Neighborhood News
The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) and news media have spotlighted the Central Manufacturing District, a currently decrepit and underutilized set of city-owned buildings along Pershing Road adjacent to the McKinley Park neighborhood. In news reports and a CNT development proposal, the property receives scrutiny for its future development potential, as well as admiration for its storied history as a backbone of Chicago manufacturing.
"It’s exactly the kind of site that developers are increasingly repurposing into thriving centers of urban life and economic activity," the CNT study stated. "The site retains many of its original advantages: central location, solid construction, nearby rail connections, plus modern essentials like proximity to expressways and robust fiber optic capacity."
Read more: Central Manufacturing District Focus of Development Proposal, Media Attention
DePaul University senior Matt Welsh is dedicating his summer to an internship at the Aquinas Literacy Center, including management of the upcoming Wine & Cheese Information Session between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13. Held at the center at 3540 S. Hermitage Ave., Chicago, the open house-style wine and cheese event lets the public learn about the mission of Aquinas and available volunteer opportunities.
This is the first such event for Aquinas, said Volunteer Coordinator Kristen Dempey Pasyk. "The idea came about so we could engage prospective volunteers during the summer months when our regular program is closed. We are excited to have Matt on board to plan the event, and we appreciate this opportunity to deepen our partnership with DePaul University by hosting one of their students as an intern."
Read more: DePaul Intern Helms Wine & Cheese Info Session at Aquinas
Starting Sunday, July 10, 2016, the McKinley Park Farmers Market inaugurates its weekly program bringing fresh produce, meats, prepared food and entertainment to the McKinley Park neighborhood. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through September 2016, the market will offer locally sourced items from Chicago and Midwest vendors, as well a rotating lineup of entertainers and payment support for Illinois Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Link Cards.
From its location next to the President William McKinley memorial at the corner of South Western Boulevard and Archer Avenue, the market hopes to be a food resource and driver of neighborhood engagement, said market manager Samantha Hertel. "Food tends to be a uniting feature for the community," she said.
Read more: McKinley Park Farmers Market Kicks Off Sunday, July 10
The Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert for the McKinley Park neighborhood warning of a pattern of daytime burglaries. On Saturday, June 25, 2016, offenders broke into and looted a home in the 3600 block of South Damen Avenue, and then on Monday, June 27, 2026, burglars again hit the 3600 block of South Damen Avenue and the 3500 block of South Winchester Avenue. All of the incidents took place in the afternoon.
Individuals claiming to represent the owners of 3841 S. Honore St. and 3842 S. Honore St. have denied the properties' involvement in the gang and drug activity described by Chicago Police Department officers at the June 8, 2016, meeting of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) for Beat 912. In direct outreach to this publication, these individuals refuted the public allegations made by police and community members at the CAPS meeting, as first reported here on McKinleyPark.org.
Read more: 3841, 3842 S. Honore Deny Gang Involvement; Alderman Continues Focus on Block
