Got A Lot-ta Work to Do

This weekend, the MASK community took to the block, but for our usual reason. We were out there to clear the lot and get ready for the 4th of July. Clear part of the lot at least. As you’ll recall, we were granted one lot by the county, and the adjacent lot by the city. Or so we thought. "Sometimes plans don't work out. You have to be ready to change direction, make new plans on the fly. Think on your feet." She said.

Tamar wasn't referring to a simple shift in the plans for the block this weekend. She was letting us all know that despite the City of Chicago reconsidering their offer of the plot of land on 75th and Stewart, MASK would do what it does – persist. Not only have we had to contend with the city asking for social security and driver’s license numbers for our board in order to approve a work permit, we have had a developer quote us $1500.00 for concrete work, to turn around and tell us it would cost 10X that amount not 24 hours later.

Dirt.jpg

Think on your feet.

Tamar Manasseh

But, at MASK, we do what we need to do to create a safe space to be “on the block.” We called on friends and neighbors, and once again, our community has come through. Over the last 3 days, we’ve cleared hundreds of pounds of dirt, debris, and broken concrete to get the lot in shape for brand new concrete to be poured just after the holiday. So, friends, we’ll be out again, on Monday, July 3rd, completing the work prior to the 4th of July festivities. Want to join us? Can you bring rakes, shovels, maybe a gas-powered chainsaw?


You know where we’ll be… See you on the block.