Chicago’s 50th Ward Newsletter

August 7, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Rescheduled Movie in the Park - September 1

A new date has been set for the 50th Ward Movie in the Park. Join us on Tuesday, September 1 at 6:30 PM for community fun! The movie starts at dusk, but come early for free snacks, entertainment, and Zootopia 2 at Chippewa Park (6748 N. Sacramento).

The fair is underwritten by Alderman Debra Silverstein, with the help of our sponsors: Senator Ram Villiavalam, State Representative Robyn Gabel, Commissioner Josina Morita, Tel Aviv Slices Pizza (3517 W. Devon), Rita's of West Ridge (5940 N. Lincoln), Dunkin’ (3132 W. Devon), and Jewel-Osco (2485 W. Howard).

The Movie in the Park is one of my favorite community events every year. We are always joined by hundreds of local children and families for a fantastic time. I hope to see you all there! Think clear skies!

Ice Cream Social & Outdoor Office Hours - Lerner Park

Get ready for a fun summer in the 50th Ward! Join us on Monday, August 10 for free ice cream and outdoor office hours. We will be at Lerner Park at 7000 N Sacramento Ave from 4:30-6:00 PM.

Meet your alderman, discuss any needed city services, and enjoy ice cream together with your neighbors (dairy-free options will also be available).

We have a full summer planned with lots of great community events. Find one that works for you at 50thward.org/summer. I hope to see you all out in the Ward!

Volunteer Cleanup - Oakley & Arthur

Join us for a community volunteer event to help keep our neighborhood Clean & Green! I am partnering with the West Ridge Cleanup Crew to pick up trash on Oakley Ave between Arthur and Granville. We will meet at the corner of Oakley & Arthur this Sunday, August 9 from 9:00 - 11:00 AM.

West Ridge Cleanup Crew is providing grabbers, gloves, and trash bags, but if you have any additional gear please bring it along.

Thank you to the West Ridge Cleanup Crew for organizing this event and to all our neighbors who care so deeply about our community! I hope to see you on Sunday at the Clean & Green!

Rogers Park Township Property Tax Appeal

Are your property taxes too high? If you live in Rogers Park Township, you can now appeal your assessment and possibly lower them for the future.

The assessment of your home is one of the most important factors in determining how much you will pay in property taxes. The good news is that you can appeal your valuation and potentially lower your taxes.

Rogers Park Township property owners can appeal through the Cook County Board of Review through Tuesday, September 1. File an appeal at appeals.cookcountyboardofreview.com.

Rogers Park Township encompasses the area of the 50th Ward that is north of Devon Avenue. Successful appeals will be reflected on second installment property tax bills issued in the summer of 2027.

National Night Out

I had a great time on Tuesday at National Night Out! It was wonderful to see so many people celebrating together with the police. Thank you to all the local officers who keep us safe! Your dedication and commitment to our community is deeply appreciated.

National Night Out is a yearly event in which neighbors come together to take back the streets. Those who came out joined millions of people across the country to send a clear message to criminals.

I hope to see everyone who was there at the monthly CAPS meetings so we can keep the momentum going. You can find the complete schedule at: 50thward.org/police.

India & Pakistan Independence Days

Many of our neighbors are celebrating as India and Pakistan will soon commemorate their independence days. The 50th Ward is home to a very large and vibrant Indian-American and Pakistani-American community, and we are very pleased to be able to join in the celebrations.

On Thursday, I attended a flag raising ceremony at Daley Plaza hosted by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-Chicago) to commemorate the upcoming India Independence Day. I am very grateful to the event organizers for including me, and to all of the local residents who came downtown to celebrate.

Our neighborhood will also soon celebrate several festive parades, commemorating the upcoming independence days:

• The Pakistan Independence Day Parade will be on Sunday, August 16, starting at 11:30 AM. The parade route runs along Devon Avenue from Ridge to Leavitt.

  
  

• The India Independence Day Parade will be on Sunday, August 23, starting at 12:30 PM. The parade route runs along Devon Avenue from Western to California.

Expect street closures on Devon Avenue during the parades. No parking signs will also be posted in proximity to the parade routes.

The 50th Ward is one of the most diverse communities in the City of Chicago, and it is wonderful to be able to celebrate so many different cultures. Happy Independence Day to all of my friends and neighbors in the Indian and Pakistani communities!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Debra L. Silverstein

Alderman, 50th Ward

50th Ward Movie in the Park Flyer

Upcoming 50th Ward Summer Events

Community Yard Signs Now in Stock

Free yard signs are now available for pickup at the 50th Ward Office, 2949 W. Devon. There are currently four signs in stock: “Caution - Children Playing,” “Clean Up After Your Dog,” “Do Not Litter,” and “Know Your Rights.” Stop by to pick up your free signs.

Please call before coming to make sure the office is open and your desired signs are still available.

Storm Damage Assessment Survey

The City of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) and partners are reviewing damage from the severe thunderstorms that occurred on July 27, 2026, and are asking that residents who have been impacted by these storms submit a Residential Self-Assessment Survey.

To fill out a survey, please click here. Additional languages can be selected by choosing the preferred language at the top of the survey.

This supplemental information will help determine whether the City, along with county and regional partners, can pursue any options for additional assistance for residents. Reporting damages to emergency management is a voluntary activity. It is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

Sign Up for Street Sweeping Alerts

Street sweeping has officially started and will continue through late-November. You can view the schedule for the 50th Ward as an interactive map here or download a printable version on the Department of Streets and Sanitation website here. Please double-check your address on the map to make sure you are looking at the correct section.

You can find a printable schedule for each individual sweeping section on the 50th Ward website at 50thward.org/sweeping.

You can also sign up for street sweeping alerts with We the Sweeple, a third-party website that pulls information from the publicly available sweeping schedule on the Streets and Sanitation website. Visit www.WeTheSweeple.com to sign up for email alerts when street sweeping is scheduled on your block.

Please note, the site is not affiliated with the City of Chicago, so please always double-check with the official schedule.

50th Ward Know Your Rights Portal

24th District Police Court Advocacy

Free Concert at Indian Boundary

Warren Park Community Wellness Fair

17th District Council Monthly Meeting