3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting

On Wednesday, January 22nd, Alderman Dowell hosted a virtual Town Hall meeting covering topics impacting residents across the 3rd Ward. Thank you to all the presenters and residents for making this a very productive meeting. The meeting featured the following presenters:

• Budget Director Annette Guzman who discussed the 2025 City of Chicago Budget, which totals approximately $17 billion.
• The Renaissance Collaborative who presented their new development project, Abrams Intergenerational Village, a 71-unit residential property for residents 62 years old and up, housing insecure seniors 55 and older raising grandchildren, individuals with disabilities, and housing insecure youth enrolled in secondary education who will serve as resident assistants.
• South Side Community Art Center's new extension and upgrades to the existing museum
• 3746-66 S. Michigan Ave., a proposed market rate and affordable 88-unit four-story, four-building development on existing vacant lots.

A video copy of the meeting can be found on Alderman Dowell’s Facebook Page. A copy of Budget Director Guzman’s presentation can be found here. Any questions or comments about the items presented at the meeting can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at Ward03@cityofchicago.org or at 773-373-9273.

Submit Your 3rd Ward Infrastructure Improvement Requests

As she does every year, Alderman Dowell helps to allocate millions of dollars in capital improvements to our neighborhoods' infrastructure. This includes impactful upgrades to our streets, sidewalks, curbs, streetlights, traffic signals, sewers and gutters, alleys, parkways, and much more. If you have ideas for projects in your community, please submit them to Ward03@cityofchicago.org. Be sure to include an exact location, your name, and contact information. Alderman Dowell and Chicago Department of Transportation staff will review each submission for possible inclusion in this year's construction season schedule. Not all projects will get funded. Those that are not part of the 2025 construction season will get reevaluated for next year's project list.

3rd Ward Welcomes its Newest Sports Bar

On January 26th, Alderman Dowell joined in celebrating the grand opening of The Staley (1736 S. Michigan Ave.), the South Loop’s newest sports bar. Thanks to Israel Idonije for his continuing investment in our beloved city! This is the second bar/restaurant opened by Israel in the South Loop, following his successful opening of Signature at 1312 S. Wabash Ave.

Alderman Dowell Participates in Phillips High School Service Learning Project

Alderman Dowell was honored to participate in the Service Learning Presentation at Phillips High School. This group of astute students researched the need for mental health and other supports in CPS, and in the community. They also presented their policy recommendations. Kudos to Principal Rashad Talley and Civics Teacher Elizabeth Greiwe for their hard work and guidance of these bright young minds.

3rd Ward Continues to Lead in Growth

Profiled by Steven Can in his blog, the Steven Can Plan, new home construction continues to boom in the 3rd Ward! Between 2022 and 2024, 8.1% of all new homes permitted in Chicago were located the 3rd Ward. That trails only the 27th Ward with 24%, and the neighboring 34th Ward with 10.6%. This is far higher than the City average, and according to Mr. Can's research, a full 24 wards permitted 0% of the City's new homes (when rounding to the nearest tenth).

Alderman Dowell is proud to shepherd this fantastic growth in all of the 3rd Ward's diverse neighborhoods, balancing the need for more quality housing while maintaining the distinct characteristics that make each of our communities unique. To learn more about new home construction across Chicago, please use the link above to access the Steven Can Plan blog post.

Alderman Dowell Visits Lincoln Perry, Delivers Meals

On January 28th, Alderman Dowell joined Chi-Care and Islamic Relief USA to deliver warm meals to the residents of Lincoln Perry and Lincoln Perry Annex. The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, Mayor's Office of Community Safety, the Department of Family and Support Services, and the Chicago Department of Public Health were also on hand to offer wraparound services to the buildings' senior residents. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. Good food, helpful information, and smiles were had by all.

Vote For Bronzeville's Art District

Bronzeville’s Art District has been nominated as the Best Arts District in USA Today’s 10Best Readers' Choice Awards! This is a huge opportunity to shine a national spotlight on our incredible businesses, vibrant community, and diverse art scene. Show your love for our community and vote daily. Let’s bring this recognition home!

Morningstar Baptist Church Landmark Designation Meeting

Morningstar Baptist Church (3993 S. King Drive) will be going before the Chicago Landmarks Commission on February 6th to determine if it meets the criteria for Chicago landmark designation. The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has reviewed the site and is recommending that the proposed landmark designation supports the City’s overall planning goals for the surrounding Grand Boulevard neighborhood. Morning Star Baptist Church was founded in 1917 by African Americans who settled in Bronzeville during the Great Migration, making the building an embodiment the cultural heritage of the neighborhood.

VanderCook College of Music Performs at Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic

The world’s largest instrumental music education convention took place in Chicago in January, drawing some 17,000 attendees from all over the world. The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic is held annually at McCormick Place and features performers, clinicians, and vendors displaying every imaginable product a music teacher might need, from tuba mouthpieces to band uniforms.  

Only one institution has performed at the Midwest Clinic every year since its inception in 1946: the VanderCook College of Music concert band. Located on Chicago’s South side, VanderCook College of Music has been training music teachers for 115 consecutive years, impacting hundreds of thousands of lives through the power of music. VanderCook’s graduates have included music education luminaries including Walter Dyett, Clifford P. Lillya, Hubert E. Nutt, and William D. Revelli. For more information about VanderCook College of Music, visit https://www.vandercook.edu.

Alderman Dowell Calls for Hearing on Walgreens Store Closures

In the wake of Walgreens' announcement of the closure of five stores on the South and West Sides of Chicago, Alderman Dowell has joined with Chicago City Council Black Caucus Chair Alderman Stephanie Coleman (16th), and neighboring Aldermen Lamont Robinson (4th), and Desmon Yancy (5th), to call for hearings on the proposed closures. The closures are in already underserved communities which may significantly impact the health and welfare of neighborhood residents. The hearings will focus on Walgreens' rationale for the closures, the health impacts to neighborhood residents, and alternative options for the continued delivery of health services to south and west side communities.

Business Violation - Philip L. Jarnagin (3526 S. Calumet Ave.)

A hearing was held at the Department of Administrative Hearings on January 7th, resulting in a judgment being entered against Philip L. Jarnagin in the amount of $3,440.00 for Operating a Motor Vehicle Repair Shop Without a Business License. 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. 

No Soldier Field Events in February

Know and Exercise Your Rights

Do not open the door. Ask the agent to slide the judicial warrant under the door or hold it against the window. Make sure it is a judicial warrant. A valid judicial warrant should have your correct name and address, valid date, and be signed by a judge. If the warrant does not have the correct information, then the warrant is not valid.

Remain silent. Do not answer any questions and say "I wish to remain silent." Do not provide information regarding where you were born, when, or how you arrived in this country. Speak with your attorney. Say "I will call my attorney" and call your attorney before answering any questions. Do not sign any documents.

The ICIRR Family Support Hotline can be reached at 855-435-7693.

Michigan/Cermak TIF Districts Open February 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 February.

• Michigan/Cermak

Applications open: 9 a.m. Saturday, February 1st

Applications close: 5 p.m. Sunday, March 2nd

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.

CTA Call for Artists - 43rd St. Green Line Station

This is a Call for Artists to submit credentials for consideration for new art projects at the Green Line 43rd Station. The deadline for submissions is February 18, 2025. 

Budgets for these projects range from $25,000 to $750,000. It is important that artists living in the communities are aware of these opportunities. To apply, please visit the CTA's website.

Space Explorers Program

The Space Explorers Program is a free multi-year science enrichment program offered by the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP) in partnership with the Office of Civic Engagement. The program gives Chicago public high school students the opportunity to work with astronomers and physicists; interact with University faculty, staff, students, and labs; spend an overnight residential stay on campus; engage with college-level math, science, and computer science course work; take part in field trips and lab tours; and develop skills for high school, college, and beyond.

Learn more and apply by February 7th here.

Greencorps Chicago 2025 Job Training Program

Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green-industry employment program with on-the-job training for individuals with barriers to employment. The 9-month training program pays participants $18.50/hr and offers licenses and certifications in related industries. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, be a City of Chicago resident, be eligible to work and pass a drug screening. For more information and to apply, click here.

ComEd Offering $535,000 in Grant Funding for Community-Oriented Projects Across Northern Illinois

ComEd announced that municipal and community organizations in northern Illinois can now apply for the 2025 Powering Communities Grant Program, which advances environmental initiatives; accelerates public safety and clean transportation projects; and increases access to arts programs in communities ComEd serves. Organizations are encouraged to apply for one of the three annual grant programs: Green Region, Powering Safe Communities, and Powering the Arts. Qualifying proposals

are eligible for grants of up to $10,000 each.

Organizations interested in applying for the Powering Communities Grant Program should visit ComEd.com/Grants for more information, including how to apply for funding. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. CST on March 28, 2025.

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, February 4th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

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 four 2-hour sessions.

Where: NHS South Side Hub (639 E. 87th St.)

When: Saturday, February 8th and 15th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

South Side Fireflies

Calling all parents of little ones! Arts + Public Life is thrilled to partner with Music Moves Chicago, a place-based, youth-focused initiative of the Old Town School of Folk Music, to bring you South Side Fireflies. This FREE early childhood music program introduces toddlers and preschoolers to the magic of sound and play through the Earth, Wind & Fire songbook. Learn more here.

*This program is most suitable for children ages 1-5, but all age groups are welcome to participate.

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

When: Saturday mornings February 8th through April 12th from 11:00 am to noon.

Community Construction Hiring Fair - Legends South

GMA Construction Group in partnership with Brinshore Development, the Michaels Organization, the Chicago Housing Authority, 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell, Revolution Workshop, St. Paul Community Development Ministries, and Tandem Ventures, invites you to a Community Construction Hiring Fair for the Legends South project. Come out to complete an application, register in the WORC portal, and hear about opportunities that will be made available. Click here to register.

Where: Savoy Square Apartments (4448 S. State St. - Community Center)

When: Tuesday, February 11th at 10:00 am

Resume Workshop

Centers for New Horizons is offering a free resume workshop. Their sessions will provide hands-on learning, practical insights, and valuable networking opportunities to help attendees excel in obtaining a job. Click here to RSVP.

Where: Effie O. Ellis (4301 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

When: Wednesday, February 12th from 10:00 am to noon

Winter Bronzeville Business Connect

Join QCDC at Bronzeville Business Connect for a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, and gain valuable insights to grow your business. Don't miss out on connecting with local leaders, learning new strategies, and unlocking resources that can take your business to the next level. Tickets are $20. Register for the event here.

Where: Quad Communities Development Corporation (4210 S. Berkeley Ave.)

When: Thursday, February 20th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Timothy Community Corporation Book Fair

Join the Timothy Community Corporation's Leading with Literacy for a Pre-K-12th Grade Book Fair. More info at www.timothycommunity.org.

Where: 4351 S. Drexel Blvd.

When: Saturday, February 22nd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Celebrating Black History Month

South Loop Business Coalition is celebrating Black History Month. The topic of the February meeting will be "Your business is waiting on you, come and make it happened." Receive accounting, legal, and banking information during the meeting. RSVP to 312-939-1109.

Where: True Rock Ministries (57 E. 16th St.)

When: Monday, February 24th at 6:00 pm

Winter Dean’s Salon: Dreaming Home: Cultural Imagination and Racial Realities of Home Ownership

The American Dream often begins with owning a home. But for many, that dream is built on unequal foundations. How can we better understand the reality of home ownership in America—its economic, sociological, and racial histories, as well as the cultural productions that shape our imagination of what it means to own a home?

Join Arts + Public Life to explore the complexity and inequalities of American home ownership and generate new perspectives to re-imagine more equitable, holistic, and sustainable housing solutions for Chicago and other American cities. This is a hybrid event offering in person and Zoom attendance. Register here.

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

When: Tuesday, February 25th at 6:30 pm

Provident Hospital Blood Drive

Volunteers are needed for the February Provident Hospital Blood Drive. To schedule an appointment call Vitalant at 877-258-4825 or visit Vitalant.org and use group code 100559995. Appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcome. All donors will receive a $10 Rewards gift card via the Donor Rewards program.

Where: Provident Hospital Vitalant Bloodmobile (500 E. 51st St., on the Forrestville side street)

When: Wednesday, February 26th from 12:45 pm to 3:00 pm

BBMNHA Benefit & Art Exhibition

The Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area celebrates Black History Month 2025 with the Purvis Young: Messenger of Salvation and Liberation art exhibition at Zolla Lieberman Gallery. More info can be found here.

Where: Zolla Lieberman Gallery (325 W. Huron St.)

When: Thursday, February 27th from 5:000 pm to 8:00 pm

Congratulations to the 3rd Ward's own Jeremi Bryant, who was accepted into the Civic Leadership Academy at the University of Chicago as part of the January 2025 cohort. The Civic Leadership Academy is a leadership development program for emerging and high-potential leaders in non-profit organizations and local government agencies within the City of Chicago and Cook County.  

Jeremi currently serves as a Project Manager - Water Programs at Elevate, where he leads critical initiatives aimed at improving water affordability and reducing lead levels in drinking water throughout Chicago and Suburban Cook County. His work focuses on developing sustainable and equitable solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents, with a particular emphasis on supporting frontline communities impacted by environmental and economic challenges.

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: February 5th at 3:00 pm (Zoom)

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

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: February 25th at 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Meeting ID: 890 0660 2371 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 221/223

Date: February 18th at 6:00 pm (Zoom)

Meeting ID: 870 7383 9739 Passcode: 5101