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Dear Neighbors,
I hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween weekend filled with plenty of trick or treating and neighborhood festivities! As you pack up decorations and pumpkins, consider attending a pumpkin composting event. See guides to events happening throughout the city here and here, including one close by at Lake View High School tomorrow, Saturday, November 8th from 10am-2pm.
A quick reminder that our 2025 Community Plan—Lakeview’s first comprehensive neighborhood plan in nearly 20 years—is now live. The plan reflects months of community input and outlines over 30 action items across pillars of housing, local business, transit, and neighborhood amenities. You can read the full plan here and join us in helping bring this shared vision for Lakeview’s future to life.
Earlier this morning, we were excited to welcome Dat Donut to Lakeview and join their ribbon cutting for a new location at 947 W Wellington. This beloved South Side favorite has been serving up its signature Big Dat doughnuts since 1994, and we’re thrilled to see this family-owned Chicago institution expand in Lakeview. Stop by to welcome them to the neighborhood and grab one of their famous donuts!
 
In public safety news, early Sunday morning just before 2:00am, there was a shooting on the 3400 block of Clark. The investigation remains ongoing, and we are in close contact with the Chicago Police Department as detectives continue their work. We will share verified updates as soon as more information becomes available. Residents and business owners with exterior security cameras can help by registering their cameras with CPD here. Registration allows detectives to quickly contact camera owners and reduce the time it takes to obtain critical footage.
Our office continues to conduct court advocacy for the case of Michael Jenkins, who was charged in connection with a shooting at 400 W Wellington in July. We’ve been monitoring this case closely as it moves through the court system and will continue to advocate for justice and safety. The next hearing is scheduled for 9:30am on Friday, November 14th. Residents interested in attending virtually can contact our office for the Zoom information. Violence of any kind has no place in our neighborhood, and we are committed to working with victims, residents, police, and other partners to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
This Sunday, November 9th from 2-3:00pm, the Mayor’s Office will host a 2026 Budget Town Hall at the Center on Halsted (3656 N Halsted, 3rd Floor). Residents are encouraged to attend and share their input on the City’s proposed budget and how it can best serve Chicago communities. You can RSVP here (encouraged but not required).
Our office is also launching a holiday community food box to support neighbors in need this season. You can drop off non-perishable items like canned goods, boxed meals, granola bars, pasta, baby food, and pet food at our office at 3223 N Sheffield. Whether you’re donating or picking up what you need, every little bit helps strengthen our community.
 
The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has put together a fantastic Thanksgiving Guide highlighting everything you need to make the holiday easier and more festive. From restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day to local catering options, trivia nights, and retail specials, there’s something for everyone. Explore local favorites, find great deals, and celebrate Thanksgiving right here in the 44th Ward. Read the full guide here.
Now that the City has completed resurfacing Halsted, our office has been working with the Chicago Department of Transportation to coordinate repainting the iconic rainbow crosswalks as soon as possible. You can see photos from residents below capturing the crosswalks at different stages of their refresh. While other states and cities are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion. CDOT is currently working to restore all crosswalks, and we expect the project to be completed soon.
Nettelhorst School has launched their annual Helping Hands Fundraising Campaign to support upcoming playground renovations, arts programming, and teacher positions that help keep class sizes small. Donations make a difference in strengthening the Nettelhorst community of students, families, and neighbors. You can learn more or contribute through the Helping Hands website here to help them reach their $150k goal by November 21st.
Congratulations to another one of our local schools, Lake View High School, for two incredible achievements this fall. Under the leadership of Principal Paul Karafiol, the school has nearly doubled the number of students earning early college or career credentials—from 27% to 49%, a major milestone in preparing students for success beyond graduation. And on the field, LVHS’s boys cross country team has made history by qualifying for the state championships, marking just the third time in the school’s 150-year history. You can support the team and their journey to state by donating here. Read more about the team in a recent profile from Block Club here.
Big Ten football is returning to Wrigley Field later this month as the Northwestern Wildcats take on two opponents under the lights of the Friendly Confines! The Wildcats will face Michigan on Saturday, November 15th, followed by Minnesota on Saturday, November 22th. Both games will follow standard Wrigley Field events procedures and restrictions.
Leading up to the games, Abbott and the Big Ten are partnering for a 'We Give Blood Drive' at Wrigley Field on November 10th, 11th, and 14th. Fans who donate will get the chance to step onto the field for photos, receive a vintage Big Ten t-shirt, and help their school compete for a $1 million prize to support student and community health. You can learn more and sign up to participate here.
Please see a press release here and service guide here from the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County, with information to help veterans navigate their benefits during the federal government shutdown. Most VA healthcare and benefits operations remain open and functional, including the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Hines VA Hospital, all Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, all Vet Centers, VA hotlines, and more. Veterans should continue attending appointments and accessing services as scheduled.
Our office will be closed Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.
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Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson
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INTER-AMERICAN OPEN HOUSES - NEXT TOMORROW
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LVHS PUMPKIN SMASH - TOMORROW
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LAKEVIEW BUDGET TOWN HALL WITH MAYOR - SUNDAY
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ST ANDREW USED BOOK & BAKE SALE - SUNDAY
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MOVIE SCREENING - UNITED IN ANGER - NOV 10th
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LVHS PLAY - THE OUTSIDERS - NOV 13th
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GREELEY ADVANCED ENGLISH PROGRAM - DUE NOV 14th
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BLAINE ELEMENTARY TURKEY TROT - NOV 16th
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HAWTHORNE SCHOOL FUNDRAISER - 20% OFF STATIONERY
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BURLING PARK FUNDRAISER - 20% OFF STATIONERY
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GREELEY READ-A-THON - THRU NOV 19th
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FREE VIRTUAL LEGAL SEMINARS (NEXT ON NOV 19th)
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COMMISSIONER GAINER DONATION DRIVE - THRU DEC 8th
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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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NETTELHORST FRENCH MARKET - THRU NOVEMBER
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CHICAGO PUMPKIN COMPOSTING
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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:
October 27th - November 2nd
CPD October in Review:
The Chicago Police Department has released its October 2025 in Review, highlighting progress in crime reduction and community engagement. Citywide homicides fell by 38% compared to last October, shootings dropped 43%, and overall violent crime declined 23% year to date—to the lowest levels since 2014. The report also spotlights increased compliance with the federal consent decree, new community training initiatives, and more. You can read the full October report here.
Vehicle Theft Safety Tips:
The Chicago Police Department has released a new flyer with tips on how to help prevent vehicle theft including guidance on anti-theft devices, safe parking habits, and what to do if your car is stolen. You can click here to view the full flyer here and learn how to keep your vehicle secure.
Local 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 44'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 31%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 are down 58%
- Year to Date, Aggravated Battery is down 8%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 is down 20%
- Year to Date, Burglaries are down 25%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're down 20%
- Year to Date, Felony Thefts are down 12%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're down 24%
- Year to Date, Misdemeanor Thefts are down 11%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're down 12%
- Year to Date, Motor Vehicle Thefts are down 36%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're up 23%
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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UPCOMING STREET RESURFACINGS
Please see below the list of streets that have begun resurfacing:
Briar from Broadway to Sheridan - 11/3
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ALLEY RECONSTRUCTION ALERT
11/7 update:
We anticipate this project to be completed the week of November 17th, weather permitting. Crews are in the final stages of pouring concrete and installing pavers.
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 - Halsted from Clark to Waveland Ave.
The resurfacing and restriping has been completed. The rainbow crosswalks are currently being repainted and should be complete within the next few weeks.
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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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 - NOVEMBER
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GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Recycling pick-ups for the 44th Ward are occurring the week of November 10th. You can find your full garbage and recycling pickup schedule .
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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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