Latest DNC Info

Information is constantly being released about the Democratic National Convention. In order to stay up to date on the latest plans for the DNC, please join the Community Impact Information Session for McCormick Place virtual meeting on Wednesday, August 7th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This meeting will feature representatives from the various agencies and departments responsible for managing the convention, who will give residents an overview of the event's neighborhood impact.

Additional information, including maps of the security perimeters, street closure information, FAQs, and other announcements are available via the City's DNC Security and Safety information page. Please also download the City's 311 app at chicago.gov/OEMC for quick access to news releases, social media posts, and announcements from the City's emergency services agency.

Lollapalooza Returns to Grant Park August 1-4

Lollapalooza returns to Chicago from Thursday, August 1 until Sunday, August 4 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in Grant Park. The highly anticipated festival is expected to draw hundreds of thousands to Chicago’s lakefront for the four-day event featuring over 170+ performances on multiples stages. As the festival gets underway, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages those attending to enjoy a fun and safe event by adhering to all security measures.

The festival in Grant Park's immediate boundaries are from Michigan Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive and Roosevelt Road to Randolph Street. All motorists, pedestrians and residents in the area are reminded of the street closures and traffic impacts throughout the weekend. Click HERE for map of festival grounds, and for public safety details, visit Lollapalooza.com/Safety.

Alderman Dowell Hosts Town Hall Meeting Featuring Assessor Kaegi, Neighborhood Projects

On July 10th, Alderman Dowell welcomed Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, members of the development teams for Pete's Fresh Produce and Wells Fargo, and a representative from the Chicago Commission on Human Relations to a Town Hall meeting at Mt. Pisgah Church (4600 S. King Dr.) in Bronzeville. Thank you to everyone who presented at the meeting, to Mt. Pisgah for hosting, and to those who took time out of their day to attend this informative event.

Assessor Kaegi gave a detailed review of the assessment process and the types of property tax exemptions offered by the Cook County Assessor's Office. The developer of the Pete's Fresh Produce on Pershing Rd. offered an update on discussions with the new administration on potential paths to development. The Wells Fargo team answered questions about their upcoming 39th and King Dr. location, its operations, and commitment to the community. And the Chicago Commission on Human Relations talked about what a hate crime is and how to report them. For a video recording of the meeting, please visit Alderman Dowell's website here.

Indiana Avenue Parking Pilot Update

On July 22nd, Aldermen Dowell (3rd) and Conway (34th), along with representatives from the Chicago Department of Transportation, hosted a Town Hall meeting to update residents on the status of the Indiana Ave. Parking Pilot. Thank you to Alderman Bill Conway and Carl Schwarzer for their participation in this important meeting. During the event, CDOT representatives presented the results of the pilot, their surveying efforts, and traffic monitoring results. The aldermen and CDOT also answered questions from residents on a wide variety of topics related to the pilot like public safety, traffic mitigation, congestion, parking and loading, neighborhood density, and much more. To watch the recorded video of the meeting, or to see a copy of CDOT's presentation, please click here.

Alderman Dowell Speaks at 6th Annual CRR19 Bike Tour

Prior to the start of the Chicago Race Riot Commemoration of 1919 (CRR19) bike tour, Alderman Dowell delivered remarks and well-wishes to the 350 attendees. Upwards of 300 people joined the 2-hour historic bike tour of Bronzeville and Bridgeport and another 50 followed the route by bus.

As a very special part of this year's event, CRR19 hosted a formal ribbon cutting with Mayor Brandon Johnson at 35th and State St. to unveil the first 5 of 38 commemorative markers to be installed across the South Side of Chicago to commemorate the victims of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919. This fall, a more permanent metal sign helping visitors locate the markers at 35th and State will be installed. A total of 18 markers are scheduled to be placed in the 3rd Ward. Alderman Dowell has been a strong supporter of the bike tour and instrumental in obtaining permission for the installation of the historic markers. For more information about the project, please visit www.chicagoraceriot.org.

Upgrades Made to Taylor Park Pool

As part of Alderman Dowell's commitment to the ward's parks, the Taylor Park (39 W. 47th St.) pool has received an $800,000 revitalization. Included in the upgrades were the restoration of the concrete pool deck, improvements to the drainage system, and the installation of a new filter system and controls. The pool itself will receive a new liner after the close of this pool season, allowing residents to enjoy the pool uninterrupted during the summer.

Fuller Park pool was also upgraded, with updates on the project to be included in a future announcement.

Alderman Dowell Authorizes Changes to 16th and Dearborn Intersection

Per Alderman Dowell's request, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) completed a traffic study to review the intersection of 16th St. and Dearborn St. to help alleviate the issue with stop sign compliance. This intersection is directly adjacent to both the new South Loop Elementary School building and the Mariano's parking lot, and is one of the few vehicle through streets in the area linking Clark St. to State St., causing frequent conflicts between the many pedestrians and vehicles that use the intersection every day.

Based on the recommendations from CDOT, Alderman Dowell authorized the deduction of up to $16,000 from Aldermanic Menu funds for detached bump-outs on the northwest corner of the west leg and the northeast corner of the east leg of 16th St. and Dearborn St., and for detached bump-outs on the southwest corner of 16th St. and Dearborn St. Construction is scheduled to begin this construction season, weather and design/staffing permitting.

POP! Opens at Bronzeville's Overton Center for Excellence

Because of Alderman Dowell's advocacy in obtaining funding support this project, the 30,000-square-foot open space development at 221 E. 49th St. debuted in July with areas for community gardening, pop-up vendors, passive play areas and murals by local artists. The POP! project received funds through a City grant as part of DPD's Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program. The $600,000 project led by Borderless Workshop is the second POP! to open on the grounds of a former CPS school. Read more in Block Club.

New Mural Unveiled in Bronzeville

The Bronzeville Renaissance Mural was created by two Chicago artists — Rahmaan “Statik” Barnes and Shawn Michael Warren — with help from students at Bronzeville’s Little Black Pearl High School. Located at 38th St. and Michigan Ave., the mural helps to conceal a Commonwealth Edison battery storage facility that is part of the Bronzeville Community Microgrid. ComEd provided funding for the mural. Andre and Frances Guichard, owners of Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville, were consultants on the project.

UChicago and Partners Update Washington Park Residents on Latest Local Investments and Opportunities at Community Meeting

Residents gathered at the Green Line Performing Arts Center to hear from University of Chicago representatives and partners on the latest University investments and opportunities in Washington Park. Speakers presented on a broad spectrum of community projects, answered attendee questions, and shared upcoming opportunities.

Among the topics presented were:

• An update on the joint education career pipeline project—a multifaceted dual-facility development and partnership designed to create new jobs and establish healthcare career pathways for South Side residents along Washington Park’s historic Garfield corridor
• An overview of the land the University owns in Washington Park
• A review of UChicago professor Paul Sereno’s recently completed Fossil Lab on South Wabash Avenue in Washington Park
• A rundown of upcoming summer programming community members can tap into including community yoga, First Monday Jazz, Vends + Vibes Arts Marketplace, Movies on the Midway, the Hyde Park Summer Music Series, and more

To learn more, access the community meeting presentation slides here.

Juneteenth Holiday Baseball Tournament at Armstrong Park

Thank you to the Armstrong Park Advisory Council for their active participation in and commitment to the Bronzeville community and its youth. So many smiling faces as JRW faced off against LVLL in the annual Juneteenth Baseball Tournament at Armstrong Park (4433 S. St. Lawrence Ave.). It's these kinds of safe and exciting local events that help to make Bronzeville the great community that it is!

Fuller Park Hosts Yoga Fest

The Soul Yoga Fest Umoja: Unity in Our Community was held in Fuller Park (4535 S. Princeton Ave.) on July 13th. This annual festival is dedicated to bringing together the best holistic health and African-centered practitioners in our community to foster spiritual and cultural healing amongst our people. Yoga classes for all skill levels were held throughout the day, and participants had the opportunity to engage with vendors and exhibitors offering vegan food, juices, massage therapy, jewelry, books, and much more! Thank you to all of the hosts for this spiritually fulfilling event.

KKC Pool Open to Public for Classes

Kennedy-King College is pleased to announce that Chicagoans can dive into the fun with its Open Swim Continuing Education class. Participants can swim laps, water walk, and exercise.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and the class is free and open to the public with advance registration. Swimmers at every skill level, from beginner to advanced are welcome to access the pool. All participants will be given a swim skills assessment before they can start the class. To register, click here and fill out the Continuing Education application.  

The pool is located in the W building on Kennedy-King College’s campus, 6343 S Halsted St. The pool is open on the following days and times: Monday and Tuesday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and the pool is closed on Fridays.

Problem Business - Prohibition Total Holistic Café (2113 S. State St.)

On July 16th the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection issued two Notices to Correct to Prohibition Total Holistic Café (2113 S. State St.) for operating maintaining a sign over the public way without the required permit, and maintaining four (4) planters on the public way without the required permit. The business has 90 days to obtain the required permits. Questions regarding this case can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Alderman Dowell Sponsors Resolution Recognizing the NASCAR Chicago Street Race for its Contributions and Commitment to Community Outreach Since Coming to the City of Chicago

Joining 28 of her colleagues, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Clerk Anna Valencia, Alderman Dowell sponsored a resolution during the July City Council meeting recognizing NASCAR for its efforts to support programs and initiatives that have created meaningful economic and cultural opportunities, and contributed to and enhanced the quality of life for so many Chicagoans across the city.

Since opening an office in Chicago in 2022, NASCAR has partnered with 11 Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA locations, donated over $600,000 to local charitable events and organizations, participated in over 150 community events, hosted a NASCAR Diversity Supplier Summit, donated to Chicago Park District facilities for the purchase of new Esports equipment, reached more than 22,000 CPS students through their outreach work, established partnerships with Chicago's world-class museums, donated 5,000 NASCAR toys to new arrivals, built partnerships with local colleges and universities to develop programs to get hands-on professional experience, and more.

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. 

Club America vs. Aston Villa

Saturday, August 3rd at 4:30 pm

Metallica: M72 World Tour

Friday, August 9th at 6:00 pm and Sunday, August 11th at 6:00 pm

Chicago Bears Preseason Game

Saturday, August 17th at noon

P!nk Summer Carnival 2024

Saturday, August 24th at 6:30 pm

Chicago Fire FC vs. Inter Miami CF

Saturday, August 31st at 7:30 pm

City of Chicago Tree Planting Request Process

Looking to have a new tree planted in your parkway? The City of Chicago takes free parkway tree planting requests via 3-1-1, the Chi 311 mobile app or by calling 312-746-5254. Trees improve air quality, increase property values, reduce flooding, and provide other important health and wellbeing benefits. Request your tree today!

CFD Hiring Paramedics

The Chicago Fire Department's C.O.R.D.I. unit is currently hiring paramedics. For qualifications and to apply, click here. This is a great opportunity for those interested in emergency medical services careers. Qualified candidates who are passionate about serving the community are encouraged to apply!

43rd/Cottage Grove, Bronzeville TIF Districts Open August 1st

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 August.

• 43rd/Cottage Grove
• Bronzeville

Applications open: 9 a.m. Thursday, August 1st

Applications close: 5 p.m. Friday, August 30th

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.

Youthful Expressions: Summer Art Fest

Creative Expressions is a celebration of community, unity, and the transformative power of art. This event celebrates the remarkable talent and creativity of our community’s young emerging artists. Connect with youth, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore the boundless potential of the next generation of artistic visionaries. Featuring a special performance by the KLEO Center. Register here.

Where: Arts Lawn (337 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Thursday, August 1st from 6:00 pm to 8:000 pm

Bronzeville Outdoor Summer Jazz Series

The Barclay Law Group presents the Bronzeville Outdoor Summer Jazz Series led by the Dakarai Quartet. This is a free event!

Where: 3525 S. King Dr.

When: August 2nd, 16th and 30th at 6:00 pm

State Senator Mattie Hunter 20th Annual Family Health and Fitness Fair

The event will feature a bounce house, school physicals, health screenings, City Keys, back to school giveaways, face painting and more. For more information call 312-949-1908.

Where: IIT Campus at 33rd St. and State St.

When: Saturday, August 3rd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

South Side Sanctuary Ribbon Cutting

Come to an afternoon celebrating the ribbon cutting and launch of South Side Sanctuary, an exciting new outdoor multigenerational community green space that will bring alive the corner of 47th & King Dr. in Bronzeville!

The afternoon's events celebrating this POP (Public Outdoor Plaza) project are made possible by Alderman Pat Dowell and Mayor Brandon Johnson's Road to Recovery Initiative, and will feature a collaboration of community partners, food and beverage, live music, market + activities appropriate for all ages. For more information, please head to southsidesanctuary.org.

Where: 4702 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

When: Tuesday, August 6th from 11:00 am 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, August 6th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

1st District Council Public Meeting

The Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability's 1st District Council is hosting a public meeting to discuss public safety in downtown Chicago. This is an opportunity to share your interests, needs, and concerns, and to learn how to get involved. For more information and to contact the 1st District Council, visit bit.ly/001DC.

Where: Glessner House (1800 S. Prairie Ave.)

When: Tuesday, August 6th at 6:00 pm

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. This is a virtual meeting.

When: Thursday, August 8th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Bronzeville Summer Nights in August

Stroll, bike or hop on the BSN trolley to explore local businesses while celebrating Bronzeville

community and culture. Over 23 participating businesses and organizations are signed up this year!

This season will feature over 15 live performances and DJ’s including Chicago Shakespeare Theater |

Crosswind | Delivery Point Band | Honey Water | KenChris | Park N Ride | The Javon Watson

Experience | Kenchris | Maurice Mahon | The Peoples Music School | Senite | Tiaybe and more.

RSVP for your free tickets: https://bit.ly/BSN-August Visit: www.Bronzevillesummernights.com. 

When: Friday, August 9th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

South Side Community Blood Drive

State Senators Mattie Hunter and Robert Peters, along with State Representatives Kam Buckner and Kimberly Neely Du Buclet are hosting a blood drive with the Versiti Blood Center of Illinois. Every donation can save 3 lives! Government photo ID is required. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 1-8007TOGIVE or click here to schedule you appointment.

Where: US Army National Guard, 2nd Fl. (5200 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

When: Wednesday, August 14th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

CTA Certification Drive

The Chicago Transit Authority’s Diversity Programs Certification Dive is an opportunity for small businesses seeking to do business with the Authority to learn about the certification process and apply directly with CTA. Participants will need their current registration with the CTA vendor registration site, username and password to CTA's vendor portal (cta.dbesystem.com), and copies of all applicable documents. Register at bit.ly/46hGE07.

Where: CTA Headquarters (567 W. Lake St., 2nd Floor Computer Lab)

When: Wednesday, August 14th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Free Kids Mobile Health Care

Get ready because the St. Bernard Mobile Health Van is coming to the 3rd Ward. Does your child (age 5-18) need to get a school physical and/or immunization? Visit the free health van! Parents or guardians must accompany the child, and please remember to bring your immunization card or school notice.

Where: 46th St. Community Garden (433 E. 46th St.)

When: Friday, August 16th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Homecoming at the Arts Lawn

Arts + Public Life invites Washington Park residents and neighborhood commuters to unwind between work and home in Washington Park’s newest “third space,” the Arts Lawn, just steps from the Garfield Green Line CTA stop and the #55 bus route.

Reclaim leisure on Chicago’s South Side with a unique soundscape, refreshments, and card and board games. Experiment and play with the new sound sculpture created by Chicago artists ebere agwuncha and Josué Esaú and relax on the new suite of outdoor furniture designed by APL’s Design Apprenticeship Program II. Kick back and make new memories on the Arts Lawn, rain or shine! Presented with generous support from the Gertie Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Traubert/Pritzker Foundation.

Where: Arts Lawn (337 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: August 20th and 21st from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run

Register now for the PAWS Chicago’s 24th Annual 5K Walk/Run For Their Lives. This event is not only their most attended event of the year, but the largest dog-friendly event in Chicago with over 3,000 pet lovers and 1,000 dogs! Its success is critical in enabling PAWS Chicago to provide the operational support necessary to save and care for thousands of homeless pets. 

Price: Advance Adult - August 1 – September 4: $45 per adult

      Day of event: $60 per adult

      Children: $ 20 per child

Register Here: https://donate.pawschicago.org/event/paws-chicago-5k-walk-run-for-their-lives-2024/e525735

Where: Montrose Harbor, Grove 16 (400 w. Montrose Harbor Dr.)

When: Saturday, September 7th from 7:30 am to 11:00 am

Bronzeville 5K Run/Walk

Join The Spaulding Foundation and WeRunSportsChi for the annual Bronzeville 5K Run/Walk. The kids dash starts at 8:30 am and the 5K run/walk begins at 9:00 am. Register on the WeRunSportsChi website.

Where: Armstrong Park (4433 S. St. Lawrence Ave.)

When: Sunday, October 6th at 9:00 am

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: August 17th at 5:30 pm

Location: For location information, please email Caps.001District@chicagopolice.org or call 312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: August 27th at 6:00 pm

Location: Rosenwald Community Center Senior Room (4642 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: August 20th at 6:00 pm

Location: Taylor Park (39 W. 47th St.)