Extended Federal and City Relief for Businesses
Holiday Office Hours
Illegal Demolition Ordinance
Sidewalks and Tree Stumps
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Dear Neighbors:
Congress has passed, but the President has not yet signed, another round of federal pandemic relief funding. This includes:
- $600 stimulus checks per adult and child for incomes up to $75,000.
- $300 per week in enhanced unemployment insurance for 11 weeks.
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$319 billion for small businesses, including $284 billion for loans given through the Paycheck Protection Program, $20 billion in Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and $15 billion for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions, as well as some targeted relief for restaurants.
- $25 billion in rental assistance and an extension of the eviction moratorium.
- $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits.
- $82 billion in education funding, with $10 billion dedicated to child care.
- $7 billion to increase access to broadband.
- Billions for vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing.
- A tax credit for employers offering paid sick leave and extends the Employee Retention Tax Credit.
- $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance.
According to Crain's, Chicago will specifically benefit from $1 billion for vaccine administration, about $400 million to support the CTA's operations, funds for community health centers, $25 million for medical research into gun violence, and $330 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the source of funds used for restoration at Northerly Island in Chicago and environmental remediation at Waukegan Harbor. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Chicago Public Schools will benefit from a much-needed $720 million in funds.
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Save Our Stages Law Passes Congress
We're grateful that $15 Billion in special aid to live performance and cultural venues, Save Our Stages, has been included in the latest relief bill. Live performance venues may apply for grants from the Small Business Administration to cover six months of payroll and costs including rent, utilities and maintenance. Variety published the story. You can read the bill here. Applications will open very soon.
Please continue to support your local venues - there are 34 live venues and cultural institutions in our ward, one of the highest in the city. They are the anchor of much of our local economy. You can learn more from CIVL, which is raising money and hosting virtual concerts to support the staff, artists and venues of Chicago.
Some, but Not Enough, Help for Restaurants and Bars
The hospitality industry is the largest employer in our ward and the lifeblood of our neighborhood. Many have closed and we hope we can prevent more closures. The new federal law gives greater access to forgiveable loans to smaller restauranteurs. Here are some details. The industry is urging support for the Restaurant Act, which would give direct relief to the local operators we rely upon. |
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City Council Extends Relief for Businesses
This week, the City Council passed expanded relief for businesses that continue to be impacted by COVID-19. The ordinance extends efforts that were implemented earlier to support businesses during the pandemic
Under this new ordinance, the following relief measures are now in place:
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Extension of License Expiration Dates: All licenses that expire between March 15, 2020 and June 15, 2021 will be considered active until July 15, 2021 and those businesses can operate during that time without renewing their license. Read the Industry Notice. For questions, call (312) 74-GOBIZ (46249) or email.
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Extension of Sidewalk Café Permit Expiration Date and Extension of Reforms: All current Sidewalk Café Permits will be considered active through May 31, 2021-no need to renew until then. All Sidewalk Café Permits issued for the 2021 season will benefit from the temporary reforms implemented earlier this year. Read the Industry Notice. Learn more about the Sidewalk Café Permit. For Sidewalk Café Permit questions, email.
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Extension of Expanded Outdoor Dining Program until 12/31/2021: Businesses that are interested in extending their permit past the end of 2020 must submit a request with the CDOT Permit number and insurance coverage. Additionally, businesses that are operating their Expanded Outdoor Dining area during winter months need to submit an updated permit plan that includes any winterization plans and equipment. Questions and required documents can be submitted at the Expanded Outdoor Dining Program website.
Chicago Hospitality Grants Awarded
About thirty 43rd Ward restaurants and bars received $10,000 grants from the Chicago Hospitality Grant program, which was a City program to supplement federal relief. Another 80 received grants on the Near North Side. Thanks to the Mayor's office, which spearheaded this program. |
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Fraudulent Unemployment Claims
The Illinois Department of Security (“IDES”) has seen a spike in “imposter” unemployment claims. Claims filed fraudulently in another’s name cause a major strain to the system and damage the credit of the victim. If you suspect a fraudulent claim in your name:
- Contact IDES to report the imposter claim by phone at (800) 814-0513. You should leave a message with IDES. Please note that due to the large volume of these fraudulent claims, IDES may take 2-3 weeks to contact you about the claim.
- Monitor your credit and bank statements for any suspicious activity. You should also monitor your credit ratings with one of the credit rating agencies (Experian, TransUnion, and/or Equifax).
- Maintain any mailings or messages that you receive from IDES related to the fraudulent unemployment claim for your records.
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Landmarks Protection Ordinance Passes City Council
Our proposal to give the city more power to stop illegal demolitions of buildings in landmark districts passed the City Council. Fines are doubled and each day a violation remains in effect is treated as a separate violation under the revised ordinance.
You can read the full ordinance here.
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Planning for 2021 Infrastructure Menu
As you may know, each Alderman receives $1.3 million dollars each year to spend on infrastructure projects in our ward.
Report a Tripping Hazard
For next year's menu, in addition to streets, lights and so much more, we would like to put a focus on sidewalk tripping hazards. If there is a sidewalk tripping hazard on your block, please send us the address of the closest building.
Save this newsletter on your phone, so that when you see a tripping hazard you can enter the location.
Need a Tree Stump Removed?
We would also like to clear our backlog of tree stump removals. If you have a tree stump that needs removing, please send us the address. Please be advised: if you have any kind of enclosure around the tree, such as fencing, the city will not remove the tree until you remove the fencing.
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Holiday Trash and Recyling Schedule
Please note these important changes to the refuse and recycling schedule due to the Friday, December 25th (Christmas) and Friday, January 1st (New Year’s Day) holidays.
There will be no refuse collection on Friday, December 25th and Friday, January 1st. All city-collected refuse will be serviced Monday thru Thursday. Residents should ensure all black refuse carts are accessible throughout the week of collection, not solely on their regular day of collection.
Recyling: Streets and Sanitation will collect recycling Monday through Thursday. Residents should ensure all Blue Recycling Carts are accessible throughout the week of collection. Remember: No Stringy Things in the recycling cart. For other great holiday recycling tips, click here.
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Holiday Break Meals for CPS Students
CPS will be closed but will make sure that students have access to a meal during the winter break.
4-DAY MEAL KITS will be available during winter break from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on:
Monday – Wednesday, December 21st – 23rd
Monday – Wednesday, December 28th – 30th
The closest pick-up location to our ward is at LaSalle School, 1734 N Orleans Street.
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Make 2021 Yours - Fun for Students Over the Holiday break
The Make 2021 Yours campaign is designed to ensure youth have enriching and engaging opportunities during winter break,provide youth and their families with mental health supports, and rally all youth-serving organizations and caring adults around supporting our youth during in preparing for and getting excited about 2021
From December 19 through January 3 the city will host experiences, opportunities and activity kits to help Chicago’s youth prepare for 2021. Content areas of focus include:
- Culinary
- Sports/Wellness
- Art/Music/Dance
- STEM
- Academic/College Readiness
Virtual content from more than 150 partners can be found here.
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GoCPS Application Process Extended until January 8, 2021
The pandemic has impacted every aspect of our school year, including the important process our students go through when choosing the school options that will best match their talents, interests, and abilities. To ensure all students have the time they need to make this important decision, the GoCPS application deadline has been extended from Friday, December 11, 2020 to Friday, January 8, 2021. Visit GoCPS here.
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Support Local Businesses This Holiday Season |
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We know you have last minute purchases to make. It's just as easy to buy local as national - and you don't have to wait for shipping. |
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Lincoln Park Holiday Wishlist
The Lincoln Park Holiday Wishlist highlights and celebrates our community’s independent businesses.
And shop at all these local stores:
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Order From Our Local Restaurants |
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Free Christmas Tree to Families in Need
We are working with a local business who has generously offered to donate their excess stock to families in need of an Christmas tree for the holidays. Please email [email protected] with your contact information and Tree Donation in the subject line to be eligible for this service on a first come first served basis.
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Holiday Virtual Office Hours
Our 43rd Ward Virtual Service Office will be closed for Christmas on December 24 and 25 and for New Years on December 31 and January 1st.
We will open with reduced hours (10am-3pm) on December 28, 29 and 30 and will return to normal hours (9am-5pm) on Monday, January 4, 2021.
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Have a very Merry Christmas, wishing peace to all of you and your loved ones. |
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