| | | | Follow the 50th Ward on Social Media Email is not the only way to get news from the 50th Ward. I also post frequently on social media to advise the public on emerging information. Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to make sure you get all of the updates as soon as they are available. | | Dear Neighbor,
Public Safety Update Over the past several months there have been numerous citizen complaints of illegal activity occurring at 6948 N. Western. My office has received calls about suspected drug activity, gambling, and prostitution at the address. Two shooting incidents were also associated with the location. I take the safety of our neighborhood very seriously, and I have been working with the local police and City Departments to get this situation resolved.
A joint investigation into the address was conducted between the 24th District Chicago Police and a Homeland Security Task Force. This culminated in a search warrant being executed on February 8 at 5 p.m., involving Federal, State and Local law enforcement officers.
Two individuals were arrested during the raid. I appreciate everyone's continued patience as the investigation into this business continues. Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved and are attempting to build the strongest case possible. I will update you with more information as soon as it is cleared for release.
In addition, the Department of Buildings inspected the location and found it to be structurally unsound and posing an imminent danger to the public. The department condemned the building and demolished it yesterday.
This location has been a safety concern in our neighborhood for some time now. Thank you to all of the community members who went to CAPS meetings, called my office, and advocated so effectively in this situation. This is a great example of the community and the police working together to solve a problem that was affecting the quality of life for residents.
Thank you as well to all the law enforcement officers from multiple departments who worked on this case. Your dedication to the safety of our community is greatly appreciated.
Illinois to Lift Mask Mandate Governor Pritzker announced plans this week to end the State of Illinois's mask mandate by the end of February. This comes as COVID-19 cases continue to decline and we move past the large Omicron surge. The City of Chicago intends to lift restrictions at the same time, assuming we continue to see declines in COVID metrics.
Masks will no longer be required in most indoor public places in Illinois by February 28. The new rules do not apply to congregate settings, such as nursing homes and prisons. Masks in schools will be addressed by the governor in the coming weeks.
Help Keep Our Neighborhood Clean Much of the snow and ice covering the ground has begun to melt. Now that parking spots are beginning to clear up, I would like to remind everyone to put away your dibs. The Department of Streets and Sanitation will begin collecting dibs objects tomorrow (Friday, February 11). If you have anything you would like to keep, remember to put it away as soon as possible.
The melting snow also means that, unfortunately, a lot of the garbage and litter that was buried all winter is starting to re-emerge. Please remember to clean any accumulated garbage around your property. Cleaning debris is not only the neighborly thing to do, but it keeps the street drains clear and could prevent flooding.
Women's Toiletry Donation Drive I am pleased to be once again participating in a women's toiletry drive to support justice-involved women, organized by Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer. Drop off travel-sized toiletries at the 50th Ward Office, 2949 W Devon, during normal business hours in the month of February.
We are accepting the following items (must be travel-sized): - Shampoo/conditioner
- Stick deodorant
- Soap and/or shower gel
- Body lotion
- White socks
- White washcloth towels
For any questions about the donation drive, please contact Commissioner Gainer at district10@cookcountyil.gov or (312) 603-4210.
First Installment Property Tax Bills Now Available The Treasurer's office has mailed out First Installment property tax bills to property owners across Cook County. You can also view your bill or pay it online at www.cookcountytreasurer.com.
As always, the charge for your First Installment bill will be 55 percent of the prior year's total tax. It will not reflect appeals or exemptions. Payments are due on Tuesday, March 1.
You can look up your tax bill using your address or 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN). To pay your bill now, select "Pay Online for Free." Alternatively, you can download and print your bill from the website and either mail it to the Treasurer's Office or pay in person at a bank or the Treasurer's office.
The Treasurer's Office website will also allow you to search for available refunds and check if you are missing eligible property tax exemptions, which could lower your tax bill.
Most Property Tax Exemptions will Automatically Renew Property tax exemption applications are delayed this year and will not be available on the Cook County Assessor's website until March. However, in response to COVID-19, many of the exemptions will automatically renew this year.
If you received the following exemptions last year, you do not need to reapply for them this year (Tax Year 2021): - Homeowner Exemption
- Senior Exemption
- Senior Freeze Exemption
- Persons with Disabilities Exemption
- Veterans with Disabilities Exemption
To verify which exemptions were received last year, visit cookcountypropertyinfo.com and enter your PIN or address. Additionally, homeowners will receive a postcard or letter in March 2022 confirming which exemptions will be automatically renewed.
For first-time applicants, exemptions will be available in March at cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions.
Rogers Park Township Property Tax Appeal Decision After several months of delay, the Cook County Assessor has released property tax appeal decisions for Rogers Park Township. If you appealed in the summer, you should receive your decision by mail. You can also view it online at www.cookcountyassessor.com/address-search. Decisions will be listed under the "Appeal History" section.
Please note: Appeals decisions will be reflected in your Second Installment property tax bill, typically issued in the summer. First Installment bills, which are due in March, are based solely on the previous year's total tax.
If you are not satisfied with your property tax appeal decision, you will be able to appeal it again this year to the Cook County Board of Review. The appeals dates have not yet been determined. I will update you as soon as there is more information.
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Tomorrow, the City of Chicago will observe Abraham Lincoln's birthday. President Lincoln was one of our nation's greatest leaders and is an inspiration to me and all proud Americans. This day has particular meaning to the residents of the Land of Lincoln, and I encourage everyone to learn as much about our nation's 16th President as possible.
To learn more about Abraham Lincoln and his legacy, please visit the White House's website here.
The 50th Ward Office will be closed on Friday, February 11 in commemoration of the holiday. If you need any assistance with City Services while the office is closed, please call 311 or visit 311.chicago.gov.
Happy Valentine's Day! This Monday, February 14, is Valentine's Day. I hope that everyone in the 50th Ward spends the day with someone they love. I would like to wish a Happy Valentine's Day to all those who celebrate the holiday!
Have a wonderful weekend. Stay safe and healthy!
Sincerely,  Debra L. Silverstein Alderman, 50th Ward | | 50th Ward Donation Drive
We are collecting donations of non-perishable food, diapers and infant formula at the 50th Ward Office. Many of our neighbors are still grappling with the economic ramifications of COVID-19, and any goods you can spare will make a tremendous difference to those in need.
Drop off donations at 2949 W. Devon during regular business hours. Call before coming to make sure a staff member is available to pick up the donation outside the office. Staff will wear masks and gloves and follow social distancing procedures.
Please consider donating. Every item helps! | | Hands-Only CPR Training Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a significant cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association, with almost 400,000 cardiac arrests happening each year. Most deaths of persons who have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are because they are not given CPR right away. Hands-Only CPR is an effective method for saving lives that could significantly increase a victim's chances of survival.
Hands-only CPR instruction will be offered at the Northtown Library, 6800 N. Western, throughout the month of February. Stop by to practice this life-saving skill during the following days:
Sunday, February 13: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, February 19: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, February 20: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This initiative is provided by a local nurse educator and CPR Associates, Inc.
Master these basic techniques for administering Hands-Only CPR to save someone you know or love: - Immediately call 9-1-1.
- Place your hands in the center of the person's chest, one on top of the other.
- Compress in the center of the chest, pushing hard and fast.
- Continue compressions until assistance arrives.
Learn more by viewing the following short video: https://youtu.be/XpEvQuOWME0. | | Small Business Improvement Grants Now Available
Many local small business owners can now apply for funding to improve their facilities. The City of Chicago will accept Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) applications from business owners in the Devon/Western TIF until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2.
The SBIF program uses Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to help owners repair or remodel their facilities and improve their businesses. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply. Grants up to $150,000 are available for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties.
For more information, visit chicago.gov/sbif. For questions, contact SomerCor at (312) 360-3300 or SBIF@somercor.com. | | Chicago Recovery Grant Application for Community Development The City of Chicago has started a new grant to help support local commercial development. The Chicago Recovery Grant will offer small grants up to $250,000 and large grants up to $5 million. Community developers, business owners and entrepreneurs, and property owners are welcome to apply.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The application deadline is Thursday, March 10. Apply online at www.chicago.gov/ChiRecoveryGrant.
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) held an informational webinar to explain the program. Watch a recording of the webinar, download the presentation, or read answers to frequently asked questions.
For any additional questions, please email dpd@cityofchicago.org. | | Order Free At-Home COVID Tests
Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order four at-home COVID-19 tests through a new federal program. The tests are completely free. Order your tests online at COVIDTests.gov. Tests will typically ship within 7-12 days, so order now to make sure you have them when you need them.
Alternatively, most people with a health plan can also go online, or to a pharmacy or store, to purchase an at-home COVID-19 test at no cost–either through reimbursement or free of charge through your insurance. This applies whether you purchased your health plan on your own or whether you get health insurance through your job. For more information about reimbursement, visit www.cms.gov/how-to-get-your-at-home-OTC-COVID-19-test-for-free.
The tests you can now order are rapid antigen, not PCR. They can be taken anywhere and should give results within 30 minutes with no lab drop-off required. For more information on when to use at-home tests, see the latest CDC self-testing guidance. | | Mobile Crisis Response
One thing the pandemic has taught is the vital importance of mental health. We have all struggled through death, loss, and isolation over the last two years and its impact has been devastating for many local residents. It is important to remember that you are not in this alone. There are agencies here to help you during a mental health crisis.
Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare is now offering mobile crisis response services in our neighborhood. If you or someone around you is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 800-322-8400 to speak to a crisis worker. Two staff members will come meet you wherever you are most comfortable to provide an assessment, develop a safety plan, and make plans to follow up.
Please note that Trilogy is not an emergency service. In an emergency, make sure to call 911.
Trilogy has been contracted by the State of Illinois to provide mobile psychiatric crisis support. Learn more about them at www.trilogyinc.org. | | 
The City of Chicago is reintroducing Smart911, an important tool to help keep your family safe. Register now at smart911.com to provide critical information when calling 911 in an emergency.
The Smart911 program allows you to provide customized information to emergency personnel before they arrive at the scene. You can add as much or as little to your profile as you want, and your information will only be seen if you ever have to call 911.
Smart911 allows you to add key information about members of your household such as medical info, physical descriptions, address and location info, and much more. You can also add information about your vehicles, pets and other details that will allow first responders to help you as fast as possible in the event of an emergency. The information is accessible whether you call 911 from your home phone or cell phone.
Approximately 75 percent of 911 calls are made using cellular phones, which often lack detailed location information. Smart911 allows you to register your family's cell phone numbers, so first responders can know how best to help you in an emergency.
Seconds can count in an emergency. Sign up now at smart911.com and help keep your family safe. | | Free Tax Preparation Assistance
Nobody wants to hear it, but tax season is once again here. Fortunately, the City of Chicago offers free tax preparation assistance to eligible working families to help you file your taxes and receive all of the deductions and tax credits to which you are entitled.
This year, Tax Prep Chicago is offering expanded in-person, drop-off, and by-appointment services at eight locations across Chicago, starting as early as Monday, January 24. Visit www.TaxPrepChicago.org for updated information on site locations, dates, and hours.
Families earning up to $58,000 or individuals earning up to $32,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential income tax assistance, managed in partnership with Ladder Up. Trained volunteers will assist you in completing and electronically filing Federal and Illinois tax returns, and finding out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and other tax credits.
For more information, visit www.TaxPrepChicago.org or call (312) 588-6900 to schedule an appointment. | | Warren Park Youth Baseball Registration |  | | | | | Address: 2949 W. Devon Avenue Email: info@50thwardchicago.com
Phone: 773-262-1050
Fax: 773-381-2970 | | | | | | | | | |
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