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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for August 3, 2026
In This Edition:
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$2 Million Grant secured for Oak Street Underpass refurbishment
 Last Thursday, I joined Congressman Mike Quigley in announcing a $2 million Community Project Funding grant secured for the refurbishment of the Oak Street Pedestrian Underpass to the beach.
While the project details will be coordinated by the grant sponsor (The Chicago Park District), proposals have called for overhauling the poor condition of the bathrooms, concrete spalling, lighting, and structural improvements, along with aesthetic improvements and the addition of wayfinding signage.
I would like to thank the Magnificent Mile Association, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR), and the Gold Coast Neighbors Association (GCNA) for joining and always advocating for key investments like this one.
Pedestrian underpasses are challenging. They are subterranean, prone to flooding and graffiti, and often overlooked as other infrastructure projects take precedence. However, I am grateful to Congressman Quigley for heeding the call and working with our neighborhood organizations and me to deliver critical funding to improve such an important gateway between our beach and lakefront and the Mag Mile.
Timelines and details of the project specifics will be announced soon. To learn more about Community Project Funding in the 5th Congressional District, click here.
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Touch the Truck at the Near North Library
I was delighted to attend the Near North Library's "Touch the Truck" event on Saturday.
While the weather did not want to cooperate, over 30 families still came out to talk to personnel from different departments and explore the vehicles they use on a daily basis. Children had the opportunity to explore a police squad car, CFD ambulance and fire engine, a Streets and San garbage truck, and a runway plow from O'Hare International Airport!
I was particularly honored to read "Where the Sidewalk Ends" to the families that attended, which added to a wonderful community event full of connection and engagement.
Thank you to our dedicated branch manager, Sharon Anderson, and all the volunteers who worked to put on a great event.
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Storm Damage and reporting water in basements
The severe storms that recently passed through Chicago caused street flooding and sewer backups in homes, businesses, and residential buildings across the city. I know firsthand how disruptive and costly flooding can be, and my office is working directly with affected residents to document these incidents and bring them to the attention of the Department of Water Management.
One important—and often counterintuitive—aspect of Chicago’s combined sewer system is that certain street drains are designed to slow the rate at which stormwater enters the sewer during periods of exceptionally heavy rain using a piece of equipment called a "rain blocker". This can result in water temporarily pooling on streets, even when a drain’s visible opening is clear. Holding water on the street temporarily helps prevent the sewer system from becoming overwhelmed too quickly, which could force even more water and sewage into surrounding properties.
However, significant or repeated flooding, sewage entering through floor drains, or water that remains after a storm should still be documented and investigated. Please contact my office, and my team will assist you with reporting it to the Department of Water Management. This report applies to affected homes, businesses, and buildings even if they do not have a traditional basement. Individual reports help the Department identify possible sewer-main or maintenance concerns and compare incidents across an area to detect larger systemwide problems.
Another step is to complete the Illinois Residential Self-Assessment Survey that was just released.
The city, county, and state are using this information to document the extent of storm-related damage and determine whether any additional assistance options may be available. Completing the survey does not guarantee financial assistance and is not a substitute for filing an insurance claim, but detailed reporting—including invoices, photographs, videos, and plumbing reports—will help officials understand the full impact on affected households.
Additional guidance is available through the City of Chicago’s Basement Flooding Guide (click here) and the Cook County Flood Guide (click here). Do not hesitate to contact my office at 312-643-2299 or by email at [email protected] for assistance.
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SAVE THE DATE! Upcoming 2nd Ward Document Shredding and Electronic Recycling Events
Join me at my upcoming 2nd Ward Document Shredding and Electronic Recycling Events:
Gold Coast: Sunday, August 30 | 9 am to 12 pm - 1258 N State Pkwy (My Parking lot)
Streeterville: Sunday, September 13 | 9 am to 12 pm - 382 E Huron St - Northwestern University Lot (from Superior to Huron)
Lincoln Park: Sunday, September 20 | 9 am to 12 pm - 2121 N Clybourn - SPF Chicago
Additional information on each event will be published in upcoming newsletters.
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National Night Out: Tomorrow, August 4
Join the 18th and 1st Districts of the Chicago Police Department for National Night Out tomorrow, August 4, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Soldier Field, 1410 S Special Olympics Dr. National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that brings together law enforcement, community partners, and neighbors to strengthen community ties, build positive relationships, and celebrate a safer, more connected community.
Please stop by my table at the event and say hello!
If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS Office at 312-742-5778.
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General 2nd Ward Infrastructure Updates
Construction season continues as crews are busy resurfacing streets and alleys, building pedestrian safety improvements, and replacing street lighting. Here are some highlights of ongoing or upcoming infrastructure improvements in our ward. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. My office always stands ready to answer questions about these or any other infrastructure projects in our ward and to receive your suggestions for future consideration.
- Inner Lake Shore Drive resurfacing from Michigan to Ohio
Status: Milling and first layer of asphalt are complete. Utility level adjustments and sidewalk concrete work are underway.
- Will include some pedestrian safety improvements for crossing perpendicular east-west streets
- Southport/Belden intersection reconstruction
Status: Most work complete. Aesthetic additions such as bollards will be added soon.
- Raised intersection installed to calm traffic and increase pedestrian visibility in all directions.
- Curb bump-outs will also be added to shorten pedestrian distance when crossing in all directions.
- Aesthetic improvements are included (protective bollards and stamped concrete accents).
- Clover Playlot Improvements*
(*For the safety of park goers, the park is closed while major renovations take place)
Status: In progress
- Replacement of the lead service line serving the drinking fountain
- Removal of dead trees
- Installation of new artificial turf in areas prone to flooding
- Refreshed decorative hardscaping along the existing walking path (new pavers and decomposed granite finishes).
- Construction of a brand-new Gaga Ball court
- Pearson St parkway improvements
Status: Concrete work complete, paver restoration and finishing touches imminent
- Restoration of existing pavers and sidewalk replacement in select areas adjacent to Seneca Park
- Installation of brand-new paver-style stamped concrete along south parkway adjacent to Lake Shore Park (replacing existing sandstone gravel)
- Southport Ave resurfacing from Webster to Fullerton
Status: Scheduled for later this week, weather permitting
- Chestnut St complete lighting replacement from Mies van der Rohe to Lake Shore Drive
- Concrete restoration underway
- Magnolia Ave resurfacing from Webster to Belden
Status: In progress (street milled and resurfacing on hold); Water Department conflicts need to be cleared before work can continue)
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Scott to Schiller
Status: Project start is pending on spot curb and gutter replacement on the 1300 block of State Pkwy
- Dickens Avenue resurfacing from Clifton to Racine
Status: Requested early in 2026 but on hold while fiber optics (Lumen) project is completed
- If still necessary after fiber optics restoration, will be done in 2027
- Huron St resurfacing from St. Clair to Fairbanks
Status: planned for this year, schedule forthcoming
- Wells St replacement of lighting fixtures on existing poles from Division to North Ave (completed)
- Wabash Ave resurfacing from Huron to Superior (completed)
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Schiller to Burton (completed)
- McClurg Ct resurfacing from Ohio to Ontario (completed)
- Delaware Pl resurfacing from Clark to LaSalle (completed)
- Blackhawk St resurfacing from Sedgwick to Larrabee (completed)
- Magnolia/Belden detached pedestrian bump-outs (completed)
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2nd Ward Bike the Ward Event: Sunday, August 23
Join the 2nd Ward team for our annual Bike the Ward event starting at SPF Chicago, located at 2121 N Clybourn Ave. Get ready to pedal through the streets of the 2nd Ward with fellow cyclists. This event is perfect for all cycling enthusiasts, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rider.
Do not miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore the neighborhood on two wheels. Check-in will begin at 7:15 am, and participants will start lining up at 7:45 am.
Click here to register.
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Street Sweeping
The Department of Streets and Sanitation continues to operate its regular street sweeping schedule. Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.
"Sweep Around Us" — a third-party email reminder service used for street sweeping alerts — has rebranded as "We The Sweeple." Click here for more information.
Click here to find the Street Sweeping section of my website. An interactive map of all seven street-sweeping sections is included, along with the full schedule of 2026 sweeping dates. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for respective sweeping dates in the event that they have visitors or are out of town.
Scheduled for cleaning on Tuesday, August 4: Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow), Section 6 (Green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, August 5: Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow), Section 6 (Green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, August 6: Section 7 (Brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, August 7: Section 7 (Brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, August 10: Section 1 (Olive)
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Search for New Superintendent Underway
As I noted in a previous newsletter, Superintendent Larry Snelling announced his retirement after more than three decades of devoted public service. I was honored to work closely with Superintendent Snelling on many of the city's most pressing public safety issues, and I wish him and his family every happiness in a well-earned retirement.
As is protocol, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is conducting its 120-day nationwide search to identify three finalists and submit their names to the mayor. The mayor will then appoint one of the candidates or ask CCPSA to provide a new list.
CCPSA is requesting community input on what qualities, experience, and priorities they believe the next Superintendent should have. You can voice your opinion through the Commission’s online feedback form at this link, as well as in upcoming listening sessions and engagement events. Stay up to date with the search for a new Superintendent here.
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18th District CompStat Report
Computer Statistics report (CompStat) is a weekly report of incidents that have occurred in the respective police district. Each district compiles a statistical summary of the week's crime complaints, arrests, and data analysis.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
Community Alerts:
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
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Updated 2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Beat community meetings are a key part of the Chicago Police Department's strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person, with the option to participate remotely, and are an excellent way to communicate with the officers who patrol your beat and to engage with and meet your neighbors.
The entirety of the 2nd Ward falls inside the 18th District. Click here to find which beat you reside in. You may also call 312-742-5778 or email [email protected] for more information about the 18th District CAPS office.
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Cook County Board of Review Pre-File Appeals Now Open
 The Cook County Board of Review is now accepting pre-registration requests for all townships. Pre-registration allows taxpayers to be notified by the Board of Review of the opening and closing filing periods for their respective townships. The Pre-File Period allows all filers to submit their appeal before each township officially opens. Please be advised that the Pre-File Period will end once the respective township is open.
Click here for a list of dates and deadlines after the filing period has been determined for your respective township.
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Back to School State Sales Tax Holiday: August 5-14
 The state sales tax holiday is a ten-day period during which consumers can purchase certain clothing and school-related items and pay sales tax at a reduced rate. The reduced state portion of sales tax due during this period is 1.25 percent (1.25%), the state rate of 6.25 percent (6.25%) minus 5.00 percent (5.00%). Items include qualifying clothing and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item, as well as certain school supplies used by students in the course of study. School supplies are not subject to the $125 threshold.
Click here for more details.
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Update on the Division Street Streetscape
Resident engineers at CDOT have informed our office that work will now begin in early August due to weather/equipment availability. These streetscape improvements have been designed by the Chicago Department of Transportation in close cooperation with community representatives and my team. Highlights include:
• Roadway geometry improvements
• Full-width roadway resurfacing
• New wider paver sidewalks
• New curb and gutter
• New street lighting
• ADA ramps and crosswalks
• New pavement markings and signs
• Tree plantings and landscaping
• Site furnishings
Throughout construction, Division Street will remain open to motorists and pedestrians, and access to businesses and residences will be maintained. During the final stage of construction, westbound traffic will be temporarily detoured. Please watch out for parking restrictions for equipment staging on nearby streets.
The outbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will be detoured during specific stages of construction. The inbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will not be affected. Individual bus stops may be temporarily closed or relocated to accommodate construction. For more information, please call the CTA information hotline at 773-836-7000.
Hardscape work is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving, with some landscaping work happening in the spring. Construction review meetings will be held weekly by CDOT when construction is underway. These meetings are open to the public and provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to ask questions and coordinate concerns regarding construction.
For additional information, please call the Department of Transportation at (312) 744-5900 or visit the project website here.
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Registration for Bike the Drive Now Open
 Registration for the 25th Annual Bike the Drive is now open. The event takes place on Sunday, September 6, on Lake Shore Drive. Bike the Drive is a fundraiser for the Active Transportation Alliance, a non-profit advocacy organization working to improve conditions for walking, biking, and public transit throughout Chicago.
Click here to learn more. Click here for volunteer opportunities.
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Clear the Shelters Event at CACC: Now through August 31
 Throughout the entire month of August, adoption fees will be waived for dogs and cats as part of NBCUniversal Local's annual Clear the Shelters campaign. Residents can visit Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) daily from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm (please arrive by 5:30 pm if you plan on adopting).
Visit 24petconnect.com/chgoall for the most up-to-date list of animals in the shelter.
Click here for more information.
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Recycle Old Vinyl Records at Reckless Records
 Recycle old vinyl records at any of three Reckless Records locations across the city. The iconic Chicago record store has joined a new nationwide vinyl take-back program that aims to give broken and unwanted records a second life. Music fans can return damaged or unplayable vinyl records regardless of the artist, label, or condition. The pilot aims to determine whether those records can be recycled into new products or have their materials recovered. The albums will be collected by Reckless and sent back to Warner Music Group for evaluation.
Click here to learn more.
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River North Residents Association Back-to-School Bash: Tuesday, August 11
Join the River North Residents Association (RNRA) for a Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday, August 11, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Enjoy crafts, music, games, and more at this free event. Please note: This is a family-friendly event for children 12 and under.
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Chicago Air and Water Show: August 15-16
 The Chicago Air and Water Show returns to the lakefront for its 67th iteration, taking place on Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, with a rehearsal on Friday, August 14. This event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day and will be located along the lakefront between Fullerton Ave and Oak St, with the main focal point at North Avenue Beach (1601 N Lake Shore Dr).
First held in 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show remains the nation’s largest free-admission air and water exhibition. The event draws millions of spectators annually, generating significant tourism and economic activity for Chicago businesses. It will also serve as one of Chicago's signature celebrations of America's 250th anniversary, honoring the nation's history through spectacular aerial demonstrations and military tributes while bringing together residents and global visitors.
Residents should be aware of loud noises these planes and jets may cause while performing, particularly if they reside along the lakefront near the performance space.
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Little Sisters of the Poor Chez Ste Marie Fundraiser: Thursday, September 17
 Join the Little Sisters of the Poor for Chez Ste. Marie–A Taste of France. This popular wine tasting event will take place on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in St. Mary’s Garden (2325 N Lakewood Ave).
Sample select fine French wines, taste handcrafted hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy the dulcet sounds of the guest string quartet. All proceeds go to support St. Mary’s Home and Jugan Terrace.
Click here for more information.
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