Austin Weekly News 011123

Invited in only to be shut out

The city’s premiere development initiative, Invest South/West, has brought hope and frustration to areas long ignored by developers

By RACHEL HINTON & SIDNEE KING Illinois Answers Project

When Joyce Brown was told the Invest South/ West program was coming to her South Shore neighborhood, she and other residents did just what city officials told them to do — they started making their wish lists.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s highly touted program plans to spend $750 million citywide in neighborhoods starved for investment and development, and Brown hoped some of that money could build up the community where she has lived for nearly 40 years. A grocery store here. A dry cleaner there. A new bakery for residents

Instead, Brown says after numerous backand-forth debates during community meetings with city officials, her South Side community is getting housing it didn’t ask for.

“We were told [the city] can’t build those things until people come,” Brown said about her suggestions. “All I’m trying to do is preserve my community.”

When the mayor unveiled the program just

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

The housing nonpro t opened a shelter in former Austin Boulevard rector y, could strengthen bonds between Oak Park and Austin

On Jan. 4, Housing Forward, a nonprofit that serves parts of the West Side, opened an emergency shelter in the for mer rectory of St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Parish, 38 N.

SHANEL ROMAIN/Sta

Dannette Salaam, the manager of Housing Forward’s new emergency winter shelter, makes remarks during an open house on Jan. 4, shor tly before opening the former St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Parish rector y to those in need of housin g.

INVEST SOUTH/WEST

Residents

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months into her ter m, the initiative as the city’s b bring public and private in development to 10 neighborhoods received little of it in recent decade

Lightfoot promised a “community-based planning development strategy that equitable investment in the S sides.”

Without it, South Shore and community areas would likely continue to go without major developments.

Many residents have praised In West’s goals of revitalizing long-neglected Chicago neighborhoods. The initiative has given hope to neighborhoods and energized them, they say.

But interviews by the Illinois Answers Project with almost two dozen stakeholders and community groups reveal a common thread of complaints. While the city vowed to involve locals, residents say they’ve felt shut out of any real decision-making

In a process that was supposed to be transparent, it’s often unclear, residents say, how the city selects winning projects Even some alderpersons say they’ve been left in the dark.

Stakeholders worry that winning developments are often about dollars and cents — what is the most financially viable with the least cost to the city — while neglecting the community’s wishes Despite assurances from the city that it wants to bring in new, smaller developers to the table, some of those fir ms say they’ve lost out to the familiar, bigger players who appear favored by the city.

Community stakeholders in at least four Invest South/West target neighborhoods said city officials overrode their requests and chose anchor developments that didn’t have strong community backing.

In South Shore, the long-neglected intersection at 79th Street and Exchange Avenue will become home to a $47.3 million project including housing, retail and a museum space to be built by a team including the Chicago developer responsible for Englewood’s Whole Foods, now shuttered

In Auburn Gresham, some residents criticized city officials after Lightfoot announced the selection of a $43 million affordable housing development in early 2022, despite a wave of requests for commercial

Projec t Bill Smiljanic-Pérez, a communit y organizer who took part in the city’s Invest South/ West planning process, called it “a facade, it’s a veneer. e city talks about engag ing communities, but they drag you along and then do what they want in the end.” He is seen above next to the former Pioneer Bank at North Avenue and Pulaski Road, a site for city redevelopment.

businesses.

On the West Side, Austin community groups flagged a selection process they called unfair to neighborhood-based developers. Ultimately, the city chose a $37.5 million project to renovate the for mer Laramie Bank to include a blues museum, bank branch, café and business incubator

And for one Humboldt Park site, the city broke a tie between two proposals, choosing what one resident called a “vague” plan for a $53.9 million rehabilitation of the for mer landmark Pioneer Bank.

Those stakeholders and others said the goals of Lightfoot’s plan are on target, but the execution diminished their optimism about its outcome

“A lot of people ended up saying, ‘At least we’re getting something.’ But why promise people things then do what you want to do anyway?” Brown asked.

Many of the details of how the city picked winners and losers remain unclear

The city has refused to release many documents related to the program, including such basic information as detailed responses from developers, the top three plans for each site and even who sat on most of the selection committees. The Better Gover nment Association, the publisher of the Illinois Answers Project, is suing the city to obtain those records after the city denied or ignored Freedom of Information Act requests for them.

Peter Strazzabosco, a spokesman for the

city’s planning department, said it “values all public comments and suggestions during RFP [requests for proposal] development and review” and other suggestions from residents are “being fulfilled” through city grant programs

Ultimately, some requests aren’t reflected in final projects because of concer ns surrounding financial viability, he said.

“Some neighborhood goals, depending on the area, are not feasible during this phase of Invest South/West due to local market conditions that preclude privatesector participation,” Strazzabosco said in a written statement. “Invest South/West is intended to improve local market conditions so all neighborhoods enjoy similar private and public amenities.”

Fanfare, excitement then disappointment

The city announced Invest South/West in October 2019 and held kickoff celebrations featuring fanfare starting in December

The celebrations drew alderpersons, organizers and community members enthusiastic about having the chance to sit at the table with city planning officials, rather than “having the city come down… and tell communities ‘we’re doing this for you, and we’re doing it this way,’” which Lightfoot described as “the wrong way to do anything” at the one-year celebration of the program in October 2020.

Residents were excited to tell the city what they envisioned for blighted business

corridors in their neighborhoods, completing surveys and needs assessments provided by the city

Some residents, like Brown, showed up not just with community wish lists but with corridor studies and existing quality of life plans — to show they’d already done their homework and knew their communities’ needs.

The city convened roundtable processes, led by officials from the Department of Planning and Development and other city departments, to “ensure the neighborhood voices are heard and integrated into the priorities” of the initiative and hear feedback, according to the city.

In the months following the mayor’s announcement, Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice Cox publicly echoed the idea that existing community plans would be the cor nerstone of Invest South/ West developments.

“I don’t believe in top-down planning,” Cox told Curbed Chicago in December 2019. “People cannot come from the outside and tell a community what to do.”

Early on in the community roundtable process, the city said it had three main evaluation criteria for Invest South/West proposals, focusing on building community wealth, “professional competence” of developers — a category that includes responding to community priorities, design excellence as well as innovation and creativity — and the economic feasibility of the potential project.

Beyond those criteria, the city has provided little additional details

As Lightfoot announced winning project bids, residents say they saw no scorecards, no breakdowns of ownership or equity structure for the winning developer and project, and there was scant explanation as to why the winner was selected

“The roundtables are a start at engagement, but if all we’re doing is presenting to a table of folks but there’s no involvement in the decision-making and no explanation then it’s falling short,” said Ber nard Loyd, a longtime Bronzeville resident who runs a neighborhood revitalization effort there.

DPD first activated the initiative in three neighborhoods. In August 2020, the city released requests for proposals for project sites in Auburn Gresham, Englewood and Austin, and the process that followed was contentious

In Auburn Gresham, community residents pushed back on an affordablehousing development initially selected by a committee that critics said did not represent neighborhood voices

Ald. David Moore (17th) held an emergency

VIC TO R HILITSKI/For the Illinois Answers

meeting where attendees scolded city officials, saying they needed to worry less about bringing new people to Auburn Gresham and more about keeping business in the neighborhood.

Moore told Illinois Answers that roundtable meetings with DPD mainly included neighborhood groups with existing ties to City Hall, and residents may feel left out because city officials “don’t want so many voices in this meeting that [they] don’t get any progress.”

But according to Moore, the neighborhood campaign challenging a low-income housing plan was “detrimental” to community support for a plan that he ultimately thinks will provide more sustainable housing options for residents in his ward.

Janetta Pegues, an active resident of the Englewood community who attended Auburn Gresham’s roundtable meetings, said she was frustrated that more moderate voices weren’t amplified to “counter those who were insistent on pushing this narrative that really wasn’t reflective of the whole community.”

The $43 million development, spearheaded by the Imagine Group and Evergreen Development, broke ground in August.

Strazzabosco said in Auburn Gresham alone there were 30 community meetings on the request for Invest South/West project plans.

To address community concer ns about “potential over-development” of the initial

location, a second site was added to provide additional public amenities and the city is offering incentives to help reopen a Save A Lot grocer — a response to community input, he said in a written statement.

In Englewood, a coalition of community organizations, dissatisfied with city plans, partnered with Ald. Stephanie Coleman’s 16th Ward office to strategize how to fund and support existing development concepts in the community

Asiaha Butler, co-founder and CEO of Englewood’s resident association, R.A.G.E, said Coleman’s process has been more inclusive than the city’s which “doesn’t feel like a roundtable, it’s a table where the city is just throwing out information.”

“I’ve seen it just from working in Englewood — [the Department of Planning and Development] just operates as its own entity with developers, sometimes with alder men, sometimes with communities, sometimes not … they work with who they need to work with — whether that be the community or not,” Butler told Illinois Answers.

On the city’s West Side, longtime organizers like Jackie Reed, for mer CEO of the Westside Health Authority, say that Lightfoot’s and Cox’s approach excluded residents and community groups in the long run.

The Austin-based development organization Reed is involved with bid on the Invest South/West site at West Chicago

and North Laramie Avenues but lost and protested for months after the winning proposal was announced

“They act like they have community support but they have not had that support,” Reed said.

Of the 21 members of selection committee that awarded the Laramie State Bank site to Heartland Housing and Oak Park Regional Housing Center, all but one were city employees at the time, according to city records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

The city denied a request for similar records for the other Invest South/West neighborhoods. In a written statement, a spokesman for the planning de partment said three “community-based evaluators” were part of subsequent project proposal review processes after the first three sites were chosen.

Athena Williams, head of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, said when the request for proposals was first released she went to groups, including Westside Health Authority, to form a partnership.

That group told her they didn’t need partners for their bid and ultimately Heartland Housing was the only group that wanted to partner on a proposal.

She didn’t hear a lot of pushback on the submitted plan and she “talked to a lot of individuals.” Williams said she’s urged Heartland to do community meetings to hear from residents and ensure the project continues to address what’s needed most. Despite complaints, she’s excited for what the project could provide to the community

“This is stellar — this is unseen support that should have happened many administrations ago,” Williams said of Invest South/West. “At this point, the fact that my project has received roughly $39 million from the city –the West Side has not seen that during my existence. Let’s celebrate that.”

Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) told Illinois Answers that she initially thought she’d have more leverage in selecting a winning bidder for the Austin project but was not made privy to the city’s decision-making process. Mitts said COVID-era restrictions made for a rocky start to the city’s engagement efforts but hoped things could now improve.

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VIC TO R HILITSKI/For the Illinois Answers Projec t Photo credit Bernard Loyd, a longtime Bronzeville resident who oversees a rev italization e ort there, criticized the relatively limited pool of funds available for Invest South/West projects when other cit y-backed projects have received much more. “We’re battling over nickels and dimes while other communities are getting $100 bills — and have been for decades.”

After the first round of requests for plans was released, the city changed its model for engagement to include a community resident on the committee responsible for selecting the winning project.

Amalia NietoGomez, executive director of Alliance of the SouthEast, said the process in her community is a “work in progress.” Her

See INVEST SOUTH/WEST on pa ge 4

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organization has teamed up with others to comment on the city’s new master city plan, especially as it concerns developments.

“My thing is, it’s great that the investment is here, but at the same time, considering the scale of it, more needs to be done,” NietoGomez said.

Others who spoke on the condition of anonymity said engagement efforts were often one-size-fits all and failed to meet the unique needs of each community

Some community meetings lacked Spanish translators. The city at times did little outreach beyond sending emails to established groups. Seniors received limited technical assistance to complete online surveys that were often their only chance to provide feedback.

Strazzabosco said the organization that provides the city’s private translation service has “been unreliable for certain events, due to staffing issues,” but officials are working to “ensure these meetings have the relevant translation available.”

Beyond the community meetings and publishing the requests for proposals, the city emailed residents who expressed interest in participating, hosted other meetings related to the Invest South/West project “upon request and through sister agencies” and summarized milestone and spending information in annual reports in its efforts toward transparency, Strazzabosco said.

Some involved in the evaluation process question whether proposals that don’t excel in a category focused on putting money back into the community but ask for the lowest amount of city financing get preferential treatment.

Shaka Rawls, principal of Leo Catholic High School in Auburn Gresham, said when the city invited him to participate in discussions about things like youth centers, local retail and sit-down restaurants, he expected that input to be reflected when a winning development was announced.

“That is not what happened,” he told Illinois Answers. “It’s a funding issue. Now it’s ‘how do we fit this round pe g in a square hole?’”

City-backed projects are often harder for smaller developers to secure because they have to ask for more financial support

Christyn Freemon, a consultant to a development team that lost out on one project, says as long as city de par tments

Amalia NietoGomez, executive dir ector of Alliance of the SouthEast, says: “My thing is, it’s great that the investment is here, but at the same time, conside ring the scale of it, more needs to be done .”

like planning and others consider that a weakness of these proposals, communitybased developers will continue to be left out.

“The process is not as inclusive or equitable for smaller developers,” Freemon said. “If we’re talking equity the city should be willing to make a bigger investment in a place that it has disinvested in for years.”

In response to criticism that small developers were not a bigger part of Invest South/West, Strazzabosco said in a written statement projects that “may have addressed community needs but were otherwise non-viable” were not selected.

“A primary goal of Invest South/West is to suppor t minority and emerging development entities that reflect the communities in which they are building,” Strazzabosco said.

New projects, familiar developers

Many Invest South/West sites feature familiar developers who have worked on some of the largest or more prominent projects in the city, despite the city’s promise to cast a wider net.

In Humboldt Park, the city chose two business cor ridors — one on Nor th Avenue and another on nearby Chicago Avenue — for development.

That meant two roundtable processes for community members to pick a site and creating “a community-driven survey … to see what the community wanted,” said William Smiljanic-Pérez, who participated

in the Nor th Avenue committee.

Smiljanic-Pérez said the planning de par tment’s request for proposal release marked a change in the community’s relationship with the city

There were two main bids the selection committee considered, he said. One hit all the bullet points of the RFP the community worked to gether to create, while the other was “very vague but asked for less [tax increment financing] money.”

The two proposals received nearly the same score from the evaluation team, records shared with Illinois Answers show.

Ultimately, the de par tment of planning awarded the Nor th Avenue project to Park Row Development, All Construction Group and JGMA. That group “didn’t really know the community and didn’t really do much to eng age with the community” prior to submitting the bid, Smiljanic-Pérez said.

Eng agement was limited to mostly communicating with Ald. Rober to Maldonado (26th) and a re presentative from the Puer to Rican Cultural Center rather than with the community at large, Smiljanic-Pérez said. Neither JGMA nor Maldonado responded to requests for comment.

“Invest South/West is a facade, it’s a veneer,” Smiljanic-Pérez said. “The city talks about eng aging communities, but they drag you along and then do what they want in the end.”

JGMA, along with Park Row Development and All Construction Group, will create the Team Pioneros project, a

$53.9 million planned rehabilitation of the vacant Pioneer Bank, filling it with an entrepreneurial incubator space, Latino cultural center, and of fice space for JGMA, according to the city

JGMA has developed the Chinatown branch library and the Humboldt Park Wellness Center. The group was recently chosen to develop the city’s casino.

Another site nor th of the bank will also be redeveloped to include 75 af fordable residential units, of fices for Humboldt Park Family Health and a potential library branch, according to the city

Smiljanic-Pérez said he was “disappointed” by the process and its outcome, in the end.

“That’s my critique of Invest South/ West,” Smiljanic-Pérez said. “The city tries to be about equity, but, when you push them on that, you realize what they really want to see is growth and sites that make money versus the community groups pushing for things that are better for their communities.”

In Nor th Lawndale, the city selected as the developer Related Midwest — known for luxury apar tments and condos as well as for building the city’s $7 billion “newest neighborhood” the 78 — to develop a site with 548 Development, an MBE-certified “up-and-comer” in the city’s development world, Cox told the Chicago Sun-Times.

That 20.8 acre development will include two community centers and public, open space featuring ar t and a solar-powered industrial complex, according to the city

A plan for another site in the neighborhood, which will be a collaboration between GRE Ventures, Imagine Group and 548 Development, features 60 mixed-income apar tments, three market-rate townhomes, as well as retail and restaurant space, and a community center.

Imagine Group is part of the development team on the Invest South/West Auburn Gresham apar tments planned for Moore’s ward

KMW Communities and LG Development, in a $19.2 million joint venture, will develop a project chosen for Bronzeville’s business cor ridor, called The Le gacy District, along with Bronzeville Community Par tners, according to the city

That project on a city-owned cor ner of 47th Street and Vincennes Avenue is slated to include 12,000 square feet of commercial space and 25 mixed-income residential units. The project is slated to create 174 per manent jobs and 140 construction jobs

KMW and LG are likely best known for their home and apar tment developments KMW submitted the winning proposal to

‘more needs to be done’

VIC TO R HILITSKI/For Illinois Answers Projec t

build The Ave. on West Chicago Avenue in Humboldt Park

DL3 realty, which developed the now closed Whole Foods in Englewood, was chosen to develop the Thrive Exchange project in South Shore along with Revere Properties and Claretian.

“It seems to be the same developers, it’s always the same big do gs, it’s never the little developers in the city,” Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) said. “We don’t go to the people, we don’t try to spread the wealth in the city … they don’t really value what the people in the community think.

Taylor said the city’s approach to Invest South/West “exposes that we’re not as transparent and not as community friendly as we should be.”

Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) said the city and developers on the Le gacy District project have “done very little to eng age the community” or her of fice on the anchor development coming to her ward.

While she likes that the city has tried to eng age the community through the roundtable process, she remains concer ned about delays

“The Invest South/West concept is good, what it’s trying to achieve is needed on the South and West sides, but at least in my community it’s been shor t on results,” Dowell said.

The initiative has been slow throughout the 10 communities chosen for development, as re por ted by Crain’s Chicago. The first of the flagship developments, in Auburn Gresham, didn’t break ground until last August.

Despite the slow star t, Lightfoot’s mayoral campaign featured a clip of her and others in an ad breaking ground at that development among others as part of her push to convince city residents she deserves another ter m.

Familiar promises but misused oppor tunities

For most people active in the 10 communities targeted by Invest South/ West, this isn’t the first time hearing political promises of revitalized cityowned lots and revamped business cor ridors – what have been an eyesore for longtime residents who once knew those areas as thriving hubs.

While the mayor’s initiative is still in its early stages, the work and plans to bring business back are decades old. Some who spoke with Illinois Answers say their frustration with city of ficials has only been exacerbated by Invest South/West – seeing a missed oppor tunity to not just

of fer a place in the conversation but also in the decision-making.

A South Shore resident since 1989, Jacquie Jakes-Johnson said she’s attended every meeting for the Invest South/West project coming to her neighborhood and was invited by Ald. Greg Mitchell (7th) to join the committee overseeing the Thrive Exchange project earlier this year The roundtable hasn’t met since Se ptember, she said.

She said there’s a “50/50 split between people who are excited … who believe in this development” and others who “say we get promised these things and funding is always yanked back.”

DL3 Realty, which will build the Thrive Exchange, revised its proposal and added a bode ga to the plan, signaling to JakesJohnson that the company did listen to the community

Mitchell is working on bringing a grocery store to the area and the condos that are slated to be built will “bring in more people with disposable income, and you need that in order to bring in more of the things residents need in South Shore,” Jakes-Johnson said.

But when she thinks of the funding available through Invest South/West, Jakes-Johnson questions whether it’s fair.

“When I think about the limited amount of funding, especially for South Shore, it’s not equitable because other areas do receive what appears to be unlimited TIFfunding while we are barely scraping the bar rel to get the necessities we need to thrive and keep going,” Jakes-Johnson said.

Loyd and others who spoke to Illinois Answers took issue with the limited pool of funds available for Invest South/West projects when other city-backed projects have gotten many more dollars.

“We’ re battling over nickels and dimes while other communities are getting $100 bills — and have been for decades,” Loyd said.

‘It ’s a life investment’

Craig Chico, the head of the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council which manages the cor ridor project for New City, said the reality is “[the city] can’t give everything to everyone, and some requests and desires aren’t relevant to what this money can be used to do.”

The city chose Chico’s council as well as other community-based org anizations to work with its agencies and local partners.

Each gets an $80,000-a-year contract over five years funded by tax increment

financing dollars from the districts along each development cor ridor.

Chico, whose family moved to Back of the Yards in the 1920s, an area that falls in the boundaries of New City, said he watched the commercial areas “kind of die” over the years as malls moved in but people, and other businesses, moved out.

He’s not an exper t as to where the money “is going and where it’s coming from, but it’s spotlighting areas that need it.”

“When this cor ridor was dying and rotting and there were vacancies, no one paid attention to it — it wasn’t a priority,” Chico said, adding that the neighborhood’s project, called United Yards, is “one of the key pillars to get people to stick around” or come back to New City.

Having that cor nerstone will allow the city and community to “focus on other pieces like safety and economic development,” he said.

“I’m hoping this can be more sustainable,” Chico said. “You can’t invest in one community at the expense of another Not every community is going to be Sauganash, but all should have basic amenities for people to feel good about where they live [This initiative] is more than just a financial investment, it’s a life investment.”

Malcolm Crawford, cor ridor manager for the Austin area, said he believes city of ficials have “the right intentions and I think that change is coming.”

Along with the redevelopment of the old Laramie Bank building, the city also plans to revamp adjacent land with a mixedincome, multi-story rental building that includes a green roof, public plaza, social spaces and outdoor art.

Tucked between Oak Park and West Humboldt and Garfield Parks, disinvestment in the Austin community, which has been hit hard by the pandemic, made it a prime target for Lightfoot’s effort

But Crawford, who is the executive director of Austin African American Business Networking Association, said the mayor’s attention has brought excitement to his West Side community.

“We’re [one of] the largest community [areas] in the city and for years we’ve gotten the least resources and that’s evidenced by what we’ve seen for years,” Crawford, a 20year resident of the area, said. “I’m excited to see the potential of what can happen in the community and I believe something has to happen.”

The winning project for Austin’s Invest South/West corridor is a renovation of the Laramie Bank building and is expected to create 150 construction jobs and 22 full-time jobs

He brushed aside criticisms of the initiative as forcing communities to fight over a limited pool of funds or continuing the top-down development process that has plagued the city’s neighborhood projects saying “something beats nothing.”

“We’ve never had the amount of a voice that we have now,” Crawford said.

Loyd, the Bronzeville resident, said neighborhoods like his lack the resources to address the basic needs of residents

He said the goal of the Invest South/West initiative is “right on” because communities need “much more systematic” levels of investment, but Bronzeville and others tagged for projects need even greater levels of investment for the program, and their neighborhoods, to succeed

“The fundamental issue of Invest South/ West is, until we can create vibrant communities of color, Chicago will never be truly successful.”

Contributing: Emeline Posner

This article first appeared on Illinois Answers Project and is republished here under a Creative Commons license

CONTAC T: michael@austinweeklynews.com

WEST SI DE LIVES

Aisha Oliver, founder of Root 2 Fruit Youth Foundation, shares her organization’s mission

By SHANEL ROMAIN Community Narrative Reporter

Austin resident Aisha Oliver, 37, attended the Chicago Police Department’s 15th District Strategic Plan meeting and spoke about her concerns and direct involvement in the community.

On why she attended the meeting

As a long-time resident working with young people in the community, had some unfortunate incidents with area officers that have greatly impacted the young men that I work with. We target young black men ages 14 to 21. I want to make sure that, when we’re talking strategic planning we are inte grating their personal experiences in the plans that the community has.

On her foundation

I work with young people and we are a part of Root 2 Fruit Youth Foundation. We started an initiative called ASAP (Austin Safety Action Plan) two years ago as a response to what we felt safety looks like through those young people’s lens.

I run the Root 2 Fruit Youth Foundation that I started here in Austin in 2009. The young people are the third generation of men that I have in my group right now. I met them when they were 9 and 10 years old and now they’re 19 and 20 years old. We believe in village-building initiatives, which means that we believe in a family aspect – not so much programming. We don’t use the word program, we use the word initiative. Their goal is to learn everything that I can teach them, in order for me to pass the mantle. My goal is to make Root 2 Fruit sustainable so that I can pass it on to them [the youth].

On ASAP

ASAP was organically made in my living room and we don’t have a space like larger organizations. This was me being a resident and being like a mom in this

Aisha Oliver, 37, operates Root 2 Fr uit Youth Foundation in the Austin neig hborhood building community and relationships with young people ages 14-21.

neighborhood and being able to gain the trust of the young people that I see every day. I want to have a direct impact on them.

In my home, we do something called breaking bread. I cook a meal, we have a conversation, and it’s a no-judgment zone so that they are able to voice how they feel about what they see about what’s going on in their home lives.

Collectively, we leave it on the floor but figure out what are their next action steps so that we are not running on a hamster wheel. Teaching them that they don’t have to settle for what they see. It’s so much bigger than this. I was trying to convey this in the meeting tonight.

We’ve been doing it for two years and have data showing that we have decreased violence in our particular safe zone, so I wanted to make sure the police were aware of the work that we’ve already done.

CONTAC T: shanel@growingcommunitymedia.org

PHOTO BY JOHNETTA OLI

Iam not a big fan of balloon releases. Even 60 years ago, when the crime in the Black community wasn’t at the heinous level that exists today, I couldn’t see it happening in re gards to crime. Especially when a child becomes the victim of a horrific murder. The response by some in the Black community to send balloons up into the sky, truly shows how looney some of us are!

What I would rather see are some heartfelt calls for the perpetrator to be found, with the hope that some severe bodily injuries be done to them. I’d also like to see emphasis on getting our elected officials to put through laws that can stringently be applied to the criminal elements who are causing all the chaos.

Most of all, I’d like to see promises made by people that they will serve on jury duty when called so they can make sure justice prevails. A meaningless release of

balloons into the air is, in my humble opinion, nothing more than a momentary, feel-good, symbolic action, the meaning of which is just hot air.

Balloon releases are inadequate JONES

Those balloons will not seek out the criminals and turn them in. Those balloons, when they land, do not have a message with the description of the perpetrator for people to hunt him or her down. Instead, the balloons will float around and then eventually fall to the ground and some poor animal will ingest it and die. But hey everybody had their “feel good” moment at the release

It was the recent balloon release for Jarvis Watts that got to me. He’s the 9-year-old boy who was in the family home on New Year’s Day and ended up dead with three

bullet wounds. The bullet holes were in his face, neck and hands. A family member who was in the home at the time is alle ged to have said that Jarvis shot himself. Somehow, three bullet holes does not say selfinflicted. I don’t know if the boy was right or left-handed, but if one of the bullets went through his predominant hand, that would be even more amazing. Even more interesting, police haven’t been unable to find the weapon. Another amazing moment out of that household. More than likely it’s a stolen/unregistered weapon with an unlicensed owner who probably would be going back to jail for a long time; thus, that person is not anxious to step forward and admit it.

I thought back to another time when a balloon release was the response, after the horrific murder of Jaslyn Adams. She was the little girl who committed the horrific crime of being in the backseat of her father’s car in the drive-thru at the McDonald’s, Kedzie and Roosevelt. The shooters who came upon them, shot more on the passenger’s rear side then they did on the driver’s side. Those bullets said that the intentionality of killing the child in the backseat is pretty obvious.

Every year we progress forward in calendar time, but behavior-wise, there are far too many in the Black community who are headed butt backwards. It is time to take a stand against the stupidity they manifest.

Let’s get serious about addressing criminal behavior and not turning to feel-good actions that do little to address the crime problem.

Powering the dream

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words continue to move and inspire us all toward change. Across the country, only one in eleven STEM professionals is African American. That’s why our STEM programs across Chicagoland pair students of color with ComEd engineers who serve as mentors and role models. Our commitment to change is motivating the next generation of African American scientists, engineers and mathematicians. Here’s to honoring Dr. King’s legacy and powering a brighter future for all.

HOUSING FORWARD

Shelter opens

from page 1

Austin Blvd. in Oak Park. The temporary winter shelter could not have opened better time as winter’s cold temperatures threaten the lives and health of those without shelter.

Housing Forward’s Executive Director Lynda Schueler says that the need for space has been evident for some time.

“We have roughly 60 to 70 unsheltered clients on a wait list for our interim housing program at the Wright Inn Oak Park],” Schueler said. “There’s a threat of loss of life and frostbite in winter.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Housing Forward had to end its PADS emergenc shelter program, which rotated through a variety of local parishes and faith org anizations. In spite of the success of the interim housing program at the Wright Inn launched to meet some of the needs in the community, there is not enough space for the unsheltered who need housing.

In November, Schueler was in conversation with local leaders, including John Har ris of the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition, Father Carl Morello of St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish, Reverend Kathy Nolte of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Rabbi Max Weiss of Oak Park Temple, about a solution, when village re presentatives approached to ask if it was possible for Housing Forward to open an emergency shelter this winter

As par t of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Renew My Parish initiative, Oak Park’s four Catholic parishes combined into two entities — Ascension and St. Edmund’s Parish and St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy’s and St. Giles Parish.

Morello, the priest of the newly-combined St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy/St. Giles, for med a team of volunteers to plan a long-ter m use of the St. Catherine-St. Lucy rectory as a community hub that will of fer social services and bridge the divide between Oak Park and Austin.

The church campus on Austin Boulevard

Individuals housed at the former St. Catherine-St. Lucy rector y shelter will have access to a kitchen and dining ar ea.

already houses a Big Shoulders School that primarily serves children from the Austin community, as well as Sister House, a temporary home for women in recovery from substance abuse issues, that occupies the for mer convent space. Morello says that using the rectory for social services to benefit the community is the long-ter m plan.

This f all, it made sense to jump in with a temporary use of the building.

Forward clients

In just a few weeks, a team of volunteers from all local parishes and four skilled tradespeople tur ned the rectory into habitable space, updating the heating, plumbing and electrical service to make the space safe. In addition, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were added.

Morello praised the numerous people who donated time, ef fort and money to make the shelter a reality in such a shor t time.

oes back to the gospel of Matthew, where hear from Jesus, ‘Whatsoever you did the least of among us, you did for me.’ e living that gospel message,” he dded.

At a Jan. 4 open house hours before the shelter welcomed its first guests, Morello joined by volunteers and community leaders who helped aid in the ef fort Housing Forward’s Schueler noted that opening of the shelter marked the anization’s 30th anniversary in the ommunity

helter Manager Dannette Salaam teared up as she described the dif ference shelter would make in the community, calling the love in the room erwhelming, Housing Forward client ames Hor n said the org anizations has een a “cor nerstone” in his life

Schueler says the emergency shelter share some similarities with the older PADS model of temporary shelter, on a smaller scale T he space will have beds for guests who are currently in case management with Housing Forward and five beds for the newly homeless as identified by local hospitals and police and fire de par tments.

Unlike PADS, there will be no rotation, and guests can slee p at the shelter from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. every night from Jan. 4 through April

While saying the emergency shelter is a great demonstration of har nessing the power of a community, Schueler said, “Fifteen beds is really not enough to support all of West Cook County.”

MORELLO

“We had this empty space, and rather than let it sit empty, I said ‘Lynda, let’s do this,’” Morello said. “It fits right into the mission, the future and what we want to do.”

With willing leadership, the next ste p was to g et the rectory ready for inhabitants T he rectory was built at 38 N. Austin Blvd. in 1963 and the space was meant to house five priests.

It included five suites with a common area on the second floor and a first floor consisting of parish of fices, a dining room and a kitchen. T he building needed an overhaul to meet current building codes and provide more space for Housing

“For me, when we talk about the Spirit at work, this is that Spirit in the flesh,” Morello said.

“From a Christian perspective, this

Housing Forward has received funding to help operate the shelter for two years, but the rectory space is available only for four months. Schueler says the search is on for a more per manent location to house the winter shelter in the future.

CONTAC T: michael@oakpark.com

How to get involved as a volunteer

One key to the success of the emergency shelter is volunteers. Housing Forward’s Chief Development Officer Erik Johnson says volunteers were instrumental in readying the shelter for guests and emphasizes the continuing need for help from local organizations to provide teams to help manage the day-to-day work at the shelter

There is a need for seven volunteers every night and for meals for clients. Johnson points to a number of ways people can get involved:

To lear n more about the shelter program, email shelter@housingforward.org

To lear n more about volunteer opportunities, contact Cherrell Jackson, volunteer and engagement manager, at cjackson@housingforward.org

For groups interested in volunteering, visit Housing Forward’s Volunteer page: housingforward.org/get-involved/ volunteer

SHANEL ROMAIN/Sta

“It ts right into the mission, the future and what we want to do.”

FATHER C ARL

Pastor, St. Catherine-St. Luc y/St. Giles Parish

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties

1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to:

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:

- Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time

- Operating assigned equipment

- Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance

- Working in and around computer equipped vehicles

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

- Making observations

- Communicating with others

- Reading and writing

- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver

License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

SITE COORDINATOR

Sistema Ravinia, one of Ravinia’s Reach, Teach, Play music education programs, is seeking to add a part time administrator to the Austin community team. This position averages 20 hours per week. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth education, access to reliable transportation, and two to three years related work experience. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; please visit https:// smrtr.io/cvWT8 to apply and contact Alex Rodriguez at arodriguez@ravinia.org with any questions.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

FINANCE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Finance Coordinator. The ideal candidate will perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administrative, secretarial and clerical duties for the Finance department; and will provide information and assistance to the public regarding department to which assigned. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Community Health Advisor. The professional in this position is responsible for a variety of tasks including; promoting a safe health care environment; including health education, outreach and promotion which includes disseminating information, making referrals, and counseling as well as managing caseloads, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. First review of applications December 19, 2022.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

WOODWIND INSTRUCTOR

Sistema Ravinia, one of Ravinia’s Reach, Teach, Play music education programs, is seeking to add a woodwind (saxophone and clarinet) instructor to our Austin community team. The woodwind instructor will work from 2:45-5:15pm on M, T, and Th afternoons. Ideal candidates have passion for youth education, enthusiasm for El Sistema and its philosophy of social change through music, and a bachelor’s degree in music or 2-3 years related work experience. Please visit https://smrtr.io/cvWTz to apply and contact Alex Rodriguez at arodriguez@ravinia.org with any questions.

TRUMPET INSTRUCTOR

Sistema Ravinia, one of Ravinia’s Reach, Teach, Play music education programs, is seeking to add a trumpet instructor to our Austin community team. The trumpet instructor will work from 2:45-5:15pm on M, T, and Th afternoons. Ideal candidates have passion for youth education, enthusiasm for El Sistema and its philosophy of social change through music, and a bachelor’s degree in music or 2-3 years related work experience. Please visit https://smrtr.io/cvWSQ to apply and contact Alex Rodriguez at arodriguez@ravinia.org with any questions.

ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s):

Associate Civil Engineer (Original)

Additional information regarding salary, job description, requirements, etc. can be found on the District’s website at www.districtjobs.org or call 312-751-5100.

An Equal Opportunity EmployerM/F/D

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

II

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Development Customer Services Department. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible and difficult customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more difficult and complex customer service duties depending on the department including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers. This position is cross-trained with the other Customer Service Representative IIs in the Village.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=537079168 or visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications January 20, 2023.

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION CIVIC REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS III, LLC Plaintiff, vs. T.J. MORE, INC Defendants, 22 CH 6317

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-14-320-009-0000.

Commonly known as 3840 W. FILLMORE ST., CHICAGO, IL 60624.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The successful purchaser is entitled to possession of the property only. The purchaser may only obtain possession of units within the multi-unit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession.

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 3571125. 22-01513

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3210661

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3 Plaintiff, -v.SHONDA WILSON AKA SHANDA WILSON, ROGER A WILSON, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants

22 CH 01459

1350 N LOCKWOOD AVE CHICAGO, IL 60651

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 9, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 27, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1350 N LOCKWOOD AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

Property Index No. 16-04-119-0210000

The real estate is improved with a multi unit building containing two to six apartments.

The judgment amount was $217,114.39.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 422-1719. Please refer to file number 1640493.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com

Attorney File No. 1640493 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 22 CH 01459 TJSC#: 42-4473

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 22 CH 01459

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC Plaintiff, -v.DANTE K. ALLEN, AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF FREDDIE EWING, SR. AKA FREDDIE EWING, DECEASED, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF FREDDIE EWING, SR. AKA FREDDIE EWING, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF FREDDIE EWING, SR. AKA FREDDIE EWING, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF FREDDIE EWING, SR. AKA FREDDIE EWING, DECEASED, FLOYD L. EWING, VANESSA A. EWING, MARIE A. EWING, DANTE K. ALLEN, COURTNEY S. WILLIAMS, CHICAGO TITLE AND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Defendants 19 CH 10370 5524 WEST MONROE STREET CHICAGO, IL 60644

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 1, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 2, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 5524 WEST MONROE STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60644

Property Index No. 16-16-100-0340000 fka 16-16-100-034

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $298,867.52.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 381245.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719

Fax #: 217-422-1754

E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys.

com Attorney File No. 381245

Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 19 CH 10370 TJSC#: 42-4052

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 19 CH 10370 I3210135

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST HB5

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Plaintiff, -v.QUEEN E. CROSBY A/K/A QUEEN E. CROSBY-HOGAN, UNITED STATES OF AMERICASECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF CHICAGO Defendants

2021 CH 05861

1058 NORTH RIDGEWAY AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60651

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 1, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 3, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1058 NORTH RIDGEWAY AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

Property Index No. 16-02-313-0230000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 7949876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-21-04052 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021 CH 05861 TJSC#: 42-4147

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2021 CH 05861 I3209801

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC.; ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-OC7, MORTGAGEPASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OC7; Plaintiff, vs.

GERALD NORDGREN AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ESTATE OF GENE NELSON; DALLAS M. RICHEY, SR., FLEET MORTGAGE CORP.; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF GENE NELSON; UNKNOWN OWNERS GENERALLY AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 5360

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-02-404-029-0000. Commonly known as 1034 N Drake Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Matthew C. Abad at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever Law Group, 225 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 236-0077. SMS000565-22FC1

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3209853

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of January 5, 2023 and is subject to change. A minimum of $1,000 is required to open the account and to obtain the stated APY. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer is for new money only.

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of January 5, 2023 and is subject to change. A minimum of $1,000 is required to open the account and to obtain the stated APY. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer is for new money only.

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of January 5, 2023 and is subject to change. A minimum of $1,000 is required to open the account and to obtain the stated APY. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer is for new money only.