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Dear Neighbors,
Happy Halloween! I hope everyone enjoys a fun, safe, and candy-filled celebration today and through the weekend—whether you’re trick-or-treating with family, attending a neighborhood party, or just handing out sweets to the next generation of superheroes and ghosts.
This week, I was glad to join one of Lakeview’s favorite traditions, Trick or Treat on Southport, where hundreds of families, kids, and local businesses came together to celebrate in full Halloween spirit.
 
After nearly a year of input from thousands of residents through our in-person open house, community meetings, surveys, and more, the 44th Ward's 2025 Community Plan is now complete! This is Lakeview’s first comprehensive neighborhood plan in nearly 20 years, following the last plan written in 2006. The new plan reflects the voices of residents and focuses on four main pillars: housing, local businesses, transit and infrastructure, and neighborhood amenities that make Lakeview so unique. Also included is a history of our neighborhood and how it’s evolved.
I am deeply grateful to our staff, residents, Chambers of Commerce, neighborhood associations, City departments, and countless community members who helped shape this plan into a proactive roadmap for the future of Lakeview. Since the public release of our draft earlier this year, we’ve incorporated your feedback into more than 30 concrete action items that our office will work toward in the years ahead. But our partnership doesn’t end here—this is just the beginning! We’ll need your help to bring these ideas to life and ensure Lakeview continues to thrive for generations to come. Read the full 2025 Community Plan here.
 
Ahead of Halloween tonight and throughout the weekend, the Chicago Police Department has shared a list of Halloween safety tips to help ensure everyone enjoys a fun and safe celebration. You can see the full list of tips here.
In the wake of recent ICE activity, this morning I joined Congressman Mike Quigley and fellow elected officials from the federal, state, county, and city levels for a press conference condemning federal immigration enforcement actions in Chicago. We stood alongside the owner of the home on Lakewood where ICE deployed tear gas during a raid last week — an unacceptable act that has no place in our city. Chicago is strongest when we stand together against fear and intimidation. You can watch the recording of the press conference here. It makes me extremely proud to see how our community has responded to these events, coming together to take action.
Our office is also co-sponsoring a Know Your Rights training for local businesses near our ward, offering guidance on what to do if immigration enforcement visits your workplace. This session will cover how to protect your employees and customers while ensuring compliance with the law. You can see the flyer here.
We also want to spotlight the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ (ICIRR) text alert network, which provides verified, real-time updates about ICE activity, along with Know Your Rights information and opportunities to take action. You can sign up here to receive alerts and help keep our neighbors safe and informed. Thank you to everyone who joined last week’s whistle-packing event, where neighbors came together to assemble over 2,000 safety whistles to help alert and protect one another. It was a powerful demonstration of solidarity with our immigrant community and the values that define Lakeview. If you weren’t able to attend, our office has whistles available for pickup.
In community news, the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has created two handy guides: a 'Haunted Happenings' list of Halloween events across Lakeview East, and a Día de los Muertos guide for celebrations happening this weekend. Be sure to browse their roundups to find family-friendly activities, performances, specials, and neighborhood shops to support. Check out the Halloween guide here and the Day of the Dead guide here.
The 28th Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade in Northalsted also kicks off tonight at 7:30pm, featuring show-stopping costumes, live performances, and a free-to-watch procession. Please note there will be a street closure on Halsted from Belmont to Cornelia from 5:00pm today until 2:00am—plan travel accordingly. See details for the event here.
 
After nearly a year of discussion, our office has decided to allow a zoning change for the proposed dispensary at 3650 N Clark as it moves to the City Council Zoning Committee. The decision follows ten months of revisions and negotiations by the developer, including changes driven by community feedback and the creation of a detailed Plan of Operation to ensure the business operates responsibly. One of these changes includes the creation of formal partnerships and recurring donation commitments of several thousand dollars to local veteran-serving organizations – Chicago Veterans, AVER Chicago which serves LGBTQ+ veterans, and the Association for an Equitable Illinois – to support workforce development, mental health initiatives, and social equity goals. Additionally, a recent ward-wide survey showed more than 65% of respondents support the dispensary.
This response from the community, along with the plan of operation and operator's agreement to include ongoing financial commitments to veterans, played a key role in our decision. While this zoning approval is an early step, the applicant will still need a special use permit, which will include further review and opportunities for public input. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions or comments. You can learn about the project on our website here.
Earlier week, the Mary Meyer School (2817 N Pine Grove) unveiled their new community mural, a colorful 'Preschoolasaurus' affectionately named Barry Meyer. The joyful ribbon-cutting honored longtime Director Kevin O’Brien, who retired this year after 14 years of dedicated leadership. Our congratulations go to Studio Artist Melanie Liss and Paul Schultz, whose artistry brought Barry to life. Stop by and take a look!
 
With federal SNAP benefits facing temporary suspension starting November 1st, we want to make sure residents have clear, reliable information and resources. The Greater Chicago Food Depository maintains an up-to-date map of local food pantries here, and residents can also find food assistance by calling 2-1-1, texting their ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting 211's website here. Older adults can also contact the City’s Senior Services Information and Assistance hotline at (312) 744-4016, which can connect you with home-delivered or congregate meal programs.
Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Representative Ann Williams, and Margaret Croke are also hosting a Virtual SNAP Town Hall with the Greater Chicago Food Depository on Wednesday, November 5th at 12:00pm, focused on helping residents understand these federal changes and where to turn for assistance. You can register to attend here and see a flyer here.
Starting Monday we will have 2026 daily guest passes available for sale, with a new hot pink color. These passes are valid from Monday through the end of 2026. Please note that 2025 passes remain valid only through the end of this year, with a 5-day grace period into January—no exchanges or refunds.
Tomorrow marks the final Saturday of the Nettelhorst French Market, so be sure to stop by and support our local farmers and vendors before the season ends!
A friendly reminder that Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday. Don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour. 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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COOK COUNTY PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FUND - DUE TODAY
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SECOND UNITARIAN CHURCH EVENT - NOV 1st
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COMMISSIONER DEGNEN TOWN HALL - NOV 4th
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JENI'S FUNDRAISER FOR DIGNITY DINER NONPROFIT - NOV 6th
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INTER-AMERICAN OPEN HOUSES - NEXT NOV 8th
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LVHS PUMPKIN SMASH - NOV 8th
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LAKEVIEW BUDGET TOWN HALL WITH MAYOR - NOV 9th
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ST ANDREW USED BOOK & BAKE SALE - NOV 9th
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MOVIE SCREENING - UNITED IN ANGER - NOV 10th
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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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FREE VIRTUAL LEGAL SEMINARS (NEXT ON NOV 19th)
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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 20th - October 26th
Upcoming Community Conversation:
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.
Upcoming Community Conversation:
Please see here a flyer for an upcoming Community Conversation hosted by our local 19th District CPD officers. It will take place on November 6th, from 6-8:00pm at Clarendon Park (4501 N Clarendon). Click here to register.
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 43'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 29%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 are down 44%
- Year to Date, Aggravated Battery is down 6%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 is flat
- Year to Date, Burglaries are down 24%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're down 18%
- Year to Date, Felony Thefts are down 12%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're down 19%
- Year to Date, Misdemeanor Thefts are down 11%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're down 20%
- Year to Date, Motor Vehicle Thefts are down 37%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2024 they're up 30%
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 - 900 WAVELAND/GRACE CLOSURE
Please see a flyer linked here for upcoming work on the tracks near the 900 blocks of Waveland and Grace the weekend of Oct 31s-Nov 2nd.
To perform this work, there will be temporary street closures on these blocks. There may be overnight work during work periods.
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UPCOMING STREET RESURFACINGS
Please see below the list of streets that are scheduled to begin:
Cornelia from Lakewood to Racine - 11/3
Hawthorne from Lake Shore Drive to Broadway - 11/3
Pine Grove from Surf to Diversey - 11/3
Briar from Broadway to Sheridan - 11/3
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ALLEY RECONSTRUCTION ALERT
10/31 update:
We anticipate this project to be completed the week of November 10th, 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 expected to be repainted 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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TREE TRIMMING
Area Grid Tree Trimming – Wednesday, November 5th
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 Barry
2900, 3000, 3100 N Racine
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 - OCTOBER
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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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