 S. Indiana Ave. to neighbors Steve Maurice Epting and Felicia Epting. The Eptings purchased the lot through the City's Adjacent Neighbors Land Acquisition Program (ANLAP), which sells City-owned vacant property to immediate neighbors for a discounted price, provided that the neighbors maintain the lot and keep it as predominantly open space. Small improvements to the property like temporary playground equipment or a driveway may be allowed. For more information about ANLAP, please click here.

South Loop Event Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events. Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.

For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.soldierfield.com/events/all. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place. 

Chicago Fire vs. Minnesota FC

Saturday, April 8th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union

Saturday, April 15th at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls

Saturday, April 29th at 7:30 pm

White Sox Preliminary 2023 Fireworks Schedule

For the health, safety, and comfort of neighborhood residents near Guaranteed Rate Field, Alderman Dowell's office is sharing a preliminary schedule of White Sox Firework nights for the 2023 season. Fireworks shows will last approximately 10 minutes and begin following the conclusion of each game listed below. This schedule is subject to change, and does not include fireworks shot after all homeruns hit by White Sox players, and immediately after every White Sox victory.

Game date and time:

• Monday, April 3rd at 3:10
• Friday, April 28th at 6:10 pm
• Friday, May 12th at 7:10 pm
• Friday, May 19th at 7:10 pm
• Friday, June 2nd at 7:10 pm
• Friday, June 9th at 7:10 pm
• Friday, June 23rd at 7:10 pm
• Tuesday, July 4th at 7:10 pm
• Friday, July 7th at 7:10 pm
• Friday, August 11th at 7:10 pm
• Friday, September 1st at 7:10 pm
• Friday, September 15th at 6:40 pm
• Friday, September 29th at 6:40 pm
• Saturday, September 30th at 6:10 pm

43rd/Cottage Grove SBIF Opens April 3rd

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in the following TIF districts in April.

• 43rd/Cottage Grove, Grand Boulevard

Applications open: 9 a.m. Monday, April 3

Applications close: 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 2

The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own. Please note that residential projects are not eligible for the SBIF program, and residential developers should not apply.

Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid.

NSP Homework Help Program

The NSP Homework Help Initiative is growing!  Starting Tuesday, April 4th, NSP and MTM tutors will provide FREE 30-minute homework help sessions to K-12 students interested in support. This service is available to any K-12 student in need of help with all core subject areas (math, reading, science, etc.) – students MUST provide their own materials.  Tutoring will be held every Tuesday and Thursday 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Apostolic Church of God located at 6320 S. Dorchester Ave.

If you’re interested in signing up for tutoring, please sign up at this link. Any questions about the program, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Lynn Kidd at l[email protected]  or [email protected].  

The Fresh Moves Bus is Back!

The Fresh Moves Mobile Market resumes full operations on Monday, April 3rd! This mobile farmers’ market brings healthy food to schools, community centers, churches, and health clinics—places that folks already frequent. Customers board the retrofitted bus to shop for hyperlocal fresh produce, value-added products and household staples from UGC own growing operations and their network of BIPOC and local growing operations. The products are priced to be affordable for all and to provide a fair return for the farmers and makers. The Mobile Market's schedule and further information can be found here.

Culinary Apprenticeship with UNITE HERE

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? UNITE HERE's Culinary Apprenticeship program offers 8-weeks of intensive instruction taught by accomplished Executive Chef instructors. This is a free program. Apply at bit.ly/UHCHI.

CTA is Hiring Trackworkers

CTA hires trackworkers who are confident in their basic skills and eager to master new challenges. CTA provides candidates with worksite tools and access to exciting new technologies that promote your continued development. Visit transitchicago.com/careers to see all of their career opportunities, job requirements, and to submit an application.

Commercial Driver's License Free Training Program

Jumpstart your career in the transportation industry by earning your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Permit. Sponsored by the Chicago Urban League. Preliminary requirements for enrollment include: a valid Illinois Driver's License, a clean driving history, a High School Diploma or G.E.D., passing a TABE test, no felony convictions, and passing a drug screening, background check, and other program requirements. Sign up at form.jotform.com/230474847321153.

Back to Business (B2B) Program Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that $175 million is available in grant funding through the Back to Business (B2B) program. The latest American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded opportunity is designed to provide additional support for the hardest-hit sectors, including restaurants (B2B Restaurants), hotels (B2B Hotels), and businesses or organizations in the creative arts sector (B2B Arts). To provide hands-on support and raise awareness about the program, the State has mobilized a network of more than 100 community navigators across Illinois.

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is an eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions.

When: Saturday, April 1st at 9:00 am (link to register) and Saturday, April 8th at 9:00 am (link to register)

Financial Management Series for Small Business Owners

QCDC is proud to present two events in April as part of their Financial Management Series for Small Business Owners. Participants will learn how to properly manage financial statements, enhance your business decision-making, and increase revenue. The sessions are free. Register at qcdcbronzeville.eventbrite.com.

Making Sense of the Key Financial Statements for Freelancers & Entrepreneurs

Where: QCDC (4210 S. Berkeley Ave.)

When: Monday, April 3rd from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Techniques for Creating a 12-Month Business Budget

Where: QCDC (4210 S. Berkeley Ave.)

When: Monday, April 17th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

NHS Financial Fresh Start Webinar

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will

prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score.

When: Tuesday, April 4th at 6:00 pm (link to register)

Lunch and Learn

Join QCDC to learn more about the City Incentives for Small Business SBIF (Small Business Improvement Fund) Program. This is a free event. Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/588203702107.

Where: QCDC (4210 S. Berkeley Ave.)

When: Wednesday, April 6th from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

CTA Second Chance Program Hiring Event

Since 2011, the CTA Second Chance Program has served more than 1,000 of the City's justice involved residents. Over 500 participants have become permanent CTA employees, and even more have secured jobs at other organizations. Candidates must submit an online interest survey to be considered. Invited candidates will be notified by email. Submit your interest survey at transitchicago.questionpro.com/SCPJobFair.

Where: CTA Headquarters (567 W. Lake St.)

When: Saturday, April 8th from 8:00 am to 11:00 am & 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The Beautiful Ones are not Yet Born 

Arts + Public Life presents artist zakkiyyah najeebah dumas-o'neal's new body of work. Focusing extensively on notions of embodiment, alternative modes of movement, imagining technologies, intimacy, and collectivity in physical and digital spaces, dumas-o'neal, an APL artists-in-residence alumnae, debuts new video and photo work. A supplementary exhibition at the Arts Incubator Gallery (301 E. Garfield Blvd) will celebrate the start of EXPO CHICAGO and open for exclusive EXPO VIP viewing on April 11, 2023.

Where: Arts Incubator Gallery (301 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Tuesday, April 11th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

The Intersection of Public Space, Art and Social Justice

Illinois Institute of Technology's Alfred Caldwell Lecture for this month is the Intersection of Public Space, Art, and Social Justice. Hear from Devon Henry, Franklin Cosey-Gay, and Makeba Kedem DuBose on the panel moderated by Ron Henderson. Signup at bit.ly/ACLHENRY.

Where: S.R. Crown Hall (3360 S. State St.)

When: Wednesday, April 12th from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Hospitality Hires Chicago

Interview for entry-level and management positions with great benefits at Hospitality Hires Chicago. Register for the event at ChiCookWorks.org/HHC.

Where: The Palmer House Hilton (17 E. Monroe St.)

When: Tuesday, April 18th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

CPS Job Fair

Chicago Public Schools Talent Office is hosting a CPS Job Fair in the community for positions with CPS. Positions include teacher assistant, special education classroom assistant, nurse, security officer, cook, porter, crossing guard, tutor, bus aide, substitute teacher and many more. To register for the event, please visit bit.ly/CPSJobFair41923.

Where: White Park Fieldhouse (1610 W. Howard St.)

When: Wednesday, April 19th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit www.chicagopolice.org to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.

1st District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 132

Date: April 19th at 5:30 pm

Location: For location information, please email [email protected] or call

312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: April 25th at 6:00 pm

Location: Rosenwald Courts Apartments Senior Room (4642 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: April 18th at 6:00 pm

Location: Greencastle of Kenwood (4909 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)