Chicago's First Ward - Manny Flores, Alderman

Featured News

East Village added to National Register of Historic Places

Earlier this month, nearly all of East Village, from Division St. to Chicago Ave. between Damen Ave. and Hermitage Ave., was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This honor is in recognition of the area’s historically important role as a working class neighborhood and center of immigration throughout the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the area became home to a large population of German-Americans, and subsequent waves of immigration brought significant numbers of Polish and Hispanic immigrants into the neighborhood. This designation qualifies some historic buildings for a 12-year property tax freeze and offers some tax credits to property owners who make historically accurate renovations.

For more information on the National Register of Historic Places, please visit the official website at http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/.

1st Ward Chronicles - November 2009 with Manny Flores - Neighborhoods in the First Ward

1st Ward Chronicles - H1N1 topic with Julie Morita, Chicago Department of Public Health

3^rd ANNUAL NEW SCHOOLS EXPO

Come and apply to Chicago’s newest public schools, including charter schools and other new schools at the 3^rd Annual New Schools Expo. Were you will be able to meet school leaders, attend workshops and learn of all important deadlines. The expo will be hosted indoors at Soldier Field on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

More information can be found at www.parentsforschoolchoice.org or by calling 1-888-7-MYCHOICE.

FREE FAFSA ASSISTANCE FROM THE CITY CLERK

The office of City Clerk Miguel Del Valle and Ladder Up are working together to provide students FREE help in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for students on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., January 12 through March 30, in 107 of City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle. This application is necessary in order for students to receive any type of financial aid through grants, work-study opportunities and student loans. Students who attend or will be attending a university, community college or technical program, may be eligible to receive more than $10,000 in grants and other aid. We highly encourage prospective students and parents to visit the City Clerk’s office on Tuesday nights. You will receive FREE one-on-one assistance in completing the FAFSA. This application is necessary in order to be eligible for any type of Federal Aid. No appointment is necessary.

If you would like more information and/or have questions on what documents you will need to bring with you in order to complete the application please contact Ladder Up at 312-458-9105.

TAP – TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

There is free tax preparation, e-filing, ITIN applications and Financial Aid/FAFSA assistance available for families earning up to $45,000 and individuals earning up to $20,000 annually. Please bring all 2009 tax documents and your ID. These are first come first served events; translators are available.

All centers are open Saturdays from 8:30-11:30 AM January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10.
Roberto Clemente Community Academy 1147 N Western Ave is open Tuesdays 5:30-8:30 PM January 19 – April 13 and Thursdays 5:30 – 8:30 PM in February.
WIC Food Center, 3110 W. Armitage Ave.
City Hall, 121 N LaSalle, Room 100 is open Tuesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 PM January 19 – April 13 and Thursdays in February 5:30 – 8:30 PM.
DeVry University (FAFSA assistance only), 3300 N Campbell all Saturdays Jan 23 – April 13, 8:30 – 11:30 AM.

Please visit www.goladderup.org or call 312-409-1555 for more information and additional locations.

BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OWNERS SOUTH ADDISON CORRIDOR MEETING

On Thursday, January 28^th we will host a meeting to discuss the South Addison Industrial Corridor Study Implementation Plan with local businesses and property owners. The meeting will be at 2640A W Bradley St. from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

UPCOMING FRIENDS OF PRITZKER EVENTS

The Silk Road Theatre Project showcases playwrights of Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean backgrounds-whose works address themes relevant to the peoples of the Silk Road and their Diaspora
communities. This event ties to an ongoing school-wide project studying the Silk Road. This free event will take place on Thursday, January 28^th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Pritzker School Auditorium at 2009 W. Schiller St.

The Boundary Tavern and Grille at 1932 W. Division Street, Chicago, IL will donate 15% of the entire day's proceeds to Friends of Pritzker School on Saturday, February 6th from 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Friends of Pritzker will also be holding drawings throughout the day for chances to win restaurant gift certificates, children's classes, and sports memorabilia. Funds raised will go towards computers and a server for the school's technology lab.

BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OWNERS SOUTH ADDISON CORRIDOR MEETING

UPCOMING FRIENDS OF PRITZKER EVENTS

The Silk Road Theatre Project showcases playwrights of Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean backgrounds-whose works address themes relevant to the peoples of the Silk Road and their Diaspora communities. This event ties to an ongoing school-wide project studying the Silk Road. This free event will take place on Thursday, January 28^th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Pritzker School Auditorium at 2009 W. Schiller St.

JOSEPHINUM ACADEMY PERFORMANCE

The students of Josephinum Academy will be performing “The Society of Adventurous Women” alongside Polarity Ensemble Theatre at The Josephinum Academy Theater, located on 1501 North Oakley Boulevard. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door, and $10 for VIP tickets. Regular performances will run from Thursday, January 21 through Saturday, January 23, with all performances starting at 7:30PM. Previews are open to the public on Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16 at 7:30PM. VIP Night is on Friday, January 22. The VIP Night showing will be followed by “wine,” cheese, and a conversation session with the director, writer, and cast.

NEW LOAN PROGRAM FOR CHICAGO’S SMALL BUSINESSES

The City Treasurer’s new Small Business Development Fund will give out $3.2 million in loans to Chicago’s small businesses. The $10,000-$25,000 loans are being distributed by community lender ACCION Chicago. Any Chicago business with less than $500,000 in yearly profits is eligible to apply for loans and should apply directly through ACCION Chicago; the loans are given for up to five years with 13% to 17% interest rates.

For more information about Small Business Development Fund loans or to request more brochures, please call (312) 275-3000 or go to www.accionchicago.org

H1N1 PREVENTION TIPS

Children under 5, seniors, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to any flu virus.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Hand sanitizers are also recommended.
Stock up on household, health, and emergency supplies, such as water, Tylenol®, non-perishable foods.
Try to avoid crowded settings and close contact with sick people. This goes both ways; keep sick children home from school.
Pay extra attention to your body and how you are feeling. If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home, limit contact with others, and call your doctor. Your doctor will decide if testing or treatment is needed.
If you are alone at any time, have someone check in with you often if you are feeling ill. This is always a good idea.
If you have close contact with someone who has H1N1 flu or is being treated for exposure to H1N1 flu, contact your doctor to discuss whether you need treatment to reduce your chances of getting the flu.

When it comes to your health and that of your family, please err on the side of caution.

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS START DECEMBER 1^ST

Please watch for and obey seasonal parking regulations. Chicago will reactivate its winter overnight parking restrictions on many critical arterial

Streets starting Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at 3:00 a.m. Vehicles can be ticketed and towed even if there is no snow on the ground. Also be aware of the 2-inch snow restrictions along Chicago’s “Snow Route System.” Signs are permanently posted for both restrictions.

LOGAN SQUARE FARMERS MARKET

The Logan Square Chamber of Commerce presents the Logan Square Farmers Market, every Sunday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Congress Theatre, located at 2135 N. Milwaukee. This is one of only three wintertime farmers markets in all of Chicago, so come out and enjoy some local shopping this winter.

For more information, please visit www.logansquarefarmersmarket.org.

NEW LIBRARY BRANCH UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Construction has begun on a new library branch at 1615 W. Chicago Ave. Because of the new construction this location will close on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 8 p.m. While this branch is closed, nearby branches will remain available to serve the community:

Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch

1701 N. Milwaukee Ave

(312) 744-6022

Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. & Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed Sunday

Humboldt Park Branch

1605 N. Troy St.

(312) 744-2244

Mon. – Thurs., 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. & Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed Sunday

Manning Branch

6 S. Hoyne Ave.

(312) 746-6800

Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed Sunday

NEW LIBRARY HOURS FOR 2010

In order to better serve patrons of the Chicago Public Library staff some much needed relief, all branches of the Chicago Public Library will move to a new time schedule, effective January 2, 2010. Branch libraries will remain open 6 days per week – as they are now – Monday through Saturday. Branch libraries will be open 8 hours per day: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. on alternating days, Monday – Thursday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday. The Woodson and Sulzer Regional Libraries and the Harold Washington Library Center will remain open 7 days per week at their current hours.

HELP KEEP THE POLISH TRIANGLE BEAUTIFUL

Alderman Flores’s office is organizing a volunteer crew to help keep the Polish Triangle clean. We are hoping for coverage a few times a day 7 days a week. Not only will our presence be positive activity at the triangle, it will also send a message to those who visit the triangle that this is a space that is of value to the community. Please contact Kate Pusey at 773-278-0101 (ward office) or 309-472-5196 (cell). We are also reaching out to the business community so please encourage your local shop owners to join the effort.

HEAD START PROGRAM FOR AGES 3 TO 5

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 5, the Department of Family and Support Services’ Head Start program is an excellent way to take the fist steps to a great future.

The Head Start program offers:

Safe, quality child care
Half day or full day programs
Qualified teachers
Healthy meals
Access to free medical and dental services

For more information about the Head Start Program or to locate your community Head Start center, please visit www.earlychildhoodchicago.org or call 312.823.1100.

LOW-COST WEATHERIZATION TIPS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER

Here are some basic, low-cost weatherization tips that residents can employ to save money and energy this winter:

Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. Each degree you lower your thermostat could save up to three percent on your annual heating costs.
At night, draw shades and drapes to reduce heat loss. During the day, open shades and drapes on the sunny side of the house to add natural warmth to your home.
Remove window air conditioners if possible, or install an air conditioner cover to eliminate drafts.
Inspect caulking and weather-stripping around all windows, doors and any opening for utility services. A drafty house lets warm air escape and costs more to heat, so replace caulking and weather-stripping as necessary. As a rule of thumb, if you can see light through a crack, it needs weather stripping.

By following these simple guidelines, residents can save money on their energy bills while staying warm this winter.

FREE KIDS ID PROGRAM OFFERED BY CITY CLERK’S OFFICE

City Clerk Miguel del Valle reminds parents to visit his office to receive free identification cards for their children. These ID cards are the size of a credit card and contain the child’s name, digital photograph, and fingerprint. The corresponding information is securely stored at the City Clerk’s office and only used if police and family report that a child is missing. The KIDS ID program is a free service offered by the City Clerk’s Office, including satellite offices on the Northwest Side at 5430 W. Gale St. and the Southwest Side at 5674 S. Archer Ave. City Clerk Office locations are open 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. For more information please visit www.ChiCityClerk.com or call 312-74-CLERK (312-742-5375).

SCHOOL NEWS

Burr Elementary Pre-school Program

Burr Elementary will be opening a new Tuition Based Pre-school program for the 2010/2011 school year. This program is an affordable full work day school based education and child care program for children, ages three or four. All participants are required to pay tuition.

To learn more about this program and how to apply, please visit www.burrschool.org contact Ms. Gonzalez (773) 534-4689 or Mr. Gillespie (773) 534-4513. Please keep in mind that enrollment is first-come, first served

Sabin Magnet School Tours

Sabin Magnet School, located at 2216 W. Hirsch, offers small class sizes, full day kindergarten, and Spanish taught at all grade levels. Along with an award winning sports program, Sabin also offers dance instruction with Luna Negra Dance Company. Tours of the school are available every Thursday from 9am – 10am. For more information, contact Sabin at 773.534.4491 or visit their website at www.sabin.cps.k12.il.us.

JOSEPHINUM ACADEMY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Josephinum Academy, an all-girls college-preparatory school with grades 7 – 12 is still accepting applications for this year. Located at 1501 North Oakley Boulevard, Josephinum has enjoyed over a 90% graduation rate for the past three years. Scholarships and Financial Assistance are available. Call Melissa Michaels, Director of Admissions, at 773.276.1261 for more information.

MOOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Moos Elementary School, located at 1711 N. California, currently has open enrollment for Pre-K and Kindergarten on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. Call 773-534-4340 for more information.

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPTIONS FOR KNOWLEDGE PROGRAM

The Options for Knowledge program of the Chicago Public Schools is designed to provide parents and students with a variety of educational options designed to meet all student needs, interests, and skill levels. The Options for Knowledge Guide provides information about Gifted and Enriched Academic Programs (GEAP), selective enrollment schools, application procedures and due dates.

The complete Options for Knowledge guide, including applications in both English and Spanish, can be found online at:

http://cpsmagnet.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=72698&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=121674&hideMenu=1&rn=5184501

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the Office of Academic Enhancement at (773) 553-2060.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

CITY COUNCIL PASSES CITY ASSET LEASE AGREEMENT DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE

The Chicago City Council today approved an ordinance, introduced by Aldermen Manuel Flores (1st), Ed Smith (28th), Brendan Reilly (42nd), and Rey Colon (35th) to publish and track documents pertaining to previously approved, and all future, City asset lease agreements worth more than $10 million, such as the leasing of the Chicago Skyway, the Chicago Downtown Public Parking System and the Chicago Parking Meter System.

The ordinance will make all City asset lease agreement documents available online in a searchable format and at a single location to track the appropriations, income earned, investments, and future budget distributions generated through the leasing of City assets. The ordinance will make this information accessible by creating a single accounting document, updated quarterly on the City of Chicago Department of Finance website, to track monies spent and generated in City asset lease agreements.

The ordinance can be viewed here.

CITY COUNCIL INTRODUCES ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH NEW REVIEW PROCESS FOR CITY ASSET LEASE OR SALE AGREEMENTS

Aldermen Manuel Flores (1st), Brendan Reilly (42nd), and Pat Dowell (3rd) today introduced an ordinance to establish a new City Council review process for the lease or sale of City assets.

The ordinance calls for a minimum sixty-day review period to allow for the Chicago City Council to properly assess, independently analyze and fully scrutinize the terms of proposed City asset lease or sale agreements before they are put out to bid.

The ordinance authorizes the City Council to hire a third-party, independent analyst and auditor for the purpose of considering and analyzing the terms of the proposed City asset lease or sale agreement. In addition, the legislation allows the City Council to request that the Inspector General serve as the Council’s independent analyst and auditor to review the proposed agreement.

The City Council Review Ordinance for City Asset Lease Agreements will be referred to the City Council Committee on Rules and Ethics for consideration.

The ordinance can be viewed here.

FREE WIFI AVAILABLE THROUGH THE WEST TOWN SSA; VOLUNTEER ROOFTOPS NEEDED

The Special Service Area (SSA) #29 FREE Wireless Internet Program is available to businesses, residents, and visitors along Chicago Ave. from Halsted Street. to California Avenue. and is also available in Eckhart Park. The Wireless Internet Program is a great way to help reduce costs to run your business by providing FREE WiFi to your business, customers, and any residents near your building.

A limited number of volunteer rooftops are needed! The program works by placing a small WiFi node on your rooftop for best/fastest signal (minimally invasive). You are then free to use WiFi at no cost.

The hardware, internet service and increased awareness of your business (we promote the hotspots) are free to you and anyone who logs on using the SSA Gateway homepage. Your browsing is safe and secure. This program has been piloted over the last year with multiple business rooftops to great success.

You can contact Matthew Westfallen, SSA #29 Program Manager, for instructions on accessing the wi fi along Chicago Ave., to check if you property is eligible, or with questions and comments. Please call the Chamber at (312) 850-9390 or visit http://www.westtownssa29.org/

City Council Passes TIF SUNSHINE Ordinance

Over the last two months, Alderman Waguespack (32^nd Ward) and I have been working on passing the TIF Sunshine Ordinance, legislation that makes documents from Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district agreements available online on one site in a standard searchable format for every Chicagoan to see and review. This law will make the way the City uses taxpayer dollars more transparent and accountable to the public. The documents will be available on the Chicago Department of Community Development’s website by July 30, 2009.

The ordinance was passed thanks to the editorial support it received, and the support registered by everyday Chicago citizens. Alderman Waguespack and I are grateful for the help, and heartened that the city rallied behind this cause. The testimony, consent, and support of private citizens and organizations helped move our proposal through committee and into law. We are confident that this ordinance will help the City better serve its citizens, and is a strong step in the direction of more open, accountable government.

$8,000 FEDERAL TAX CREDIT AVAILABLE FOR SELECT HOME PURCHASES

As a part of President Obama's Economic Stimulus Package, an $8,000 tax credit is available for qualifying first-time home purchases in Chicago. Unlike a tax deduction, which only lowers the amount of taxable income, a tax credit is an absolute reduction of one's income taxes. Those who buy a home in the qualifying Find Your Place neighborhoods by December 1, 2009 can actually subtract $8,000 from the amount that they would owe the federal government in income taxes for the year. Visit http://www.findyourplaceinchicago.com/ to learn more about the tax credit and to browse a list of qualifying properties and neighborhoods.

GET INVOLVED IN THE POLISH TRIANGLE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT!

The Polish Triangle, a public space bordered by Milwaukee Avenue, Division Street and Ashland Avenue, was designated earlier this year as one of two inaugural "placemaking" projects in Chicago. Placemaking is an approach to improving public space that involves extensive community participation. Aldermen Flores, Waguespack, and Burnett, as well as the Metropolitan Planning Council and a number of community organizations, have been brought on board to help design a great public space.

Individual input, however, is by far the most important element of the placemaking process. Please take a survey here to let us know your ideas for the Polish Triangle and give us feedback on the planning process.

Please contact Raymond Valadez at (773) 278-0101 or send us an email (ward01@cityofchicago.org) to find out more information about the project, how you can get involved, and for a schedule of upcoming community events at the Polish Triangle.