Alderman Dowell Provides Hundreds of Turkeys for Thanksgiving

As she does every year, Alderman Dowell provided hundreds of Thanksgiving turkeys and dozens of baskets of sides to families across the 3rd Ward. Thank you to Mariano's, City Sports, Harold's Chicken #88, Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Christmas in the Wards, JJ Beauty, and Eddie McBrearty for donating the turkeys that were distributed to the community. And thank you to the numerous neighbors and 3rd Ward Office staff for assisting with the giveaways. These donations can truly make someone's holiday season!

Alderman Dowell Cuts the Ribbon on New Playground for Mollison

Alderman Dowell joined Principal Shelagh Jackson and the Irvin C. Mollison Elementary School (4415 S King Dr.) family to cut the ribbon on a new sustainable playground and school yard. This project was funded by a partnership between Space to Grow, Healthy Schools Campaign, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, the City of Chicago and CPS. Thank you to everyone for their work helping to fund the well-deserved capital improvements for our neighborhood school. Mollison also received a new roof, boiler, and keyless entry system. Congratulations Mollison Elementary!

FY26 City of Chicago Budget Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out Alderman Dowell's FY26 City of Chicago Budget Survey. The survey responses were both thoughtful and informative, and will be used by Alderman Dowell when negotiating on, and ultimately voting on, the City's budget.

Many residents responded that they are looking for government to be more efficient, and for the City to prioritize public safety and improve our neighborhoods' aging infrastructure. Repeatedly in her public statements, Alderman Dowell has made it clear that she shares these priorities. She has also stated her support for full funding for violence prevention programs which in conjunction with the great work performed by CPD and the State's Attorney's Office have succeeded in reducing crime in Chicago, expanding youth job opportunities to give kids the ability to earn money and learn useful life skills, and an end to borrowing for current operational expenses, a practice which helped to put the City into the financial difficulties we face today.

Thank you again for responding to the survey and as additional information about the Chicago's FY26 Budget is made available, Alderman Dowell will present them to the community for discussion.

Winter Street Parking Restrictions - December 1st

Starting on December 1st, if you see a posted sign that says No Parking Between 3AM and 7AM, that means that the winter overnight parking ban is in effect on this street, whether it snows or not. Do not park at this location between 3AM and 7AM between December 1st until April 1st or you will be ticketed and towed. Residents should also avoid parking on snow route streets during heavy snowstorms when more than 2 inches of snow has fallen.

If you believe that your vehicle has been towed, you can dial 311 for more information or go to https://webapps1.chicago.gov/vehiclesearch/ and enter your license plate or VIN number. Click here for a citywide map of snow routes and for complete information about winter parking restrictions in Chicago.

Residential Lighting - 40th St. and 41st St. from State St. to Prairie Ave.

Alderman Dowell and the Chicago Department of Transportation would like to inform you of upcoming work on 40th St. and 41st St. from State St. to Prairie Ave. in the 3rd Ward. The work is part of the Chicago Residential Lighting Improvements program. Construction was scheduled to begin the week of November 17th, 2025, pending clearance from and coordination with existing utilities, current work schedule fluctuations, and weather permitting. City Lights is the contractor for this project and Stanley Consultants is providing resident engineering services for the Chicago Department of Transportation.

The work will include the installation of foundations, boring of underground conduits, cable pulling, the installation of new residential lighting poles with piggy back lights, LED Smart Lighting luminaires, and the restoration of concrete sidewalks and parkways disturbed by the construction. The existing light poles will be removed once the new lighting system is functioning properly.

During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above so that work may be performed safely. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, and residents can park normally after the posted hours and overnight, and usually all day on weekends.

The existing lights will remain working until the new lighting system is functional. If no lighting is observed at night at any time, please notify 311, DEO, or the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Roosevelt Road Construction Update

Grating work performed by the Chicago Department of Transportation to the Roosevelt Rd. Bascule Bridge has been completed and all traffic lanes are now open. CDOT repaired two loose deck grading panels identified while they were conducting other repairs. Work was delayed until all boat runs were finished as repairs were to the only operable leaf. Thank you for your patience as this needed repair was made.

Harold Washington College Named One Of America's Top Online Colleges

In a ranking by Newsweek and global data research firm Statista, Harold Washington College was ranked #102 out of the top 250 colleges that offer online undergraduate and graduate programs. Colleges were evaluated for their organization, student support, affordability, reputation, student success, recommendation rate, practical relevance, and overall satisfaction. Newsweek surveyed more than 10,000 individuals nationwide in order to develop their rankings. Congratulations to Harold Washington College faculty, staff, and students!

Interested in being a part of the Harrold Washington family? Apply today at www.ccc.edu/apply to start your journey at one of the best online colleges in the country. To view the full rankings, visit rankings.newsweek.com/americas-top-online-college-2025.

Business Violation - Union Sub (110 E. 51st St.)

The Department of Buildings has issued citations to Union Sub (110 E. 51st St.) for building code violations including: lack of fire separation above ceiling, lack of carbon monoxide detectors, open junction boxes, open sewage in back room, and broken system II emergency lighting. On November 5, 2025, the business was closed and is to remain vacant until the violations are abated. Questions regarding this order can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Business Violation - Go Grocer (1251-1255 S. Michigan Ave.)

The Department of Administrative Hearings has issued a judgment against Go Grocer (1251-1255 S. Michigan Ave.) for maintaining a wind screen without a permit, failure to provide required dramshop insurance, failure to comply with the Retailer's Rules Rule 1, and offering for sale outdated perishable food and over-the-counter medications mixed with non-outdated items. On November 21, 2025, a judgment of $1,240 was entered against the business. Questions regarding this judgment 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 Bears vs. Cleveland Browns

Sunday, December 14th at noon

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

Saturday, December 20th time TBA

Join CPD

The Chicago Police Department is holding its next round of candidate tests on Friday, December 12th and Saturday, December 13th. Tests will be held at the following locations: Richard J. Daley College (7500 S. Pulaski Rd.), Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.), Olive Harvey College (10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.), Wilbur Wright College (4300 N. Narragansett Ave.), and Kennedy King College (6401 S. Halsted St.). If you have ever dreamed of serving your community as a Chicago Police Officer, this test is for you!

Candidates must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid Illinois driver's license, and be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident. 60 semester hours from a college or university, OR 30 semester hours plus 1 year of continuous active military duty, OR 2 years of continuous U.S. military service is required.

For more information or to sign up for the virtual exam, click here.

47th/Halsted TIF District Opens December 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 district in December.

• 47th/Halsted

Applications open: 9 a.m. Monday, December 1st

Applications close: 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 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. Those interested in applying can verify that their property is located in an eligible district by using the SBIF Locator Map tool.

Secretary of State Now Offers Mobile IDs

Mobile ID is an optional and secure digital version of your Illinois Secretary of State issued driver’s license (DL) or identification card (State ID) available on your iPhone and Apple Watch. With Mobile ID, there’s no need to hand over your physical card or your device, allowing for contactless acceptance.

Mobile ID can be used in person at businesses and organizations with compliant Mobile ID readers and in select apps that require identity or age verification. Starting off, you can use Mobile ID to verify your age and identity:

• At Illinois TSA checkpoints and over 250 airports around the country (including O’Hare, Midway, and Lambert)
• In person at select stadiums, restaurants, bars, and other businesses with compliant readers
• In partner apps and websites that require age or identity verification

Your Mobile ID is a companion to your physical driver’s license or state ID. You still need to carry your physical card to use when providing identification to law enforcement or driving a vehicle. To get started, visit the Mobile ID website.

Bus Priority Corridor Meeting

Join CTA for a public meeting to share input on potential future designs to make streets work better for buses. The Bus Priority Corridor Study is exploring ways to make bus travel faster, more convenient, and more comfortable for riders on Cottage Grove and the eastern portion of 55th/Garfield.

The study is a major next step in implementing the Better Streets for Buses Plan—a framework developed by CTA and CDOT to enhance the bus riding experience through infrastructure improvements to streets, sidewalks, and signals. Register here.

Where: Washington Park Refractory (5531 S. Russell Drive)

When: Tuesday, December 2nd from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

NHS Home Buyer Education Class

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. Registration is required.

Where: Virtual

When: December 3rd (6:00 pm), December 10th (6:00 pm), and December 13th (9:00 am)

The Winter Lounge

Bundle up and join us for The Winter Lounge: a cozy, creative night on the Arts Block. We’re ringing in the season with art and community spread across three spaces, each with its own unique vibe: there’ll be a Read Room session at the Arts Incubator and a Study Space at the Gallery, all topped off with a 5pm Holiday Sip + Shop at L1. Whether you’re coming from down the block or trekking across campus, this is your invite to slow down, connect, and celebrate the season with Arts + Public Life. More information here.

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

When: Friday, December 4th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

A Taste of the Nutcracker

Hyde Park School of Dance will perform scenes from Tchaikovsky's famous ballet The Nutcracker based on Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tale. Meet the Nutcracker-Prince, Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and other characters in this delightful production.

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

When: Saturday, December 6th at 11:30 am

Celebrate Nguzo Saba a pre-Kwanzaa Event

Join Kucha Brownlee, Baba Tony Brown, and Dhamana Shauri as they present stories and songs that will guide participants through the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The storytellers will be accompanied by African drumming.

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

When: Saturday, December 6th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Lets Share the Warmth - Free Coats

Mr. Dads Fathers Club is hosting a winter coat giveaway. 2,000 free coats will be provided to attendees. To participate please register here.

Where: Lindblom Park Field House (6054 S. Damen Ave.)

When: Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 am to noon

Play. Design. Move: A Teen Arts Experience

Play. Design. Move. brings together the voices, visions, and creativity of young artists from Arts + Public Life’s arts education programs. Featuring original work from the Design Apprenticeship Program, Choreographic Arts Program, Teen Arts Council, and Backstage Production Program, this showcase highlights how teens collaborate, experiment, and build community through art. Register here.

Where: Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Tuesday, December 9th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Home for the Holidays

365 Bud Billiken, City Motivators, and the Tau Psi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, with support from Alderman Dowell, are hosting Home for the Holidays - A South Side Celebration. Enjoy family resource support, toys and coats, live performances, and photos with Santa. Register at bit.ly/budgives25. First come, first serve. All children must be present.

Where: Fuller Park (331 W. 45th St.)

When: Saturday, December 13th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 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, December 16th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

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: December 17th at 5:30 pm

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

2nd District CAPS Meetings

No Beat Meetings in December