32nd Ward Newsletter April 23, 2021
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Greetings!
Decades have passed since the enactment of many of our nation's important environmental laws. And although many of those laws were whittled away for a few years, we see a renewed effort to strengthen those laws, and we renew our efforts to fight climate change and provide a safe environment for all to live. Yesterday, I had the privilege to participate on a environmental panel discussion led by our U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, along with staff from the offices of Senator Feigenholtz & Representative Ann Williams, both who were in Springfield working on the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) legislation among other issues, as well as Commissioner Degnen and Alderman Nugent (39). The discussion is available here, and entailed a talk about work we are doing individually but also how we are working together at different levels of government to tackle environmental issues. While the COVID pandemic has slowed down some work, it has opened other doors for us to work together on environmental concerns for our constituents here and across the states. Last year, alongside several environmental agencies like the Illinois Environmental Council, Alliance for Great Lake, the Recycling Coalition and students from CPS (especially William H. Ray Elementary), I drafted the Plastic-Free Water Ordinance, which would ban single-use plastics in Chicago. While the ability to get that done during the pandemic is difficult at the local level, we have seen a new effort nationally to recognize the plastics problem and have some federal help on the way from our Congress. For years we have seen communities of color, low-income communities throughout the country bear the burden of climate change and pollution. It was good to hear about work being done by the U.S. Senate with the Environmental Justice for All Act, and with the Biden Administration through the work of Interior Secretary Haaland reasserting federal guidance on environmental laws, while providing funding resources to deal with existing or potential concerns. Alderman Nugent also brought up our desire to reinstate the City of Chicago Dept. of Environment to strengthen our commitment to cleaning up Chicago. In Council we are working on several initiatives relate to clean water, an urban tree advisory board with Openlands, a Styrofoam ban, infrastructure for a cleaner earth, a new recycling contract thanks to the efforts of groups like the CRC, and more.
Earth Day is Every Day- Join your friends this weekend for a cleanup in your neighborhood, or look out for your local neighborhood group action, or when you visit the park check out your park advisory council efforts to see how you can help. Other ideas include joining Openlands for a youth planting event, or Friends of the Chicago River to continue the long term cleaning of the Chicago River- Chicago River Day is May 8th and is another day to volunteer on the river and improve our river ecosystem.
Finally, check your area on the sweeping map below to be prepared to move when the city sweepers hit the streets.
Stay healthy,
Alderman Scott Waguespack
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Street sweeping for 2021 has begun. The sections of the 32nd Ward to be swept next week will be sections 6, 7, and 8 (portions of Hamlin Park and Lakeview).
Please make sure to move your vehicle on your scheduled day (south and east sides of the street are normally done on the first day, north and west on the second; please watch for signs). Please take the time to help clear the curb in front of your property. It is helpful to clear debris and clogs to keep the sewers flowing well. Please do not sweep landscaping debris into the street. Any landscaping debris should be bagged and put in the alley.
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Lincoln Water Project Update
The Department of Water Management (DWM) is pulling crews and reopening the street because of an issue with vaulted sidewalks. If you are a building or business owner on the west side of the 3000 or 3100 blocks of Lincoln and you know whether or not you have a vaulted sidewalk, then please contact our office at 773-248-1330 or Tony Falada of the Water Dept at 312-617-2218.
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Resurfacing Project Notice: Humboldt, Palmer to North
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin on April 27, 2021, pending clearance from and coordination with existing utilities, and weather permitting. Bigane Paving Co. is the general contractor for this project and Wight & Company is providing resident engineering services for the Chicago Department of Transportation.
The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, pedestrian refuge islands, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement, and striping.
During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. All work on this corridor is scheduled to be completed August 15, 2021.
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Wicker Park Bucktown Peoples Gas Project UPDATE
Peoples Gas' Milwaukee project is a System Improvement project from Division to Fullerton to be completed in 4 phases.
COMPLETED: Phase 1 began last year and will be completed this spring. It is mostly small diameter main in Honore from North to Armitage to provide a back feed to the area.
WE'RE HERE --> Phase 2 is insertion of a new gas main in Milwaukee from Division to Wabansia with some small diameter work on Honore and Elk Grove to avoid the intersection of Damen/Milwaukee/North. This will start after phase 1 is complete. This will impact bike lanes, sidewalks, and parking.
Phase 3 is continuing the insertion in Milwaukee from Wabansia to Maplewood. This work can run concurrently with phase 2.
Phase 4 continues to Fullerton and will be constructed in 2022.
Tentative Schedule:
Phase 2 May 2021 through October 2021.
Phase 3 August 2021 through May 2022.
Phase 4 March 2022 through August 2022.
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City Clean & Green
The City's Annual Clean and Green is back! This citywide effort is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2021. Residents and block clubs are encouraged to volunteer to clean up litter and debris in their neighborhoods, blocks, and vacant lots (following social distancing and mask guidelines).
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If you're interested in a joining your neighborhood clean up efforts, here are a couple of options. If you are organizing a clean up day, please let us know and we will help you get the word out for more volunteers!
- April 24th at 9 am - Roscoe Village Neighbors - Sign Up Here.
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April 24th with various time slots - Bucktown Community Organization (BCO) - Sign Up Here.
- April 24th from 9 am - noon - Churchill Dog Park
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Reminder: Pay First Installment Cook County Property Taxes Through May 3 with No Late Fee
Property taxes were due Tuesday, March 2, 2021, but there is no late fee for those paying their bill through Monday, May 3, 2021.
The Cook County Board of Commissioners in November waived for two months the 1.5 percent per month late fee on Tax Year 2020 First Installment property taxes. Taxpayers can pay the First Installment, due March 2, without a late fee, through May 3, 2021.
• Select the blue box labeled “Pay Online for Free”
• Search by property address or enter your Property Index Number
• There is no fee if you pay from your bank account
For those who cannot pay the full amount due, partial payments are accepted. After May 3, 2021, any balance due is charged 1.5 percent per month, as required by state law.
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Effective immediately, City-managed vaccination sites will be offering vaccines to individuals 16 years of age or older (under 18 requires a parent or guardian on site to consent).
These vaccination sites will all be offering Pfizer-
United Center online registration link:
Voucher Code: CHIZIPVAX21 (case sensitive)
Wright College online registration link:
Daley College online registration link:
Chicago State University online registration link:
Apostolic Faith Church online registration link:
Appointments are also available via Zocdoc:
Individuals may also contact the City’s vaccine call center directly to make an appointment: 312-746-4835 (Monday to Saturday 8:00am - 8:00pm and Sunday 8:00am - 4:00pm).
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Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk
July 17 and 18
Neighbors and visitors of all ages can explore hidden gems that make Bucktown one of Chicago’s most charming neighborhoods during the annual Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk, returning for its 17th year on July 17 & 18. Due to last year's overwhelming success, the format this year will be similar, a self guided tour of everything that makes Bucktown great via a digital and downloadable map which includes points of interests, public art, landmarks, churches, parks, favorite local restaurants/bars/shops, and of course gardens, along with musicians and artists inside the gardens.
The heart of the event revolves around connecting neighbors and giving nature lovers a glimpse into urban gardening. Around 70 gardens will be in bloom and on display, offering attendees a unique way to see urban gardens. Backyards are back this year and thus gardens will be viewable from the front, back, and garage/rooftop accessible via the outdoors. Last year we added musicians such as The Kahil El’Zabar Trio and Alfonso Ponticelli and painters inside the gardens and look to expand on that this year.
In 2020, there was just shy of 1000 downloads of the digital guide, and the event netted just over 8000 dollars. The Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk is a 100% volunteer-run event. All proceeds are directly reinvested back into the Bucktown community such as local parks and schools, neighborhood beautification projects, grant recipients, and movies in the park. Last year, that money went to Illinois Landscape, Sam Marts' mural on the back side of the Bucktown Wicker Park Library adjacent to the Bucktown Green, and to plant trees.
Event planning is currently underway with plenty of opportunities for local gardeners, businesses, and interested volunteers to get involved. The organization is currently accepting residents to volunteer their green spaces for the tour—everything from patios to parkways. Local businesses can donate and sponsor the event. Live in the neighborhood and interested in giving back to the community? Looking to display your garden? Several volunteers will be needed to help spread the word and day-of to coordinate artists and artist garden hosts. Or are you an artist looking to perform? Contact Darien Hallagan at [email protected] or 404-519-7269 for additional details.
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Roscoe Village Neighbors Seek Board Members
Roscoe Village Neighbors (RVN) is looking for capable, energetic, community-minded individuals who are willing to commit some of their time and energy to one of the most successful neighborhood organizations in Chicago. If you are an active RVN member and would like to help keep Roscoe Village the vibrant, exciting neighborhood it is, please apply using this form. Deadline for submission is April 30th, 2021.
Roscoe Village Neighbors is a non-profit organization managed by an all-volunteer, 13-member Board of Directors. The three-year terms for the Board of Director positions are staggered, so four board seats are up for election each year by members. Directors may be re-elected, but must run for re-election. Director-at-Large positions may be filled by any active RVN member, while executive positions may only be filled by members with at least one year of service on the RVN board as a Director-at-Large.
This year there are four Director-at-Large positions up for election. All ACTIVE RVN members will receive an online ballot via email. For more details, click here.
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Enjoy wine packs and a weekend of shopping in Lakeview and Roscoe Village! Dive into the world of wine with four wine packs curated by local liquor stores, and shop local from May 20-23 with a special coupon book and Wine Lovers Shopping Guide. You can also sign up for a virtual wine class! Learn more at https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/poursandstores
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Logan Square Chamber of Commerce
Membership Meeting
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting. If you are a business in Logan Square and interested in learning about the benefits of membership, reach out to Executive Director Nilda Esparza at [email protected].
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Help Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce (LRVCC) Create a Community Mosaic!
The Lakeview Public Art Committee is spearheading an exciting new initiative to bring an eye-catching mosaic to West Lakeview! Their goal is to engage the local community in the project design and execution, starting with collecting your ideas for the mosaic theme.
LRVCC will launch this project at a community design workshop via Zoom on Monday, May 3rd, 2021 at 6:00 PM. This is an opportunity to learn more about the project and help brainstorm mosaic themes, and all residents, business representatives, students, and other community groups are invited to attend! Confirm your attendance at the workshop by registering online here to receive the call-in details.
Whether or not you are able to attend the community design workshop, we would still love to hear from you. Please submit your ideas for the mosaic theme in advance of the workshop online here. All ideas will be discussed at the community design workshop and reviewed by the Lakeview Public Art Committee.
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One Summer Chicago Youth Summer Employment
One Summer Chicago will run from July 5 to August 13 and will include remote and socially distanced, in-person job and life-skills training for youth ages 14 to 24. The application deadline is Friday, June 11. Get your application in quickly as there are often more applications than available positions.
To find out more about the program, eiligibility, opportunities and more, please visit onesummerchicago.org.
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Kits for Kidz primary goal is to provide essential items to underprivileged students across the United States. They engage with many to provide a low cost option for school supplies, hygiene kits, and other necessary items to help homeless individuals and students in need. Homeless liaisons, school districts, care organizations, migrant coordinators, churches, and state and local governments are able to use ESSER funding and other grants with Kits for Kidz.
Preassembled Elementary and Junior High/High School Backpack Kits for $11.
(Normally $12/each. Order must be placed before 4/30/2021 and delivered by 5/16/2021 to qualify)
- Backpacks kits come in six different assorted colors: charcoal, red, teal, orange, light green & burgundy
- Kits includes 1 Backpack and 11 different essential school supplies.
- All backpacks have padded handles, adjustable straps, and plenty of pockets to stay organized
- These kits are quick to ship and easy to distribute which makes them a perfect it for your back to school event.
Click the links below for more information or to place an order.
Quotes and sample kits available upon request.
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CPS Summer Career Readiness Experience Wants to Partner With Your Business
The Chicago Public Schools, Office of Teaching and Learning, Department of Academic Competitions will provide 100 paid summer internship opportunities to Academic Competitions’ participants (Academic Decathlon, Chicago Debate League, Science Fair, Math League, and Academic Chess). The goal of the program is to create opportunities for students to work in professional environments and to acquire valuable skills needed for personal and professional advancement.
The Summer Career Readiness Experience is a three-week summer apprenticeship from July 12 – August 6, 2021. Students will have the opportunity to work in areas of their career interest, i.e. law firms, hospitals/clinics, and state and local governmental offices.
This program would be delighted to partner with your organization this summer. By hosting a student, you will create a personalized learning experience through real-world work experience that cannot be obtained in a classroom. Summer interns will work up to 20-25 hours per week for a maximum of 80 hours. Students’ schedules can be customized to meet your organization’s needs. Students will be paid $10.00/hour by the Chicago Public Schools, leaving no financial obligation to the partnering organization. They can provide any number of students to your organization/business wishes and will ensure that you will be matched with student(s) who will meet your organization’s expectations.
If you are available to host students by participating in the Summer Career Readiness Experience, please complete the form or Markus Payne at [email protected] by May 7, 2021.
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Paycheck Protection Program
The SBA has extended the deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to May 31, 2021. Learn more about this program at sba.gov/ppp and apply today through eligible lenders. Additionally, the City of Chicago has created the Vendor Impact Fund to provide direct access to PPP loans and SBA 7(a) loans for business that have City contracts, with a preference for businesses with City of Chicago or Cook County MBE or other certification (WBE, VBE, BEPD). Learn more and apply at chicagoimpactfund.com.
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The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Due to COVID-19, all programs are currently being offered as webinars. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
Wednesday, 4/28 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Know Your Rights
The Office of Labor Standards presents overview of worker rights and employer responsibilities during COVID-19 under Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave, Anti-Retaliation Ordinances.
Friday, 4/30 Webinar at 9:30 AM
Legal Framework for Small Businesses
Presented by: Lema Khorshid, Fuksa Khorshid, LLC
The legal component of a business sets the foundation and structure for a sustainable business. A business climate is everchanging, but valuable legal tips are a resource. Learn the top 10 legal tips for small business success through an interactive webinar. The Q&A set up will provide useful and practical tips on legal essentials such as incorporation, contracts, and more.
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Until further notice, all CAPS meetings will be held virtually.
April CAPS
1434- April 28th, 6:30pm
Webinar ID: 842 8540 7418
Passcode: 938329
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Emergency Travel Order
Updated 4/20/2021
Based on data as of 4/19/2021
In response to the changing dynamics of COVID-19 transmission across the United States, and to support Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City is issuing a Travel Order applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 10-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter).
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Alderman Scott Waguespack
2657 North Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-1330
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