Alderman Bennett Lawson - 44th Ward Chicago

Alderman Bennett Lawson
44th Ward
Seal of Chicago

Articles under General

Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) COVID-19 Outreach and Response

CHA COVID-19 Outreach and Response

March 20, 2020

CHA has provided all residents with a notice about COVID-19 that includes a link to the CDPH website with the latest information for City of Chicago residents. This notice is posted in all buildings and has been translated in various languages to ensure that everyone is informed with the latest and most accurate information. It is also posted on the CHA website.

CHA has closed all community rooms, fitness centers and other group gathering spaces and is posting signs in laundry rooms reminding seniors of the need to practice social distancing.

Until further notice, CHA has also directed its property managers and resident service coordinators to discontinue all group building gatherings, activities and events.

CHA is also reminding residents about the precautions each of us needs to take to protect ourselves based on CDPH guidance, including avoiding large group gatherings and practicing social distancing.

CHA’s property management firms will continue to perform twice-daily cleanings and disinfecting of common areas, doorknobs/handles, and other commonly touched areas to prevent the spread of harmful germs. All common areas and touch points are being cleaned twice a day, deep cleanings are also being conducted by Bio One Cleaning on an as needed basis.

As of March 11, the city’s Department of Family and Support Services began providing meals to seniors, including CHA seniors through its Golden Diners program using to-go box meals in place of the standard hot meal dine-in program. Seniors will take the box meals on-the-go rather than eat them in group settings such as community rooms. CHA continues to coordinate with DFSS on the meal program and delivery options.

CHA also has postponed all inspections except for those needed to address health and safety items at all CHA sites, including senior buildings and has postponed any non-critical construction work to minimize contact between outside parties and CHA residents, especially seniors.

CHA is carefully monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it evolves and will be evaluating whether any other policies or processes need to be amended based on information and guidance from CDPH.

Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago: COVID-19 Noticing & Communication

High-Rise Building Management

March 20, 2020

Noticing & Communication

If a person were to be diagnosed with COVID-19, it is the responsibility of the confirmed case to notify your building. CDC and CDPH would not respond to the property to provide guidance on cleaning, closing, quarantine, or decontamination.

The CDPH is following up on any close contacts and they will be given appropriate information about next steps. Persons who were in the office space and have not been contacted by CDPH are free to continue business as usual.

Building operators are encouraged to open and maintain lines of communications with their tenants as it is likely that any confirmed case will notify their employer rather than building management.

It is important to keep in mind that ADA, FLSA, and HIPPA laws concerning confidentiality, accessibility and employment remain in effect regardless of a COVID-19 occurrence. Building operators should consult with their legal counsel for specific advice. Links to details about employment laws can be found at the BOMA/Chicago COVID-19 Resource Page.

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection

Building operators should consult with their janitorial providers to determine and evaluate current cleaning practices. It is important to determine if the cleaning contractor is able to provide service in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case or if a specialized vendor will need to be consulted.

For routine and preventative cleaning, CDC advises that products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.)

Increased high touch point cleaning using disinfectant cleaners such as Virex Plus should be employed to reduce the risk and spread of viral contamination. As an operational precaution, building operators should increase the cleaning frequency in high traffic areas, including lobby, security desk, entrances and elevators and sanitize commonly touched surfaces such as door handles, water fountains, elevator call buttons and handrails.

The guidance below provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of rooms or areas where those with suspected or with confirmed COVID-19 have visited. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

HVAC Operation

Generally speaking, in dealing with COVID-19, HVAC systems operated in accordance with normal ASHRAE standards will be sufficient. ASHRAE has developed proactive guidance to help address coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) concerns with respect to the operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems. This webpage provides easily accessible resources from ASHRAE to building industry professionals. https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/resources

Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce: Update from Governor Executive Order

Dear Business Owners,

At today’s press conference, Governor Pritzker announced a statewide executive order for Illinois residents to stay at home. Beginning Saturday, March 21st at 5PM, all residents in the State of Illinois are to stay home unless traveling for essential needs or businesses.  S#8 and SSA#17 will continue to have security patrols in the late night/early morning hours to do frequent checks of our business district.

Here is an update from BCAP (Business Affairs and Consumer Protection):

Businesses that are considered essential operations that can continue operating, include, but not limited to:

  • Emergency City services and other essential government services
  • Gas stations
  • Pharmacies
  • Grocery stores, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
  • Hardware stores/plumbers
  • Banks
  • Laundromats/laundry services
  • Transportation, including CTA and private transportation
  • Essential infrastructure, such as utilities and public transportation

We encourage everyone to read the order and pay particular attention to section 12, which lists in three pages of detail the essential businesses that are able continue operations. Non-Essential businesses can maintain minimum basic activities to preserve the value and condition of the business’s inventory, equipment and location, to maintain security and to process payroll and employee benefits. Additionally, the business can take the minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences. Please read the FAQ for more information.

We understand that this order will have an impact on all Illinoisans, but this is a critical step to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. To help support businesses in this time of need, last night, Mayor Lightfoot announced the details of her relief package, headlined by a $100 million loan fund, to support small businesses affected by COVID-19.These measures are intended to provide much-needed local cash flow and stopgap relief for small businesses as we await federal support that will be necessary for businesses affected by this crisis. Please know that your City is working hard to put the necessary emergency measures in place to support all small businesses during this unprecedented time.

The following measures are included in Mayor Lightfoot’s Relief Package

  • Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund: Through an innovative public-private partnership, Chicago has dedicated over $100 million to provide emergency, low-interest loans to severely affected small businesses. The fund will lend up to $50,000 in working capital loans to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees that have seen a 25% revenue decrease due to the impact of COVID-19. Applications will be accepted starting March 31st. Interested business owners are encouraged to fill out an interest form for more information. Philanthropic institutions or corporations interested in contributing to the fund, may submit their information to resiliency.funds@cityofchicago.org.
  • Business Tax Deferral: To further provide relief for businesses over the coming weeks, the City is also extending due dates for tax payments until April 30, 2020 for the following City taxes:
    • Bottled Water tax
    • Checkout Bag tax
    • Amusement tax
    • Hotel Accommodation tax
    • Restaurant tax
    • Parking tax
  • Additional Support Measures: On March 18, Mayor Lightfoot announced the temporary suspension or debt collection, ticketing and towing practices until April 30, 2020. The City will also temporarily defer all business fine collections as well as license renewal and late fees for Chicago’s businesses until April 30th. Finally, the City will also be temporarily suspending non-public safety related business penalties until that date.

Importantly, all of these local measures are meant to serve as immediate, temporary relief to ensure cash flow and supplement federal support that may take a bit longer to activate. All Illinois small businesses are currently eligible to apply for loans of up to $2 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Economic Injury Loan Program. These loans can go toward working capital to meet needs including payroll, accounts payable, and fixed debt payments until the situation improves. Interest rates are 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profits. Business owners can apply for a loan now at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The Illinois District of the SBA is hosting twice daily webinars on the Economic Injury Disaster Loans starting Thursday, March 18. You can find details and register for these training events at www.sba.gov/il.

We know that this is an incredibly difficult time for all Americans, and that small business owners are particularly hit hard by this crisis. This is time for decisive action, and we hope that these relief measures can make an immediate difference. We will be sharing additional information on Chicago’s Small Business Resiliency Fund in the coming days.

In the meantime, please check out www.chicago.gov/BACPCOVID19 for business resources, including information on Governor Pritzker’s restaurant and bar closure. We remind all businesses to keep their business secure during closures. Please yourself and your family safe, and continue to visit www.chicago.gov/coronavirus for us to date information on the COVID-19 outbreak.

Chicago COVID-19 News for You: March 21, 2020

Dear Chicago Residents and Partners,
The State’s order for Illinois residents to stay home will take effect today, March 21 at 5 p.m., and will remain in place until the Governor’s Disaster Proclamation expires on April 7, 2020. This critical intervention to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is intended to keep the public safe, contain the spread of the virus, and provide relief to the healthcare system. Moving right now to maximize social distancing and restrict people gathering is the best way to fight the virus and save lives.
 
To ensure the protection of all residents during this unprecedented public health challenge, the State’s order requires all residents to stay at home. This means that you will no longer be able to engage in public or private group activities, participate in social activities at bars or nightclubs, or take unnecessary trips. The order also closes non-essential businesses from any activity except minimum basic operations, which includes activities to preserve inventory, process payroll, or facilitate working from home.
With the order in place, you can still fulfill all of your essential needs, including traveling to obtain necessary supplies like food, pet supplies, medicine, or take-out food, as well as attending medical or mental health appointments. The order does not interfere with the operation of essential businesses. Hospitals, banks, grocery stores, utility companies, and home-based care services for seniors and people with disabilities will remain open to ensure all residents, including the most vulnerable populations, will have continued access to care and essential services.
 
We know that a lot of questions still remain. You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions on this stay-at-home order at chicago.gov/coronavirus. The website also offers many resources for residents and families in need of food, housing or health care, as well as employment and financial support resources for workers and small business owners.
 
In our city, we protect each other and look out for everyone’s health. So lay low, Chicago. Together, we will get through this.
What’s New
  • As part of an effort to ensure the health and safety of Chicago’s residents and City employees, and to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus, City Hall is closed to the general public, effective Friday, March 20 and until an announcement to resume normal operations is made. Employees with proper identification are still permitted to access their respective floors in the building.
  • The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued citywide guidance around social distancing requirements, which are now in place for its own services. Effective this week, CDPH has suspended in-person services where possible, and is getting creative by using technology to better serve clients during this time. A full list of service updates can be found at chicago.gov/health.
  • All parks in the City of Chicago are closed effective March 20 at 5 p.m. Beginning Monday, March 23, the District will cancel enhanced programming currently offered at 18 park field houses. The Chicago Park District will continue to provide critical operations including garbage pick-up and security.
  • All Chicago Public Library (CPL) branches will close to the public effective March 21 at noon. Book drops will be locked at all locations during this period. CPL had already stopped charging overdue fines, and effective today library card holders with suspensions on their accounts because of over $30 of fees from items marked as “lost” will be able to check out online materials at chipublib.org once again. During this time, materials will automatically renew and accounts will not be blocked.
  • The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) continues to work closely with community partners to serve Chicago’s most vulnerable residents. All DFSS administered Senior Centers at non-Park District locations will remain open for one more week to provide pick-up meals, closing by March 27.
Latest Guidance
Additional Resources:
Tips For Keeping Chicago Healthy
  • Stay home as much as possible.
  • Call to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting.
  • Check with your doctor about telehealth options.
In the News

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 20, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

March 20, 2020

What We’re Working On:
We’ve been focused on promoting local businesses and relaying your requests to our partners. We’ve had multiple conversations with local, state, and federal officials to gather the latest information for our community, which you’ll find contained in this email. Keep in mind: we’re here to help you. If you’d like our office’s guidance and support navigating challenges you’re facing, please reach out to us at (773) 472-7171 or info@lakeviewchamber.com. In other news, we’re rolling out two new rebate programs aimed at supporting local businesses with Special Service Area (SSA) 27 funding: a Digital Marketing Rebate Program and a Health & Sanitation Rebate Program. And we’ve announced a second Coronavirus Business Roundtable call Tuesday at 1 PM. We’ve included more information below.Going forward, we’ll plan to send out these emails as soon as there are enough updates to warrant it. In the meantime, we’ll continue posting the latest information on our COVID-19 Business Resource page at www.lakeviewchamber.com/COVID19, so check back frequently for updates.Save the Date:
Weekly Coronavirus Business Roundtable Call
Tuesday, March 24 at 1:00 PM
Register HereIn This Update:

Federal and City Loans Now Available for Lakeview Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved the state’s eligibility for disaster assistance loans for small businesses facing financial hardship in all Illinois counties due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2 million in low-interest loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov. More information:

  • SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance per small business and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
  • These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
  • SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

Learn More

City of Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced a new $100 million economic relief package to support Chicago’s small businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Funds will be provided to eligible businesses as low-interest loans that can be repaid over a term of up to five years.

To be eligible, businesses must meet the following requirements:

  • Suffered more than 25% revenue decrease due to COVID-19
  • Employ fewer than 50 employees and have gross revenues of less than $3 million in 2019
  • Provide a City business address or City business license
  • No pre-existing tax liens or legal judgments

Learn More

 

SSA 27 Announces Rebates to Assist Lakeview Businesses During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Special Service Area (SSA) 27 is rolling out two rebate programs to assist Lakeview businesses and support the local economy during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. Communities have been confronted with the need to quickly adapt to the current environment, and these measures are meant to support this transitionary period so that local businesses can continue to promote themselves while providing a clean and safe environment for customers and employees, which will help sustain economic activity across Lakeview.

  • The Digital Marketing Rebate Program supports local businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak by providing rebates to businesses who invest in a digital marketing and social media strategy through working with a digital marketing or social media consultant, purchasing online ads (e.g., Google ads), or use of social media boosting. Applicants that meet all Program requirements may receive a rebate of up to 50% of eligible costs, not to exceed a total of $400 per project.
  • The Health Sanitation Rebate Program is an extension of SSA 27’s Security Rebate Program and supports local businesses impacted by high sanitation materials costs due to COVID-19, reinforcing a safe and clean environment by providing rebates to businesses with an increased need for personal and commercial sanitation, cleaning, and sterilization products. Applicants that meet all Program requirements may receive a rebate of up to 50% of eligible costs, not to exceed a total of $200 per project.

More information about both of these programs is available on our COVID-19 Business Resource page, www.lakeviewchamber.com/covid19. For an application, email ssa27@lakeviewchamber.com.

 

Other Relief Available to Lakeview Businesses

Officials have announced the following measures intended to provide relief to small businesses experiencing hardship during this challenging time. Be sure to review the links below for additional information and to make sure you’re in compliance.

  • State Sales Tax Deferral for Bars and Restaurants: To help alleviate some of the unprecedented challenges facing bars and restaurants due to COVID-19, Gov. Pritzker has directed the Department of Revenue to defer sales tax payments for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants in the State of Illinois. Under the directive, eating and drinking establishments that incurred less than $75,000 in sales tax liabilities last year will not be charged penalties or interest on payments due in March, April or May made late. Be sure to read this official bulletin (PDF) from the Illinois Department of Revenue to ensure compliance. (For bars and restaurants that exceed this annual tax threshold, The Hospitality Business Association of Chicago is soliciting signatures on this letter, asking Gov. Pritzker to expand the relief to accommodate more businesses.)
  • Federal Income Tax Deferral: The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance allowing all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest.  The guidance also allows corporate taxpayers a similar deferment of up to $10 million of federal income tax payments that would be due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. This morning, the Federal Government also announced an extension of the filing deadline; however, more details were pending as of this email.
  • Temporary Suspension of City Debt Collection: The City of Chicago will be temporarily suspending debt collection practices and non-safety related citations and impounds, as well as penalties for late payment. Additionally, there will be no new interest accumulated on current compliance plans. These measures take effect immediately through April 30, 2020.
  • Deferral of City Business Fines and Tax Payment Extensions: Building on the the temporary suspension of debt collection, the City of Chicago’s new economic relief package will temporarily defer all business fine collections as well as license renewal and late fees for Chicago’s businesses until April 30, 2020. To further provide relief for businesses over the coming weeks, the City is also extending due dates for tax payments until April 30, 2020 for the following City taxes:
    • Bottled Water tax
    • Checkout Bag tax
    • Amusement tax
    • Hotel Accommodation tax
    • Restaurant tax
    • Parking tax

If you experience any issues with taxes, fees, bank loans, rent, or other payments due during this challenging time, please email us at info@lakeviewchamber.com. We’re doing our best to help our businesses navigate concerns related to the impact caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. We’ll do everything we can to help you solve any issues your business is facing.

 

Updates from Washington: Awaiting Debate on the Phase Three Coronavirus Stimulus Package

We’re watching closely as Congress begins debate on the next phase of stimulus packages aimed at shoring up the economy and helping small businesses. We expect this process to move very quickly, so be sure to share any feedback with us on the kinds of support you’d like to see offered and we’ll relay your feedback to our elected officials. In the meantime, here’s an update on the latest from Washington, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:

On Wednesday, the Senate passed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This bill provides, among other things, provisions to address Paid Sick Leave, Paid Family and Medical Leave, and Unemployment Insurance for workers displaced by the ongoing outbreak. Furthermore, it includes provisions to provide diagnostic testing for coronavirus, and bolsters Medicaid and nutrition programs for at risk populations. Click here to see the U.S. Chamber’s summary.

Congress’s focus will now turn to the Phase Three stimulus package. Click here to see the U.S. Chamber’s letter to Congress and the President with the business community’s recommendations.

 

Connect With Lakeview Businesses in Real Time: Share Ideas via the Lakeview Chamber’s New Business Connection Facebook Group

Join our brand new Lakeview Chamber Business Connection Facebook Group! We created this group based on recommendations from a few of our Lakeview businesses during our Coronavirus Business Roundtable earlier this week. It will allow Lakeview businesses to connect with each other, ask questions, brainstorm ideas and find opportunities to collaborate during and in the aftermath of these uncertain times. The Lakeview Chamber will moderate the group, but the main goal is for businesses to connect with each other through this Facebook Group. If you have any specific questions for the Lakeview Chamber, the best way to reach us is by emailing us at info@lakeviewchamber.com.

Peoples Gas Update: March 20, 2020

 

A message from Peoples Gas President and CEO Charles Matthews

We are committed to promoting health and safety in the communities we serve. As conditions with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) change, I want to assure you that we are prepared and taking steps to ensure customers have the energy they need. Our efforts include the following actions:

· Safety comes first – We have plans in place to ensure natural gas workers and other critical team members continue delivering the reliable service you expect while following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for safety. We are rescheduling nonemergency appointments and will reach out to our customers at a later time to reschedule.

· Shutoffs suspended – We suspended shutoffs for residential and business customers, unless unsafe conditions exist, to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. This is effective until this health crisis is behind us.

· Late payment charges waived – We understand that some of our customers will face financial hardships due to the spread of COVID-19. We are now waiving new late payment charges.

· Bill payment arrangement options and financial assistance – If customers are having difficulty paying their bill, we will work with them to arrange a payment plan or discuss financial assistance options. Customers can find additional information on our website or by calling 866-556-6001.

Safety is at the center of all we do. We remain committed to reducing the risks to our communities while providing the essential energy services our customers depend on, including responding to any emergency situations.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19. We urge customers to visit our website or call us at 866-556-6001 whenever we can assist with energy service questions.