Austin Weekly News 052423

essential news. essential voices.

Newly elected Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks at an event celebrating his rst week in o ce at New Life Holiness Church on May 20, 2023.

Donald’s es long-vacant Galewood eens site

eighbors express concerns about impact on tra c, noise

By IGOR STUDENKOV Reporter

store on North Avenue in Galeould become a McDonald’s though some neighbors ommunity meeting last week saying the site Ridgeland, Narragansett, North enue all cross at the foot of the elevated

Stay engaged, Johnson tells West Siders on his home turf

May 20 Austin event organized by Cong. Danny Davis

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

As the recently elected mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson arrived at Austin’s New Life Holiness Church, 5440 W. Gladys St., just as a church

choir was about to finish up a song. Without missing a beat, the choir ke pt singing as church officials and U.S. Re p. Danny Davis (D-7) led the mayor up to the stage, and people stood to clap and capture his ar rival on their phones.

“Let’s give him another, another, another round of applause, absolutely,” Davis exclaimed as the song concluded.

The developer and Ald. Chris Taliafer ro (29th Ward) promised a follow-up meeting in short order that would also include representatives from the fast-food chain.

Troutman & Dams, a real estate firm based in Chicago’s Elston Industrial Corridor, is working with McDonald’s to open a restaurant with a drive-thru at 1606 N. Mobile Ave., Chicago.

Eric Dams, one of the firm’s principals, unveiled the proposal during Taliaferro’s May 17 community meeting, which was held at Rutherford Sayre fieldhouse, 6871 W. Belden Ave. He said his firm is in the process of buying the site, and, if the deal is complete, they will lease it to McDonald’s.

T he plans call for them to demolish the Walg reens building and build a smaller building with a wraparound

on pa ge 5 See

on pa ge 8

TODD A. BANNOR

West Side police district councils schedule rst-ever meetings

Residents invited to weigh in on issues, concerns

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The police district councils representing three out of four police districts serving the West Side have scheduled their firstever community meetings for late May and early June.

The council for the 11th District, which includes most of Garfield Park and the section of North Lawndale north of Roosevelt Road, will meet on May 24 at 6 p.m. at West Garfield Park’s Legler Re gional Library, 115 S. Pulaski Rd. The council for the 25th District, which includes the portion of Austin north of Division Street, including Galewood, will meet on May 31 at 6 p.m., at Belmont Cragin’s El Artesanal Coffee & Market Co., 5217 W. Diversey Ave. And the council for the 15th District, which falls entirely within the section of Austin south of Division Street, will meet on June 8 at the Bethel New Life campus at 1150 N. Lamon Ave.

Deondre Rutues and Angelica Green, who are members of the 15th and 25th district councils (respectively) and supported each other’s campaigns, told Austin Weekly News they were interested in hearing from residents about their priorities and what they wanted to see from the council. They both encouraged residents to attend.

As of this issue’s deadline, the council for the 10th District, which includes the rest of North Lawndale, Little Village and a portion of Pilsen, hasn’t scheduled a meeting.

In July 2021, Chicago’s City Council approved a package of police refor ms that created the city-wide Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability

and three-member councils for each of the city’s 22 police districts. The councils were elected during the Feb. 28 mayoral election and sworn in on May 5.

Each council will serve as a liaison between the community and the police, getting input from residents on what issues each district should prioritize and the best way to handle those issues. It’s a venue where the public can weigh in on what officers are doing wrong and what the of ficers are doing right.

The councils will also be responsible for nominating candidates to serve on the

city-wide commission. The commission is currently made up of seven interim commissioners appointed by then-mayor Lori Lightfoot. They are responsible for selecting candidates, members of the Chicago Police Board, a civilian police disciplinary body, and the head of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. They also review police policies and recommend their own polities, review the police and COPA budgets and set priorities for the organization heads.

The councils must hold community meetings at least once a month.

Senior Editor Bob Uphues

Sta Reporters Igor Studenkov, Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks Columnist Arlene Jones

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Sales & Marketing Representavies

Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck, Kamil Brady

Business & Development Manager

Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Publisher Dan Haley

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n

Treasurer Nile Wendorf

Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW

Side Police Districts and community areas

Harmon outlines process for selecting Johnson’s successor Applications due May 31, selection date to be determined

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-39th), who also serves as the Oak Park Township committeeperson, announced the process for filling Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s seat on the Cook

County Board.

Prior to his election as Chicago mayor in April, Johnson was the commissioner for Cook County’s 1st District, which includes Oak Park, Forest Park, part of Chicago ’s West Side and portions of Proviso Township.

Under the Cook County Code of Ordi-

Rev. Dr. Reginald

5200 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL  60644

nances, vacancies on the county board are filled by the members of the election committee of the political party of the person who last held that seat.

T he election committees are made up of committeepersons who re present Chicago wards and suburban townships within the district, and their share of the vote is apportioned according to how many voters in their district voted for Johnson in the Nov. 8, 2022 election for county board.

work likely won’ t start until after the Illinois General Assembly adjourns on May 19.

Normally, the city commiteepersons’ shares of the vote would be allocated based on ward boundaries that existed at the time of the most recent election.

773-378-6600

773-378-660

fbcchicago.org • facebook.com/friendshipbcchicago

JOIN US FOR ONLINE SERVICES

• FACEBOOK @FriendshipBCChicago

• YOUTUBE @ e Friendship Baptist Church of Chicago

Sundays - 9:30 am Sunday School • 11:00 AM Worship Service

Wednesdays - 6:00 pm Bible Study

This means that Harmon and County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, the Proviso Township committeeperson, collectively hold 58.72% of the vote. If they vote tog ether, they will determine who is chosen by themselves.

Because Oak Park Township had the highest portion of the vote, Harmon serves as the selection committee chair. In a statement to the media, he indicated applications for the position can be submitted by email to firstdistrictvacancy@gmail. com. The dates for in-person interviews and a meeting where the replacement will be selected have not been set yet.

Johnson resigned from his seat effective May 13, two days before he was swor n in as the Chicago mayor. In a statement to the media, he stated that it has been a “true honor” to ser ve on a county board.

“As excited as I am about my future as mayor of Chicago, I am also sobered and humbled to be leaving my constituents and colleagues on the Board, because tog ether, we have done so much important work to transform Cook County government,” he stated. “As I look back on these last four years, I am particularly proud that, under President Toni Preckwinkle’s steady leadership, we centered equity and justice in all of our work. Whether it was the Justice for Black Lives resolution, which helped frame our budg et deliberations, or the Just Housing Ordinance, which protects individuals with ar rest records from housing discrimination, we focused our energy on centering and uplifting our most vulnerable, most marginalized communities. Compassion, competency and collaboration propelled everything we accomplished.”

Yarbrough previously told Growing Community Media that, until Johnson resigned, the selection committee couldn’ t start its work She also indicated that the

But the current committeepersons were elected in the March 2020 Democratic primary, before ward boundaries were redrawn in 2022. Selection committee spokesperson Tom Bowen said that, for the purpose of allocating the vote share, they took the November 2022 precinctlevel data and applied it to the previous maps.

This shifted the makeup of the selection committee – 24th Ward Committeeperson Michael Scott and 36th Ward Committeeperson Ald. Gilbert Ville gas, whose wards were drawn into the 1st District in 2022, won’ t be voting, but 2nd Ward Committeeperson Tim Egan, whose ward was drawn out of the 1st District in 2022, will.

While it doesn’t alter the overall vote difference between the city and suburbs, it does mean that the 29th Ward committeeperson, Ald. Chris Taliafer ro, who would’ve had the biggest share of city votes under the 2022 map (13.31%) now has the third-biggest share (6.68%). Ald. Emma Mitts, 37th Ward committeeperson, now has the highest percentage (11.59%) in the city.

T he seat is open to re gistered voters who have lived in the 1st District for at least a year. Several West Side community activists and faith leaders have publicly expressed interest.

That includes Rev. Ira J. Acree, co-chair of the Leaders Network, a faith-based West Side social justice group and pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church; for mer 29th Ward alderperson candidate and Cook County Board president candidate Zerlina Smith-Members; Marshall Hatch Jr., head of West Garfield Park’s MAAFA Redemption Project; and Austin activist Claiborne Wade

Harmon stated he welcomes more applications.

“Anyone interested in applying to our committee for the appointment should submit a resume and a short cover letter signifying their interest and qualifications,” he said.

E. Bachus, Pastor

Friendship BAPTIST CHURCH

MCDONALD’S Neighbors have worries

from page 1

drive-thru. Cars would enter through the existing entrance at the southwest corner of the lot, and there would be 45 parking spaces along the lot’s perimeter. The drive-thru requires a Special Use permit, and the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals usually defers to local aldermen on whether to grant one.

During the meeting, several residents expressed concern about the drive-thru’s impact on traffic, both along North Avenue and the nearby residential streets, as well as noise and customers tossing garbage onto the street.

Dams said that McDonald’s would mitigate the noise. The drive-thru window would be facing North Avenue, and the site would be surrounded by a six-foot fence.

Beth Chlumecky was one of several neighbors who said she was worried not just about the customer cars, but the freight delivery trucks.

“Nobody wants a semi up and down the street, that damages the street. that damages the trees,” she said. “And that little section of traffic is a nightmare as it is. Adding a drive-thru is even more problematic [for] traffic in that area.”

Dams emphasized that the plans shared during the meeting are preliminary, and he would be willing to have another meeting to share more details. Taliafer ro said he will schedule another community meeting, which would include McDonald’s representatives, sometime in the next 1-2 weeks.

The site takes up most of the land between Narragansett Avenue and the spot where Ridgeland Avenue becomes Mobile Avenue. Cars traveling north tend to turn from Ridgeland to Narragansett. A bus turnaround used by Pace bus route 311 and some rush hour CTA Route 72/North buses is located on the west edge of the side, wrapping around a Dunkin Donuts location. To further complicate the situation, the lot is partially raised, because the ground slopes slightly east of Narraganset – which means that the developer is limited to the access point that’s already there.

The Walgreens was closed in early summer of 2015. It served as a COVID-19 testing site at the height of the pandemic, but, other than that, the site remained vacant. It ended up in foreclosure in 2022, and it was purchased in an auction by a company that, according to the Illinois Secretary of State data, is owned by executives at Manhattan-based Tokio Marine HCC insurance

company.

Dams said that his company has been working with the current owners to advertise the site for prospective tenants.

“We’ve been working on the site for the last 9-10 months, the interest that we had is auto parts, collision repair, a plasma donation center, a dollar store, not some of the things that we thought would work with the community,” he said.

Dams said that they couldn’t get any grocery tenants to open on a lot that size.

“The size of the building is currently 12,000 square feet, and most grocers are 30,000 square feet, and there’s not enough property to do a bigger-size building and have enough parking,” Dams said.

While they initially wanted to preserve the building, none of the prospective tenants were interested. McDonald’s, he said, has been the most promising possibility thus far.

“I don’t know what the feeling, the feedback [from the community] is for McDonald’s, but that’s what I’m here to get,” he said.” I’ll take all your questions, comments.”

Dams said the lease would be with McDonald’s, and it would be up to the fastfood chain to decide whether they operate a corporate-operated or franchised location.

“McDonald’s does it the right wa be a nice-looking building, all four sides,” he said. “The site lighting will all be cut of f at the property line, it doesn’t spill out to adjacent neighbors

The current zoning allows them to put in a restaurant by right, but dri quire a Special Use permit.

When asked about job opportunities local youth, Dams said that the “will be hiring 30-40 full-time employees.”

Athena Williams, a neighbor of the site as well as executive director of the Oak Park Re gional Housing Center, echoed other neighbors’ concerns, and questioned whether the area even needed a McDonald’s, saying that there are se

While there are currently no McDonald’s in Galewood itself, Austin as a whole has three – at 5133 W. North Madison St. and 5153 W. Chicago

Elmwood Park McDonald’s Galewood’s north border, at Ave., and the River Forest within easy driving distance lem Ave.

Dams responded that McDonald’s considers its locations carefully and studies what impact a new location the existing ones.

“Their study is very sophisticated, and their biggest concern is impacting the other stores,” he said.

Forest preserve volunteer explaining the di erent park trails and recreational sites in the Chicagoland area during the Foster Parent Recruitment Picnic in atcher Woods on May 20, 2023.

‘So you want to be a foster parent?’ Picnic was a primer

Child welfare agencies in need of loving foster families

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Those who have ever considered being a foster parent were welcomed to attend an informational picnic last weekend to learn more about taking the next step and being a welcoming, loving family for kids in need. The event took place in Thatcher Woods in River Forest.

The Chicagoland Foster Care Recruitment Collective’s Foster Parent Recruitment picnic was an opportunity for those who have felt the nudge towards being a foster parent to receive more information on the process in a low-pressure environment.

“Becoming a foster parent is not a decision people just wake up and decide to do, it is usually a long game,” said Nancy Silver, foster parent recruitment and support specialist at Hephzibah Children’s

¡BENEFICIOS A TU ALCANCE!

El Benefits Access Network ayuda para conectar a nuestros vecinos con beneficios alimentarios y médicos, como SNAP y Medicaid en Austin, Englewood y Lawndale. La asistencia es gratuita.

Esta institución es un proveedor y empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. Este proyecto se ha financiado en parte con fondos federales del Departamento de Agricultura de los EE.UU. El contenido de esta publicación no necesariamente refleja la opinión o las políticas del Departamento de Agricultura de los EE.UU, ni la mención de nombres comerciales, productos comerciales u organizaciones implica apoyo del gobierno de los EE.UU.

SARA JANZ

Association. “It can be a slow burn when you are just getting information and learning about the first steps. I think each time we build a little thing and see cer tain people come back and build moments and build support there.”

“Months of planning went into this event, so it was amazing to see it take off on Saturday,” said Emma Fojtick, intake and licensing supervisor at Hephzibah Children’s Association. “I can speak for every agency involved in the collective when I say that any opportunity for the community to lear n more about foster care is worthwhile. This is especially true when it gives current and/or for mer youth in care the platform to articulate their lived experiences in the system. This is my second collaborative recruitment event, and both times I’ve been incredibly moved and inspired by the stories of each panelist. Everyone in attendance came with open ears, curiosity, and a willingness to listen. I would have loved to see a larger turnout, but if this event leads to even one person becoming a foster parent or support to a youth in foster care, than I consider it to be a success.”

The free, family-friendly event included presentations on the licensing process, the criteria needed to foster in Illinois, informational tables, and agency representatives who provided additional information. There was also a panel of for mer foster care youth who talked about their experiences along with the importance of having a safe and supportive foster home in their lives.

The event was a collaborative ef fort

among members of the Chicagoland Foster Care Recruitment Collective, a group of social service agencies helping provide foster care and adoption services in the Chicago area including Oak Park-based Hephzibah Children’s Association, Kaleidoscope, Kids Above All, Lawrence Hall, Little City, Our Children’s Homestead, SOS Illinois, and UCAN

Fojtik said having all the agencies under one roof allowed for people to gather information quicker rather than having to reach out to each individually.

“If you have ever wanted to be a foster parent you can learn about the next step and where to go from there,” Fojtik said.

A goal of this event was to raise awareness and encourage others to look into fostering and drawing back the curtains on a need that is often not spoken about. Silver said the world of fostering, and the needs of children in the foster care system, is oftentimes misunderstood, which gives space for events like these to bring some understanding.

“You can see movies and shows and about foster care but there many opportunities to engage in the foster care Fojtik said, “Fostering is really a life changing experience and it shakes up your d and it is important go through agency that you are connected with.” for foster parents is crucial, said Silver. According to the press release by Kaleidoscope with data from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, as of April 30 of this year, there were 20,448 children ages zero to 21 years old in the Illinois’ child welfare system.

Community Needs Community Journalism

SARA JANZ

“There is a huge need for additional loving people to open their homes to kids in need,” Silver said. “You can talk to any agency in the country and they will tell you the same thing, which is that we need more foster parents. Frankly speaking there aren’t enough homes for the kids who need homes.”

Children play ing with dogs during the Foster Parent Recruitment Picnic on May 20, 2023.

BRANDON JOHNSON Always a West Sider

from page 1

He and other community leaders organized the May 20 event to give Austinites a chance to celebrate Johnson’s election and to encourage West Siders to stay involved in politics and turn out for elections in 2024.

Johnson said that, while he seeks to represent all of Chicago, the West Side will always be important to him and that his ef for ts will require support from the community. Local community leaders in attendance said they thought Johnson would prove to be more accessible and look ed fo rward to the changes he would bring.

In his speech at the event, Davis said his purpose was two-fold – to give Austinites who couldn’t make the May 15 inauguration ceremony a chance to celebrate their neighbor’s ascension to City Hall, and to rally the community to support Johnson in the challenging times ahead.

“Some folks couldn’t get to the 12,000 [person] stadium event the other day,” he said. “We decided we wanted to do something a little different. We knew we have a great mayor, but we also know that no mayor can change all those things they need to change by themselves.”

After Johnson arrived, Davis introduced

him to stay true to his past record.

“We demand nothing but that you be Brandon,” he said. “Pledge to make every ef fort you can make to turn this city upside down.”

Throughout the event, Davis emphasized the importance of voting in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, specially erlook

General Assembly and judicial races. He brought out Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham to speak about her experience and the importance of electing Black candidates. She was appointed to replace retired Justice Anne Burke effective Dec. 1, 2022, and will be facing her first election in 2024 for a chance to ser ve out the remainder of Burke’s term, which will expire in 2028.

“I can tell you – several cases that came before the court I’m certain would’ve been [decided] differently if I wasn’t there,” Cunningham said. “Mayor, I’m going to be praying for you every night, because you have a big job.”

Before Johnson took his turn at the mic, officials honored Joe Grier, a long-time employee at Victory, a trophy and award plaque manufacturer based in North Austin. Grier turned 98 earlier this month. Davis touted the fact that his age doesn’t stop him from sometimes working seven days a week.

“We want to just present him with this plaque as a recognition of his own longevity, of his own tenacity, and even inspiration, ” he said.

While Grier didn’t directly comment on Johnson’s election, he said that “God kept me alive to see many things during my life.”

“I am a happy person,” he reflected. “I stay happy. I turn adversity into happiness.”

Johnson praised Davis as a leader whose

“leadership will certainly live on longer than the brother who just had his 89th birthday,” before turning his attention to the crowd in the pews.

“Thank you all for being the best side of the City of Chicago,” he said. “Now, you know I’m going to represent the interests of every single person in the city but make no mistake – I was tried and true on the West Side.”

Johnson touched on the West Side role in the civil rights struggle, specifically mentioning Marin Luther King Jr.’s protests against housing inequity and discrimination in North Lawndale, and Fred Hampton’s activism. He credited the youth with his victory in the runof f election, saying that was going to be “the same energy we’re going to need” to ensure that every part of Chicago has fully funded public schools, quality housing and access to good jobs

Johnson added that there’s one kind of change he doesn’t want to see.

“I want to make this very clear – just because the mayor lives in Austin, on the West Side ... they’re not going to g entrify my people,” he said.

T he mayor also touched on public safety, describing Chicago police officer Areanah Preston, who was killed on the night of May 6 while on her way home, as re presenting the best of the police force who didn’t f all back on the “authority of the badge” and eng aged with the community.

“It’s going to require all of us to partner up, so that the children of Chicago can ride their bikes to school without g etting injured and killed,” Johnson said.

He concluded his speech by saying that he was “proud to be the 57th mayor of Chicago, right here on the West Side.”

Deondre Rutues, for mer 37th Ward candidate who currently serves on the 15th Police District council and works on improving community-police relations as part of the Neighborhood Policing Project, felt that Johnson success was an inspiration to Black men, especially young men, who might not have many role models.

Angelica Green, a 25th Police District Council member, said the event was one of the signs of how accessible Johnson will be as mayor.

“He’s letting people know he’s within arm’s reach, and it’s a beautiful thing,” she said.

Lee Redmond, for mer vice president of the South Austin Neighborhood Association, said he was optimistic.

“All I got to say is that we’re very hopeful and inspired, and we’re looking forward to the new leadership,” he said.

TODD A. BANNOR

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Pastor Lajuan Whit eld Sr. and Congressman Danny Davis at an event celebrating the new mayor’s rst week in o ce at New Life Holiness Church on Saturday May 20, 2023.

TODD A. BANNOR

Mayor Brandon Johnson promised to battle West Side ge ntri cation.

AUTO SERVICES

TOWING

First

TOWING

NO TIRES - NO TITLE - NO PROBLEM!

Keep

CALL MELVIN 773-203-2665

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE

INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO

Sealed proposals, endorsed as above, will be submitted back to the District via an electronic upload to the Bonfire Portal only, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to 11:00 A.M. (Chicago time), on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly as described in the Invitation to Bid by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or designee at 11:00 AM on the stated bid opening date below for:

CONTRACT 23-106-22

REFRIGERATION

IMPROVEMENTS AT THE CALUMET AND EGAN WATER RECLAMATION PLANTS (RE-BID)

Estimated Cost: $365,000.00

Bid Deposit: $18,250.00

Bid Opening: June 6, 2023

Voluntary Technical Pre-Bid Conference via ZOOM: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 10:00 am CST.

Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance Revised Appendix D, Appendix V and the Multi Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract.

The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/or service can be found on the District’s website, www.mwrd. ; the path is as follows: Doing

à Procurement and Materials Management à Contract Announcements. Specifications, proposal forms and/or plans may be obtained from the Department of Procurement and Materials Management by downloading online from the District’s webwww.mwrd.org (Doing

OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT -

CHANCERY DIVISION

MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC

Plaintiff, -v.JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR BESSIE HARRIS, NANNETTE HARRIS, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, FIRST FINANCIAL INVESTMENT FUND V, LLC, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF BESSIE HARRIS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants 2019 CH 12431 4703 WEST JACKSON BOULEVARD 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 March 23, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 26, 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 4703 WEST JACKSON BOULEVARD, CHICAGO, IL 60644

Property Index No. 16-15-112-0200000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

CLASSICS

CLASSICS

à Procurement & Materials Management à Contract Announcements). No fee is required for the Contract Documents. Any questions regarding the downloading of the Contract Document should be directed to the following contractdesk@mwrd.org or 312-751-6643

All Contracts for the Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1 et.seq.), where it is stated in the Invitation to Bid Page. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if deemed in the public’s best interest.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation

District of Greater Chicago

By Darlene A. LoCascio

Director

of Procurement and Materials Management

Published in Austin Weekly News May 24, 2023

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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 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) 236-

SALE

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. 14-22-08305

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2019 CH 12431

TJSC#: 43-1319

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 # 2019 CH 12431

I3219285

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT -

CHANCERY DIVISION

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS

ACCREDITED MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-1, ASSET-BACKED NOTES

Plaintiff, vs. DAVID COWART, CHARLOTTE L. HAYWOOD AKA

CHARLOTTE HAYWOOD, LVNV

FUNDING LLC, UNKNOWN

OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants, 15 CH 192

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, June 21, 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. 16-08-225-006-0000.

Commonly known as 5829 West Midway Park, Chicago, IL 60644. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a 6 units or less 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. SPS000626-20FC1

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3220029

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT -

CHANCERY DIVISION

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Plaintiff, -v.-

UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES OF WILLIE J. FOX, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE, ON BEHALF OF WILLIE J. FOX, VICTORIA FOX-LEE, VICTOR J. FOX, BERNICE HARRIS-FOX, WILLIE J. FOX, JR., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

2022 CH 01723

615 N. TRUMBULL AVENUE

CHICAGO, IL 60624

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 9, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 13, 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 615 N. TRUMBULL AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60624

Property Index No. 16-11-211-016-

0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $148,516.10.

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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 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 JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 22 9159 .

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.

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com

Attorney File No. 22 9159

Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2022 CH 01723

TJSC#: 43-1256

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 # 2022 CH 01723

I3219482

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

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC

D/B/A MR. COOPER Plaintiff, -v.-

WILLIE JOHNSON, UNITED STATES OF AMERICADEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF CHICAGO, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

2018 CH 14894 1908 SOUTH HOMAN AVENUE

CHICAGO, IL 60623

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 25, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 13, 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 1908 SOUTH HOMAN AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60623

Property Index No. 16-23-418-0370000

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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 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. 14-18-12927

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2018 CH 14894

TJSC#: 43-1827

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 # 2018 CH 14894 I3219925

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, IN TRUST FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LONG BEACH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-11 ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-11 Plaintiff, -v.VICTORIA HILDRETH Defendants 2019 CH 01957 4318 W. CULLERTON STREET CHICAGO, IL 60623

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 30, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 15, 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 4318 W CULLERTON STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60623

Property Index No. 16-22-414-0150000

The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The judgment amount was $271,149.96.

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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 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 JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 19 6908.

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. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com

Attorney File No. 19 6908

Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2019 CH 01957

TJSC#: 43-1800

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 # 2019 CH 01957

I3219755

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

HSBC BANK, USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2005-AG1, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES Plaintiff, -v.-

TRACEY JACKSON A/K/A TRACEY

L. JACKSON, 3235 WEST WARREN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS

Defendants

22 CH 7186

3235 WEST WARREN BOULEVARD #3 CHICAGO, IL 60624

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 6, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 20, 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 3235 WEST WARREN BOULEVARD #3, CHICAGO, IL 60624

Property Index No. 16-11-415-0951003

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $142,666.68.

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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 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 The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 22-096783. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

SALE

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

LOGS Legal Group LLP

2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015

847-291-1717

E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com

Attorney File No. 22-096783

Attorney Code. 42168

Case Number: 22 CH 7186

TJSC#: 43-1640

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 7186

I3219658

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

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC

Plaintiff, -v.-

DORTHA J. SPENCER, UNKNOWN

HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF BARBARA SPENCER, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, BRANDY SHUMATE, GERALD NORDGREN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR BARBARA SPENCER (DECEASED)

Defendants

2022 CH 06687

5934 W ERIE ST 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 March 27, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 29, 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 5934 W ERIE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60644

Property Index No. 16-08-208-025-

0000

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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 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) 794-

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

SALE

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. 14-22-05079

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2022 CH 06687

TJSC#: 43-1459

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 # 2022 CH 06687 I3219715

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC

Plaintiff, -v.-

SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF COZETTA CARTER, JOZETTE CARTER A/K/A JOZETTA CARTER, JOHN LYDON, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF COZETTA CARTER, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

19 CH 13020 203 N LOREL AVENUE 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 April 3, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 7, 2023, at The Judicial Sales

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

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 203 N LOREL AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60644

Property Index No. 16-09-311-0110000

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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 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.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. 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.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC

One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088

E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com

Attorney File No. 22-10469IL_807153

Attorney Code. 61256

Case Number: 19 CH 13020

TJSC#: 43-1580

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 13020 I3220862

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION US BANK NA SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2005-HE10, ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-HE10; Plaintiff, vs. AAFRIKA HATCHETT; STEVEN HATCHETT; ONEMAIN

FINANCIAL OF ILLINOIS INC., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO AMERICAN GENERAL FINANCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS INC., ILLINOIS HOUSING

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN TENANTS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants,

18 CH 10282

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, June 27, 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. 16-23-321-022-0000.

Commonly known as 1908 South Ridgeway Ave., Chicago, IL 60623. The mortgaged real estate is vacant land.

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. SPS001138-21FC2

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3220511

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 OF CSMC 2021-RPL7 TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. NORMA HERNANDEZ; NICOLAS HERNANDEZ; UNKNOWN

OWNERS, GENERALLY AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 8903

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, June 27, 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. 16-27-231-007-0000.

Commonly known as 4361 W 25th Pl, Chicago, IL 60623.

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. SL SPS001637-22fc1

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at:

1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

64

Just last week

Across the 5 flags of Growing Community Media News. Sports. Business. Real estate. Features. Faith. Every story written by one of our reporters or dedicated freelancers. Stacey Sheridan. Bob Uphues. Igor Studenkov. Amaris Rodriguez. Francia Garcia Hernandez. Bob Skolnik. Lacey Sikora. Melvin Tate. Bill Stone. Jessica Mackinnon. Tom Holmes. James Porter. Jill Wagner. Kelly Pollock. Jackie Pisano.

Every story local to your hometown.

Growing Green 2023

Nurturing Small Businesses to Thrive and Grow.

Amanda Daly Owner | The Daly Bagel

When I was looking for a small business loan, people kept telling me to talk to FPB. After just one meeting, I completely understood what they meant.”

Forest Park Bank

Makes it Possible.

When it comes to community, Forest Park Bank stands with you.

Becoming Illinois’ rst ‘green dining hub’

A collaboration of three organizations, including Oak Park’s Takeout25

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Local restaurants across the Greater West Side – city and near west suburbs -- have risen to the voluntary challenge of becoming Illinois’ first “green dining hub.” The program is supposed to roll out in earnest this summer, but so far, 12 restaurants and counting have committed to altering operations to become part of an environmentally sustainable restaurant eco-system.

One of those restaurants, the Daly Bagel, signed on to the initiative last October after hearing about it at a meeting of Takeout 25, an Oak Park-based nonprofit that supports local restaurants and other food establishments started by the sustainability-minded Oak Park village trustee, Ravi Parakkat.

Since then, Daly Bagel co-owners Adrienne Guldin and Amanda Daly attest the greening process has been smooth, interesting and relatively easy at the bakery, 130 Chicago Ave. This was a pleasant surprise for the two, who initially felt a little overwhelmed at the prospect of what going green could entail.

“We’re already so strapped for time,” said Daly. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, what are we getting ourselves into?’ but I have to say it has been so painless.”

This, according to Daly and Guldin, is in large part because of Cassie Carroll, founder of the Illinoi Green Business Association and program director of the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The two organizations teamed up to create the Illinois Green Business Program, which provides technical assistance and cost-saving energy efficiency opportunities to businesses

Carroll connected with Parakkat and Takeout 25 through staff at the Village of Oak Park Village staffers had reached out to Carroll initially as part of it Climate Ready Oak Park climate change plan to explore what a green business program might look like for the village From there, her collaboration with Parakkat was born, according to Carroll.

“We thought it would be a great opportunity to help restaurants, especially because they were some of

1965 W Pershing Rd Chicago, IL 60609 | AILEYSOLAR.COM

1965 W Pershing Rd Chicago, IL 60609 | AILEYSOLAR.COM

1965 W Pershing Rd Chicago, IL 60609 | AILEYSOLAR.COM

Ailey Solar is a local, full-service solar PV designer & installer. We have installed 700+ solar systems for Chicagoland residential and commercial customers since 2011. We provide FREE and easy consultations so you can learn how simple and affordable solar can be for you or your business.

Ailey Solar is a local, full-service solar PV designer & installer. We have installed 700+ solar systems for Chicagoland residential and commercial customers since 2011. We provide FREE and easy consultations so you can learn how simple and affordable solar can be for you or your business.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO SOLAR NOW!

WHY YOU SHOULD GO SOLAR NOW!

WHY YOU SHOULD GO SOLAR NOW!

30% Federal Tax Credit

30% Federal Tax Credit

30% Federal Tax Credit

30% Federal Tax Credit

State Renewable Energy Credit (SREC)

Estimated to be an additional 25-40% of the system cost, paid out to homeowners in a lump sum.

State Renewable Energy Credit (SREC)

State Renewable Energy Credit (SREC)

State Renewable Energy Credit (SREC)

Estimated to be an additional 25-40% of the system cost, paid out to homeowners in a lump sum.

Estimated to be an additional 25-40% of the system cost, paid out to homeowners in a lump sum.

Estimated to be an additional 25-40% of the system cost, paid out to homeowners in a lump sum.

Real Savings in Owning Your Power

The cost and demand for electricity is going UP. Over the course of 20 years the average homeowner can save over $20,000 by going solar compared to just “renting” energy from their utility.

Real Savings in Owning Your Power

Real Savings in Owning Your Power

Real Savings in Owning Your Power

The cost and demand for electricity is going UP. Over the course of 20 years the average homeowner can save over $20,000 by going solar compared to just “renting” energy from their utility.

The cost and demand for electricity is going UP. Over the course of 20 years the average homeowner can save over $20,000 by going solar compared to just “renting” energy from their utility.

The cost and demand for electricity is going UP. Over the course of 20 years the average homeowner can save over $20,000 by going solar compared to just “renting” energy from their utility.

Ailey

Ailey Solar holds the

is an REC Certified Solar Professional Installer and Tesla EV charger installer.

certifications from

Ailey Solar holds the highest industry certifications from

Ailey Solar holds the highest industry certifications from NABCEP

Ailey is an REC Certified Solar Professional Installer and Tesla EV charger installer.

Ailey

Ailey is an REC Certified Solar Professional Installer and Tesla EV charger installer.

Contact us to see how much you can save!

GREEN DINING

A dozen sign up from page B3

the hardest hit during the pandemic, really connect to the energy and cost saving opportunities,” said Carroll. “But then bring sustainability practices to the broader community and ultimately provide greener dining experiences for those in the region.”

To do this, Carroll and her team assess the participating food businesses based on a set of standards, gauging their ener tion and waste and cycling methods, among other areas. Based on how the businesses measure up against the standards, Carroll dev plans for improvement, tailored to each businesses’ needs and limitations Essentially, Carroll the heavy lifting.

For the Daly Bagel, tha meant such suggestions as switching refrigerator to reduce yearly ener costs. Carroll, accordin to Guldin and Daly, provided a list of ommended refrigerator models at different price points and where to buy them.

“She’s doing the consumer reporting and the stuff that we would really like to be able to have the time to do,” said Guldin Carroll and her team understand the individual limitations of businesses and help to find workarounds to offset the environmental and financial impacts associated with certain fixed variables. This includes the massive oven used at the Daly Bagel, which was built in the 1930s for baking bagels

“Because of the nature of what we do, we

can’t change this oven,” said Daly. “This is an oven that is specifically built for what we do, and they haven’t changed the design in nearly 100 years.”

The experience has been so positive for Daly Bagel, the co-owners have been encouraging their peers to sign on to the initiative, which was changed from being a green dining district to a hub, representative of the several municipalities Takeout 25 works within. Food businesses generally want to employ more sustainable practices, according to Daly, but owners often don’t have the know-how or the resources to implement them.

“Our time and our mental energy are already spread so thin, the thought of taking on something, that on the surface appears to be a lot of work, can be a deterrent,” said Daly.

Carroll is something of a green fairy godmother, stepping in and solving problems for food businesses, then returning annually to make sure things still run smoothly. And to help assist the businesses in making these investments, Takeout 25 is putting $25,000 toward the effort if 25 businesses commit.

“It’s not just talk; we are putting our money where our mouth is,” said Parakkat, who is in the process of mobilizing financial sponsors.

And it’s not too late to get involved. Beyond taking active steps to address climate change, the intent is to get as many food businesses on board as possible to make the Greater West Side a dining destination, attracting customers throughout the greater metropolitan area. Carroll and Parakkat are excited to help make that a reality

“We look forward to helping more restaurants within the community really go green,” said Carroll.

JAVIER GOVEA

Amanda Daly show ing the oven used for baking bagels.

A snapshot of environmental burdens in Austin, West Side

Austin residents are dispropor tionately exposed to environmental pollution

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

In the city of Chicago, historic redlining, disinvestment and the effects of past and current zoning laws, have disproportionately exposed South and West Side residents to pollution. On the West Side, Austin residents live close to sources of pollution that may increase their risk of chronic disease. In 2020, the city’s department of public health found that air pollution disproportionately affects Austin, among other south and west side communities. Due to its proximity to major high-

ways and industrial corridors, there are higher levels of pollutants like particulate matter and ozone in the air.

As a result, Austin residents are at higher risk of health issues like lung irritation, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, asthma, cancer, and early death. The city estimates 5% of premature deaths in Chicago each year can be attributed to exposure to particulate matter

“The Austin area is an overburdened community,” said Michael Cailas, associate professor of environmental and occupation health sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Cailas is part of a group of researchers from the university who study disparities in environmental pollution in Chicago. As part of the research titled “Proximity to environmental health hazards in Chicago,” in 2022 they published an interactive map where residents can easily visualize hazardous sources close to a specific location. Considering that children are a vulnerable population, Chicago Public Schools are identified on the map so residents can see what hazardous sources are near a school and how close they are.

MICHAEL C AILAS

Associate professor of environmental and occupation health sciences at

University of Illinois Chicago.

Lavergne Avenue, there are five industrial facilities that release toxic chemicals, including lead and lead compounds, and four brownfields. Lead is known to be a carcinogen, however more research is required to determine if the quantity released is sufficient to pose a health threat to students near facilities that release it Yet, it is known that industrial facilities often increase heavy traffic in the area, worsening air quality due to vehicle emissions. According to the city of Chicago’s 2020 report, diesel particulate matter is more prevalent

For example, in a mile radius of Spencer Technology Academy, located at 214 N.

See WEST SIDE on pa ge B8

North Austin Communit y Center was built on site of an abandoned paint factory.

“The Austin area is an overburdened community.”

the

Keep Your Trees Healthy and Beautiful with

Few tree specialists know the trees of the Near West Chicago Suburbs as well as we do. That’s why so many residents and businesses—including many parks, municipalities, schools, universities, and commercial properties—call on Davis for tree service. Healthy, beautiful trees not only enhance the look of your property, but its value as well.

From large scale urban forest management to the oak tree in your backyard, you can expect the same expertise, attention and care that we have shown since 1955. Call us for a free evaluation and quote.

Plant

Stress

WEST SIDE Burden of pollution

from page B6

in areas with significant traffic and industry. Railyards also increase the presence of particulate matter in the air.

The Environmental Protection Agency requires certain industrial facilities that generate toxic chemicals to report how much of each chemical they manage or release to the air, water or land. According to the federal environmental agency, toxic chemicals are those that cause cancer, chronic health effects, severe immediate health effects and adverse damage to the environment. The information is compiled in the Toxic Release Inventory, which was used to include industrial facilities that release toxic chemicals in the interactive map.

Brownfields are commercial, industrial or abandoned properties with actual or perceived contamination that have potential to be redeveloped. However, the potential presence of one or several contaminants on these properties usually means brownfields remain abandoned as cleanup

tends to be expensive and complex.

The recently inaugurated North Austin Community Center is located on the site of the for mer Glidden paint factory,

a brownfield. The presence of xylene and other toxic substances almost doubled the cleanup costs and delayed the construction process of the new education and sports

facility, said Andraya Yousfi. Yousfi is the manager of partnerships and development at By The Hand Club, one of the organizations which purchased and redeveloped the site that had been abandoned for 40 years. The benefits to the community outweigh the lengthy and costly cleanup, she said. In years past, residents and environmental justice organizers in areas like Little Village and McKinley Park have opposed known polluting companies like metal shredders and asphalt mixing plants from operating in their neighborhoods for environmental and health concerns.

Austin residents can utilize data to urge local government and policymakers to evaluate environmental and health data when making development decisions. Last year, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development ruled the city violated residents’ civil rights by deliberately placing heavy industry facilities in industrial corridors largely concentrated in the city’s predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods. The ruling came after a two-year long investigation started after three environmental groups on the Southeast side of Chicago filed a complaint to prevent a metal-scrapping facility from opening in the area.

FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ

Parks like LaFollette Park, 1333 N. Laramie Ave., are in proximity to indust rial facilities that release regulated chemicals.

From soap bottles to plastic benches, Austin artists grow jobs

Project employs locals, teaches skills that can translate into jobs

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

It all started with a chance meeting.

The Happy Returns art studio and Alt_Chicago (pronounced “Alt Space Chicago), a nonprofit that seeks to improve communities like Austin through art, both operate out of the basement of an Austin loft studio building at 5339 W. Lake St. One day, around two years ago, Happy Returns co-directors Tom Burtonwood and Cody Norman ran into alt_chicago co-founder Jon Veal in a hallway. They talked about their mutual interest in creating something that supports the community around them, combats harmful narratives and improves environmental sustainability.

That conversation led to the creation of Redemptive Plastics. The project hired a mix of West Side residents and people from elsewhere in the city to melt down used laundry detergent containers, forge them into plastic “beams” and use those beams to make benches. Their goal is relatively modest to build three benches in public locations around the Central/Lake Line el station – with the benches scheduled to be installed and un in early June. But in the long run, the project hopes to continue making more benches, training more local residents as they go.

Norman and Burtonwood decided to launch Happy Returns in 2020, and they decided to mo to that building because Burtonwood was alread familiar with it – he had a studio there in 20162017. By that point, Norman and his wife moved

to Oak Park, near Austin Boulevard, and he appreciated having a studio he could easily bike to.

Veal was an Austin native, and fellow Alt_Chicago cofounder Jordan Campbell worked as a substitute teacher at Austin College and Career Academy high school, 231 N. Pine Ave. Veal previously told this newspaper that they wanted to “reframe the narrative, the narrative of disinvestment, the narrave of negativity” on the est and South sides, as ell as to inspire people to take control of their destiny by “taking ownership our community.”

Norman recalled that one of the things they talkabout in the hallway was the lingering impact plastic waste, which oesn’t break down easily. hey kept talking about it “since probably 2021” and developed the idea by early 2022. A $65,000 grant from the Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Foundation’s E(art)H Chicago program helped

to kickstart the project in July of that year.

Alt_Chicago CEO Curry Greene said their goal was threefold – to reduce plastic waste, provide employment opportunities for local residents and address a major symptom of disinvestment in communities like Austin.

“One of the signs of disinvestment in the community is trash [on the ground],” she said, adding that “it isn’t that the community itself is dirty” – it’s that there are fewer garbage cans on the streets people can throw trash into Greene said they originally thought they would have to pick up laundry containers of f the street – but it turned out that laundromats welcomed someone taking the used containers off their hands. After all, she said, hauling waste costs them money

“Now, we’re inundated with plastics every week,” she said. Workers cut them apart and thoroughly clean them of any detergent residue. The large pieces are then sliced into tiny pieces, and those pieces are mixed together, melted down and poured into a mold that creates board-like plastic beams. They then use those beams to make benches. Happy Retur ns and Alt_Chicago spaces are close to each other, and work is spread across both.

“It’s a true collaboration,” Norman said. “The only thing that’s separating us is a hallway.”

For the first cohort, they hired 10 people. About two-thirds of them came from either Austin or another West Side neighborhood. Greene said they used their networks to try to get the word out.

Alt_Chicago CEO Curry Greene (le ) and Cody Norman.

IGOR STUDENKOV

Cody Norman shows a beam being made out of melted-down laundry detergent containers.

See BENCHES on pa ge B11

Sustainable investing could help you invest for positive change while staying focused on pursuing competitive financial returns.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Reilly, Unglaub and Burke

2021 Spring Rd. Ste. 700

Oak Brook, IL 60523

630.954.6261

www.fa.ml.com/ReillyUnglaubAndBurke

Impact investing and/or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) managers may take into consideration factors beyond traditional financial information to select securities, which could result in relative investment performance deviating from other strategies or broad market benchmarks, depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. Further, ESG strategies may rely on certain values-based criteria to eliminate exposures found in similar strategies or broad market benchmarks, which could also result in relative investment performance deviating.

BENCHES

Recycled plastic

from page B9

“It was really important to Jon that we offer jobs to people who live in the community,” she said. “We really need jobs here, so it was really important to him and for all of us to offer jobs. We [recruited] heavily in the Austin community, we had a workshop back in October, just inviting people to see the process and sign up as part of the cohort.”

Norman said they train the members of the group. While the first cohort will only work through the end of spring, the hope is that the skills and experience will help them find jobs elsewhere, or work on their own art projects.

Greene said they wouldn’t start the search for a new cohort until later this summer, but anyone interested can apply by filling out the volunteer interest form on the project website and noting they want to be hired in the message field

The benches will be installed at the Aus-

tin branch library, 5615 W. Race Ave., Harambee Community Garden, 5701 W. Midway Park, and a privately owned vacant lot at 327 N. Waller Ave. Redemptive Plastics will hold a grand opening event.

From there, Redemptive Plastics plans to continue making benches, and they are considering other uses for the beams, such as fences and even school rulers. They have even been toying with the idea of making a whole playground out of recycled plastic.

As the interview concluded, Green and Norman made a point to mention someone who wouldn’t be there for the festivities. Veal passed away suddenly on Dec. 21, 2022.

“He was a huge part in the [project’s conception], coming up with the name, Redemptive Plastics, and the vision of the project,” Greene said. “It was a huge loss for us, and we’re committed to continue this vision and staying true to his values.”

Those values, Norman said, are “thinking about the community, and sustainability in the community” and making sure that the community has meaningful input on anything they do.

“We just want to make sure that the West Side gets the oppor tunities,” he added.

IGOR STUDENKOV

Alt_Chicago Joseph Campbell, Tom Burtonwood and Cody Norman

“We just want to make sure that the West Side gets the opportunities.”

CO DY NORMAN Austin artist

How Manolo Avalos’ trip to Egypt brought climate change home

OPRF student joined UN climate conference and keeps focus on local level

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

While getting to travel halfway across the world to attend one of the largest conferences on climate change, a local student says it is the changes that we make on a local level that can make a difference.

Manolo Avalos, 17, attended the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 held in November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. He made that trip along with other students from the Chicagoland area who participated in the Seven Generations Ahead youth-driven project, It’s Our Future.

The junior at Oak Park and River Forest High School said he was dedicated to addressing issues surrounding climate change that his generation has inherited, saying that the consequences of passiveness will be grave.

“We are going to be dealing with it,” Avalos said. “Sorry to be blunt towards the old generations but they have frankly done nothing or a poor job. We will see cities, villages, wiped out because of sea levels rising, flooding, and that is just one of the reasons why we should care and act and educate ourselves. That is a barrier with some people, especially with topics such as recycling and composting, education is key.”

For Avalos the interest in environmental issues began in his seventh-grade science class at Roosevelt Middle School, 7560 Oak Ave., River Forest, where his science teacher raised trout in class to release into the wild.

“That really got me interested,” Avalos said. “Just watching it during class, when we weren’ t taking care of it, he had us put in a lot of work but it was for a good purpose, releasing it afterwards.”

At OPRF, Avalos got involved in the OPRF Sustainability Committee, which helped create the high school’s ambitious sustainability plan, which is currently being implemented. Avalos also got involved in the environmental club at OPRF

Cindy Wong, OPRF Environmental Club

Sponsor, said Avalos, is the president of the environmental club.

“He is the type of kid that just goes for it, he is not afraid of the red tape or people possibly saying no, if there is something on his mind that he feels is an issue, he goes for it,” Wong said. “Rarely do I see

kids who have that sort of initiative.”

That initiative to be active in finding solutions to the climate crisis has long been with Avalos, who not only participated in clean ups but also joined It’s Our Future when he was in the eighth grade. The program was developed by Seven Generations Ahead with the help of local community partners as well as Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, Chicago Climate Youth Coalition, Sunrise Chicago, and The River Forest Sustainability Commission among others.

It was through It’s Out Future that Avalos attended the biggest climate change conference, COP 27.

Gary Cuneen, founder of Seven Generations Ahead, said the program received support from the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation along with the Lumpkin Foundation to help send participating students to the conference after receiving approval from the United Nations to be an official observer of the conference.

Cuneen said a major goal of the program is to send Chicagoland youth who might not otherwise have exposure to the conversations surrounding climate change.

“Now we are expanding to new communities, to make sure that youth of color and some low to moderate income youth have the opportunity to participate in the COP experience as well as other students,” Cuneen said. “This project gives us the opportunity to expose high school students to the largest conference in the world that is attempting to deal with the climate crisis.

It is a life changing experience; all the students say it.”

With over 200 countries participating in the conference, students were able to hear important dialogue and learn more on how certain actions from more affluent countries are impacting others across the globe.

“A big part [of this year] was loss and damage, where they talked about how a lot of rich countries, like the United States, are causing the damage but we are not paying it forward to more lower-income countries that don’t have the resources to combat that issue,” Avalos said.

Being able to go to Egypt was a phenomenal experience, said Avalos, adding every

DAVID SAT TLER

Manolo Avalos

day they were exposed to different panels as well as sessions by key leaders in the world of climate change advocacy, including John Kerry, U.S Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, who gave the closing statement at COP27.

Avalos said a highlight of the conference was speaking with Dr. Katharine Hayhoy, a climate scientist and professor at Texas Tech University, who said something that will stick with him forever.

“She said we have to connect our hearts to our hands,” Avalos said. “I think a lot of people in Oak Park and River Forest, and I would argue across the country, we know what is happening, we are feeling the impacts, or hearing it on the news…the hands part, that comes in by educating and taking small steps to make a difference.”

While learning and coming face-to-face with issues surrounding climate change can be overwhelming for many, including himself, Avalos said the best way to combat the information anxiety is to take action.

“I need to get my hands dirty and start acting,” Avalos said.

These opportunities give students a chance to see issues from outside the perspective of Oak Park, said Wong.

“The number one thing is perspective. We, here in Oak Park and River Forest, I

Growing Green 2023

think that we are a little bit cuddled. We have leaders here, at the school level, at the village level that are very environmentally focused,” Wong said. “But when you look outside globally, that level of support is not there…so for them to go to a conference with such a global perspective, they get to see [that].”

Being able to expose students to the conversations happening around the world re garding the climate crisis opens up their minds to how they can help on a local level, said Cuneen.

“It gives them an opportunity to see what other people are doing, to learn from other leaders and hopefully [it] gives them a leg up moving forward on developing their interest, and potentially professional interest, in relationship to sustainability and climate and equity,” Cuneen said. “As you know, climate and equity go hand-inhand.”

Avalos said he has walked away with a stronger passion for change at a local level, saying it is often more doable and reachable, and important.

“Local actions are easier to convince mayors, like in Oak Park and River Forest, and others, than working on the federal level,” Avalos said. “While there are big federal groups that are lobbying, that is really hard.”

DAVID SAT TLER

OPRF student Manolo Avalos (center) talking to Al Gore while attending the COP27 event.

“I need to get my hands dir ty and start acting.”

M ANOLO AVALOS OPRF student

Talking trash: composting in Proviso

Grant funds food waste alternatives in three school districts

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Looking to create a more sustainable and climate conscious community, three Proviso communities, Bellwood, Maywood, and the Lindop school district, are working alongside Seven Generations Ahead, to make composting a part of daily life.

Seven Generations Ahead SGA, dedicated to building healthy and sustainable communities, co-developed The Cross Community Climate Collaborative C4 with the Urban Efficiency Group and the mayors of River Forest, Oak Park, and Broadview to help bring together minority and non-minority communities to achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions and other equity and sustainability goals. Currently, C4 helps support 14 disinvested and under resourced communities in the state of Illinois.

ready implemented composting to see what they would be able to make work at D92.

Additionally, D92 would like to figure out a plan to be able to redirect food that is still able to be consumed and give back to community members who might be experiencing food insecurity.

“It was very enlightening to hear that some schools were already doing this and they have ways to make the food available to people who might not have it,” Jackson said.

In response to the element of composing, Jackson said it will be a learning tool for the community, so its inception beginning in schools where students will be able to directly learn about the benefits makes sense

JANIECE JACKSON

As part of their work, the collaborative submitted a project for a USDA grant via their composting and waste reduction grant program, which provides funding for municipal programs serving residents as well as programs serving K-12 schools. Fo the grant, SGA will be workin with Broadview, Bellwood, and Maywood to help implement food scrap collection residential program as well as provide community education on recyclin and composting, which will be showcased through their SGA’ Zero Waste Schools program.

The two-year $300,000 grant was awarded in February 2023.

“I think Proviso Township is really taking the lead on that and to partner with the school districts is the way to go,” Jackson said. “We are educating our students and we need to be on the forefront of that but also making sure their health is good and the environment is good and how important it is for us to stay on top of that.”

GARY CUNEEN

According to Gary Cuneen, SGA’s director, the program will help organize zero waste teams in schools for Bellwood School District 88, Maywood District 89, and Lindop School District 92. They will be working with faculty, school administrators, custodial and food service staf f along with students to eliminate waste sources, increase recycling, and divert food scraps from the landfill by collecting them and taking them to a composting site.

Dr. Janiece Jackson, superintendent of Lindop School District 92, said the district was looking into different ways to be able to address different food issues they have seen, including food waste. Jackson said the district is currently focusing on touring other school districts which have al-

“We will be working with their municipal governments to analyze their hauling contracts to support provisions that build in food scrap diversion and collection and to design educational components to the programs so that residents are educated on

See COMPOSTING on pa ge B17

Over

Ruby Blair

Martha Murphy Sharon Unick Isaac Jordan Shalena Thomas

Denise Espinosa

Denise Sacks Michele Strimaitis

Cynthia Howe Gajewski

Karen Baldwin Debra Rachal

Phil Joseph Erica Cuneen

COMPOSTING Proviso project

from page B15

what can be composed and what can’t be,” said Cuneen.

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said targeting composting “just made sense” when talking about environmental issues

“We wanted to make sure that we can have residential value of organic waste that is captured,” Thompson said, adding that composting falls under their resource and regeneration goals to achieve sustainability. “When you talk about partnerships and collaborations it makes sense for our municipalities to partner with our school districts and the nonprofit sector to roll out these initiatives so that we can become wholesome in the types of works we participate in.”

The importance of these partnerships is crucial, especially fo r Black and Brown communities which have historically seen a disparity in the resources allocated to them.

munities, especially in the Black and Brown communities, then we have to take an active role in the change and in the process,” said Jackson.

The program is still in the very early stages of implementation, as Cuneen said they are currently looking at hauling contacts before they begin the second step, which would be setting up a collection bin system within the schools

Cuneen said participants are also working towards building a regular meeting schedule with those who will be involved in the implementation of the programs at the schools.

“We are also in a data gathering phase right now,” said Cuneen. “We want to know what they are currently doing with recycling and eventually we will be doing waste audits that will look at what the waste sources are and how they can be eliminated.”

Bringing these programs to the Proviso Township community is seeing a larger worldwide issue and breaking it down to work that can be addressed at a community level. By working to remove food scraps from entering landfills, Cuneen said it lowers the production of methane gasses which contributes to green-

Oak Park Regional Housing Center supports sustainable living!

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, you can take steps for a more sustainable, energy efficient, and cost effective home!

Composting: Compost your food scraps! Oak Parkers can sign up for curbside composting if they live in a single-family home or up to a five-flat building. Renters can also bring scraps to one of four locations. Visit bit.ly/VOPCompost to learn more.

Weatherization: Homeowners and renters can reduce energy waste and costs by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes. Proper insulation, LED lights, and weatherproofing are simple ways to improve energy efficiency. For home efficiency resources, visit Oak Park Climate Action Network's resource guide at bit.ly/electrify-your-oak-park-home.

Solar Energy: Homeowners and renters can switch to clean energy. Illinois Solar for All and Community Solar programs offer options to fit a variety of housing situations. Visit Citizens Utility Board's community solar resource guide at https://bit.ly/cub-community-solar. Learn about Illinois Solar for All at www.illinoissfa.com.

We're here to support all your housing needs!

Fair Housing Education & Counseling Apartment Referrals

Financial Management Services

Rental Education & Counseling

Home Buyer Education & Counseling

Foreclosure Prevention & Loan Modifications

Industry Professional Partner Referrals

If you don't see what you are looking for, give us a call, we will help you out!

oprhc.org

“It impacts the Black and Brown

In tackling climate change, investors also have a voice

Financial experts explain how sustainable investing works

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

With the urgent need to tackle climate change, more attention is paid to the impacts of companies on the environment and the communities they operate. A 2023 report published by the Intergove mental Panel on Climate Change -- the United Nations scientific arm on climate change -- notes that greenhouse gas emissions need to be cu by almost half by 2030. This reduction needs to happen in all sectors so global temperatures in crease no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius w compared to pre-industrial levels, a goal that quires private and public entities to make chang es in their operations and investments

For everyday people, ESG investing, also referred to as sustainable or socially responsible investing, provides an avenue to invest their money in companies that make better environmental and social decisions. This often includes taking steps to reduce their carbon emis-

sions. In the last decade, and particularly, in the past four years, more people have become interested in these investments

“When I started working with sustainable in ing in the 1990s, the way that people did sociall responsible investing was using gative screens to avoid owning the types of companies that they didn’t want to own in their inv ment portfolio,” said William M. illy, senior vice president and senior financial advisor at Mer rill Lynch Wealth Management.

“Now through technologica vancements and better re ing, what’s more common is onsidered ESG investing, that not only avoids the types of companies that people don’t want to own, but actually identifies companies that are making good decisions in those areas.”

While the terms sustainable investing and ESG investing are often used interchangeably, investment firm Edward

Jones differentiates between the two. Sustainable investing is an all-encompassing term for financial investments that take into consideration people’s values. Within this umbrella are investors who exclude specific types ompanies they consider “negative actors” from their investment portfolios, for example, ossil fuel companies or gun manufacturing ompanies, commonly referred to as valuesased investing.

ESG investing, as its acronym denotes, coniders a company’s environmental, social and r nance performance. This information is monitored and self-reported by companies.

“What ESG investing typically does is incenompanies to make good decisions,” Reilly added that because companies have to repo rmation like their environmental risks, carbon footprint, the way they treat their employees and the diversity of their board, they tend to make more responsible decisions

This information is paired with traditional financial measures so investment managers can evaluate the company’s

WILLIAM M. REILLY

risks and opportunities and align them to their clients’ financial goals

“We rely on them to provide data through their annual reports, but a good active manager in that space is going to do their own research and assign their own risk factors to certain companies,” said Joe

O’Krepky, financial advisor at Edward Jones

This additional layer of active management is important as the demand for ESG investing has increased and continues to increase. Bloomberg projects that by 2025, global ESG assets will exceed $53 trillion. Knowledgeable financial advisors are key, as companies can provide misleading information suggesting they are more environmentally responsible than they really are, a ter m known as greenwashing

Financial research shows that ESG investments offer benefits to investors, such as diversifying their portfolio and reducing risks. “If you invest in companies who have good scores in environmental, social and corporate gover nance metrics, those compa-

nies tend to have higher earnings, they tend to have higher dividend yields, their stock tends to perform better on a 12-month basis [and] they’re less likely to go bankrupt,” Reilly said.

ESG investing also provides a mechanism for people to encourage comanies to have a better performance.

“To me, ESG is always about being an active investor and having a voice in that boardroom,”

O’Krepky said, adding qualified and committed financial advisors are key to help investors have a voice in the companies they own.

“And if the company that you’re investing with isn’t carrying your voice to them, then they’re not the right manager for you.”

“Shareholder activism is when owners of companies, owners of stocks, owners of mutual funds take action to address the company and make them act better,” Reilly said. “So, we help our client be good shareholders and help the companies that they invest in make better decisions and become better.”

Our Community Needs Community Journalism

JOE O’KREPKY