Dear Neighbor,

On Wednesday, City Council approved our $5 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) allocation from the Kennedy/Kimball TIF District for improvements to the Avondale Park fieldhouse! This investment builds on earlier TIF investments to restore this historic building. Planned upgrades include a new roof, new windows, masonry repairs, and ADA improvements. These investments are about keeping our public spaces strong and making sure they meet the needs of families for years to come. Avondale Park is home to one of the Park District’s nine gymnastics centers, and our students and families deserve a modern, accessible facility.

At the same meeting, 30 of my colleagues voted to freeze wage increases for tipped workers. I proudly voted no. The One Fair Wage ordinance, passed in October 2023, set a path for tipped workers to reach the full minimum wage by 2028.

The subminimum wage has roots in slavery and post-Civil War labor practices. In Chicago today, women make up 53 percent of tipped workers, 60 percent are Black or Latino, and 67 percent earn less than $35,000 a year. Tipped workers are three times more likely to live below the poverty line and often work multiple jobs to support their families. I grew up in a household of restaurant workers and worked in restaurants after high school. I know how hard it is to get by on a subminimum wage.

At a time when families are already stretched by rising costs, freezing these wage increases is harmful. Mayor Brandon Johnson has said he will veto the ordinance, and I commend him for that.

I care deeply about both our small businesses and our workers. I am committed to working with partners at every level of government to make it more affordable to run a restaurant while protecting fair wages. Federal policies are driving up costs, including tariffs that affect food and materials, while also delivering massive tax breaks to the wealthiest. Working families need relief, not stalled wages. I am committed to continue fighting for working people.

On Thursday, I met with Nick Fortman, the new president of the Athletic Field Advisory Council in Irving Park. We talked about plans for programming this year and how to bring more investment into the park. We also visited the ceramics studio, one of the few in the Park District system.

Nick is stepping into this role after years of leadership from Dennis Puhr, who has been a constant presence in the Irving Park community. I had the chance to work closely with Dennis and his husband, Bernardo, on many projects that made a real difference. I am grateful for his commitment to the neighborhood. You can find updates on upcoming AFAC events on their website.

Yesterday, I stopped by Bahn Mi Spot and Pedestrian Coffee’s new ramen pop-up at 2642 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The two businesses teamed up to create a coffee-infused ramen. It may sound unusual, but it works! The pop-up runs every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm.

Early this morning, I joined David Miller from the Chicago Department of Transportation and Nilda Esparza from the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce for a “fireside chat” on the Milwaukee Avenue Streetscape and Logan Square Redesign Project. The new Milwaukee Plaza, along with part of Logan Boulevard, will host the Logan Square Farmers Market, which is set to open on May 10, 2026.

Below, you will find several events happening across the community this week, including our neighborhood cleanup tomorrow. I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Anthony J. Quezada

Alderman, 35th Ward

Community Resources:

• Food Bank Locator and SNAP Updates

• Utility Billing and Relief

• Immigration Resources | Family Support Hotline 855-435-7693

• Parking Ticket Relief

• Tenants Rights Resources

Ward Updates

Ward Night

Our next ward night will be Monday, March 30, 2026. To schedule an appointment to meet with the Alderman, please email us at [email protected] or call us at (773)-985-3510 during our hours of operation (9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday).

Alley Resurfacing Update

One of our winning projects from last year’s participatory budgeting process (2024 vote, 2025 aldermanic menu funds) is now underway. The Chicago Department of Transportation has ground the alley bound by Gresham Ave, Allen Street, Kimball Ave, and Milwaukee Ave and in the coming weeks will be adjusting utilities in preparation for paving, which will occur in the coming weeks. Please contact the 35th ward office with any questions!

Area Tree Trimming Schedule

Weather and personnel permitting, the Bureau of Forestry will be trimming the follow blocks on Tuesday March 24th:

• 3700 N Whipple

• 3700 N Albany

Property Tax Exemption Applications Are Now Open

Exemption application for 2025 are now open, and will likely be open for 2 months. If you are in need of assistance, please call our office to schedule an appointment to complete your exemption application. Each exemption requires different documents, so we encourage you to call ahead of your appointment to ensure you bring all required documents.

You can learn more about each of these exemptions, including eligibility requirements, on the Assessor's website at this link. You can check which exemptions you receive by entering your address or PIN at this link and clicking “Exemption History & Status.” In addition to filling for exemption for this year, you may still apply for any missing exemptions for 2024-2021. Please reach out to our office if you would like assistance checking which exemptions you receive or applying for exemptions for 2024-2021.

Community Clean-up!

The Trash People of Logan Square and the 35th Ward Office will be hosting a community clean-up on Saturday, March 21st at 10:30am beginning at Fireman’s Park, located at 2809 N Kimball Ave. Come meet neighbors and help keep our community clean. Equipment will be provided for participants, please register here.

Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) applications open Monday, April 1 for the Kennedy/Kimball TIF District!

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in the Kennedy/Kimball TIF district on Wednesday, April 1 at 9am.

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.

DPD and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process.

SBIF Informational Webinar

1 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 | Register

For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif.

Hermosa Community Tree Planting Day

The 35th Ward Office is working with Openlands, an organization that works to protect our natural areas and our tree canopy, the 26th Ward Office, the Office of Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez, and Nixon Elementary on a tree-planting day on April 25th. We are working to identify Hermosa-area residents who are interested in having a tree planted in front of their home at no cost. Trees help our communities by reducing the urban heat island effect, cleaning the air, and absorbing rainwater.

The Hermosa neighborhood area has been identified as a high-priority area for tree planting, given its relatively low canopy coverage. On April 25th, we will come together to take action for our community!

If you are a Hermosa resident who would like a tree planted in front of your home or would like to lend a hand volunteering on April 25th, please email [email protected]. If you would like a tree planted in front of your home, but you do not live in the Hermosa community, please contact the 35th Ward Office for assistance at [email protected] or by call/text at 773-985-3510.  

Policy Updates

Request to Lift Liquor Moratorium for Reactivation of Former Crown Liquors Space, 2821 N Milwaukee Avenue

We are eager to share news that our office has received a request to lift the liquor moratorium on new consumption on premise liquor licenses on Milwaukee Avenue between Kimball and Central Park. Isaac Lieberman, operator and owner of the Hi-Lo Bar and EZ Inn, is seeking to lift the moratorium to establish a new tavern in the former Crown Liquors Space at 2821 N Milwaukee Ave. Mr. Lieberman will be in attendance at the next CAPS meeting for beat 1412 on Tuesday, Tuesday, Mar 24th, 2026 at 6:00 pm at VFW Post 2978, 3009 N Kedzie, to introduce himself and answer any questions from neighbors. In line with our process for evaluating requests to lift liquor moratoriums, we will accept feedback on this request for two weeks following the CAPS meeting and will determine whether to introduce an ordinance to lift the moratorium in City Council based on the feedback we receive.

Introduction of Abolish ICE Resolution

At this week’s City Council meeting, I introduced a resolution that I drafted with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. It calls on the U.S. Congress and President Trump to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement and expand legal pathways for entry and lawful permanent status. I am proud to share that 25 of my colleagues co-sponsored this resolution.

The City of Chicago was founded by Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, an immigrant from Haiti, and has long welcomed people from around the world. Since 1985, through executive orders and municipal ordinances, the city has prohibited collaboration between city employees, including the Chicago Police Department, and federal civil immigration enforcement. This ensures that city services remain accessible to all residents, regardless of national origin, immigration status, or ethnicity.

During President Trump’s second term, the budget of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has grown to $85 billion, making it the highest-funded federal law enforcement agency in the country. Communities in Chicago and across the nation have experienced aggressive enforcement actions by masked federal agents, including raids, detentions, and family separations. There has also been violent repression of protesters, legal observers, journalists, and community members through militarized tactics and the use of chemical irritants, tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets. In 2025, at least 32 people died in ICE custody nationwide, the highest number in more than two decades. Those who died included asylum seekers, long-term U.S. residents, and medically vulnerable individuals.

In contrast to these harmful and arbitrary policies, our country can choose a different path. We can enact laws that respect the aspirations, struggles, and contributions of immigrants and refugees, and allow them to stay, work, gain permanent status, and build stable futures. You can read the full resolution here.

Summer Youth Opportunities

Chicago Youth Works

Chicago Youth Works is a centralized hub for youth summer and year-round job and program opportunities. It also has more information for employers who are interested in participating in the program by hosting youth at their workplaces. You can find more information on their website.

Upcoming Community Events

Housing Choice Voucher Participant Workshop

This in-person event will be held on Tuesday, March 24th from 9am- 2:30pm at at the Charles Hayes Family Investment Center, located at 4859 S Wabash, and will cover everything you need to know about the HCV Program, including entering the program and finding a unit that meets your needs, completing the required paperwork, CHA-conducted inspections and HCV Program enforcement. Plus, you'll be able to visit with organizations throughout the day that offer housing, education, career, and/or family support resources for HCV families. Register here.

14th Police District Vehicle Safety Day

The 14th District of the Chicago Police Department will hold a Vehicle Safety Day on Saturday March 21st from 9am to 2pm at the 14th District Headquarters, located at 2150 N California Ave. Services will include Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft stickers, care seat safety inspections, and steering wheel locks for Honda Civics. For more information, please call the 14th District CAPS office at 312-744-1261 or email them at [email protected].

Getting Started with Native Plants at Home

Chicago Environmentalists is hosting a free community event that will teach you the basics of how to select, start, and care for plants native to the area!

Do you want to support pollinators and sustainable ecosystems, but aren't sure how to get started? Do you want to get rid of your lawn and replace it with native plants that will be lower maintenance and better for the environment? Do you lack a yard but still want to learn how to grow native plants in a container?

The event will be featuring a presentation from Chris Baran of Resilient Design, an eco-friendly horticulture and landscaping service. Chris will teach you the basics of how to select, start, and care for plants native to the area, and they'll provide free native seeds for you to take once you know the variety that's right for you! Register here.

Constituent Resources

35th Ward Office Phone Number: 773-985-3510

35th Ward Office Email: [email protected]

DSS recycling and garbage schedule:  chicagorecycles.org

Parking Zone Lookup:   http://smartchicago.github.io/zone-parking/  

Snow Plow Tracker: https://plow-tracker-chicago.hub.arcgis.com/

Street Sweeping Schedule: 2026 Street Cleaning Schedule

Street Sweeper Tracker: www.cityofchicago.org/sweepertracker

Street Sweeper “We The Sweeple” App: https://www.wethesweeple.com/Elected Official Lookup: https://chicagoelections.com/en/your-voter-information.html

Backyard service rodent abatement: (312) 746-5230

35th Ward Staff

Scott Jaburek - Chief of Staff

Alberto Cuevas - Ward Superintendent

Sara Rodriguez - Neighborhood Services Director

Chas Sirridge - Policy Director

Juan Cardenas - Neighborhood Services Advocate

Employment Opportunities

The Illinois Department of Human Services is hiring! Check out open positions here.

People’s Gas is also hiring! You can find open positions in the region on their website.

The Chicago Department of Public Health is hiring for several positions including public health inspectors, EMT’s, Mental Health Crisis Technicians, and Supervising Physicians. You can find these and other open positions at the City of Chicago at www.cityofchicago.org/jobs.

LOSAH Center of Hope Accepting New Clients

The LOSAH Center of Hope community mental health clinic is now accepting new clients for individual, couples, and family therapy! Sessions are available in-person and virtually via telehealth. Clients must live in the service area - please enter your address into this link to see if you fall within our service area!

This contact form can be used to request services for yourself or a loved one, and for community partners to refer a client. LOSAH is available by phone at (773) 433-1995 if you have questions or need support.

Public Safety (CAPS) Meetings

CAPS meetings are an opportunity for residents to meet with the Community Engagement officers of their local police districts to discuss public safety concerns in their neighborhoods. The 35th ward includes portions of the 14th, 17th, and 25th districts of the Chicago Police Department. Visit the CPD website to find your beat.

CAPS Beat 1412 Tuesday, March 24th at 6pm at the VFW - 3009 N Kedzie