Lawrence Ave Dine-In; Western CTA Plaza Re-Opens

Hi neighbors,

With summer just around the corner, it’s critical that ComEd be able to supply the electricity that residents will need to keep their homes cool and powered. On Monday, senior leaders from ComEd came to City Hall to present their summer plans to the City Council Environmental Protection & Energy Committee. We learned outages are on the decline, and work is underway to improve electrical infrastructure in places across Chicago where outages still occur too frequently. My colleagues and I also underscored the need for ComEd to work harder and smarter to curb the rising cost of electricity, and to make it easier and cheaper to connect renewable energy generating sites to the grid—especially solar and geothermal projects.

Did you know that we could triple our City’s recycling rate by composting our food scraps? Many of you know that Chicago’s recycling rate stands at a disappointing 9%. That primarily accounts for the cardboard and plastics that people put in their blue bins, and it could go up significantly if residents composted food scraps like banana peels, apple cores, and unused vegetables—at home, using a takeaway service like WasteNot or Block Bins, or by taking the scraps to one of 33 City-run drop off sites. I visited one of those sites this week—the Uptown Library on Sheridan at Buena—and it’s easy to use and exceptionally clean.

One of my favorite things about serving as Alderman is talking with local students about City services and policy. I had the opportunity to do just that throughout the week. First, I joined Lake View High School sophomore for their annual infographic poster fair, where they gave short presentations on topics they felt passionately about, ranging from quality sports equipment and cafeteria food to preventing vaping and keeping neighbors safe from ICE.

Then, I met with a dozen Amundsen High School civics students to discuss how they can advocate to improve government services including cleanliness on the CTA, access to affordable homes, and investments in Park District facilities. And I rounded out the week by tabling at Bell Elementary’s Fine Arts Night alongside the North Center Neighbors Association. It was a blast seeing arts teachers marching through the hallways in a meticulously crafted coyote costume while nearby students played the saxophone, trombone, and drums.

Yesterday, I swung by the Lincoln Square Farmers Market and was delighted to see all of the improvements at the Western Brown Line Plaza! The fencing around the Plaza has come down, the decorating lighting is up, and scores of plants are in the ground. Only a few punch list items remain before the Plaza work is complete.

I hope you have a restful weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider supporting a local immigrant-owned restaurant as part of the Solidarity Dine-In. Today through Sunday, dine in at a participating restaurant, and if you send your receipt to the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, you’ll have a chance to win restaurant gift cards!

Additionally, Burning Bush Brewery is hosting a family friendly Spring Fest on Sunday from 11:30am to 8:00pm. They’ll have a bounce house, tye dye station, and lots of other activities.

Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

Western Brown Line Plaza Open

Crews removed the fence and opened the new Brown Line Plaza, complete with new benches, plantings, and lighting. This is a critical milestone for the project.

Crews will still be in the area to put finishing touches on the project, but most of the work is now complete.

The CTA Station will remain under construction as that's a separate project.

Sign up for updates on CTA project

Free Dance Cardio at Welles Park

Saturday, May 30th

Take a free dance cardio class at the park with Free Mvmt, a local dance studio. Get your heart rate up, learn new moves, and jam to some great tunes. All ages and ability levels are welcome to participate.

Please wear close toed shoes and fitness attire (e.g. no jeans). Spots are expected to go fast, so be sure to reserve your spot soon.

Reserve your spot

Lawrence Ave Solidarity Dine-in

May 15th - May 16th

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber is spotlighting local immigrant-owned restaurants, and inviting neighbors to dine-out on Lawrence Ave this weekend. Eat at these terrific local businesses this weekend for the chance to earn rewards. 

• Pollo Express (1967 W Lawrence)
• Falcon's Handcrafted Sandwiches (1968 W Lawrence)
• Primo Chuki's (1708 W Lawrence)

From May 15-17, spend at least $25 (pre-tax/tip) at one of these featured restaurants and submit your receipt for a chance to win $50 in gift cards to other local restaurants.

Learn more

Lincoln + Roscoe Craft Fair

May 16th - May 17th

Shop for fabulous paintings, sculptures, and fiber pieces, as well as décor, jewelry, and more. All while enjoying live music, painting classes, festival food, interactive art activities for kids! Beer lovers will be happy to see a broad selection of brews for purchase curated by local business Bitter Pops.

Learn more

Burning Bush Brewery Spring Fest

Sunday, May 17th

Join Burning Bush Brewery for their Spring Fest this weekend. They'll be releasing new beers and have live music and tie dye station. Plus, food from Cafe Tola, Barry Sweets, and more.

Learn more

Ashland Construction

Concrete work on the west side of Ashland including curb and gutter, ADA ramp, and sidewalk replacements is scheduled to be completed by the end of next week, weather permitting.

After work on the west side wraps up, CDOT will begin concrete work on the east side. Sewer work at the intersections of Wilson and Sunnyside is progressing as scheduled, with Sunnyside east of Ashland expected to reopen to traffic early next week. Weather permitting, CDOT will begin milling Ashland Ave between Montrose and Foster in early June to prepare the street for repaving. 

Sign up for updates

High School Students: Free Fire Department Camp

This unique camp is designed for youth ages 13–18 and offers a hands-on introduction to the world of firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). Over the course of three days, participants will take part in physical fitness training, firefighting and EMS skill-building, team-based challenges, and mentorship with CFD professionals— all at no cost to families.

Learn more

Volunteer: Its Your Park Day

Saturday, May 30th

Join the Chicago Park Foundation to kick off their volunteer season! Activities include trash pick-up, tree mulching, playground woodchip replenishment, and community fun. Check the full list of parks participating. If you don't see your park on the list, considering hosting your own volunteer day!

Learn more

New Cocktail Bar: Point and Feather

4020 N Rockwell

Welcome the newest cocktail bar to the 47th Ward. Point and Feather will be serving cocktails, snacks, and dart boards. This project is brought to you by the people behind Burning Bush Brewery and is located right next door.

Learn more

Stained Glass Class at Chicago Glass Collective

Sunday, May 17th

Design your own stained glass dog or cat at the Chicago Glass Collective! Create your designs from colorful glass pieces, learn to cut shapes, and solder them into one-of-a-kind designs. No experience needed. Ages 14+ from 12-4pm at 1770 W Berteau Ave.

Learn more

Resources

Business



• Become Bankable Lender Panel, May 21st, Learn more

Workforce

• Assistant Director, Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability (Job Number: 416768), Learn more
• City Law Department Hiring, Learn more
• Greater West Town Wood Working Training, Learn more
• Pilgrim Lutheran School Athletic Director, Learn more
• Cook County Job Fair, May 27, Learn more

Recycle Old Ice Packs

Saturday, May 30th

Exciting news! We've added a new item you can recycle at EcoFest. You can drop off old ice packs at the XO Marshmallow booth, so they can be re-used at a small business.

You can recycle or donate over 80 items at EcoFest, so be sure to check the list full list of accepted items.

Learn more

Southport Plant Sale

Saturday, June 13th

The Southport Neighbors plant sale will feature native flowers, grasses, and sedges. Stop by the Southport Brown Line stop from 9 AM until all the plants sell out! This sale aims to transform Lakeview with thriving native flora. There will be something for everyone, whether your space is sunny, shady or in between.

Learn more

Volunteers Needed: EcoFest

Saturday, May 30th

We’re looking for volunteers to make EcoFest 2026 a success! Volunteers will assist with setup, takedown, vendor support, and more on Saturday, May 30 at Welles Park. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, and all volunteers will receive a hand-sewn EcoFest bag as a thank-you.

Please note: If you weren't able to sign up last week, we've included the corrected link.

Volunteer

This Week

• Cornelia Arts Open Studios, May 15th-16th, Learn more
• Lawrence Ave Solidarity Dine-In, May 15th-16th, Learn more
• St Andrew's Garage Sale, May 16th, Learn more
• Vintage Store Day, May 16th, Learn more
• Ravenswood Manor Plant Sale, May 16th, Learn more
• Lincoln + Roscoe Art and Craft Fair, May 16th-17th, Learn more
• Andersonville Spring Wine Walk, May 17th, Learn more
• Burning Bush Brewery Spring Fest, May 17th, Learn more

Future Weeks

• Mayfestiversary, May 23-24th, Learn more
• Follow the Money Webinar, May 26th, Learn more
• Maifest, May 29th-31st, Learn more
• Northcenter Yard Sale, May 30th-31st, Learn more
• Eco Fest, May 30th, Learn more
• Porchfest Lakeview, May 31st, Learn more
• Ravenswood Front Yard Free Cycle, June 6th, Learn more
• The Great Bake Walk, June 7th, Learn more
• Roscoe Village Kidical Mass, June 7th, Learn more
• Lincoln Square Yard Sale, June 7th, Learn more
• Midsommarfest, June 12th-13th, Learn more
• 312RiverRun, June 13th, Learn more
• Southport Neighbors Plant Sale, June 13th, Learn more

Community Job Boards

Looking to work locally? Many of our local chambers of commerce offer job boards to help highlight openings at local businesses. Find more information at the following links:

• Andersonville
• Lakeview/Roscoe Village
• Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
• Northcenter
• Greater Ravenswood