Alderman Ray Suarez's Ward 31 / thirty first ward. Providing residents information on Ward news and events

"Working Together To Make It Better!"

Alderman Ray Suarez

Welcome to Alderman Ray Suarez

31st Ward Website

Dear Friends,

Thank you for visiting the 31st Ward’s website. This site has been created exclusively for you, friends and residents of the 31st Ward, to provide you with the latest Ward News, upcoming events and information regarding our community. Through this site, we will be able to keep you informed of special projects and issues that relate to you. We hope this site will allow you access to pertinent information that affects you, your family and the entire community.

As Alderman, since 1991, I am truly dedicated to making our community a better place to live and work for our children, youth and families. I am committed to maintaining the finest in city services, ensuring quality education for all students, enhancing public safety, increasing affordable housing, maintaining human services and expanding economic development.

I will continue to work hard to meet the needs of the community and the City of Chicago. In addition to visiting our website, I encourage you to visit or phone the 31st Ward Office to request services or discuss any concerns you may have.

The 31st Ward Office is located at 4502 W. Fullerton Avenue.

Office Hours are Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended office hours during Ward Night on Monday Night from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Ray Suarez

Posted 7-26-2011

Re: Flood Preparedness
(Excerpt per letter sent by OEMC - July 25, 2011)

Dear Residents:

In the event of any emergency, the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) coordinates efforts with local, state and federal agencies to ensure the safety of all residents. In the event of a flood, the City will provide residents important information and keep residents informed. However, it is essential that residents be prepared for any situation.

As such, the OEMC has published a flood preparedness brochure with tips for residents before, during and after a flood. The brochure is available by clicking the link below.

In addition, Chicago residents can receive extreme weather alerts on cell phones and handheld device by going to www.alertchicago.com and signing up for our “Notify Chicago” program. Preparedness information is also posted on the OEMC’s Facebook Page.

Alert Chicago, Flood Preparedness Brochure - Please Click Here

Posted 7-20-2011

The National Weather Service in Chicago expects the hot and humid temperatures to remain in Chicago until Sunday. During this time, high temperatures are expected to remain in the 80s and 90s, including at night. Heat Indices of around 105 degrees are possible each day through Sunday, and an Excessive Heat Warning will be in effect from Wednesday morning through early Friday morning. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) wants to remind everyone to be aware of extreme temperatures and to take the necessary precautions to avoid heat-related emergencies.

Everyone is reminded to take the following steps to minimize the impact of hot weather:

*   Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day.

*   Avoid going out in the heat during the hottest part of the day.

*   Prepare for hot weather, especially if participating in or attending outdoor activities.

*   Public buildings such as Libraries, Park District facilities and Chicago police district headquarters can be used as temporary cooling centers. Call 3-1-1 to receive the address of the nearest temporary cooling center.

*   Check on the well being of neighbors and relatives who may be susceptible to hot weather conditions. Call 3-1-1 to request a well being check or a ride to a cooling center.

* Open fire hydrants are a public safety issue because it drops water pressure in the area and prevents firefighters from being able to use them to fight a fire. The water stream from an open hydrant also creates a potentially hazardous situation for small children, especially when cars are present.

*   Com Ed has additional crews on stand by to quickly respond to power outages. Customers should call 1-800-EDISON-1 to report outages immediately.

The nearest cooling stations to the 31st Ward are as follows:

Trina Davila

4345 West Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60639-3521
(312) 744-2014

Cooling centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
They are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Hours and days may be extended.

Public Libraries

Portage-Cragin
5108 W. Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641
(312) 744-0152

North Austin
5724 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60639
(312) 746-4233

North Pulaski
4300 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60639
(312) 744-9573

Hours vary by location, please call the library directly.

25th District Police Station

5555 W. Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60639
(312) 746-8605
Open 24/7

Posted 2-7-2011

Dear Residents,

I would like to inform all of the Senior Citizens in the 31^st Ward that the First Installment Property Tax bills for 2010 have been mailed. A new Illinois law now requires all Seniors, 65 of age and over, to re-apply for the Senior Citizen Exemption on a yearly basis. The Assessor’s office mailed out today applications to Seniors that contain both the Senior Citizen and Senior Freeze Exemptions to those who have received a Senior Exemption last year. If you are a Senior and have lived at your property one year or more, I urge you to download the application in the link below and mail it to the Assessor’s office or come by my office for assistance in the filling the necessary forms. The Senior Exemption and Senior Freeze Exemption and will be delivered to the Assessor’s office on your behalf (applies to residents of the 31st Ward Only).

Please bring the following:

Current Photo ID – State or Drivers License
Recent 2009 2^nd Installment Property Tax Bill
Utility Bill

If you receive less than $55,000 total household income please bring as well your 2009 income tax prepared statements.

I will be working with the Cook County Assessor’s office to establish outreaches throughout the 31^st Ward. Dates for outreaches will be posted through my website or by calling my office at 773-276-9100.

If you require further assistance please do not hesitate in contacting my office.

Regards,

Ray Suarez

Alderman, 31^st Ward

Click Here to download the Press Release

Click Here to download the 2010 Homeowner & Senior Exemption

Click Here to download the 2010 Senior Freeze

* English

* Spanish

* Polish

* Please click on each Flyer for an enlarged Flyer.

WARNING!

Dear residents,

I am aware in the various locations in the past few months in the 31st Ward has experienced arsonists setting fire to garbage cans, garages, and vehicles ultimately causing substantial damage to resident’s properties and belongings. First, it is important to dial 911 for the Fire Department to arrive on scene and have the locations documented through them. Secondly, please file a police report; finally, I am asking the inflicted residents and neighbors to please contact my office at 773-276-9100 anytime Monday, 9am-7pm, Tuesday to Friday 9am-5pm or personally visit me during my Ward night on Monday’s from 3:30pm – 7pm. I am asking for any information pertaining to the individuals that are causing these arsons and ultimately bringing them to justice.

Thank you for cooperation and assistance in this matter, and I reassure you that all information provided will be left anonymously if you desire to do so.

Regards,

Ray Suarez

Alderman, 31^st Ward

Click here to Contact the Ward Online