- Published: Friday, April 01, 2022 10:24 AM
SPRINGFIELD – A measure spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) to designate Milwaukee Avenue from Sangamon Street in Chicago to Greenwood Road in Niles as the Milwaukee Avenue Polish Heritage Corridor passed the Senate Thursday.
“The impact of Polish culture on Chicago is undeniable, from their influence on the arts and food to the economic strength of neighborhoods throughout the city,” Pacione-Zayas said. “Recognizing and empowering their unique cultural identity through this designation is paramount to strengthening the Polish community connection in Illinois.”
Under House Bill 5581, a section of Milwaukee Avenue will be recognized under the Illinois Department of Transportation as the Milwaukee Avenue Polish Heritage Corridor.
Last year, Sen. Pacione-Zayas, along with House Assistant Majority Leader Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) passed a law that allows the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to designate cultural districts to help affirm the identity of communities in Illinois. HB 5581 provides a stepping stone for this community to be designated in this way.
"We commend Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas and Leader Delia Ramirez for their efforts as sponsors of HB 5581 to designate and establish the Milwaukee Ave Polish Heritage Corridor,” said Bogdan Pukszta, Executive Director of the Polish American Chamber of Commerce, which resides in the district Pacione-Zayas represents. “From our Chamber's perspective the designation will help promote existing businesses along the corridor, attract new businesses to fill empty storefronts, and position Milwaukee Avenue on the map of Chicago's tourist attractions."
HB 5581 passed the Senate Thursday and now heads to the governor’s desk.
