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Happy Friday Neighbors!
This past week at our second City Council meeting this month, we voted on referendum questions for the upcoming elections. Referendum questions are the equivalent of surveys that the public votes on during elections to express their will on matters.
As people who want to see the ultra wealthy pay their fair share, a number of us supported a ballot referendum calling for a millionaire’s tax, but it was stalled by members in City Council. It is hard to conceive that anyone would be against a millionaire’s tax unless they are a) a millionaire or b) someone beholden to millionaires. It is disappointing to see that level of coordinated opposition to attempts to improve the quality of life for Chicagoans everywhere.
Another question members in City Council sought to get on the ballot was one asking if the city council should have its own independent legal counsel. The current status quo is that the Mayor’s corporate counsel is the same one representing the alders. It is clear what a conflict that can be when a Mayor and Council are on different sides of an issue, but also when it comes to issues like the current parking meter deal situation. Currently, the Mayor’s corporate counsel supported signing a non-disclosure agreement related to Mayor Johnson’s bidding $3 BILLION for the deal, all without informing City Council of any of it. We need more transparency and accountability than that. Mayor Johnson was opposed to that ballot question, but ultimately it moved forward.
I share that as an anecdote to illustrate just how many things come before the Council that perhaps aren’t widely shared! We will continue updating our neighbors because I value your feedback on all the issues.
Hope to see some of you out at block parties this weekend, and that everyone enjoys the weather, now that the smoke has cleared!
Yours in Service and Community, 
Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward Alder |
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| 40th Ward Back to School Supply DriveFrom now through July 30th, the 40th Ward will be accepting school supply donations as part of our back-to-school supply drive! Neighbors can drop off supplies at 5620 N. Western or visit bit.ly/40thbacktoschool to place direct orders through the 40th Ward’s school supply wish list! Neighbors can also visit the CPS website to view a list of accepted supplies. Please note that the 40th Ward will not accept used materials. |
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| Back to School Resource Fair
Back to School season has arrived! Join our office at the Back to School Resource Fair on Saturday, August 1st from 11am-2pm at Green Briar Park (2650 W Peterson Ave). We'll be joining Communities United to offer free resources on housing, immigration, healthcare, and more! You can get free blood pressure and immunization screenings—and get a 10% off coupon from Jewel-Osco for every vaccine, and enjoy the musical instrument petting zoo by School of Rock. Hope to see you there! |
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| U.S. Small Business Association Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will establish Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) for residents and businesses impacted by the severe storms that occurred on June 10, June 11, and June 17, 2026, to apply for low-interest loans. In Chicago, centers will be established at two Chicago Public Library locations, the Pullman Branch at 11001 S. Indiana and the Thurgood Marshall Branch, 7506 S. Racine Ave. All centers will open on Wednesday, July 15, operating daily (Mon-Sat) through Thursday, July 30.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. |
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Feedback Open: 2648-58 W. Lawrence
Feedback is now open for a request to rezone 2648 W Lawrence Ave to B2-3 to allow for the construction of a 5-story mixed-use building. If you missed the meeting, you can watch a recording or visit 40thward.org/2648lawrence to learn more about the project. Submit your feedback on this proposal by Monday, August 3rd! |
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| Community Zoning Meeting: 1634 W. ThorndaleOn Wednesday, July 27th at 5:30pm, join us for a virtual meeting to discuss a rezone at 1634 W. Thorndale Ave from an RS3 to a B2-3 to allow for rehab, addition, or expansion of the existing building. The meeting will take place via Zoom and neighbors can register at this link to attend! |
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| Elise Malary PlazaCrews began work on Elise Malary Plaza last week! As a reminder, Catalpa between Clark and Ashland is now permanently closed as a result of the new plaza being constructed. If you missed the pre-construction meeting we held last month, you can check out a recording here.
This week: crews are set to begin installing lighting next week. This work will have little to no impact on traffic. This work will be done within the area of Catalpa that is already closed. The sidewalk will also continue to be closed on the west side of the street at Clark and Catalpa. |
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| | Ashland Avenue ResurfacingThe final layer of asphalt has been laid on Ashland Avenue! Crews will now be working on installation of pavement markings on the new asphalt surface from Montrose to Argyle for the next two weeks. In the 47th ward, raised crosswalks from Montrose to Lawrence will be installed in the coming weeks, followed by bus pads. Crews anticipate completing the project by the end of September. |
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| | Residential Street ResurfacingCrews will begin grinding Campbell Avenue from Morse to Pratt the week of July 30th in anticipation of resurfacing! |
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| Road Closure on Ainslie and ClaremontStarting next Monday, July 27th, the intersection at Ainslie and Claremont, along with the majority of the 4800 block of N Claremont, will be closed to allow the city to complete a sewer main and structure installation.
The project is in the 47th Ward, but the closure will impact the 40th Ward as well, due to the intersection closure. The closure will last for approximately four weeks, weather permitting. If you have any questions, or if any issues come up during construction, please reach out to our office at 40thward.org/contact! |
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| Manor Avenue Resurfacing
Asphalt resurfacing of Manor Avenue is expected to begin next week! Crews anticipate that they will begin grinding the existing asphalt the week of July 29th, weather and equipment permitting. Once the existing asphalt is milled, they will adjust any sewer structures, and then repave the street, followed by pavement markings. The entire process typically takes around 3-4 weeks.
While the street will remain open for the duration of this work, there will be lane closures as needed to facilitate this work, so please plan for additional time on your commutes! We apologize for the disruption, but looking forward to a smoother, safer Manor Avenue. |
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| Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale
Save the date for one of Andersonville's favorite summer shopping traditions: the Summer Sidewalk Sale, where more than 40 local businesses will bring the best of their stores outdoors! Stroll the one-mile district along Clark Street and discover unbeatable deals on fashion, home goods, antiques, gifts, art, vintage finds, and one of a kind treasures while enjoying live music and performances throughout the neighborhood. The event takes place July 24-26th, and hours vary by business. Find participating businesses at the Andersonville website! |
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| Shakespeare in The Park: As You Like It at Winnemac Park
Midsommer Flight is excited to return to Winnemac Park this weekend July 24, 25, and 26 at 6pm with their performance of As You Like It. This programming is free and suitable for all ages. The July 25 show will offer free American Sign Language interpretation for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing neighbors. Visit midsommarflight.com for more information. |
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| Mayor’s Youth Summit
Do you know any young people with big ideas and a passion for making a difference? Registration is now open for the 2026 Youth Voice, Real Change Summit, hosted by the Mayor's Youth Commission! This dynamic event invites young Chicagoans ages 14-19 to come together for an inspiring afternoon of youth-led discussion, networking and opportunities to make their voices heard. Learn more at tinyurl.com/myCsummit26! |
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| Andersonville Vintage Market
The Andersonville Vintage Market is back for its 6th season! Visit the vintage market on July 26, August 9, August 23, September 13 and September 27 from 11AM-5PM at 1600 W. Catalpa and the St. Gregory parking lot. Spend your Sunday treasure hunting with more than 40 vintage vendors offering antiques, home décor, jewelry, clothing, accessories, vinyl, collectibles, and one of a kind finds. Whether you are searching for a statement piece, the perfect gift, or a nostalgic treasure, you'll find something worth taking home. Enjoy live music throughout the day, bring your furry friends along (pets are welcome), and make a day of it by exploring Andersonville's incredible collection of vintage shops along Clark Street, including Andersonville Antiques, The Brown Elephant, Buffalo Exchange, District, Folk, Mercantile M, Rare Form, Rattleback Records, Strange Cargo, Vintiques and Company, Woolly Mammoth Chicago Antiques & Oddities, and many more.
Admission is free with a suggested $5 donation. Vendor lineups vary by date, so every market offers something new to discover. Learn more at the Andersonville Vintage Market website. |
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| 19th District Council Meeting
Join the 19th District Council for their monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 29, at 6:30 p.m. at Clarendon Park Community Center (4501 N. Clarendon Ave).
This month's meeting will focus on the Parking Alternative Response Team (PART) pilot ordinance, a proposal that sends trained civilian parking enforcement staff to parking-related 911 calls, allowing police officers to focus on higher priority public safety needs. Get updates on where the progress towards passing the ordinance stands, discuss the challenges it has faced, and explore why expanding alternative response is so important for Chicago. Hope to see you there! |
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| Free Tickets to ABT’s The Best Damn Thing
Calling all 40th Ward Residents: Join the American Blues Theatre for FREE tickets to The Best Damn Thing on Friday, July 31st!
It’s summer of 2011, and Ellie, an awkward 16-year-old, has written what she believes to be a groundbreaking new musical inspired by the early discography of Avril Lavigne. She has invited Rachel, her much cooler ex-best friend and their theatre teacher’s favorite, to her house to pitch the show in hopes that Rachel can convince him to program it for their spring musical. Over the course of one evening of workshopping, the two girls rekindle their friendship and reopen old wounds. The Best Damn Thing is a piercing and boldly theatrical exploration of what it means to be a teenage girl in a world that refuses to take you seriously.
A limited number of free tickets are available to Ward 40 residents. Please email [email protected] with the subject line "40 for Ward 40" to reserve your free tickets (maximum of 2 tickets per household). |
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| Save Your Ash Donations Due July 31st!
Help save our trees! Please donate today to the HOLS Save Your Ash initiative as the Donation deadline is July 31st for over 300 public parkway ash trees in the Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association area. This includes over 40 ash trees surrounding Winnemac Park! All donations go directly to inoculating the ash trees from the deadly emerald ash borer and you can sponsor specific trees on the map as well. You can find out more information on the HOLS website, or you can donate directly! |
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| The Mr. Don Sadofsky Foundation's Community Celebration of the Arts & Tuition-Free Summer Music Camp
On July 20–31, 2026, the Mr. Don Sadofsky Foundation for Music Education is hosting a Tuition-Free Summer Music Camp for students entering grades 6–12 at Indian Boundary Park Cultural Center (2500 W. Lunt Ave., Chicago, IL 60645). The program concludes with the Community Celebration of the Arts on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 2:00–7:30 PM, featuring student performances, live music, community awards, family activities, arts experiences, and a citywide celebration of music and creativity. Neighbors can learn more at this link! |
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| Zero-Interest Loans Available Through Jewish Free Loan Chicago
An unexpected medical bill, car repair, housing expense, or high-interest debt can be difficult to manage alone. Jewish Free Loan Chicago is a non-profit lender that provides zero-interest personal loans of up to $7,500 to eligible individuals and families across Chicagoland – regardless of faith.
JFLC’s team works with applicants respectfully and is available to answer questions about the process before they apply. Income, repayment, and guarantor requirements apply. Learn more or apply at jflchicago.org. Not sure whether the program is right for you? Call 224-285-7334 to speak with a member of our team. We are happy to answer your questions and help you understand whether a JFLC loan may be right for you. |
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| Yesterday, I joined Andre Vasquez, District Councilors from the 17th, 19th, 20th, and 24th Districts, CCPSA Commissioners, and community members for a conversation about the work of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability and the upcoming search for Chicago’s next police superintendent.
We shared an overview of CCPSA’s role and reflected on our experiences as elected officials and appointees over the past three years. The discussion highlighted both the progress that has been made and the important work still ahead. Selecting the next superintendent will be a critical step in continuing to strengthen accountability across the city.
It is essential that this next leader reflects the values of Chicagoans and demonstrates a clear commitment to transparency, public trust, and constitutional policing. This is especially important as it relates to immigration issues, interactions between the Chicago Police Department and federal agents, and ensuring compliance with the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance. We must remain diligent in documenting and reporting any violations, and ensure residents understand their ability to report concerns involving federal enforcement actions.
In the coming months, CCPSA will host a series of public listening sessions as part of a nationwide search for candidates. These sessions are an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of public safety in Chicago. Community input will be essential in identifying a superintendent who represents all Chicagoans, upholds the requirements of the Consent Decree, and continues to advance alternative response models and reforms within the department.
We will share more details on upcoming meetings as they are announced. Your voice matters, and we strongly encourage you to participate and share your feedback.
Yours in Service, Deirdre O’Connor, 20th District Councilor |
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| | Public Safety TrendsOverall, violent crime is down 6% in the 40th Ward for the year so far compared to last year! Citywide, violent crime is down 9.3%. See below for a breakdown of citywide and 40th Ward statistics across all categories. You can visit the City of Chicago’s Violence Reduction Dashboard to learn more! |
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| Illinois Secretary of State: Plate Watch Hotline
As federal immigration activity intensifies once again in Illinois, it’s important for everyone to remember that it’s illegal for anyone, even federal ICE agents, to drive on public streets without proper license plates, or to tamper with, cover, or swap out plates in any way.
If you spot anything that doesn’t look right, we’d really appreciate your help by reporting any potential violations to the State of Illinois’ Plate Watch Hotline at (312) 814-1730 or [email protected]. |
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| | Our team got to tour the 911 Call Center last week to learn more about how our first responders dispatch emergency calls! |
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