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Two murals in Pilsen promoting Mexican-Palestinian solidarity were vandalized shortly after completion, with one incident involving an assault on a bystander. Additionally, a Venezuelan restaurant in Back of the Yards faced defacement, reflecting a broader rise in anti-immigrant and anti-Palestinian sentiments. Local experts warn that such acts of vandalism and hate speech intimidate minority communities.
Sol Space, a new yoga studio and coworking space, opened in Jefferson Park, Chicago, this month. Co-owned by Georgena Hurst and Jackie Bravo Vicere, Sol Space aims to serve as a community center, offering yoga classes, coworking, and childcare programs. The studio plans to host workshops and feature local artists and businesses.
City officials commemorated the 739 victims of the 1995 Chicago heat wave during a 30th-anniversary event, highlighting ongoing efforts to prevent similar tragedies. Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the need for equitable access to climate resilience resources, noting that only 30% of single-family homes in Chicago have air conditioning. Initiatives include expanding tree coverage and developing a Heat Vulnerability Index to identify at-risk neighborhoods.
Two aldermen proposed an amendment to exclude their wards from the anti-gentrification Northwest Side Preservation Ordinance, citing real estate market concerns. The amendment passed a City Council committee and awaits a full vote. Ald. Villegas criticized the ordinance for excluding key stakeholders and causing complications for homeowners.
Chicago's LGBTQ+ history is spotlighted in "City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago," an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The exhibit features works from over 30 local artists, showcasing how creativity has historically intertwined with activism, particularly during the AIDS crisis. It runs through May 26.
The Chicago City Council's zoning committee approved a proposal for two apartment towers in Lincoln Park after a year of community opposition. The project, reduced to 590 units and 147 parking spaces, awaits final approval from the full City Council. Developer Sterling Bay plans to invest $350 million in the development, which aims to address housing needs in the area.
Isabel Cambray opened her own art studio, Cam Studios, in Belmont Cragin after joining the Crecer Business Incubator, which supports local entrepreneurs. The incubator, launched in 2021, aims to revive the neighborhood's business community post-pandemic, providing resources and shared retail space. Cambray and other small business owners hope to foster a vibrant artistic community in Belmont Cragin.
Chicago's transportation department announced the addition of six speed cameras near schools and parks, increasing the total to 40 for 2025. Fines for speeding in these zones range from $35 to $100, with enforcement beginning after a warning period. The initiative aims to enhance safety and fund police positions as outlined in the city's budget.
Ald. Michelle Harris proposed rezoning several properties near the Regal Mile Studios development from commercial to residential, facing opposition from local residents and developers. Critics argue the changes could hinder economic development efforts in an area already struggling with vacant properties.
Demolition of the Damen Silos in McKinley Park commenced Monday, ending a preservation battle led by local residents and officials. The project, set to take six months, involves multiple buildings and silos, with concerns raised about potential pollution during the process.