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Dear Neighbors,
This February marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, which traces its roots right here in Chicago to historian Carter G. Woodson's efforts to ensure Black history was recognized, taught, and celebrated. Throughout February, there are many ways to engage with that legacy across our city, including special programs, exhibits, performances, and discussions hosted by the Chicago Public Library here, the Chicago Park District here, and more cultural events citywide here.
If you’re looking to get outside and make the most of our parks the rest of winter, there are still many great options. Outdoor ice skating rinks here are open through February 17th, and all Chicago Park District fitness centers are free to use through February 15th. You can also sign up for multi-month class memberships at Sheil Park in the ward and Gill Park nearby, with offerings like chair exercises, conditioning, mat Pilates, parent/child yoga, and more. The Park District is also hosting Valentine's Day events at Sheil Park, spring flower shows at the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park Conservatories are underway, and Earth Day site captain registration is open now through March 1st here.
  
In public safety news, the Chicago Police Department has released its January 2026 In Review, summarizing department activity and citywide trends from the past month. Highlights include declines in several major crime categories compared to January 2025, including shootings, robberies, and motor vehicle thefts, as well as information on firearm recoveries and recent enforcement efforts. You can read the full report here for additional detail.
We wanted to share a quick reminder that the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has put together two helpful neighborhood guides—one for Super Bowl Sunday this weekend, and another for Valentine’s Day next week. These make it easy to plan a watch party, date night, or something in between while supporting local bars and restaurants close to home.
Across the city, there are events to look forward to throughout the year: the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has released its official 2026 calendar of events. From farmers markets and neighborhood music series to major summer festivals and holiday celebrations, dates are now set for many of Chicago’s signature events running from spring through the end of the year. It’s a great way to start planning ahead. Summer in Chicago will be here before we know it! Learn more here.
Please join us for our Annual Wrigley Field Community Meeting on Tuesday, February 24th from 6:00-7:30pm at Inter-American Magnet School. This meeting is an opportunity to hear directly from City departments and the Chicago Cubs, ask questions, and learn more about what to expect as we prepare for operations and activity around the upcoming baseball season. We hope any interested residents will attend and be part of this important conversation.
 
We also wanted to share an update on the proposed development at 3233 N Sheffield (the former Torstenson Glass site). The development team has made several changes to the project following our survey last year, including revising the exterior design aesthetics to better reflect the surrounding brick character of this stretch of Sheffield, increasing the residential unit count from 92 to 99, and doubling the amount of available bike parking. We’re glad to share that this development will be going forward at the next Zoning Committee meeting, which would bring nearly 100 new apartments to a currently vacant, former industrial site just around the corner from the Belmont CTA station—connecting residents to the rest of the city via three train lines. With roughly half of the units designed as two-bedroom apartments, these new homes can help deliver much-needed housing in our neighborhood, supporting both families and local businesses alike. Read more on our project page here.
To help shape future developments together, we want to reiterate the importance of your input on our draft 44th Ward Design Guidelines. These are meant to reflect community priorities and evolve with your feedback. We’re especially interested in hearing what could be clearer, where additional principles might be helpful, and what resonates. Please take a look here if you haven’t already, and let us know your thoughts.
The City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Seniors Division is asking seniors (60 years of age or better) and their caregivers to identify programs and areas of need in preparation for the FY2027 Area Plan on Aging. Please fill out their online survey here on or before February 20th.
If you were watching the Grammys this week, you might have caught a Lakeview cameo on stage—Slash was spotted rocking a Metro t-shirt, giving a national shoutout to one of our city's most iconic and historic music venues. From launching legendary careers to showcasing the next generation of artists, Metro has long been a cornerstone of Chicago's music scene, and it was fantastic to see a little piece of Lakeview represented under the bright lights! Check out the moment below:
 
Please note that our office will be closed on Thursday, February 12th for Lincoln's Birthday, a State holiday, and Monday, February 16th for President's Day.
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