33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 |
|
|
|
Dear 33rd Ward Community,
Yesterday afternoon we were able to celebrate the beginning of our Participatory Budgeting process for this year! Thank you to Roosevelt High School for hosting our launch party where we are able to teach more than 60 students and neighbors about the participatory budgeting process and share food together.
If you would like to volunteer for this year’s Participatory Budgeting committee to review project proposals and develop our ballot, of if you would like to submit ideas for consideration by our PB committee, you can do so at our website: www.33rdward.org. The committee is open for all neighbors to join, including students. So please encourage your family and friends to consider joining to learn more about how we can invest in our local infrastructure, schools, and parks. |
|
|
|
I also wanted to send a reminder that as we enter cold and flu season, it is very important to make a plan with your doctor to receive your flu and Covid vaccinations. While cases of the flu, RSV, and Covid remain relatively low, the numbers are beginning to climb. This year our Chicago Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health have offered some preliminary advice on how to access vaccinations in an interview with WBEZ.
Many of our neighbors have expressed concern about their ability to access their Covid vaccines this year due to new restrictions put in place by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. These new restrictions have been put in place in spite of the scientific community, in an effort to broadly reduce access to vaccines. Our local health departments are working hard to find the best ways to increase our vaccine supplies so that anyone that wishes to be vaccinated can be.
If you have a primary care doctor, I recommend reaching out to your doctor to request a vaccine, so that they can work with you to find the best solution to your healthcare needs. If you do not have a doctor, and lack insurance, you can visit any CDPH clinics or local vaccinations events as they become available. To find your nearest clinic you can click here. CDPH expects to receive their Covid vaccines by the end of September. |
|
|
Thank you for doing this work with me. Please take a moment this week to help out a neighbor in need. You can always contact my office if you have any questions. We are here to help. |
|
|
In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
|
|
Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources:
If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone.
You can view our 33rd Ward Resource Page at www.33rdward.org/immigration-resources You can get involved at bit.ly/nwsdefense and stay informed at bit.ly/nwsresources. |
|
|
Mexican Independence Day Parade: September 14 from 12pm - 3pm starting at the Little Village arch on 26th and Albany |
|
|
|
33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
|
|
|
|
|
Event details are listed in the newsletter below. Next Week: September 13 - Horner Park Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pm, at the fieldhouse September 13 - Global Gardens Free Concert with the Joel Paterson Swing Quartet from 4-7pm - Register September 14 - Mexican Independence Day Parade, 12pm - 3pm, starting at the Little Village arch on 26th and Albany September 14 - Twilight Canoe and Kayak - Clark Park Annual Fundraiser September 20 - Horner Park Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pm, at the fieldhouse
Upcoming: September 22 - Neighbor Night from 4:30-6:30pm, details to be announced September 27 - Cleveland Elementary Back-to-School Fall Craft & Vendor Fair at 3121 W. Byron, 10:00am-4:00pm September 27 - Horner Park Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pm, at the fieldhouse September 29 - Sage Brigade, 11am - 12:30pm at the 33rd Ward Office
|
|
|
|
|
City of Chicago Launches Family Preparedness Campaign IMMR will host virtual Family Preparedness workshops at 6 p.m. every Thursday evening throughout September. Residents are invited to register for the webinars online and can view additional information on IMMR’s website.
UPGRADED IMRR WEBSITE The City has also launched a newly enhanced IMRR website at www.chicago.gov/IMRR. Step-by-step, easy-to-follow guidance for immigrant families and individuals; User-friendly content and clear visuals; Resources tailored to immigrant and refugee communities, highlighting services and protections.
|
|
|
|
VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
|
|
Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
|
|
Neighbor NightNext: September 22 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm for appointments. The guest’s presentation will begin at 5:30pm and you do not need to have an appointment to join.
Guest: Ward Office Open House Location: 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Guest presentations will begin at 5:30pm. Neighbor Nights will maintain an appointment-based schedule to meet with Alder Rodriguez Sanchez. Appointments with the alderwoman can be made by reaching out to [email protected].
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. We hope that these gatherings will be a place where you can get involved for the first time, or for those of you that are well-connected in the neighborhood to learn more about local organizations and stay up to date on work that is happening locally. |
|
|
Participatory BudgetingIf you would like to volunteer for this year’s Participatory Budgeting committee to review project proposals and develop our ballot, of if you would like to submit ideas for consideration by our PB committee, you can do so at our website: www.33rdward.org |
|
|
Sage BrigadeMonday, September 29 from 11am - 12:30pm 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave.
Join the 33rd Ward Seniors Program for their upcoming meeting at the 33rd Ward Office to learn about utility billing assistance programs available to our neighbors. |
|
|
|
|
|
Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here. |
|
|
Current Proposals in Review
3240 W Lawrence Ave: |
|
|
Zoning Decision Updates
3122 W Belmont/3203 N Troy:
|
|
|
|
INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
|
|
ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
|
|
|
Grid-Based Tree TrimmingThe Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made. |
|
|
|
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
|
|
Notice to Tenants of Gary Carlson BuildingsOur office has received many calls from tenants concerned about what Gary Carlson’s passing means for them and their housing. We want to assure you that we have already met with the management company, as well as with community partners, to make sure tenants are supported and protected during this transition. We will continue working with the management company and city departments to advocate for the protection of our neighbors.
Please be advised, management will be sending notices to tenants with relevant contact information for building management and to report the need for services.
In the meantime, if you are experiencing challenges in paying your rent, have questions about your lease, or need support understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, please contact our Director of Zoning and Housing, Rebecca Rios, at [email protected] or (773) 840-7880. We are here to guide you and connect you to trusted community partners who specialize in tenant rights and housing support: Autonomous Tenants Union (ATU) – Albany Park Tenant Hotline: (872) 216-5288 Communities United – Housing Rights for both Tenants and Homeowners: (773) 583-1387 Law Center for Better Housing – Retaliation and Eviction Defense: (312) 347-7600 Metropolitan Tenants Organization – Tenants’ Rights Hotline: (773) 292-4988
|
|
|
|
|
Survey by Haugan SchoolHaugan school has created a survey to measure public support for the possible uses for the space vacated by Haugan Aspira. Here is the link: https://forms.gle/xE4qpyCXbjy75FYFA |
|
|
|
Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
|
|
|
Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
|
|
Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: [email protected] to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates and fliers by clicking here. You can review the following helpful calendars for an overview of events: Veteran Event Calendar. |
|
|
Cleveland Elementary Back-to-School Fall Craft & Vendor FairSaturday, September 27 from 10-4pm |
|
|
National Immigration Justice Center Halloween Costume Contest October 11 from 10:30-12pm Horner Park
Please join us by registering here. The costume contest categories include: Best Individual Adult Costume, Best Individual Child Costume, Best Group Costume. Participants will be ranked on the following criteria: Creativity, Execution, Pizzazz!
Our judges will include Chicago community members who are doing the hard work to support our immigrant/migrant neighbors. Light refreshments/snacks will be served. |
|
|
|
|
GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE |
|
|
Chicago Emergency Supplemental Victims FundThe City of Chicago’s Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) pilot provides financial assistance in set amounts to survivors and their families to alleviate the immediate financial impacts of fatal and non-fatal shooting incidents. Launched in December 2022, the pilot's goal is to combat the immediate financial impacts and trauma inflicted on those who experience loss from gun violence. Learn more by clicking here.
Community Development GrantsThe City of Chicago helps support business and neighborhood vitality through Small, Medium and Large Community Development Grant (CDG) awards. CDGs use proceeds from the 2024 Housing and Development Bond and other funding sources to support a variety of eligible, business-related investments that create and maintain jobs and quality-of-life improvements for local residents. Applications are open to business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers and entrepreneurs. |
|
|
|
|
Below is a list of Mental Health resources that are available locally here in the City of Chicago. |
|
|
Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips Available at Our Ward OfficeOur office has been certified to distribute Narcan and Fentanyl testing resources to our community. You can stop by during our open hours or reach out to [email protected] for more information. |
|
|
|
|
My office believes that the best approach to community safety requires us all to participate in conversation together, to learn about each others’ needs and find ways to support each person. We encourage everyone to participate in the work of the CCPSA and your local District Council and attend your regular beat meetings (CAPS). Click here to view our Community Safety Resource page. |
|
|
|
|
Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff John Cruz Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Policy Rebecca Rios, Director of Infrastructure and Zoning Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent |
|
|
|
DO YOU HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? |
|
|
We are always trying to improve our communication! If you have information to share with the community, we would like to know! To submit an item for our weekly newsletter, please send an email with the event details including date, time, and location, and a brief written description. Any photos should be submitted in .JPEG format. Please submit by 5pm on Thursday. |
|
|
