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Dear Neighbor,
I'm thrilled that we were able to unveil a new planning vision earlier this month to add more housing to the vacant lots on Oakwood Boulevard and South Lake Park Avenue after collaborating diligently with the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) for the past nine months. This is a fantastic starting point to ensure the cleanliness, safety, and economic potential of our communities. To read the full visioning documents and to apply to purchase the lots, please visit DPD's website by clicking here. An informational webinar for this site will be held at 10 a.m. on April 30. I strongly encourage you to attend. Register here.
Residents of the 4th Ward who have a track record of development and the financial means will be given preference. Community meetings will also be held to discuss any proposed developments. This will be a few years process.
DPD has also released a new batch of empty, city-owned lots to be open for bid. To see a map of the lots and to learn more about the application process, please visit ChiBlockBuilder.com. DPD is the department that manages the vacant lots, but my office is happy to answer questions residents may have.
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REMEMBERING KAREN YARBROUGH, A TRAILBLAZING LEADER AND FRIEND | |
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Mortage Burning at Quinn Chapel
When I was a member of the Illinois General Assembly, State Senator Mattie Hunter and I acquired a $5 million capital grant for Quinn Chapel through the capital appropriations process. This past weekend, they celebrated paying off their mortgage on the church parking lot with the funds appropriated through the grant we obtained for them!
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Parking Passes Available for Oakenwald and Lake Meadows
Seasonal parking passes for the Oakenwald and Lake Meadows parking zones are now available for pickup at 928 E 43rd St. Season-long stickers and one-day guest passes are available. Residents can get up to 10 guest passes. The deadline to pick up passes to avoid being ticketed is April 19.
In order to pick up your pass, please bring proof of residency, either an ID with a current address or mail to your address with your name, and license plate number of your vehicle. One individual can pick up all the passes for their household, but you cannot collect passes for neighbors. My office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please email ward04@cityofchicago.org or call 312-744-2690.
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New "Don't Litter" Signs
Free "don't litter" signs are now available for pickup from my office. My office is located at 928 E 43rd St., and it is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
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“Clean Your Block 🚮!” Thank you to these amazing residents for spending their weekend cleaning up their neighborhood with our Ward Superintendent! To sign up for a “Clean Your Block,” please email our office at ward04@cityofchicago.org‼️ You must have a minimum of 5 residents on the block participate. | |
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Property Tax Exemption Office Hours
On Tuesday, April 23, from 1-4 p.m., I will be hosting staff from the Cook County Assessor's office to help residents apply for their property tax exemptions. To have a one-on-one appointment with staff from the assessor's office, you can make an appointment by clicking here.
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Chicago Public School (CPS) Pre-School Applications Now Open
CPS has now opened the applications for school year 2024-2025 pre-school programs. CPS offers half day preschool programs for three-year-olds and full day preschool for four-year-olds. All the programs are free. To learn more about the programs and to apply click here.
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Kenwood Wind Title at the Urban Debate National Championship
Another Kenwood win! I would like to congratulate the Kenwood Broncos for their victory at the Urban Debate National Championship, which was hosted at Northwestern University. Kenwood won in a 4-1 decision, and the Kenwood students received $5,000 for future education expenses. Congratulations!
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Senior Job and Health Fair
I would like to thank all the participating organizations and Congresswoman Robin Kelly for attending my senior job and health fair at the King Community Center. So many seniors were able to find fun, new jobs! It was great seeing everyone, and I look forward to hosting similar events in the future.
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Free Inflatable Bounce House for Block Parties
The city is offering a free inflatable bounce house to residential block parties. The bounce house is available from May 25 through September 1. The city does not provide a generator, so a power source must be within 100 feet. To apply for the bounce house, click here.
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Eid Mubarak!
Wishing everyone who celebrated Eid-al-Fitr had a joyful holiday!
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Pet Adoption Fair
I'm excited to partner with Kenwood Academy High School, PAWS Chicago and Chicago Animal Care and Control to host a Pet Adoption Fair at our office with Lucky's Pet Store!
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Planned Raising of Jackson Bridge
On April 18 the city will be conducting their annual testing of the Jackson bridge from 8 p.m. to midnight. Traffic will be rerouted around the bridge. Please plan accordingly and avoid the area if possible.
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Filming Near 48th and Woodlawn
On Thursday and Friday, there will be no parking/tow zone restrictions and a full traffic closure to allow for filming of the show "EOOP." Please be on the lookout for signage to avoid ticketing and towing. If you have any questions during the production, please contact the location site manager using the contact information below.
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Solar Eclipse at Adler Planetarium
My staff set up a resource tent at the Adler Planetarium last week to connect with residents and view the partial solar eclipse. Thank you to Adler Planetarium for hosting us and providing us eclipse viewers to pass out. It was great to see so many "4th Warders" out viewing the eclipse!
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Street Sweeping
April 1 was the first day of street sweeping. Please keep an eye out for no parking signs, and please move your car to allow the Streets and Sanitation staff to clean the streets. Streets and Sanitation will do their best to hang signs at least 48 hours before sweeping begins. A full calendar of planned sweeps is below; please make note of when your street is being swept.
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Earth Day Kennicott Park Cleanup
On Earth Day, April 20, at 10 a.m., I will be hosting a clean-up of Kennicott Park. Join us with your neighbors to help beautify this beloved park.
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Earth Day Pebble Beach Clean Up
On Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. the Advocates for Morgan Shoal will be hosting a clean-up of the pebble beach near 49th St. No RSVP necessary to join.
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Morgan Shoal Community Meeting
On Thursday, April 25, the Public Building Commission of Chicago and the Chicago Park District will be hosting a follow up meeting to discuss proposed improvements along the lakefront, 45th and 51st Streets. To RSVP for the meeting on April 25th click here.
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Signage and Cross Walk Improvements
Thank you to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) for assisting in adding newly highlighted crosswalks on 53rd St. and the no parking sign on the northeast corner of 53rd and Dorchester. These are much-needed improvements to help keep pedestrians and drivers safe.
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Donations for Unhoused Residents and New Arrivals
To support our new arrivals and unhoused Chicagoans, The Mayor's office is asking Chicago's businesses to donate essential equipment, professional services, and supplies in the following needed areas:
- Shelter Support: cleaning supplies, disinfectant wipes, janitorial supplies, commercial-sized trash cans, commercial soap/shampoo dispensers, lice kits, laundry detergent, blankets, microwaves, detergent, towels, etc.
- Office Equipment: copiers, ink, copy paper, chargers, laptops, basic supplies, etc.
- Operations Support: cots, mats, extension cords, first aid supplies, surgical masks, etc.
- Recreational: board games, table games, TVs, puzzles, activity books, etc.
- Support Services/Gift Cards for transportation, laundry, meals, copying, etc.
To support please fill out this form so that a member of the City's Partnerships & Donations team can follow up.
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Grants for Community Beautification
The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) has announced the 2024 Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program grant. Named for a former 4th Ward Alderwoman, and longtime SECC board member, the Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program provides grants of up to $5,000 to fund landscaping and placemaking efforts on the South Side. Applications are open through Monday, April 29. To learn more and to apply click here.
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Advisory Councils
We still have a few spots left to fill in our youth advisory councils, hence the delay in announcing new advisory council members. If you are between the ages of 15 and 24 and interested in being a leading voice in our community, please email us at ward04@cityofchicago.org.
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Request New Bike Racks
CDOT is looking to install new bike racks around the city and they are asking residents where they should be located. If you are a cyclist, or know any, please share your thoughts by clicking here.
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Help Save A Local Business
Bronzeville's only Black-owned pet store needs our help to stay open. Lucky's Pet Store at 924 E 43rd St. is owned by Amanda Daniels. She is fundraising to help pay for back rent and other expenses after a prolonged renovation and costs skyrocketing. This is exactly the type of small, Black-owned business that we need more of in the 4th Ward. Lucky's Pet Store sells a variety of animal care and hygiene products, as well as pet grooming services. I strongly encourage you to shop there or if you would like to donate directly click here.
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Lake Park 2nd Annual Men's Cook Off
Tickets are now on sale for the "Lake Park Fired Up" block club's annual cook-off on April 27 from 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 and help to fund community events in the area. To learn more and to purchase a ticket, call 872-904-2064.
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Loop Businesses & the Democractic National Convention (DNC)
Do you know a business or run a non-profit in the Loop? The Chicago Loop Alliance is collecting information on events and business offerings to be shared directly with DNC delegates. If you have any info you would like to be shared with the DNC email the Chicago Loop Alliance's Director of Marketing and Communications, Ariella Gibson, at Ariella@ChicagoLoopAlliance.com.
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Housing Rights Panel
Are you a renter or landlord interested in learning more about your housing rights? Join the Chicago Commission on Human Relations on Tuesday, April 30 to learn more. To register for this Zoom presentation, and to learn more, click here.
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New Murals at 53rd and 55th Street Viaducts
The Downtown Hyde Park Special Services Area (SSA #61) is currently working with Chicago Public Arts Group (CPAG) to replace the photograph art panels in the viaducts over 53rd and 55th streets at Lake Park Avenue. Artists can submit their work(s) to a panel assembled by CPAG.
Details on the submission process and specifications for the artwork can be found click here.
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Temporary Reroute of the #2 Hyde Park Express Bus
Until approximately May 31, due to construction at Jackson Park, northbound buses will be rerouted onto Dorchester, 64th, and then turn onto Stony Island. Southbound buses are not impacted.
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Next Office Hours for Veterans
Every second Tuesday of the month staff from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs hosts office hours at my 4th Ward office to answer questions as to what benefits local veterans are eligible for. No appointment necessary. Hope you can join us for the next session on May 9.
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New Funding for Dearborn Park
After working with the Park District I am happy to announce that I have secured funding for improvements to Dearborn Park. Now I would like to hear from residents about your desired changes and how this park can best serve everyone. Please join me on April 30 at Grace Place Church, from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m,, to discuss this exciting development.
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Fundraising for the Oakland Community Garden
Gardeners are fundraising for the preservation of statues and spring maintenance of the community gardens at 4116 S Lake Park Ave. They have a goal of raising $600 by April 24. If you are interested in supporting then you can donate over Venmo by sending a payment to @oakland-museum-garden. If you would like to donate by cash or check please email yettastarr@gmail.com.
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Construction on Your Block
Construction on your block, and you don't know why? Check out ChiStreetWork.Chicago.Gov for a full list of permitted construction projects on your block and surrounding areas. You can also sign up for alerts when new projects are announced.
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FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow me on Instagram by clicking here or on Facebook here to stay engaged in the 4th Ward.
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PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION | |
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Police Beat Meetings
The Chicago Police Department holds regular beat meetings for residents to learn about their local crime statistics and to share ideas with local officers. To find which beat you live in, click here. If you live in the First District, you can find the meeting calendar by clicking here. For a calendar of Second District beat meetings please email caps.002district@chicagopolice.org.
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Register Your Vehicle with the Cook County Sheriff's
Recently a stolen vehicle was quickly found, and the offender arrested, because the vehicle owner had previously registered their vehicle with the Cook County Sheriff's office. I am urging all residents to register their vehicle(s) with the Cook County Sheriff's office Tracked Vehicle Partnership. Click this link to access the Sheriff’s Office Consent-to-Release-Data Form. Filling out and submitting this form will allow law enforcement to access data location information for the described vehicle from the relevant car company if the car has been unlawfully taken and such information is available. Swift access to such information can help law enforcement recover the vehicle.
Once you have submitted the Online Consent Form, you will receive an informational packet and two stickers to place on your vehicle. The rear reflective and front windshield sticker, seen above, are designed to warn potential carjackers and auto thieves of your registration in the Cook County Sheriff's program.
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BUSINESS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Summer Jobs for Disabled Youth
On April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities will be hosting an inclusive summer jobs expo for youth and young adults. At the event, participants will be able to apply, interview, and get a job offer on the same day. If you have accessibility or other questions, please email access@cityofchicago.org. To RSVP for the event click here.
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Allstate Bronzeville Business Grants
Allstate has partnered with Build Bronzeville to fund South Side businesses with grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Applications are open now through April 30. You can apply here.
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Paid Youth Summer Internships - One Summer Chicago
To learn more about the program and to apply click here.
| Contracting Opportunities with CTA | |
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Cook County Releases Behavioral Health Grant Application
The Cook County Health System has released their new " Stronger Together: Building a More Equitable Behavioral Health System in Cook County" Initiative. It aims to address behavioral health inequities across the region’s system of care through increased systems alignment, enhanced system quality, and the expansion of access to early intervention and prevention, treatment, support, recovery, and crisis assessment and care. This initiative, led by the Office of Behavioral Health at Cook County Health (CCH), is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury, under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Proposals are due Wednesday, April 17 at 5 p.m. Multiple capacity building and information sessions will be hosted before the deadline to answer questions and help organizations fill out the grant. To learn more click here.
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Full List of City Contracts Open to Bid
There are many City of Chicago contracts that are open to be bid on by vendors. To access the list click here.
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City Law Department Hiring
To learn more about open full time positions click here. For information on the Department's various clerkship and internship opportunities click here.
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New TIF Fund Applications for Businesses | |
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Scholarships for Students in Healthcare Fields
The application period for the 2024 Provident Scholarship Fund is now open! The scholarship program supports students pursuing health care careers who are from, and committed to caring for, underserved communities.
Cook County government and Cook County Health have allocated $1 million to fund up to 60 scholarships this year. The scholarship program is administered by the Cook County Health Foundation.
The Provident Scholarship Fund offers $20,000 scholarships to health professional students, including those in medical, dental, physician assistant and nurse practitioner programs and $10,000 scholarships to undergraduate and allied health students, including those nursing, surgical and radiology technology, respiratory therapy, and paramedic programs.
Applications can be submitted through Friday, May 10, 2024.
More information about the Provident Scholarship Fund, including criteria and application information can be found at http://cookcountyhealth.org/about/careers/provident-scholarship-fund.
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Internships with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)
DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. DCASE is looking for student interns to work with various DCASE units for $18/hr. To see the full job posting click here.
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Earn Money By Attending Group Art Therapy
Black Alphabet, the LGBTQ arts nonprofit, is offering up free group art therapy. The session open to ages 16-26 will see participants earn a $25 gift card. Spots are limited. To RSVP and sign up now click here.
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Community Survey on the Future of the Bronzeville Trail
The Bronzeville Metropolis National Heritage Area Commission is asking residents for their opinions on tourism and how to better tell the story of the Great Migration to Bronzeville. To take the survey click here or scan the image below.
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Learn How to Volunteer with Make-A-Wish Illinois | |
Representative Sonya Harper's Advisory Councils | |
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Financial Literacy Classes with the Chicago Treasurer's Office
We are proud to introduce the Money Matters Institute (MMI), a free comprehensive and convenient money management and financial wellness program. MMI is designed to equip all Chicago residents, no matter their age, income or background, with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build wealth today for tomorrow.
MMI is a three-step approach to financial education and empowerment:
Financial Fundamentals - April through June of 2024
Money Mastery - July through September of 2024
Wealth Accelerator - September through November of 2024
Each step contains workshops, with virtual sessions on Tuesdays from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. and in-person sessions at the Chicago Urban League on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Participants do NOT need to attend every workshop to join the program or move through the steps. To learn more and to sign up click here.
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Free Learn to Braid & Teen Self Care Program
The Kindness Campaign is accepting the interest of 12–15-year-old girls to participate in their Black & Beautiful Braiders program which begins April 28. Over several Sunday sessions girls will be taught a variety of braiding techniques and sanitation rules, while being given the space to talk with mentors. To learn more and to sign up email contact@kindnesseveryday.org.
| Adoption Fees Waived at City Shelters | April Events at the King Library Branch | Upcoming Events at the King Community Center | |
Veterans Learn To Swim Classes | |
May 18 Mental Health Networking and Resource Fair | |
Free Jewelry Making Class for Students | |
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UChicago High School Healthcare Career Event
Do you know what it takes to be a Doctor, Nurse or work in the healthcare field? Join a panel of healthcare experts and learn what you need to succeed. Join the Urban Health Initiative on Saturday, April 20th at the Donnelly Biological Science Learning Center, 924 E. 57th St, Room 109, Chicago, IL 60637, where you can learn from the healthcare professionals about their experiences in healthcare and where you should start. To RSVP click here.
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Pre-College Science and Engineering Classes for All Ages
The Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program (ChiS&E) is providing free math and engineering classes for students ranging from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. To see a full list of classes click here.
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Home Energy Efficiency Event | |
Mother's Day Celebration at Donoghue Elementary | |
HIV Testing and Treatment for Black Women, By Black Women | |
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One Earth Film Festival in Bronzeville
Join Bronzeville Partners for an official One Earth Film Festival of the acclaimed film "common Ground." Meet organizations and community leaders that are dedicate to Earth justice and learn how to get involved. Book your tickets now at oneearthfilmfest.org.
Where: Illinois Tech Tower (10 W. 35th St.)
When: Sunday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m.
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Food Scrap Drop Off Program in The Ward
The city of Chicago is piloting a new program that allows households to compost their food scraps. The program is free and available from 7am-7pm every day, except holidays. Our ward hosts one of the compost locations at 4352 S Cottage Grove. For more information visit the city's food scrap program homepage by clicking here.
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