1st Ward Newsletter | May 5, 2023
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Dear neighbors,
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning for our first ward clean and green! Many of you have already signed up but it's not too late to join us at 10:00am tomorrow morning. We'll be starting out from Haas Park, Pulaski Park, Maplewood Park, Metzger Plaza, and the 1st Ward Office. It looks like we'll have good weather for taking care of our neighborhoods!
Thank you also to all of you who came out for the Tuesday evening meeting on the Grand Avenue redesign and reconstruction and who have emailed the office with your support of the project. I'm excited for a Grand Avenue that provides a safer and more enjoyable experience for all users of the public way, for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. From new trees to wider sidewalks to protected bike lanes, there are so many benefits for the project for so many and I'm ready to see it become a reality.
I share this hopefulness balanced with the fact that today we commemorated the death of Sam Bell with an honorary street sign at Rice and Wood. Sam, aged 44, was cycling along Milwaukee at Huron when he was struck and killed by a motorist making an illegal left turn. It's the kind of crash that I've experienced myself, and there's an ache in my heart for Sam and all those who grieve for him and the dozens of other Chicagoans who lost their lives to traffic violence in 2022. We will continue to work, in the 1st Ward and across the city, for the infrastructure and policies that ensure everyone comes home safe regardless of how they get around the city.
Sincerely,
Alderman La Spata
P.S. This newsletter may get cut off in your inbox. Click here to open the full newsletter in another tab.
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The 1st Ward Office is hosting a Spring Clean-Up event tomorrow, between 10 AM–12PM. Our office will provide all necessary supplies. Please register here and invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join us! We hope to see you there.
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Partial Office Closure – Monday, May 15, 2023
The 1st Ward Office will be attending inauguration the morning of Monday, May 15, 2023. The office will be closed for the event, and it is expected it should be open for the majority of the afternoon (at minimum, 2pm to 6pm).
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The newly-elected 14th Police District Council will be hosting public monthly meetings beginning next Saturday, May 13. The purpose of these meetings is to gather input from the community about public safety and police accountability issues and work with the city to implement new policies based on those concerns, ideas, and demands. Upcoming meetings are as followed:
- Saturday, May 13th, 1-3pm–Wicker Park Library (1701 N Milwaukee)
- Saturday, June 17th, 1-3pm–Logan Square Library (3030 W Fullerton)
- Saturday, July 1st, 1-3pm–Logan Square Library (3030 W Fullerton)
Additional roundtable discussions will be held by the Community Engagement Coordinator on the following dates:
- Monday, May 15th, 6-7pm–Humboldt Park Library (1605 N Troy)
- Monday, June 5th, 6-7pm–Humboldt Park Library (1605 N Troy)
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Over the last couple of years, my office has heard increasing complaints regarding the ineffectiveness of permanent street cleaning signs. It is one of the most common complaints to my office, and rightfully so: you deserve the most effective service delivery possible from the City.
After consulting with the 1st Ward Superintendent of Streets & Sanitation, and hearing advocacy from 1st Ward residents and my staff, I am supporting the removal of all permanent street cleaning signs across the 1st Ward. Since the 1st Ward absorbed areas of the 2nd and 32nd Wards that are contradicted by existing permanent signs within the 1st Ward, removing the signs will allow the Department of Streets and Sanitation to do several things:
- It will allow our Ward Superintendent to write more consistent and logical street cleaning zones across the entire Ward, which will create more efficient services and easier scheduling logistics for everyone.
- It will allow every single street in the 1st Ward to have the same uniform signage, which will be the temporary orange signs that are typically placed on streets a few days prior to cleaning.
This is a long-term policy solution to the street cleaning complaints in the Ward, but my staff are already coordinating with City Hall to make it happen for April 2024. I am hopeful that we can make it happen in that amount of time. In the meantime, if your block is having issues with cars not following signage for street cleaning, my office helps to facilitate volunteer sign hanging. Please do not hesitate to call or email so we can help coordinate services with you.
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1st Ward First Look: Monday, May 8, 2023 (6pm)
- 2412 West Belden: The 1st Ward Office received notification that the unsanctioned dormers constructed at this building would require a zoning map amendment to resolve and bring into conformance. The 1st Ward Office has collected all relevant information from the applicant, and Alderman La Spata notified our Greater Goethe Neighbors about the zoning proposal.
- 2714 West St Helen: Applicant proposes to rehab existing building and add another dwelling unit, which requires a zoning map amendment.
- Informational presentation on Division / Ashland proposals (2nd Ward to 1st Ward): Ordinances 2023-1323 and 2023-1326, for 1235 to 1235 North Ashland and 1257 to 1301 North Ashland were filed following a letter of approval from Alderman Brian Hopkins in the 2nd Ward. Wicker Park Committee petitioned Alderman Hopkins and Alderman La Spata to hold the ordinances for additional review. Additional review is occurring at Wicker Park Committee, and the ordinances were deferred from the April 18, 2023, Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards. This will be an informational meeting to discuss these zoning proposals and demonstrate changes following the Wicker Park Committee request.
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Likely Virtual 1st Ward First Look Dates (RSVP zoning@the1stward.com)
- Monday, May 22 (6pm) No new cases yet, as of May 5 newsletter
- Monday, June 12 (6pm)
- Monday, June 26 (6pm)
- Monday, July 17 (6pm)
- Monday, July 31 (6pm)
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In Case You Missed It!
The 1st Ward Office livestreamed two recent 1st Ward First Look meetings. In case you missed them, here is what happened:
- Monday, April 10, 2023: The 1st Ward Office hosted a virtual 1st Ward First Look on 1342 West Ohio and 1859 N Washtenaw / 2649 W Cortland. The video is available via Facebook Live.
- Monday, April 17, 2023: The 1st Ward Office hosted a virtual 1st Ward First Look on 1703 West Chicago and an informational presentation on community survey results on 1501 North Oakley. The video is available via Facebook Live.
- Zoning Ordinance Filed: At City Council on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, Alderman La Spata filed a zoning map amendment to reset the zoning designations at 1416 North Maplewood, because the development team informed the 1st Ward Office that the rehab proposal could not be completed. The 1st Ward Office discussed this with the development team's zoning attorney, who may also be filing a future zoning ordinance to reset the zoning back to its original designation that matches the remainder of the neighborhood.
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Feedback Wanted!
- 1703 West Chicago. Restaurant owner proposes to rezone existing mixed use development to a B3 designation, with no additional changes to bulk and density requirements, to establish a general restaurant use on the premises (a restaurant that allows liquor sales). The applicant has applied for an incidental liquor license, and is also working on a draft plan of operations. You can review the proposed plans and plan of operations, and provide feedback.
- 2429 - 2431 West Fullerton. Developer proposes to acquire and rezone 2429 - 2431 West Fullerton, to redevelop the site with an all-residential, 36-unit, 21 parking space development. This proposal would be approximately 4.5 stories tall, and would include 7 legally restricted affordable housing units. This is the second iteration at this site, with the first proposal occurring in April 2022; you can use this folder to review all alternatives at this site and provide feedback. (Original 1st Ward First Look occurred Monday, January 30, 2023)
- 1501 North Oakley. The Sisters of Christian Charity are selling their property located at 1501 North Oakley, which comprises approximately 2.8 acres in Wicker Park. Alderman La Spata has confirmed with both the Josephinum Academy and the listing agent that an arrangement that keeps the school at this location is in discussion. Alderman La Spata supports keeping the school at this site. There are numerous potential redevelopment scenarios, and the actual sale of the property is not expected to occur for a couple of years. Based on the size of the zoning lot, it is likely that any redevelopment that occurs at this parcel would require a Planned Development through the City of Chicago. Any zoning proposal at this site will require a community process, and the 1st Ward is collecting preliminary feedback; this preliminary feedback should help the 1st Ward office shape that process. The property owner’s offering materials are available for public viewing. Unlike other zoning processes, due to the size of this lot and the length of time this sale will take, the 1st Ward Office is opening a proactive community review process.
- 2649 West Cortland / 1859 North Washtenaw. It is expected that throughout February there will be electronic review of a new proposal at 2649 West Cortland / 1859 North Washtenaw, with a zoning meeting to occur in March. The existing building contains six dwelling units, and the property owner would like to build an addition with three units at the rear of the building. Alderman La Spata and 1st Ward Office raised concerns about the project's lack of meeting the Affordable Requirements Ordinance threshold for affordable housing, which begins at 10 units. However, the applicant has provided details on the rents in the building, which are below market value and noted that no current renters would be displaced by the rehabilitation project. As of March 17, 2023, the following rendering and plans are available, and you can provide feedback here.
- 1342 West Ohio. It is expected that throughout February, there will be electronic review of a new proposal at 1342 West Ohio. This proposal would be implemented under the Connected Communities or "equitable Transit Oriented Development (eTOD)" ordinance, to improve a vacant lot with a three story, 6-dwelling unit building. As of March 3, 2023, plans are available, and the 1st Ward Office will flyer the neighborhood in the near future to solicit electronic feedback. Submit your feedback to the 1st Ward Office here.
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Recent Zoning Recommendations
The 1st Ward Office collects zoning intake documents and information in order to assess the feasibility of redevelopment projects. At times, potential developers, property owners, real estate agents, or attorneys will call the office with concepts. Alderman La Spata and the 1st Ward Office use community input (from past and present zoning proposals); public policy documents and research; the Chicago Zoning Ordinance; Affordable Requirements Ordinance; Kinzie Industrial Corridor ordinances; and Connected Communities / equitable Transit Oriented Development ordinance, among other policies, to provide redevelopment recommendations. All recommendations are listed on the zoning website.
- 2625 West Armitage: (First Inquiry) The 1st Ward Office received a completed developer's intake packet proposing a demolition of the existing 2 unit residence to establish a 3 unit residence. The 1st Ward Office recommended in favor of a rehabilitation of the existing property, which is a profitable development as demonstrated by the developer's own packet. (Received April 2023)
- 1801 North Central Park: The 1st Ward Office received a redevelopment inquiry for this large manufacturing building, which will be entering the 26th Ward. The 1st Ward Office generally holds a policy of encouraging the reuse and redevelopment of Manufacturing Zoning Districts without rezoning, and connected the applicant with industrial economic development partners to gauge options for this space. This case was also referred to 26th Ward Alderperson-elect Fuentes for awareness, as even a manufacturing redevelopment process here will likely be a long process. (Received April 2023)
- 1239 North Wood: The 1st Ward Office receives numerous and ongoing inquiries about this property. Most recently, the 1st Ward Office recommended opposition to Alderman La Spata against a proposed hotel with a restaurant and bar component, due to the predominantly residential nature of the area and the need for more housing and affordable housing adjacent to the 'L'.
- 2050 - 2056 West Pierce: A zoning attorney submitted completed 1st Ward developer's packet, proposing to add a third floor to the existing 4 unit townhome development. As of March 2023, 1st Ward Office recommended opposition to Alderman La Spata and Wicker Park Committee, citing Landmark District concerns (expanding roofline) and lack of density concerns (policy concerns include upzoning to expand single-unit residence in a Transit-Served Location; and, upzoning without increasing density). (Received February 2023)
- 2104 - 2108 North Western: (Second Inquiry) A developer reached out regarding demolition and redevelopment of an existing mixed use building with multiple apartments and a ground floor restaurant. The 1st Ward Office advised in favor of rehabilitation and redevelopment of the existing property. Upon further inquiries, including review of pro forma provided by developer, the 1st Ward Office recommended opposition to Alderman La Spata due to housing cost concerns (existing property land sale has viable rehabilitation options with multi-unit residence and viable commercial space) and demolition concerns. (Received January 2023)
- 1536 West Chestnut: (Third Inquiry) A potential purchaser reached out regarding zoning options to demolish an existing residence for the purpose of developing a new multi-unit residence. The 1st Ward Office recommended a zoning map amendment to establish an Additional Dwelling Unit to rehabilitate the existing building. (Received January 2023)
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My office regularly hears requests from you to install new speed cameras throughout the Ward. Pedestrian safety requests are some of the most common requests for service my office hears, because I know you and your friends and family, as well as visitors to the Ward, love to benefit from its walkability and want to make sure that the neighborhood is as safe as possible to do so.
For a few years, the Department of Transportation was not installing speed cameras, but I still placed your orders to the Department for a waitlist. Now, those cameras are being installed, most recently at Haas Park and now at Palmer Square Park.
I know that improved infrastructure is the best way to reduce vehicle speeds and ensure traffic safety for all users (including drivers!). But in the absence of improved infrastructure, we need to use enforcement to ensure that our speed limits are enforced throughout our dense neighborhoods. To improve the City's process for this, last year I submitted an ordinance and resolution in favor of updating Illinois Law and the Municipal Code of Chicago to allow for speed cameras to be placed in locations that are determined by crash data and traffic speed data.
I do agree that the speed camera program should not be used to raise revenue, and I would love it if this new camera at Palmer Square Park did not earn the City a dime–that would mean that everyone is following the traffic laws, resulting in safer streets for our neighbors.
Here is the notice and programming description from Department of Transportation:
"As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to increase public safety by reducing speeding and related crashes, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) have installed and activated a new Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) camera in the 2200 block of N Kedzie Ave within the Palmer Square Park safety zone. The camera was activated on Tuesday May 2, 2023 at the request of the 1st Ward and community stakeholders. Prior to start issuing the violations this cameras operated in a Warning only phase for 30 days during which $0 Warning tickets were issued to motorists.
Under the rules of the program, the first time a driver is caught on camera violating the speed limit they will receive a warning instead of a fine. Per city ordinance, fines for violations are $35 for vehicles traveling 6-10 miles per hour over the speed limit and $100 for vehicles traveling more than 10 miles over the speed limit.
Children’s Safety Zones are designated within 1/8th of a mile from Chicago parks or schools. The City ordinance establishing the program narrows the hours and locations of enforcement that are allowed under state law.
The enforcement hours at Palmer Square Park are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the hours when the park is open.
For more information about the Children’s Safety Zone Program, visit: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdot/supp_info/children_s_safetyzoneporgramautomaticspeedenforcement.html."
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The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is asking Chicago residents to share their vision for the future development of the Downtown area, outlined in yellow above. All feedback will be used to help shape growth in the Central Area for the next 20 years. Click here to take the survey and share your ideas! If you'd like more information about the Plan, join DPD for an Open House to discuss the Central Area Plan Update from 4:30 - 6:30pm, Tuesday, May 23 at the Harold Washington Library Winter Garden (400 South State Street, 9th floor, Chicago, IL 60605).
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The deadline is approaching to apply for Illinois’ Back to Business (B2B) program – which provides recovery grants for restaurants, hotels, and businesses/organizations in the creative arts sector. The deadline to apply is May 10, 2023 and businesses are encouraged to go to www.illinois.gov/b2b for additional information and resources in multiple languages.
Additional resources and information can be found here:
Questions? Feel free to reach out to the 1st Ward Office for any help regarding the application or eligibility requirements!
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Do you want free composting?! Your business may be eligible to receive 9 months of free composting services, courtesy of Wicker Park Bucktown SSA #33. We are covering all expenses as we launch our first-ever Composting Pilot Project on June 1st! If you are within SSA #33 boundaries and would like to receive free services, please submit this form online. If you have any questions, please email SSA #33 at ssa33@wickerparkbucktown.com
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IFF's Stronger Nonprofits Initiative (SNI) is a free program tailored to meet the needs of nonprofits led by and deeply serving communities of color across the Midwest. An information session on the program will take place on Thursday, May 11, at 3pm via Zoom. Click here to register.
Applications for the SNI Chicago program are due by Wednesday, May 17th at 5pm CST. To apply, visit strongernonprofits.org.
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Exelon-Funded $36 Million Racial Equity Capital Fund
The initiative is part of Exelon’s ongoing, extensive efforts to promote equity and economic opportunity in the diverse communities served by our six utilities, which include Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco.
The capital fund will invest in numerous businesses throughout Exelon’s service areas over the next three years with estimated loan amounts between $100,000 and $300,000 and equity investments of nearly $1 million. The RECF will strengthen communities and help minority businesses grow by providing affordable capital to businesses that have traditionally been challenged in accessing and securing funding (e.g., minority-owned businesses and businesses in underserved and under-resourced communities, etc.).
Interested businesses can access the application here or contact RockCreek at RECFInquiries@therockcreekgroup.com
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1st Ward Fun Fact
The 1st Ward is home to some of the shortest streets in Chicago–Julia Court, St. Helen Street, Chanay Street, St. Mary Street, and Henry Court, all between Milwaukee, California, and Armitage. With Henry Court being the shortest, these streets are anomalies in the city's grid system. Julia and Henry Court were platted first, sometime between 1871 and 1879, while St. Helen, St. Mary, and Chanay were added between 1890 and 1892. See Forgotten Chicago for more.
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Community News & Resources
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Special Event Alert!
This weekend, there is a special event occurring at Milwaukee Avenue and Honore Street (1400 - 1500 N Honore), called Wicker Park Vintage Fest. It will operate between 12pm and 7pm, on Saturday May 6, and Sunday May 7.
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Please note that work on the Damen Substation began this week and is expected to continue for the duration of the month. To receive emails or text messages regarding a specificbus/rail route, please sign-up at www.transitchicago.com/updates.
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Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
Young women can now apply to participate in the annual ComEd EV rally, a competition that challenges teen girls to build and race high-tech, electric-powered go-carts. Participants will work and learn from ComEd mentors, connect with peers from other communities and put their STEM knowledge to the test while building an electric vehicle (EV). Every participant receives a $2,000 scholarship upon completion of the program.
This application is now open until June 1 to any female Illinois resident between the ages of 13 and 18. Click here to learn more and apply.
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Center for Changing Lives Free Microsoft Office Certification
CCL is hosting a free, 24-week Microsoft Office Certification program for anyone 18 years or older interested in learning administrative support skills. To sign up or learn more, you can email or call the organization at frontdesk@cclconnect.org or 773-342-6210.
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Cook County Health's Provident Scholarship
Last week, Cook County Health launched the second year of the Provident Scholarship Fund, a program designed to support students from, and committed to caring for, underserved communities.The Provident Scholarship Fund will offer $20,000 scholarships to health professional students, including those in medical, dental, physician assistant and nurse practitioner programs. The Provident Scholarship Fund will also offer $10,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors, undergraduate and allied health students, including those nursing, surgical and radiology technology, respiratory therapy and paramedic programs. Up to 60 scholarships, totaling $900,000, are expected to be awarded in 2023.
More information about the Provident Scholarship is available online here. Applications are now open and will close on Friday, May 26 at 11:59 CT.
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CPS Summer Programs
Summer programs being offered by CPS will run from June 26 - August 4. Details and registration information for all of these programs can be conveniently found in one place at cps.edu/summerprograms. Families can also contact their principals to find out what programming will be available at their specific school. Other camps, activities, and job opportunities are available this summer through several of our city partners. Families can learn more about these options by following the links below:
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Applications for property tax exemptions for the 2022 tax year are now available online. Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. New homeowners, first-time applicants, or those that need to reapply can now do so online by visiting, www.cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply online so there is a digital record of their application.
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