Recap of the 3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting Hosted by the FAME Center

At the March 19, 2025 3rd Ward Town Hall meeting, Alderman Dowell welcomed 1st District Police Commander David Harris, the development team of the proposed 2500-2540 S. Wabash data center, and representatives of CDOT to discuss changes to the Cullerton and Calumet intersection. Thank you to Sheila Fortson and the entire wonderful staff of the FAME Center for hosting this event. And thank you to Jessica Biggs - Chicago School Board Member from District 6, and Marquinn McDonald - 2nd District Police District Council Member, for introducing themselves to the community during the town hall meeting.

To watch the video of the meeting, please click here.

Street Sweeping Starts April 1st

Chicago utilizes mechanical street sweepers to remove debris and litter from streets. From April 1st through mid-November, bright orange temporary parking restrictions are posted at least a day before sweeping service is scheduled to begin on any street to ensure curb-to-curb cleaning. Some arterial streets have permanently posted signs that specify a once-per-week period when parking is prohibited for street sweeping.

Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.  Please use the following links for street sweeping schedules and maps, and to make a street sweeping request. You can also make a street sweeping request by calling 311.

Using the link above, you will find a map of the street sweeping sections and a chart of when the street sweeper will visit your section. To read the schedule, first identify your section on the map. For example, if you live at 15th St. and Prairie Ave. you would be in Section 1. Once you identify your section, go to the chart and find your section number in the header. Section 1 is the first column on the top left. Below the top of the column there are dates when you can expect your street to be swept. These dates are subject to change due to weather, as sweepers can not clean the street in the rain.

Chicago Aldermanic Women's Caucus Celebrates Women's History Month

Alderman Dowell joined her fellow City Council colleagues to celebrate Women's History Month during the March 12th City Council meeting. The celebration served to honor the many inspirational women that contribute each and every day to the betterment of our great City, including Aurie Pennick, a native Chicagoan and acclaimed lifelong public servant. Aurie is a phenomenal woman, and a former President and CEO of the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities, who believes in making the best hand out of the cards of life you are dealt.

Alderman Dowell Honored by Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch

As part of Women's History Month, Alderman Dowell was honored for her contributions to the City of Chicago at the March 14th Excellence in Bleu celebration. Black Excellence in Bleu is a 501(c)(4) organization committed to promoting civic engagement, community outreach, and the advancement of sound fiscal, educational, and economic policies for the common good and welfare of our communities. The organization is led by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, and Executive Director of Democrats for the Illinois House TaQuoya McConnico.

Alderman Dowell Addresses Real Estate Industry at Chicago Association of Realtors Event

Alderman Dowell had the privilege to speak at the Chicago Association of Realtors Titans of Industry Women in Real Estate event. At the event, guests heard inspiring stories from other women carving out their professional path and building peaceful lives and healthy bodies. Thank you to 3rd Ward residents Chicago Association of Realtors CEO Michelle Mills Clement and broker Sheila Dantzler for the invite, and to all the participants who made this a great event!

NASCAR Chicago Street Race Info Now Available

NASCAR Chicago's annual local resident information page for 2025 is now available at www.nascarchicago.com/localinfo. This is the most up to date location to find race maps, street closure information, sidewalk closures, a flyover of the course, and much more.

The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race will be held Saturday, July 5th and Sunday, July 6th in and around Grant Park. Because of their experience hosting the race, NASCAR has reduced the total build time to 25 days for 2025, a 42% reduction from 2023, and Ida B. Wells Dr. will remain open 20 days longer than in year's past. The total traffic impact for the course build is 18 days, 7 days less than in 2023 and 1 day less than 2024, with the impact on Michigan Ave. reduced by 5 days. Last, the first activity in the park starts 16 days before the event, 10 days later than 2024.

Finally, NASCAR will be hosting 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race Community Engagement Meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to share information about the 2025 Chicago Street Race Weekend. Representatives from NASCAR, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, and others will be present and respond to questions from the community. To register click here.

Please Keep Our Neighborhood Clean of Dog Poop

Now that it's getting warmer, it's time to clear our parkways and yards of any pet poop missed during the winter. Not cleaning up is not only against the law, it's a health hazard as skipping pickup attracts rats. Specifically, Chicago Municipal Code Section 90.47 (Defecation on Public or Private Property) states:

• "No person who owns, possesses, or controls a dog, cat, or other animal shall permit such dog, cat, or other animal to defecate in any public place or on private property other than the property of the owner. No person shall allow dog or cat feces to accumulate in any yard, pen, or premises in or upon which a dog, cat, or other animal shall be confined or kept so that such premises becomes offensive to residents in the vicinity or a health hazard."

Please be a good neighbor and make sure to pick up after your pets, whether it's on the parkway or in your own yard. The 3rd Ward Public Service Office also has free "curb your dog" yard signs available for pickup. Please call the office at 773-373-9273 or email Ward03@cityofchicago.org to arrange pickup.

Chicago Urban League Honors Public Servants and Renames Building for James W. Compton

The Chicago Urban League hosted its 3rd Annual Reception Honoring Public Servants on Monday, March 24, 2025, at its headquarters in the 3rd Ward, bringing together civic leaders, community members, and public officials to celebrate distinguished individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing equity, opportunity, and social justice.

The evening featured a special tribute to James W. Compton, the longest-serving president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, to recognize his decades of leadership and commitment to empowering the Black community. He was President & CEO of the organization for 28 years, from 1978 – 2006. In his honor, the organization officially renamed its headquarters the James W. Compton Center and unveiled a commemorative sign. Alderman Dowell also received an award at the event for her dedication to urban development and public finance.

Louis Anderson Park Tennis Court Updates

The Chicago Park District has planned for upgrades to the existing tennis courts at Louis Anderson Park (3748 S. Prairie Ave.). As part of the project, the Park District commissioned a survey to gather community input on the court's design. At the close of the survey, the majority of respondents chose the option to keep one tennis court and replace the existing second court with two (2) pickle ball courts. The Park District is now working with the construction team to resurface the space and implement the winning design. The project is scheduled for construction this summer.

Cook County Health Opens Mental Health Triage and Stabilization Center at Provident Hospital

On March 18th, Cook County Health was joined by local leaders to cut the ribbon on the Cook County Health’s Clinical Triage and Stabilization Center, located at Provident Hospital (500 e. 51St. St.).

The 12-chair Center is for people experiencing mental health crises but do not require inpatient hospital care. Patients can receive compassionate, personalized care for up to 23 hours and work with a medical team to connect into the next appropriate level of care.

Cook County has invested nearly $4 million to build out this space that will provide immediate mental health care services beginning next week. Funding for this project came from the American Rescue Plan Act, allocated to the health system by Cook County government.

The Clinical Triage and Stabilization Center will support patients who are:

• Experiencing anxiety or panic attacks
• Having growing depression symptoms
• Coping with recent trauma or loss
• Recently discharged from another hospital or correctional facility
• Feeling wild mood swings, or
• Undergoing opioid withdrawal but don't have significant medical risk factors

Learn more about the center here.

Business Violation - Rothschild Liquors (124 E. Pershing Rd.)

An inspection of Rothschild Liquors (124 E. Pershing Rd.) by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection was conducted on March 21, 2025, resulting in a ninety (90) day Notice to Correct for maintaining a sign attached to the building over the public way without the required Grant of Privilege was entered. The business now has ninety days to obtain the required permit or face penalties/fines. Questions regarding this case can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

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. Inter Miami CF

Sunday, April 13th at 3:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. F.C. Cincinnati

Saturday, April 19th at 7:30 pm

Jumping Jack Program

Is your street having a Summer Block Party? You can apply for a FREE Jumping Jack, provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events! The Jumping Jack Program runs on Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, May 24th through Sunday, August 31st. Applications open on Tuesday, April 15th. To apply, visit ChicagoNeighborhoodFestivals.us.

Community Development Grant - Small

Apply for a $250,000 reimbursement grant for construction or renovation costs for your business. Small grants up to $250,000 are intended to support eligible commercial, mixed-use and light manufacturing projects. Grants provide funding for up to 75% of total eligible project costs involving new construction, rehabilitation or both.

Priority is given to projects with strong local impacts that leverage local talents, capacities and institutions and contribute to community vitality. Private and non-profit developers, property owners and businesses are eligible to apply. Want to learn more? Attend an informational webinar from 3-4:30 p.m. on Thurs. April 3. Registration is free and highly encouraged for potential applicants.

Apply for the webinar or the grant at Chicago.gov/CDG.

South Side College and Career Catalyst Program

The South Side College and Career Catalyst program offered by the Office of Civic Engagement provides Chicago public high school students with year-round college and career exploration activities and educational opportunities to prepare them for academic and career success. The multi-year program includes a 6-week summer session plus year-round college and career readiness workshops, academic tutoring and college advising support, local and national college tours, and a campus residential stay during summer session.

Learn more and apply by April 15 here. 

Grant Application Now Open for the 2025 Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program

With thanks to private donations from our community, the SECC is happy to announce the 2025 Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program Grant is now open for the new season.

Formerly known as the Neighborhood Enhancement Grant, the program focuses on enhancing the physical attractiveness and walkability of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park and Woodlawn. Since 1999, nearly $1.5 million dollars has been granted to over 200 projects representing community and faith-based organizations, block clubs, neighborhood schools, and park advisory councils to support neighborhood enhancement projects.

Awards are based upon the proposed project, with a maximum grant amount of $5,000 per organization. Proposed projects must:

• Be highly visible from the street
• Be completed between June 2nd – October 27th, 2025
• Physically enhance and build on the uniqueness and character of the neighborhood 
• Strengthen civic pride and a strong sense of community
• Be sustainable
• Be located within one of the SECC’s five footprint neighborhoods: Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park or Woodlawn

Each proposal will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from the community areas and the SECC. Application deadline is Monday, April 28th, 2025. To apply click here.

UChicago STEM Education's Southside STEM Camp

Current 5th and 6th grade girls can now apply to UChicago STEM Education’s free 10-day Southside STEM Camp! The experience offers campers an opportunity to explore the engineering design process, decode secret messages, and engage in fun math activities from July 7 to July 18.

Learn more and apply by May 12 here.

Free White Sox Ticket for Cook County Veterans

The Cook County Clerk's Office is again teaming up with the Chicago White Sox to offer a game ticket to veterans, active-duty military, national guard and reserves. To get a ticket, eligible individuals must sign up for the free Military and Veterans Discount Card with the Cook County Clerk's Office, present your card at the Gate 4 Box Office window at Rate Field within two hours of the game, and claim your complimentary ticket to cheer on your 2025 Chicago White Sox! Tickets are subject to availability and are good for Monday-Thursday home games, excluding the game on August 27th. Sign up at cookcountyclerk.com/veterans or by visiting 118 N. Clark, Room 120, Chicago, IL 60602.

2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program

The 2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program is a powerful collaboration between the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC). This initiative is designed to strengthen small and mid-sized manufacturers across Illinois by providing up to $50,000 in matching funds.

Program Highlights

• Matching Grant Funding of Up to $50,000
• Eligible Expenditures: Allowable expenditures incurred between July 1, 2024 and May 1, 2025, including:
• Machinery acquisition, such as specialized automation equipment or collaborative robotics
• Specialized hardware or software, including IIOT, cybersecurity, and predictive maintenance
• Late-stage product testing and scaling of new product
• Development and commercialization of new products
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Illinois manufacturers with NAICS codes 31–33.
• Employ between 5 and 250 employees.
• Have operated in Illinois for at least three years.
• Recorded sales revenue in the last 12 months.

Applications Accepted from April 15-30, 2025. For more information, visit https://www.imec.org/madeinillinois/. 

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.

Where: 639 E. 87th St.

When: Saturdays, April 5th and 12th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

2nd Police District Council Monthly Meeting

Let's talk alternative safety! Alternative safety prioritizes community-driven, non-policing strategies like mental health crisis teams, restorative justice, and violence prevention. These approaches address root causes of social issues through care, de-escalation, and harm reduction - fostering trust and creating safer, more inclusive communities.

Where: Greater Harvest Baptist Church (5141 S. State St.)

When: Thursday, April 17th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

The Undercommons

Arts + Public Life presents the undercommons, the first solo exhibition by painter Brandon Carlton, opening April 18, 2025. Through his distinctive approach to stylized figuration, Carlton explores the complexities of contemporary Black life, using portraiture and spatial composition to evoke intimacy, distance, and presence. Register here.

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

When: Friday, April 18th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

A Musical Tribute to Chicago's Black Classical Heritage

This piano performance and presentation will explore Chicago's Black classical music heritage centering two organizations, the Chicago-based National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM) founded in 1919, and the Chicago Musical College, now part of Roosevelt University, one of the first music conservatories to admit African Americans. Piano and vocal works by renowned Chicago-based composers with ties to these Chicago institutions, such as Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and Dr. Lena McLin will be performed.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Tuesday, April 22nd from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

NHS Financial Literacy 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 22nd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Veterans Job Club

Veterans Job Club is available to Veterans with job-related goals and are seeking short-term assistance. Staff from the JBVAMC's VHA-VR program will be at the Chicago Vet Center monthly to assist with the following:

• Resume assistance
• Improving job searching skills
• Navigating USAJOBS website and other job search/employer websites
• Performance based interviewing

Where: Chicago Vet Center (8658 S. Sacramento)

When: Friday, April 25th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Earth Day Parks Cleanup

The Chicago Park District and Friends of the Parks are hosting their annual Earth Day Parks Cleanup. Volunteers will be provided bags and gloves (while supplies last). Sign up at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/Earth-Day or at www.EarthDayChicago.org.

When: Saturday, April 26th from 9:00 am to noon

The Birth of Gospel

Join King Branch Library for a screening and discussion of the WTTW Chicago Stores documentary The Birth of Gospel. This documentary discusses the origins of gospel music from the transatlantic slave trade to Thomas Dorsey's spiritual rebirth at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, April 26th from 2:00 pm to 3:30 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 16th at 5:30 pm

Location: Awaken Church (1829 S. State St.)

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: April 22nd at 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Meeting ID: 890 0660 2371 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 221/223

Date: April 15th at 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Meeting ID: 870 7383 9739 Passcode: 5101