Starting on July 11th, Chicago moved to Phase 5, fully reopening the city. Vaccines are safe, effective, widely available, and completely free, and everyone age 12 and older is eligible. Vaccines are available to all at mass vaccination sites like Chicago State University and the United Center, as well as at dozens of pop-up events, mobile vaccination sites, and special events in communities throughout Chicago. A complete list of pop-ups and events is available at chicago.gov/vaxcalendar and the calendar is updated weekly.

Many businesses will choose to keep certain regulations in place for the safety of their customers and employees, including requiring masks for all customers, and the City supports any business that makes this choice. Many Chicagoans will also continue to wear masks, even if they are fully vaccinated – businesses should be supportive of customers and employees that continue wearing a face covering. Full business, reopening and vaccine guidance can be found at chicago.gov/reopening.

As we enter the 4th of July Holiday weekend, Alderman Dowell, the Chicago Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications and other related departments are working to keep or ward and the entire city free from violence. This is an all-hands-on-deck effort with everyone, including the community, working together to ensure we have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Alderman Dowell has already advocated, and received the installation of, Shot Spotter in many of the police districts that cover the 3rd Ward. She has also installed license plate readers and cameras to help the police identify and catch potential suspects. Additional officers have been previously assigned to districts in the 3rd Ward. The citywide carjacking task force continues its work, as do the other gun and violence related task forces across the City (Federal and State). Alderman Dowell’s dangerous motorcycle ordinance is now in full effect, which will help deter loud motorcycle racing and improve the quality of life for residents. And the City continues to work with and deploy various nonprofit services like violence interrupters in targeted areas to help keep the peace before violence occurs. 

Even with this extremely careful focus on crime, violent incidences may still unfortunately occur. Please, if you see something, say something. While the relationship between the police and many communities has been broken, reporting suspicious and criminal activity is still the best way to help stop the violence. 

But without a doubt, the police need to do a better job being “of” the community, not just working “in” the community. Better police training with a focus on de-escalation is a must. Alternative responses, not just arresting potential suspects, needs to be a priority. Alderman Dowell has already supported the establishment of a co-responder pilot program which sends social workers and mental health professionals along with police (or without police depending on the type of call) to respond to 911 calls to offer alternatives to a potential arrest. Police can be a conduit for service, a resource for those who desperately need it. But that can’t happen until the City changes the way it polices, especially in communities of color like those in the 3rd Ward. Trust is a two-way street, and the police need to do their part to regain the trust of the community. 

Alderman Dowell will be participating in a special City Council meeting this Friday featuring Police Superintendent David O. Brown to discuss specific plans the Chicago Police Department has to combat violence this holiday weekend. This will be an important opportunity to discuss what aldermen see in their communities every day, while also providing accountability for the police department prior to the start of the busy weekend. Residents can watch this meeting online at www.chicityclerk.com. 

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement by offering a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Local events on August 3rd will include prizes, food, and entertainment for all ages!

Where: Mandrake Park (3858 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

When: Tuesday, August 3rd from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm

In June, Alderman Dowell invited the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Housing Authority to discuss safety and security issues with residents and staff of Wentworth Gardens, which is located in the 3rd Ward. For months, residents have been alerting the CHA to lax security at the property with no response from the CHA which manages the property. Unfortunately, the security company contracted for Wentworth Gardens did not participate in the meeting.

At the meeting residents discussed how security does not monitor the grounds or the parking lots, and when they are present the security staff does not patrol the area. In addition, while there are cameras throughout the property, nothing is being reported to the police despite an uptick in safety incidents. In response, CPD has requested for two cars to be placed as patrol on public streets. CPD is also working with the CHA management to better alert the police to issues. Alderman Dowell's office continues to advocate on the Wentworth Gardens residents' behalf for needed attention and resources from the CHA and CPD, and to serve as a gathering point for any resident concerns.

In June, Alderman Dowell joined the leadership of Cook County Health, and other local elected officials to officially open the new Provident Hospital Dialysis Center. The new dialysis center will expand access to this life saving procedure for underserved residents across the entire south side of Chicago, conveniently located right in the heart of Bronzeville. If you or someone you know are in need of dialysis services, or other health care options, please visit https://cookcountyhealth.org/locations/provident-hospital-of-cook-county/.

Alderman Dowell was proud to host Mayor Lori Lightfoot at South Loop Elementary School (SLES) to celebrate the last day of school. This pandemic school year has been incredibly difficult for our children and Alderman Dowell stopped by the school to celebrate the end of the school year and wish the children an enjoyable, and safe summer. Thank you Principal Tara Shelton for making SLES work during an incredibly difficult time.

On Thursday, May 27th, Beasley Elementary School cut the ribbon on its new playground. The new, upgraded playground replaces the dangerous and outdated concrete playground located along Wabash Ave. in the rear of the school building. At the ribbon cutting, parents and community members shared a few words about the significance of the new playground. Food and drinks were provided to everyone in attendance. The new playground was installed after years of advocacy by Alderman Dowell on behalf of the Beasley School community.

Alderman Dowell was honored to join Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Aldermanic Black Caucus, and officials from the State, County and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to raise a flag in commemoration of Juneteenth. Mayor Lightfoot has announced that, starting in 2022, Juneteenth will be observed as a full City holiday. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, which happened on June 19, 1865, two-and-a-half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Alderman Dowell stopped by Overton Elementary School in July to check out the Girls Like Me Project Community Paint Day. Organized by La’Keisha Gray Sewell with artist Damon Reed leading the painting effort, the day focused on the missing black girls from various Chicago neighborhoods. The neighborhood nonprofit Acclivus, Inc. also stopped by in numbers to support the effort. For more information about this project, check out www.girlslikemeproject.org.

The One Summer Chicago application period closed on Friday, June 11th. Agencies and partners will begin to interview and onboard potential candidates for a July 6, 2021 start date. As of June 8th, 772 youth completed applications for One Summer Chicago in the 3rd Ward. Applicants are scheduled to receive notifications during the months May and June if they have been invited for an interview. All eligible applicants who are not offered an initial interview will be placed on a waitlist. Contact [email protected] with questions or for more information.

The Chicago Auto Show is back! The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), organizers of the Chicago Auto Show, announced a brand-new element to the upcoming special edition show, July 15-19 at McCormick Place: an outdoor street fest featuring today’s latest vehicles, food trucks, local brews and music. The street fest will take place the first four evenings of the show, July 15-18, along Indiana Avenue, directly adjacent from McCormick Place’s West Building. For more information about the show and for tickets to attend, www.chicagoautoshow.com.

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Chicago Public Library (CPL) launched “Make Summer Yours,” an all-ages and citywide approach to summer programming across all 81 Library locations. From June 28 through August 22, “Make Summer Yours” offers a mix of online and in-person events and resources focused on education, engagement, and safety. This year’s theme explores public art, creative expression, and community activism. For summer registration for kids and teens, mainstage virtual events, and more information, visit chipublib.org/summer.

For kids 0-13 and their caregivers, “Start With Art” explores identity, community, and creative expression through interactive challenges, reading, games, grab-and-go activity kits, and events. Participation in the Summer Learning Challenge encourages 20 minutes of daily reading and completing five thematic activities—such as visiting the library, examining a neighborhood mural, or creating a piece of art.

The Teen Summer Challenge, “Make Space. Take Action.,” for teens 13-18 encourages self-expression and local activism through art, social justice, digital media production, and neighborhood greenification. “Make Space. Take Action.” highlights include grab-and-go kits developed in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art, social media internships, and multiple mural installations coordinated with local artists.

Building on interest-driven programming honed in YOUmedia, additional programs include the “What’s Your Lens” photo challenge, designed in collaboration with CPL’s Adult Services and Special Collections and Exhibits departments; a DSLR photo safari with Shine, On Chicago! and the City’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE); Radical Fit x Queering the Parks resource fair at Ping Tom Park in collaboration with the Chicago Park District; and an interactive “Pick 4” bingo card available online and in branches. For complete information on the Teen Summer Challenge, visit chipublib.org/MakeSpace.

Summer programs at CPL build upon the City’s commitment to keeping families and youth safe, engaged, and empowered through My CHI. My Future. and One Summer Chicago. More information on the City’s summer is available at chicago.gov/summer.

Metra has announced a $9 million infrastructure investment to upgrade the bridges at Root St. and 43rd Street between La Salle St. and State St. in the 3rd Ward. Work consists of new bridges, new lighting, the partial replacement of retaining walls, and the replacement of sidewalks. This is an improvement Alderman Dowell has long advocated for on behalf of residents. Work begins the week of July 12th and will be completed in February 2022. Below is an overview of activities beginning the week of July 12th:

 

Initial work be at track level with nothing impeding the public. Alderman Dowell's office will keep residents informed as the project progresses.

Through the Building a New Chicago infrastructure improvement program, the Department of Water Management (DWM) is installing new sewers on Michigan Ave. from 47th St. to 48th St., and Michigan Ave. from 48th St. to 49th St.

To receive updates on the project, sign up for notifications on the buildinganewchicago.org website, using project number 7442.

Construction crews have begun preparing the site for the sewer installation, including the location and marking of other utility services. You will notice construction equipment and materials placed in your area. The project will consist of several phases over the coming weeks.

Once the pipe has been installed, the street will be temporarily restored with concrete until complete restoration of the street with asphalt can be done. ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps will be repaired or installed where needed, along with repair of damaged parkway and sidewalk. The final restoration of the street will include milling the surface, placing new asphalt, and painting the street markings.

Before any project, the Department of Water Management (DWM) takes photographs of the street and surrounding properties. These photographs help us to restore the area to its preconstruction state. However, DWM does not assume responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including sprinkling systems, fences, flower beds and shrubbery. New sewer construction is not complete until damaged sidewalks, parkways and streets have been repaired.

The restoration schedule is subject to change and may be impacted by adverse weather conditions. Asphalt is not available during winter months, which may delay the final restoration of the street.

You will receive additional notifications as the project proceeds.

Netsync is providing notification for a proposed fiber optic installation construction project at 51st St. and Prairie Ave. Work consists of the installation of (4) 4’x4’ communications manholes. This project comes as an effort by Netsync to build up their infrastructure in order to bring advanced fiber optic connectivity within the Chicago Public Schools system. This build is scheduled for Q3 2021.

The Chicago Department of Buildings has issued an Emergency Closure Order for Amstar Fuel located at 368 E. Garfield Blvd, finding that the property is dangerous and hazardous as discovered by the city's Strategic Task Force. The Task Force conducts inspections and investigations of buildings which are the subject of criminal activity, especially narcotics and gang related. The inspector found the following:

The building must remain closed and vacant until further order.

The Chicago Department of Buildings has issued an Emergency Closure Order for BP Fuel located at 101-115 E. 31st St./3101-3111 S. Michigan Ave., finding that the property is dangerous and hazardous as discovered by the city's Strategic Task Force. The Task Force conducts inspections and investigations of buildings which are the subject of criminal activity, especially narcotics and gang related. The inspector found the following:

The building must remain closed and vacant until further order.

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 July:

Applications open: 9 a.m. Thursday, July 1st. Applications close: 5 p.m. Friday, July 30th. Learn more and apply at www.chicago.gov/sbif.

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.

The Office of the City Clerk will be extending the Reduced Term City Sticker Pilot Program through next year. Since October 1st, 2019, residents have had the opportunity to take advantage of the Reduced Term City Sticker, allowing residents to purchase City Stickers for a shorter period of time, at an affordable price, lowering the barrier for compliance. All city sticker types can be purchased either in-person at one of the Chicago Clerk's Office facilities or online at www.chicityclerk.com.

Alderman Dowell, a frequent critic of bank's unfair lending practices which actively exclude black and brown communities from fair lending opportunities, helped craft this ordinance through participation in a series of working group briefings and the City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate's Equitable Lending hearing held in February 2021. This ordinance is the result of a coordinated effort between aldermen and advocate leaders such Neighborhood Housing Services, LISC Chicago, Woodstock Institute, Metropolitan Planning Council and more.

In light of the tragic collapse of a high-rise condo building in Miami, Alderman Dowell wanted to pass along the following information regarding the City of Chicago's high-rise safety plan.

Chicago has one of the strictest building codes in the country. All plans for high-rise development undergo multiple technical reviews, including structural, to help ensure long-term safety. As further protection, owners must obtain a certificate of occupancy, which has its own set of requirements, prior to allowing any occupants in the building. The Department of Buildings (DOB) is committed to the safety requirements outlined in the Chicago Construction

For high-rise buildings in Chicago, DOB requires continued reporting for exterior walls through DOB’s Exterior Wall Program. Most building owners/property managers choose to report biannually. For buildings that choose not to do biannual short form reporting, the interval for critical examination is either 4, 8 or 12 years based on the design and materials of the exterior wall. If owners/property managers report something dangerous in their report, or if they fail to submit a report, DOB will inspect and refer to Circuit Court, if necessary.

If you have concerns regarding the structural integrity of your building residents of any building may contact 311. The Department of Buildings will send a building inspector to investigate and take further action, if warranted.

For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.SoldierField.net/event. 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. 

The First Church of Deliverance offers a food and clothing pantry on Mondays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The church and pantry are located at 4315 S. Wabash Ave. All zip codes are welcome. Questions, call 773-373-7700 or at fcdchicago.org.

If you are a dedicated professional and manager who excels at collaboration, then please send your CV to [email protected]. Please include your full name and the position you are applying for in the email subject line.

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, July 6th at 6:00 pm (link to register), Wednesday, July 20th at 6:00 pm (link to

register)

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.

When: Wednesday, July 1 at 6:00 pm (link to register), Saturday, July 10th at 9:00 am (link to register)

WBEZ will be hosting a virtual community event about public safety in Chicago. The event will discuss Chicago’s violence reduction priorities (including the “Our City, Our Safety” plan), bold reforms from other cities and innovative ideas from a diverse group of local civic leaders. Participants include: Norman Livingston Kerr, Director of Violence Prevention, City of Chicago; Berto Aguayo, Executive Director, Increase The Peace; Chris Blattman, Professor, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago. The event will be moderated by Sasha Ann Simons, Host of WBEZ’s Reset.

Where: Registration link for online event

When: Saturday, July 7th at 6:00 pm

Soul Yoga Fest is the annual celebration of Yoga, Fitness, Holistic Health and Life taking place in Chicago IL. on Friday and Saturday July 9 and 10 at Fuller Park Field House.  The theme for this year is RESURRECTION as we honor those we have lost during the Pandemic and those of us who survive to carry on. Register for free here.

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

When: July 9th and 10th from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

The Chicago Department of Public Health, in coordination with the CTA, is bringing the vaccination station to First Church of Deliverance. The vaccination station offers your choice of Pfizer or the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. No health insurance of government ID is required. Residents 18 and under need the consent of a parent or guardian on site.

Where: First Church of Deliverance (4315 S. Wabash Ave.)

When: Sunday, July 11th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The United African Organization is hosting a City Key ID Print event! CityKey is a free optional government-issued ID card available to all Chicagoans regardless of age, gender, immigration status, or housing status. It serves as a government- issued ID, a Chicago Public Library Card, a Chicago Transit Authority Ventra Card, and a Chicago Rx prescription drug discount card. CityKey holders are also eligible for the many discounts and benefits offered by participating CityKey business partners across the city. Individuals can make an appointment at http://bit.ly/UAOCityKeyID or by calling the UAO office at (312) 949-9980.

Where: United African Organization (4910 S. King Drive)

When: Tuesday, July 13th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

The Leadership Summit is designed for rising juniors who are interested in the financial services industry (investment banking, sales & trading, corporate banking, commercial real estate, and CIB operations).

During the forum, you will have the chance to hear from various CIB professionals regarding their experience in the industry, learn more about the different groups within CIB, and receive advanced technical training hosted by Training the Street. You will also receive in-depth coaching on how to

navigate the summer analyst recruiting process from our CIB University Programs recruiting team. Select candidates may also be considered for interviews for paid summer internships in summer 2022.

The summit is open to all rising juniors who identify as Black/African American and/or Latinx/Hispanic with an interest in Corporate & Investment Banking with an expected grad date of December 2022 or May/June 2023. If you have any questions, please email: [email protected].

Where: Zoom (Register here for the zoom information)

When: Wednesday, July 14th

The 7th District Police are offering free vaccines and microchips at a Pet Health Fair. Masks required at all times, and social distancing guidelines will be in place. All dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier. All cats must be in a carrier. 500 animals will be served, or until supplies run out. Please be prepared for a long wait and bring water and chairs. Brought to you by the Chicago Wolves, Hyde Park Animal Hospital, 7th District CAPS and Rescue Pack Chicago.

Where: 7th District Police Station (1438 W. 63rd St.)

When: Saturday, July 17th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm (ticket distribution and lineup starting at 10:30 am)