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Happy Friday Neighbors!
This week, I had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon on the newest 40th Ward People’s Budget project: new accessible playground equipment for Chappell Elementary!
One of my favorite parts of this job is giving people the opportunity to have a true say in what local government does. For many folks, the decisions of local government can feel like they’re happening behind closed doors. It’s our job as elected officials to open those doors, so you can see how your money is being spent and your city is being run.
The People’s Budget is one of the most direct ways we do that: by letting you decide how we spend the infrastructure funds we’re given each year to improve the ward. Last year, 40th Warders voted for a project that would allow kids of all physical abilities to be able to play together, and it’s a joy to see that project come to reality.
I look forward to unveiling the projects that neighbors will be able to vote on this year soon! In the meantime, have a great weekend, and I hope you get out to enjoy the sunshine.
Yours in Service and Community, 
Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward Alder |
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| Save the Date: Policy Town Hall
Join us for our Policy Town Hall on Monday, August 31st from 6-8pm at DANK Haus (4740 N Western Ave)! We'll discuss the policy issues facing our city—everything from public safety, to affordable housing, transit, environmental justice, the city budget, immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights, and more—what we've tackled and what we're still working on. Then, we'll host breakout discussions so we can hear your ideas about what you want to see for our city's future.
Bring your ideas and concerns, but you can also come if you just want to learn more about City policy. Hope to see you there!
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| Chicago Park District Citywide Participatory BudgetingThe Chicago Park District has officially launched the voting phase of its Citywide Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiative. Through Citywide Participatory Budgeting, community members have the opportunity to help determine how $500,000 in capital improvement funding will be invested in parks across Chicago. Voting will take place from July 27 through August 27, and all community members ages 13 and older are encouraged to participate. Community members can vote by completing the online ballot here OR casting a ballot at any Chicago Park District fieldhouse or at community outreach events. |
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| | On the BlogEmergency Family Planning in Case of Detention: In the past month, we have seen a surge in ICE enforcement in Chicago. To help you and your family prepare in case you are targeted by ICE, we’ve included some resources on our website! August Immigration Debrief: check out our latest blog for an update on the latest news and policy updates affecting our immigrant and refugee community.
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Feedback Now Open: 1634 W. Thorndale
Feedback is now open for a rezoning request at 1634 W Thorndale to allow for the conversion of the basement into residential units. You can submit your feedback by filling out this form. Feedback will remain open for two weeks; the deadline to submit your feedback is August 25th, 2026. You can view or share the meeting recording at this link! |
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Feedback Open: 4949 N. Western Ave
Feedback has re-opened for a rezoning request at 4949 N Western to allow for ground-floor residential, an increase in the front setback, a decrease in the rear-yard set back, and an exemption from a loading berth. You can submit your feedback by filling out this form. Feedback will remain open for one week; the deadline to submit your feedback is August 26th, 2026. You can view meeting slides at this link! |
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| Elise Malary PlazaCatalpa between Clark and Ashland is now permanently closed as a result of the new plaza being constructed. If you missed the pre-construction meeting we held earlier this year, you can check out a recording of our pre-construction meeting to learn more about this project and its impact to the community.
This week and next week, crews are working on pouring curbs and planter boxes for the plaza. Next week, they will start start on the first layer of concrete slabs for the base of the plaza. This work will have little to no impact on traffic. |
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| | Ashland Avenue ResurfacingCrews will soon be installing raised crosswalks in the 47th Ward from Montrose to Lawrence, once permits are approved! Installation of the concrete raised crosswalks is currently on hold, pending issuance of detour permits, but we will let neighbors know once it is scheduled! |
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| | Lighting Replacement on W. NorwoodNew street lights are coming to the block of W. Norwood Street from Ravenswood to Winchester! Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of August 17th, pending factors like clearance from utilities and weather. The work will include installing foundations and boring underground conduits, and then installing new residential lighting poles with piggy back lights (the lights that go over the sidewalk!). Once the new lights are installed, crews will restore any sidewalks and parkways disturbed by the construction. The existing light poles will be removed once the new lighting system is functioning properly.
During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above so that work may be performed safely, which will restrict parking during working hours (typically 7am-4pm). Neighbors can park normally after the posted hours and overnight, and usually all day on weekends.
The existing lights will remain working until the new lighting system is functional. If no lighting is observed at night at any time, please file a street light complaint via 311 and/or contact our office at 40thward.org/contact so we can follow up!
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| Campbell Street ResurfacingCrews anticipate repaving Campbell Avenue from Morse to Pratt starting this week! |
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| Road Closures on Ainslie StThis week, crews began working on the intersection at Ainslie and Claremont. The intersection, along with the majority of the 4800 block of N Claremont, has been closed to allow the city to complete a sewer main and structure installation. Crews are currently backfilling the deep excavation, and next week, they will begin placing concrete pavement. Weather permitting, they anticipate the intersection at Claremont and Ainslie will be reopen today.
Starting this week, the southbound lane of the intersection of Ainslie St and N Oakley Ave will also be closed to traffic as part of this same project. The construction crew has thankfully been able to keep the one-way westbound part of the intersection open.
The project is in the 47th Ward, but the project will impact the 40th Ward as well, due to the intersection closures. Work at this location is expected to last approximately 3-4 weeks but could take longer. If you have any questions, or if any issues come up during construction, please reach out to our office at 40thward.org/contact! |
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| Manor Avenue ResurfacingCrews anticipate beginning repaving of Manor and Leland this week! While the street will remain open for the duration of this work, there will be lane closures as needed to facilitate this work, so please plan for additional time on your commutes! We apologize for the disruption, but looking forward to a smoother, safer Manor Avenue. |
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| Pure Barre Lincoln Square Pop-Up at Ainslie Arts Plaza!!
Pure Barre Lincoln Square will be hosting a pop-up class at the Ainslie Arts Plaza on Saturday, August 29th! The class will take place at 2:30 PM and will be 45 minutes long. RSVP here! |
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| West Ridge Cleanup with Cleanup Club Chicago
Come clean up West Ridge with Cleanup Club Chicago and West Ridge Cleanup Crew! Date: Saturday, August 29th Time: Cleanup is from 10 AM - 12 PM
Cleanup Location: Meet at the corner of Granville and Leavitt
The Cleanup Club will provide grabbers, bags, gloves, and canned water. There will be some recycling buckets for everyone, but you are welcome to bring your own if you like. They also encourage BYO pet food or pet litter bags for reuse if you have them at home. Interested volunteers can register at this link! |
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| Rogers Park Montessori School Rummage Sale
On Saturday, August 29, from 9am–1pm, the Rogers Park Montessori School is hosting a Rummage Sale at 1800 W. Balmoral Avenue. Whether you're shopping for a growing little one or looking for great deals on quality children's items, you'll find an abundant selection of items for kiddos of all ages.
Browse gently loved baby and children's clothing (including winter gear and snow boots), books, puzzles, games, toys, strollers, bikes, ride-on toys, sports equipment, baby furniture, cribs and more—all at great prices. Every purchase helps support Rogers Park Montessori School while giving outgrown treasures a second life.
Come early for the best selection, and bring your family and friends! |
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| Rep. Quigley’s Senior Resource Fair
On Thursday, August 27th, from 10am-12pm, the Department of Family and Support Services, in partnership with Congressman Mike Quigley, is hosting a Senior Resource Fair at 2019 W Lawrence Avenue! The event will showcase local, state, and federal organizations providing resources and helpful information for seniors. |
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| Dog Days at The Andersonville Farmers Market
Come to Dog Days at the Andersonville Farmers Market, Wednesday, August 26 from 3–7pm, on the 1500 block of Winona St! Activities include free pup cups, dog biscuit guess (winner gets all the biscuits!), the opportunity to purchase hand drawn and photo "pawtraits", a raffle of a dog oriented gift basket including a GC from Urban Pooch, and a Pup Strut parade (costumes/fashion optional but encouraged) at 6PM. |
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| Letters to America Read Aloud at Budlong Woods Library
The Budlong Woods Library and the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society invite you to a Letters to America celebration on Saturday, August 22nd, at 2pm! Chicagoans are encouraged to write a letter reflecting on their lives, communities and experiences in Chicago, and how those stories connect to a broader American story. Bring your letter to share and gift to the Chicago Public Library history archives, or join to read, listen and share over light refreshments. Please register for this event online at chipublib.org! |
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| American Blues Theater: Black Girl in A White Suburb
American Blues Theater presents Black Girl From a White Suburb, a tour-de-force solo show by Tania Richard! Growing up in an all-white Chicago suburb, Tania spent her days dodging microaggressions, striving to fit in, and yearning to see herself reflected. Her transformation began when cast as The Caterpillar in “Alice in Wonderland.” Blending cautionary tales, social commentary, and humor, Tania takes the leading role in a culture that often relegates Black women to supporting characters.
A limited number of free tickets are available to Ward 40 residents for the Sept 4 - Sept 9 performances! Please email [email protected] with the subject line "40 for Ward 40" and your preferred date to reserve free tickets (maximum of 2 tickets per household). |
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| Give Feedback on the CPD Superintendent SearchWhat do you want to see in the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department? The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is conducting a nationwide search for Chicago’s next Superintendent of Police. Neighbors can share what qualities, priorities, and leadership they want to see in the next Superintendent. Visit bit.ly/SupSearch26 to share your feedback! |
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| 19th District Council Monthly Meeting
On Wednesday, August 26th at 6:30pm, The 19th District Police Council is hosting their monthly meeting at Uptown Church (1134 W Wilson). The event will include a discussion surrounding CCPSA's search for a new Police Superintendent and the vision needed for the future of the CPD. To attend virtually, please click this link! |
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| | Public Safety TrendsOverall, violent crime is down 6.2% in the 40th Ward for the year so far compared to last year. Citywide, violent crime is down 9%. See below for a breakdown of citywide and 40th Ward statistics across all categories. You can visit the City of Chicago’s Violence Reduction Dashboard to learn more! |
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It was an honor to join neighbors at the Pakistani Independence Day Festival this past weekend! |
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Great to see folks out at the Friendship Center block party! |
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