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Dear Neighbors,
Congratulations to the Cubs on advancing past the Wild Card round with yesterday’s win over the San Diego Padres! The team will face the Milwaukee Brewers in a five-game series, heading north for the first two tomorrow, October 4th at 1:08pm, and Monday, October 6th at 8:08pm. Home games will occur Wednesday, October 8th, and Thursday, October 9th. The last game of the series will be on Saturday, October 11th in Milwaukee. Start times for the last three games of the series will be announced shortly. The Cubs will host Gallagher Way watch parties for the away games. Keep track of the postseason schedule here.
We’re excited to welcome several new and returning businesses to the ward! Dream Creeks (2936 N Clark), a husband-and-wife-owned leather studio, has opened its doors and offers beautifully handcrafted, heirloom-quality pieces. TRUTH Training (3232 N Sheffield) brings a new, inclusive fitness community to Lakeview just across the street from our office where neighbors of all levels can train, grow, and connect.
A longtime favorite, Nancy’s Pizza (2930 N Broadway), has reopened under new management on Broadway, once again serving up its famous stuffed deep dish along new menu additions. And Just Salad (3025 N Clark) offers fresh, sustainable, and health-conscious meals in the neighborhood with plenty of plant-based options. Be sure to give these businesses a warm welcome!
  
This past weekend, I was honored to take part in the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, where more than 2,000 participants gathered at Soldier Field under the theme of Resist, Restore, Renew. It was powerful to join community members, advocates, and organizations united in the fight against HIV/AIDS, honoring those we’ve lost and recommitting ourselves to ensuring access to care, housing, and dignity for all. Seeing the energy and solidarity on display was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much work we must continue together. Read more about it here.
 
We hope all who celebrate have had a meaningful High Holidays season, and that members of Lakeview’s Jewish community enjoyed breaking their fast last night for Yom Kippur. Locally, the Chabad of East Lakeview is a nonprofit community partner that offers services and family programs—providing opportunities to come together for the holidays right here in the neighborhood.
I recently had the chance to meet with a group of Jewish constituents to discuss how City leadership can best support them. While overall hate crimes in Chicago have recently declined from the Commission on Human Relations' 2025 Report, the two categories that rose in 2024 were those targeting LGBTQ+ men and Jewish communities, reflecting national trends of heightened tension. Hate against any group is unacceptable, and we remain committed to ensuring every neighbor feels safe, supported, and respected here in Lakeview. I was glad for this conversation to talk about how getting to know our neighbors, strengthening community bonds, and speaking out are some of the most powerful ways to combat hate.
Earlier today I was thrilled to cut the ribbon on the completion of Lakeview Landing, a new development at 835 W Addison that will provide 37 units of affordable housing designed for members of the disability community. Every aspect of the building—from roll-in showers and pull-under sinks to lowered appliances and light switches—was built with accessibility at the forefront. As part of this celebration, I also toured Mayor Johnson through the ward to showcase this project and highlight some of the very best of Lakeview including AIDS Garden Chicago, the Music Box Theater, our hospital campuses, and more.
 
Although the temperature still feels like summer, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the fall season in our neighborhood over the coming days! This Saturday, October 4th from 1-5pm, the Taste of Northalsted returns with more than 20 stops offering food and drink samples from some of the area’s most popular spots. On Sunday, October 5th from 2-4pm, don’t miss the Southport Fall Jam, with complimentary bites from Itoko, Little Goat Diner, and GG's Chicken, and drink specials, games, and activities for all ages. And from October 8th–10th, the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce's Shop for Schools fundraiser invites you to shop local, with participating businesses donating 15% of sales to support our neighborhood schools.
  
As a reminder, the Chicago Marathon is coming up on Sunday, October 12th, bringing more than 53,000 runners through Lakeview and across the city. Parking restrictions along the route will begin at 1:00am on race day, and streets in our area will close starting at 6:00am, with most reopening near us occurring between 12:00–1:00pm. Please plan ahead to avoid disruptions—click here to view the street closure brochure and full course map.
In light of escalating federal immigration enforcement, the City Council’s Committee on Immigrant & Refugee Rights shared a helpful series of resources for neighbors and institutions. You can see the Committee’s page here for ongoing updates to learn how to prepare and support loved ones, and learn about Know Your Rights trainings and more here. If you or someone you know needs assistance, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights operates a support hotline at 855-435-7693. Our office will continue coordinating with community partners to keep residents informed and safe.
Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, October 13th in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day. Our office will reopen at 9:00am on Tuesday, October 14th.
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Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson
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HAWTHORNE SCHOOL BARCOCINA FUNDRAISER - TODAY
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MOVIE AT HAWTHORNE SCHOOL - TOMORROW
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SHOP FOR SCHOOLS FUNDRAISER - OCT 8-10th
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COOK COUNTY PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FUND - DUE OCT 10th
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LINCOLN BRUNCH FEST - OCT 11th
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FREE VIRTUAL LEGAL SEMINARS (NEXT ON OCT 15th)
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CANNED FOOD DRIVE - OCT 25th
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OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL WILDCAT DEN - THRU SCHOOL YEAR
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LAKEVIEW DOG PARK - DONATION PAGE
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FREE EXERCISE CLASSES FOR SENIORS
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NETTELHORST FRENCH MARKET - THRU NOVEMBER
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CHICAGO FURNITURE BANK NONPROFIT - 44th WARD DISCOUNT
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To submit a small business for our weekly shoutout, please complete the form here.
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PUBLIC SAFETY & 19th DISTRICT WEEKLY REPORT:
September 22nd - September 28th
Community Conversation Oct 7th:
In public safety news, our local 19th District CPD officers are inviting neighbors to take part in a community conversation to help shape their 2026 District Strategic Plan. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 7th at 2:00pm at Lark Restaurant & Bar (3441 N Halsted). This is an important opportunity to share your input and priorities with CPD leadership as they set goals for the years ahead.
Public Safety Statistics:
My office is in regular contact with the 19th Police District about crimes that have occurred recently in our area and that are reflected in the statistics below. The majority of 19th District crimes have occurred outside of our ward. The 19th District also includes the surrounding neighborhoods of Uptown, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Bricktown, Ravenswood, and Lincoln Square.
Please view our website's public safety page here for both proactive measures to stay safe before crimes occur, and also how to respond in the event of a crime.
In order to stay safe, please find the most relevant key safety tips below, and the full list of CPD's safety tips here:
-General
-Personal
-Robbery-specific
-Vehicle-specific
Below you'll find Week 39's CompStat breakdown of crime in the 19th District.
Please note, these statistics are a reflection of the entire 19th District. The boundaries are from Lawrence Ave to Fullerton Ave, from the Chicago River to the Lake.
Here are the key points:
- Year to Date, Robberies are down 27%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 are down 39%
- Year to Date, Aggravated Battery is down 7%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 is down 22%
- Year to Date, Burglaries are down 24%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're down 33%
- Year to Date, Felony Thefts are down 13%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're down 26%
- Year to Date, Misdemeanor Thefts are down 12%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're down 32%
- Year to Date, Motor Vehicle Thefts are down 42%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're down 32%
For a list of crime definitions, please see CPD's website here.
See full report below:
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MENTAL HEALTH RESPONSE RESOURCES
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SCOOTER REPORTING
Please click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request.
Please contact our office directly if you see illegal/dangerous activities on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc). We are able to work with Lime to potentially administer fines, suspensions, or bans if you can include a photo/video of the behavior, and a time and location.
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See below for ongoing construction and infrastructure projects in our neighborhood and on our website here!
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CTA WORK - ADDISON TO GRACE THRU SEPT-OCT
Please see a flyer linked here for upcoming work on the Red Line tracks north of the Addison station, on the CTA structure west of the area between 3636-3740 N Wilton.
During work periods, access to under ‘L’ areas will be restricted, particularly for residents who park east of the tracks between 3636 – 3740 N. Wilton. Alternative parking will be provided for those residents who currently have private, dedicated parking on their property. Residents on the west side of the tracks with N. Sheffield addresses between 3709 – 3763 will be able to access their garages/parking spaces via the alley.
To perform this work, there will be temporary street closures on Waveland between Sheffield and Wilton, and Grace St. between Sheffield and Wilton. There will be overnight work during work periods.
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ALLEY RECONSTRUCTION ALERT
10/3 update:
CDOT has informed us of delays in this alley reconstruction project. See a letter earlier this month from CDOT to our office here for more details. We apologize for these delays. Work resumed on 9/22. They are anticipated to complete sewer installs next week, and move on to laying down the final layer of concrete and pavers soon afterwards, weather permitting.
CDOT's progress has been slowed due to utility lines not previously documented, required bracing around utility poles, and scheduling gaps with subcontractors.
Please be aware of noise in the neighborhood due to construction. In accordance with the Chicago Municipal Code, the Public Building Commission (PBC) is granting permission to the Contractor to begin the workday at 6:00AM and to end the workday at 7:00PM, Monday through Friday; 8:00AM to 5:00PM on Saturdays (if needed); and 9:00AM to 5:00PM on Sundays (if needed) for the duration of the project.
If you have any questions on this alley resurfacing, please reach out to our office for more details.
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HALSTED ARTERIAL RESURFACING
Halsted Arterial Resurfacing - North Halsted St. from N. Clark St. to W. Waveland Ave.
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has begun saw cutting and electrical operations for the upcoming resurfacing of Halsted Street. Milling has been completed, and the paving surface will be completed early next week. The final pavement markings will follow immediately after paving and are anticipated to be finished by the end of next week, weather permitting. The rainbow crosswalks are expected to be repainted by the end of the year once the project is complete. Neighbors should be able to park on nights and weekends within the work area.
This work is part of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Arterial Street Resurfacing - North Area Project, in the 44th Ward. Bigane Paving Co. is the general contractor for this project and Wight & Company is providing resident engineering services for the Chicago Department of Transportation.
The project includes ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement, and striping.
Please be mindful of temporary “No Parking” signs as required for the activity listed above. These temporary signs restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work.
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TREE TRIMMING
Area Grid Tree Trimming – Wednesday, October 3rd
Weather and staff permitting, the Bureau of Forestry will be conducting tree trimming in the 44th Ward. The below grid and addresses will have their parkway trees trimmed:
1000 W Wellington
As a reminder, in the spring of 2023 the Bureau of Forestry switched to a grid-based system for tree trimmings in place of accepting requests for individual tree trims. This system allows for more of our City's urban canopy to be maintained.
Please be alert of no parking signs posted on the above blocks for this date as the equipment will occupy the public way.
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REPORTING POTHOLES
Please report any potholes you see by entering in all requests through the 311.Chicago.Gov website for those in the street or alley. If possible, be sure to upload images as well so crews are able to identify the exact location.
For more severe potholes that may need immediate attention, please reach out to my ward office either by email ([email protected]) and include the location and images of the pothole or by calling the office at (773-525-6034).
If your vehicle was damaged due to a pothole, you may be entitled to a financial claim here.
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TIPS FROM TOMMY K - SEPTEMBER
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GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Recycling pick-ups for the 44th Ward are occurring the week of October 13th. You can find your full garbage and recycling pickup schedule .
Please note there will be NO refuse collection on Monday, October 13th due to Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day. All city-collected refuse will be serviced Tuesday thru Friday. Alley pickups may be a day behind, with curb pickups as scheduled. Residents should ensure all black refuse carts are accessible throughout the week of collection, not solely on their regular day of collection.
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See below for a list of job fairs, networking events, and more!
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THE CITY IS HIRING
Looking for a job? Try working for the City! Click here to see the full list of job openings currently seeking applicants.
Local government employment opportunities:
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44th WARD 2025 COMMUNITY MEETINGS
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