Neighborhood News

Members and supporters of the 12th Ward IPO gather at a meeting to support their politically focused activities and agendas.

: Published August 11, 2016

The 12th Ward Independent Political Organization (IPO), a nascent advocacy group serving McKinley Park and the other neighborhoods of Chicago's 12th Ward, has continued its mission to extend a progressive political movement heralded by the campaigns of Bernie Sanders, Chicago mayor candidate Jesús "Chuy" Garcia and 12th Ward alderman candidate Pete DeMay.

"We're a group of progressives who are interested in reform in government, local decision-making and equitable policies that promote social and economic justice," said Bill Drew Jr., 27, IPO Chairman and lifetime resident of McKinley Park. "We're keeping the Bernie revolution alive in the 12th Ward."

Flowers, produce and sustainable gardening systems will be on display at the 4th Annual McKinley Park Garden Walk.

: Published August 9, 2016

The McKinley Park neighborhood's annual Garden Walk returns for the fourth time from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday, August 14, 2016. Held at a variety of residential and institutional gardens throughout McKinley Park, the walk will feature the hard work of local gardeners and many activities for all ages.

"McKinley Park is home to many gardeners from all walks of life: All of us are excited to open our homes and community spaces to visitors and share our love of gardening," said organizer and McKinley Park neighborhood resident Jessica Fong. She added that some locations will feature sustainable living elements such as chicken coops, compost systems and rain barrels, and that private, school and church gardens will be featured.

The currently vacant lot at 3595 South Archer Avenue rests directly across the street from the 35th Street station on the Orange Line L.

: Published July 29, 2016

Developer Dan Mark of Mark Properties presented plans for developing a four-story, 39-unit apartment building at 3595 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, during the McKinley Park community meeting held Wednesday, July 27. At the meeting, Mark and his lawyer, attorney Mark Kupiec, outlined Mark's intentions for developing the currently vacant lot across from the 35th Street Orange Line L station with efficiency rental apartments in line with Chicago's recently enacted transit-oriented development ordinance.

Community meeting participants reacted in a mixed manner to the proposal, with primary concerns raised about parking problems and potential trouble resulting from a high concentration of down-market tenants. 12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas, who hosted the meeting, noted the trade-offs of higher density: Although it can cause congestion, it can also bring more disposable income to an area, making it more attractive to the consumer-focused chains and other businesses that McKinley Park currently lacks.

Uke Nation members rehearse together to prepare for Hawaiian music performances.

: Published July 29, 2016

The McKinley Park Farmers Market, a weekly program of market vendors, entertainment and activities, presents a Hawaiian luau at the market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, July 31, 2016. The sounds of Lanialoha Lee and Uke Nation will return for a performance between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and the first 100 visitors will receive a free Hawaiian lei. The organizers encourage residents to join the free fun and wear Hawaiian attire.

The market is held every Sunday through September 2016 at the southeast corner of Western Boulevard and Archer Avenue next to the William McKinley memorial. Vendors can accept many credit cards, including LINK cards, and sell fresh produce and crafts and often treats each week. For more information and a map, review the list of events here.

McKinley Park Farmers Market is a program of the McKinley Park Advisory Council.

Children at Montessori Foundations of Chicago engage in activities in one of the primary classrooms.

: Published July 27, 2016

The Montessori Foundations of Chicago, a McKinley Park neighborhood-based preschool and kindergarten, has achieved the Silver Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois, a state program that establishes and certifies standards for early childhood education. With the award, the State of Illinois recognizes that the school meets or exceeds standards for teaching, the educational environment, administration and training and education.

"Being recognized by ExceleRate is a source of pride and affirmation not only for our school and the Montessori community, but for our entire community," said school principal Beata (Betty) Skorusa. "It's an assurance for our current families, visitors and prospective parents."

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