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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for August 24, 2026
In This Edition:
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2nd Ward Website
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2nd Ward Twitter
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2nd Ward YouTube
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Honoring History While Prioritizing Growth
This afternoon, I joined Fox 32 Chicago Live to discuss the negative impact the Cortland Bridge closure has had on the Near North Side and our city in general. I reiterated what I stated in last week's newsletter: our community has now lived with this closure for nearly a year, and there is still no clear scope of work or timeline for reopening the bridge.
This moment requires decisive leadership, where none has been present so far, from the department or executive level. Plainly speaking, I am exploring options to revoke the City Landmark Status of the Cortland Bridge to clear the way for a new one.
I have been a champion for historic preservation since taking office; however, the city should not be designating critical infrastructure like bridges as landmarks. Period.
Ironically, the once first-of-its-kind trunnion bascule bridge — considered a civil engineering masterpiece of the 20th century — is now inadvertently hampering the growth of this city well into the 21st century. There is a way to honor the builders and achievers of yesteryear without negatively affecting the lives, commerce, and progress of the city now.
Stay tuned for more updates provided in this newsletter about my efforts on this matter.
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More Affordable and Market-rate Housing Stock Delivered in the 2nd Ward
I am pleased to announce that applications are now open for 26 affordable apartments at the newly constructed Inside Info Fremont at 1529 N Fremont St. If you or someone you know qualifies and is seeking this type of desirable housing, please see the flier below for more details.
The 136 total units in this building, approximately 20% of which are being offered below market rate as required by the city's Affordable Requirement Ordinance (ARO), represent an important success story in our ward's and city's larger need for more housing of all types. New buildings like this one provide both attainable market-rate units and ARO units. Other new buildings at the luxury end of the market also help with overall housing affordability merely by increasing the supply of housing.
I believe that a very important element of balancing our difficult financial situation, both current-day and future-anticipated, is to grow as a city. We need more residents generating more economic activity to avoid raising various existing taxes or creating new taxes on our existing residents and businesses. In my tenure as alderman, I have supported the much-needed development of thousands of new housing units in buildings like this one, and there are thousands more that have received all of their approvals and are awaiting a better financing environment to proceed to construction.
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A Successful Bike the 2nd Ward
We could not have asked for better weather at our annual Bike the 2nd Ward event this past Sunday morning. Thank you to all of our neighbors and friends who came out for the ride! Thank you to all of our sponsors for making this event go off without a hitch: SPF for hosting; Gotham Bagels for their delicious bagels and spreads; the 18th District and the CPD Bike Unit for leading the way; CDOT Bike Ambassadors for handing out lights and providing safety tips; and Village Cycle Center for servicing bikes.
I look forward to seeing you all next year!
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Mary Poppins In the Park
This past Saturday, I was delighted to present a free showing of Mary Poppins as part of the Chicago Park District's Movies in the Park series. Attendees were treated to free popcorn, a showing of the classic film, and even some special appearances by Mary Poppins herself and Bert the Chimney Sweep!
We were also pleased to have our five lucky contestants compete in the "Bad Cockney Accent Competition," much to the delight of those in the audience. Congratulations to those who participated, and thank you for immersing us in the world of Mary Poppins, Cockney accents and all.
Thank you to the hardworking volunteers from the Lake Shore Park Advisory Council and to the actors from Lookingglass Theater for making this event a night to remember!
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Franklin Fine Arts Back-to-School Bash
Last Thursday, my office attended the Franklin Fine Arts Center Back-to-School Bash, where we got to talk with parents, teachers, and students about resources in the 2nd Ward and their excitement for the upcoming school year. Students got to reunite with their teachers, enjoy snacks and a bounce house, and celebrate the end of summer.
Thank you to the Franklin Fine Arts team for putting on this wonderful event and for extending an invitation to our office. We appreciate all the hard work that Principal Wontor-Leach and the hardworking Franklin teachers do to educate young minds and encourage learning in our youth. Welcome back to school, students!
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NASCAR Update
Recently, the NASCAR team behind the Chicago Street Race announced they would not be returning to the City of Chicago in 2027 and will instead be holding the race at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet. As the alderman for a ward that was significantly impacted by the street race and its strain on our infrastructure, I have been vocal about ensuring this event makes sense for Chicago as a whole and does not cause unnecessary burdens for our city to manage.
After the 2025 race, Ald. Pat Dowell, Ald. Brendan Reilly, Ald. Bill Conway, and I met with NASCAR representatives to discuss future editions of the race, as we believed a new deal would need to be made to keep the race in the City of Chicago. During the three years of the race, I heard consistent feedback from my constituents and city departments that demonstrated a strain on city resources as a result of NASCAR, with a noticeably insufficient financial benefit to the city. I believe that Chicago's deal with NASCAR was not maximally beneficial to the city. Throughout meetings with the NASCAR team, I have been insistent that any future version of the race would need to have a significant benefit given the street closures, CTA reroutes, and event rescheduling that came with the logistics of the race.
In recent meetings with NASCAR, I found the team to be quite understanding and willing to work with the City. I believe their decision to move the 2027 race to Joliet was due to needing to secure the venue in advance so as not to lose out.
I am certainly willing to have the NASCAR race back in Chicago, but only if the deal for doing so is of a similar vein to the deals with Lollapalooza and other large-scale events that significantly impact the city's infrastructure and residents for prolonged periods of time. I hope that NASCAR will use this additional time to create a plan for a potential 2028 race that will properly benefit Chicagoans and not cause more frustration than excitement for such a unique event.
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TOMORROW: 18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, August 25
Join the 18th Police District Council for its monthly meeting TOMORROW, Tuesday, August 25, at 6:00 pm at Wintrust - Old Town, located at 100 W North Ave. Street Parking is available on North Avenue and Clark Street.
I am honored to be the guest speaker along with Commander Christopher Bielfeldt and the 18th District CAPS team to discuss public safety matters.
Click here to RSVP in person, or here for the Zoom option.
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Street Sweeping
The Department of Streets and Sanitation continues to operate its regular street sweeping schedule. Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.
"Sweep Around Us" — a third-party email reminder service used for street sweeping alerts — has rebranded as "We The Sweeple." Click here for more information.
Click here to find the Street Sweeping section of my website. An interactive map of all seven street-sweeping sections is included, along with the full schedule of 2026 sweeping dates. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for respective sweeping dates in the event that they have visitors or are out of town.
Scheduled for cleaning on Tuesday, August 25: Section 1 (Olive), Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, August 26: Section 1 (Olive), Section 2 (Blue), Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, August 27: Section 2 (Blue)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, August 28: Section 3 (Purple)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, August 31: Section 3 (Purple)
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CCPSA Superintendent Listening Sessions
Last week, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) kicked off its community listening sessions for the 2026 Chicago Police Superintendent Search on the West Side at Malcolm X College. Residents joined the Commission to share their experiences with public safety and policing and, most importantly, what they want to see in Chicago’s next Superintendent. Join the Commission on Tuesday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Kennedy High School for the second of five community listening sessions happening across the city.
 Whether you have thoughts about the biggest public safety challenges facing Chicago, the relationship between CPD and our communities, or the qualities and leadership experience the next Superintendent should bring to the job, CCPSA wants to hear from you.
Residents can participate in person or virtually and sign up for an opportunity to provide public comment. If more residents sign up than can be accommodated, speakers will be selected at random. Each selected speaker will have up to two minutes to address the Commission.
The feedback gathered throughout these sessions will help inform the Commission’s search and evaluation of candidates before three finalists are submitted to the Mayor later this fall.
Click here to attend virtually.
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18th District CompStat Report
Computer Statistics report (CompStat) is a weekly report of incidents that have occurred in the respective police district. Each district compiles a statistical summary of the week's crime complaints, arrests, and data analysis.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
- 14 August 26 - Offenders Charged with Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking of 21-Year-Old Male
Community Alerts:
- 20 August 26 - Public Transportation Section -Aggravated Battery
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 23 August 26 - Offender Charged with Attempted Murder of 64-Year-Old Male
- 22 August 26 - Offender Charged with Aggravated Battery of a 35-Year-Old Male
- 21 August 26 - Offender Charged with Aggravated Battery of a 35-Year-Old Male
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Updated 2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Beat community meetings are a key part of the Chicago Police Department's strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person, with the option to participate remotely, and are an excellent way to communicate with the officers who patrol your beat and to engage with and meet your neighbors.
The entirety of the 2nd Ward falls inside the 18th District. Click here to find which beat you reside in. You may also call 312-742-5778 or email [email protected] for more information about the 18th District CAPS office.
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General 2nd Ward Infrastructure Updates
Construction season continues as crews are busy resurfacing streets and alleys, building pedestrian safety improvements, and replacing street lighting. Here are some highlights of ongoing or upcoming infrastructure improvements in our ward. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. My office always stands ready to answer questions about these or any other infrastructure projects in our ward and to receive your suggestions for future consideration.
- Inner Lake Shore Drive resurfacing from Michigan to Ohio
Status: Milling and first layer of asphalt are complete. Utility level adjustments and sidewalk concrete work are underway.
- Will include some pedestrian safety improvements for crossing perpendicular east-west streets
- Southport/Belden intersection reconstruction
Status: Most work complete. Aesthetic additions such as bollards will be added soon. Asphalt patch added to rough seam between milled street and concrete intersection.
- Raised intersection installed to calm traffic and increase pedestrian visibility in all directions.
- Curb bump-outs will also be added to shorten pedestrian distance when crossing in all directions.
- Aesthetic improvements are included (protective bollards and stamped concrete accents).
- Clover Playlot Improvements*
(*For the safety of parkgoers, the park is closed while major renovations take place)
- Removal of dead trees
- Installation of artificial turf in areas prone to flooding
- Refreshed decorative hardscaping along the existing walking path (new pavers and decomposed granite finishes).
- Construction of a brand-new Gaga Ball court
- Status: In progress
- Work on new surface hardscaping has begun. Timeline for completion imminent.
- Pearson St parkway improvements
Status: Finishing touches to select areas near utility covers are imminent.
- Restoration of existing pavers and sidewalk replacement in select areas adjacent to Seneca Park
- Installation of brand-new paver-style stamped concrete along south parkway adjacent to Lake Shore Park (replacing existing sandstone gravel)
- Southport Ave resurfacing from Webster to Fullerton
- Status: Milling completed, asphalt being held pending Department of Water Management reconstruction of two collapsing sewers. Asphalt expected in two to three weeks.
- Chestnut St complete lighting replacement from Mies van der Rohe to Lake Shore Drive
- Status: Final electrical work scheduled for this week, concrete restoration of remaining areas scheduled for next week
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Scott to Schiller
Status: Project start is pending on spot curb and gutter replacement on the 1300 block of State Pkwy
- Dickens Avenue resurfacing from Clifton to Racine
Status: Requested early in 2026 but on hold while fiber optics (Lumen) project is completed
- If still necessary after fiber optics restoration, will be done in 2027
- Huron St resurfacing from St. Clair to Fairbanks
Status: planned for this year, schedule forthcoming
- Wells St replacement of lighting fixtures on existing poles from Division to North Ave (completed)
- Magnolia Ave resurfacing from Webster to Belden (completed)
- Wabash Ave resurfacing from Huron to Superior (completed)
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Schiller to Burton (completed)
- McClurg Ct resurfacing from Ohio to Ontario (completed)
- Delaware Pl resurfacing from Clark to LaSalle (completed)
- Blackhawk St resurfacing from Sedgwick to Larrabee (completed)
- Magnolia/Belden detached pedestrian bump-outs (completed)
- Schiller between LaSalle and Clark: center line striping (completed)
- Alley apron and sidewalk replacement on North Ave from LaSalle to the western alley (completed)
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Update on the Division Street Streetscape
Phase 1 work is underway (center lane work).
These streetscape improvements have been designed by the Chicago Department of Transportation in close cooperation with community representatives and my team. Highlights include:
• Roadway geometry improvements
• Full-width roadway resurfacing
• New wider paver sidewalks
• New curb and gutter
• New street lighting
• ADA ramps and crosswalks
• New pavement markings and signs
• Tree plantings and landscaping
• Site furnishings
Throughout construction, Division Street will remain open to motorists and pedestrians, and access to businesses and residences will be maintained. During the final stage of construction, westbound traffic will be temporarily detoured. Please watch out for parking restrictions for equipment staging on nearby streets.
The outbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will be detoured during specific stages of construction. The inbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will not be affected. Individual bus stops may be temporarily closed or relocated to accommodate construction. For more information, please call the CTA information hotline at 773-836-7000.
Hardscape work is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving, with some landscaping work happening in the spring. Construction review meetings will be held weekly by CDOT when construction is underway. These meetings are open to the public and provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to ask questions and coordinate concerns regarding construction.
For additional information, please call the Department of Transportation at (312) 744-5900 or visit the project website here.
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Join the Illinois Creative Future Roadshow
 The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is excited to partner with Arts Alliance Illinois on the Illinois Creative Future Roadshow events in Chicago. With over 20 stops and sessions, this collaborative working session brings together artists, creative workers, nonprofit leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and community members to share ideas and help build an action plan for Illinois' creative future.
Click here to learn more.
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SAVE THE DATE! Upcoming 2nd Ward Document Shredding and Electronic Recycling Events
Join me at my upcoming 2nd Ward Document Shredding and Electronic Recycling Events:
Gold Coast: Sunday, August 30 | 9 am to 12 pm - 1258 N State Pkwy (My Parking lot)
Streeterville: Sunday, September 13 | 9 am to 12 pm - 382 E Huron St - Northwestern University Lot (from Superior to Huron)
Lincoln Park: Sunday, September 20 | 9 am to 12 pm - 2121 N Clybourn - SPF Chicago
Additional information on each event will be published in upcoming newsletters.
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Destigmatizing Dementia: A Community Conversation: September 9
 Join Skyline Village Chicago and the Center for Life and Learning at Fourth Presbyterian Church for a free community event exploring ways to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia. The program features a keynote presentation by TimeSlips, an internationally recognized nonprofit that uses creativity and storytelling to strengthen connections with people living with dementia, followed by a panel discussion on the Dementia Friends movement and the GUIDE program. The program will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm at Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E. Chestnut St). Open to caregivers, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, people living with dementia and their care partners, and anyone interested in creating a more dementia-friendly community.
Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. To register, visit CLL: Destigmatizing Dementia – Fourth Presbyterian Church.
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Stress-Buster Program Now Available
If you are a family member or caregiver of someone with dementia, you are invited to participate in the "Stress-Buster" program through the Department of Family and Support Services. Participants will learn stress management techniques, receive peer support, learn enhanced problem-solving skills, and more. You can register to attend these virtual classes here.
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C3 Fall Conservation Corps Training
 The Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) collaborates with partners across the city to inspire and fund lasting change through grassroots community organization and climate action. C3 is planning and beginning info sessions for its Fall 2026 Sustainability Leadership Training, which is virtual and focused on the food systems in Chicagoland. Classes are pay-what-you-can (including $0) and are weekly for 8 weeks. You can learn more and register here.
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Little Sisters of the Poor Chez Ste Marie Fundraiser: Thursday, September 17
 Join the Little Sisters of the Poor for Chez Ste. Marie–A Taste of France. This popular wine tasting event will take place on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in St. Mary’s Garden (2325 N Lakewood Ave).
Sample select fine French wines, taste handcrafted hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy the dulcet sounds of the guest string quartet. All proceeds go to support St. Mary’s Home and Jugan Terrace.
Click here for more information.
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