Dear Neighbor,

I hope you are healthy and well. This time of year is typically filled with holiday traditions, friends, and family. This year, it is important that we continue to wear masks, wash our hands, and practice social distancing when we see people who live outside of our home.

The prospect of a COVID-19 vaccine is exciting. If approved, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the state would receive an initial 109,000 doses of the vaccine.  The City of Chicago will operate its own distribution plan and anticipates initially getting enough to vaccinate 20,000 to 25,000 people, followed by weekly allotments from the government.  Under phase one of the distribution plan, front-line health care workers and long-term care residents will be the first to be inoculated. The supply is expected to increase after the initial release and will become more readily available to the public.
 
For the most up to date information from the Chicago Department of Public Health, please check their website: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-planning-in-chicago.html

On Tuesday, December 8th, I spoke to the Committee on Housing and Real Estate in support of an ordinance that will give the necessary financing and move the renovation of Building H on the North Park Village campus forward. Formerly part of the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium, Building H was converted into affordable senior housing in the 1980s. The renovation will bring necessary modernizations to each apartment, common spaces, and the exterior of the building, all while preserving the structure's historical integrity. New energy efficiency and greening measures will also bring the building into the 21st century.

Earlier this year, I sponsored an ordinance that preserves the North Park Village and its Nature Center in perpetuity. The land will be protected and preserved for all Chicagoans to enjoy for generations to come. The final step in the conservation of the North Park Village is the renovation of Building H and ensuring the future of affordable senior housing on the campus. The ordinance for the renovation will be up for a full City Council vote on December 16th, 2020. 

The 39th Ward Public Service Office is open virtually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that we will be closed for the holiday on December 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Out of an abundance of caution, we are not open to the public. Please reach out should you have any questions, comments, or concerns at 773.736.5594 or via email at Ward39@CityOfChicago.org.

Very Truly Yours,