Dear Neighbors,
For 45 years, The Lincoln Park Farmers Market has been a Saturday morning staple in our neighborhood. Under Elsa Jacobson’s fearless leadership, the market has brought fresh goods to our doorsteps and served as an incubator for small businesses, several of which now have brick-and-mortar storefronts.
After many years in the Lincoln Park High School (LPHS) parking lot, the market is shifting locations to the path between the LPHS buildings (with one-third of the parking lot remaining for market use). This change is being made so that LPHS, which has generously donated the parking lot space for years, is able to raise much-needed programming funds through a new parking agreement. To support the market’s needs through this transition and to celebrate its 45th year, I’m launching a fundraiser. I will match all donations up to $3,000, and you can click here for more information. If you’ve ever grabbed coffee, produce, flowers, or just enjoyed a Saturday morning at the market, I hope you’ll consider contributing.
|
Recently, our office enthusiastically drafted a letter in support of a funding request being made by Over The Rainbow to the Illinois Housing Development for a proposed residential project at 754 W Belden to build 30 fully accessible and affordable units to support adults with physical disabilities. The project would be the first of its kind in our community, and would serve an under-addressed need. We will continue to share updates on this exciting proposal, including more information on a community meeting date to discuss the proposed zoning and building design (none of which has been finalized).
|
A generated rendering of the proposed development on Halsted and Belden.
|
Finally, I want to thank the many neighbors who joined us on Tuesday night to discuss the proposed Francis W. Parker school expansion. The meeting ran for nearly three hours and reflected strong engagement from all sides of the issue. This is a topic many neighbors feel strongly about due to its history in our ward, and while the conversation was at times heated, there were substantive questions asked that assist our negotiation and decision-making process. Additionally, every single person who wanted to ask a question was given the opportunity to do so.
For those who were unable to attend or would like to revisit the proposal, you can view the presentation slide deck here. Additionally, you can view a list of frequently asked questions answered by the school here. My team and I are currently organizing all feedback submitted, including written forms, emails, and phone calls. As I shared at the meeting, this feedback will be compiled and made public as we move forward in the process.
|
A generated rendering of the proposed expansion on Belden Ave.
|
As we head into the weekend, I want to wish a joyful Easter to all who are celebrating, and also extend my warmest wishes to all Jewish neighbors observing Passover. Chag Sameach! Here in the 43rd Ward, there are many great ways to celebrate and connect. On Saturday, Levain Bakery is hosting an egg hunt at 8am near Armitage and Oz Park with giveaways and treats, and Wrightwood Neighbors Association is hosting an egg hunt at 10am in Wrightwood Park. Also on Saturday, I will see you at Green City Market for its season opener.
|
Finally, for those of us also celebrating the NCAA Final Four… I-L-L!
|
Alderperson Timmy Knudsen
|
P.S. We are excited to welcome Schneider’s Bakery and Deli to the neighborhood! Schneider’s officially opened this week at the corner of Halsted and Willow. It is great to see this space activated after sitting vacant, and I encourage neighbors to support a new local business by grabbing a bagel (or ten!).
|
Ariel and Jake Schneider with Ald. Knudsen on their grand opening
|
ADU Ordinance Now in Effect
|
As of April 1, the City’s ordinance to legalize Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), led by Alderman Bennett Lawson and supported by my office, is officially in effect. In just the first two days, the City received 88 applications, an encouraging early sign that residents are ready to take advantage of this long-awaited change. Expanding access to ADUs is an important step toward addressing Chicago’s housing shortage and creating more flexible, affordable living options in our neighborhoods.
If you have ever considered adding an ADU, whether to create additional income or keep family members close, now is a great time to explore your options. You can enter basic information about your property to see how many units you may be eligible for and learn how to get started. The site also includes an interactive map that allows you to look up eligibility by address. I was proud to support this effort, and I encourage you to learn more, share this opportunity with neighbors, and explore how this program can help expand housing options across our city.
|
Crime, and safety remain top of mind for our community. Each week, the 18th and 19th District post Compstat numbers that reflect changes in indexes for key crimes. As a reminder, these statistics represent 100% of the 18th & 19th Police Districts; accordingly, they represent an area much larger than our ward.
For 18th District (south of Fullerton) Week 13 Compstat.
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Week 13 Compstat.
|
We work closely with the 43rd Ward’s local CAPS districts, which include the 18th (Near North) and 19th (Town Hall) Police Districts. Our office is in frequent contact with officers from both of these districts and their local CAPS officers, who host a variety of community forums and events including beat meetings, informational settings, and expert panel discussions, as well as sending out community alerts when a pattern of crime is detected.
Beat Meetings are part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy and an excellent way to hear directly from CPD about your neighborhood. Meetings are held in the evenings every two months. Click here and find out your Police District and Beat number, and click here for a larger and printable version of the graphic.
|
Ald. Knudsen Urges Johnson & CDOT to Prioritize Bridge Closures and Offer Alternative Traffic Congestion Plans
|
"The ongoing closure of river bridges (especially the Cortland Bridge) has created major traffic strain and frustration for residents and businesses alike. Alongside seven other aldermen, I sent a letter to Mayor Johnson urging his administration and CDOT to prioritize this bridge issue. My office will continue pushing for clearer communication, smarter coordination, and the fastest safe timeline possible to get these bridges reopened." -Ald. Timmy Knudsen
Alderman Knudsen supported a proposal from 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins requiring the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to present a detailed traffic plan before closing any bridge for more than 30 days. The plan must outline how congestion will be reduced — including detours, parking adjustments, and other mitigation strategies. Our office also received a letter back from CDOT, outlining steps they are taking to help reduce traffic congestion and delays for 43rd Ward residents. You can read it here.
|
Nature Boardwalk Undergoes Prescribed Burn
|
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Nature Boardwalk undergoes periodic prescribed burns. The Nature Boardwalk prairie ecosystem is burned 100 feet at a time and will be monitored at all times. Active burn areas will be surrounded by water or a low-trimmed grassy area to keep fire contained. Staff will oversee the process and will have water sources nearby. Along with smoke, flames, and Horticulture staff, guests may also see Chicago Fire Department personnel & emergency vehicles.
LPZ does prescribed burns as part of its management of Nature Boardwalk. Fire is a natural part of the renewal process for grasslands, and prairies benefit from occasional burns. Burning the prairie ecosystem helps native seeds germinate and gets rid of invasive plants. It’s a natural, ecological restoration process. As with everything at Lincoln Park Zoo, the prairie burn is being conducted with animal safety in mind. For example, logs used by local turtles and other wildlife will not be affected. You can learn more about the prescribed burns here.
|
Interactive Ward 43 Parking Zone Map
|
Our office has created a parking zone map to help residents better understand where residential parking zones are located throughout the ward. For several streets, a Residential Parking Permit may not be required. Some areas may instead be free parking, pay-to-park, school zones, or tow and loading zones that restrict parking during certain hours.
While the map can be helpful for general reference, posted signage is always the most reliable indicator of parking rules. We encourage residents and visitors to carefully check street signs when parking to confirm the applicable restrictions.
|
Monday, April 27 | 6 p.m.Heller Auditorium - RSVP Here
Parker’s Math Department welcomes all for a film focusing on the power and importance of numeric literacy. The movie Counted Out investigates the biggest crises of our time through an unexpected lens: math. All are welcome to join us for a screening of Counted Out followed by a facilitated discussion with Parker Math faculty. Film run time is 1 hour and 29 minutes.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
Have questions about street work happening in your area? The Department of Transportation has a wonderful tool to look up street work in your area called the Chi Street Work Portal. Here you can input an address and see all surrounding permits for projects on that street. The map is also interactive, allowing residents to view the real permits, view projects in other areas of the City, and see which type of work is being done on your street.
|
Parking Enforcement via 311
|
The Department of Finance (DOF) announced that City residents now have the option of reporting the following parking enforcement violations: Bus Lane Parking, Commercial Loading Zone, Commercial Vehicle Parked on a Residential Street, Disabled Parking, Fire Hydrant Parking, Residential Parking, Rush Hour Zones, School Safety Zones, Vehicle Parked in Bike Lane, Other (Semi-trucks parked on streets, etc.) Neighbors can report parking violations by calling 311, using the CHI311 app, or through the 311 website. The request type is “Finance Parking Code Enforcement Review.”
|
E-Scooters and E-Bikes Policy Updates
|
Please click here for updated guidance and rules from CDOT on Scooter and E-Bike rides.
|
I want to keep spreading the good word of how powerful a tool CHI 311 is to address non-emergency services in our Ward. Via the CHI 311 website and mobile app, you can:
- Create new service requests and check the status of existing requests (such as on timing and completion).
- Snap a photo of an issue to submit it with a request to improve location accuracy.
- Get local and relevant information/tips regarding the 43rd Ward including visibility into what other requests are being made in your neighborhood. The free CHI 311 mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and may be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
|
|
