39th Ward Updates

Dear neighbor,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones healthy and well. As the State of Illinois moves into Phase III of the Restore Illinois plan, please keep in mind these precautions:

• When meeting others, physically distance and wear a face covering;
• Limit non-business, social gatherings to 10 people or less;
• Stay at home if you feel ill or have come into contact with someone with COVID-19;
• Continue to physically distance from vulnerable populations; and
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

I am so proud to share that in my first year, we have:

• Brought new business to the 39th Ward.
• Established a streamlined approach to Ward-wide infrastructure improvements through coordination with city partners and utilities to ease the burden of construction on residents.
• Increased community engagement through participatory budgeting.
• Successfully advocated for more police officers in both the 16th & 17th police districts.
• Secured funding for 39^th Ward Chicago Public Schools to include new green spaces, gardens, and a new science lab.

Alderman Samantha Nugent

• Disconnect your downspout from the local sewer. 
  • MWRD provides rain barrels at-cost to help reduce rain runoff. To purchase a rain barrel, click here.
• Clear debris from your local catch basins and sewers.
• Have a qualified plumber inspect your basement. 
  • If you have persistent flooding, consider installing a check valve, sump pump, or overhead sewer.
• Plant native plants to absorb the rainwater. 
• Make your driveway permeable with gravel instead of asphalt. 

• Childcare centers and family childcare
• Non-lakefront parks (no contact sports)
• Libraries and other city services
• Office-based jobs, professional services, and real estate services
• Hotels / lodging
• Outdoor attractions (e.g., boating – not including the Playpen, non-Lakefront golf courses)
• Non-essential retail

• Personal services (e.g., hair/nail salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors)
• Restaurants and coffee shops (outdoor dining only)
• Manufacturing, construction, and warehousing
• Hospitals, dentists, community mental health centers, and Federally Qualified Health Centers
• Public transit, regional transit, taxis and rideshare
• Gyms (outdoor and 1:1 personal training only)

Over the next several weeks, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be placing larvicide in catch basins to decrease the number of mosquitoes that can transmit the West Nile virus.

• What is larvicide? A larvicide is a type of insecticide used to kill or interrupt the development of immature forms of mosquitoes, preventing them from becoming adults. 
• What larvicide is used? The brand name of the larvicide is Altosid® XR Briquets.
• Is this larvicide safe? This larvicide is registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is safe for humans, as well as animals that may come in contact with it, including fish, other aquatic life and birds.  Larvicides do not harm people, pets, or the environment.
• How will I or my constituents know when the larvicide is being placed in my neighborhood?  Crews will be easily recognized: they will be wearing an orange vest and will be walking up and down the street placing larvicide in the catch basins.  They will be escorted by a contractor van.
• How is the larvicide used?  The larvicide is uniquely shaped to fit between the small openings in the catch basins.  Once in the catch basin, small amounts of the active ingredient are released over time. 
• Which areas of the City will larvicide be placed?  Larvicide is placed in areas of the City where data have shown an increased likelihood of identifying mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus. 

In light of COVID-19, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has streamlined the process of applying for property tax refunds. Taxpayers seeking property tax refunds can now file electronically at cookcountytreasurer.com. Click below to learn more.