Chicago’s 50th Ward Newsletter

June 26, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Ditch the Illegal Fireworks

Independence Day is almost here, and we are all looking for ways to relax and blow off steam, but please remember that fireworks are illegal in Illinois. Not only can unexpected explosions scare unsuspecting neighbors, but fireworks are a major source of preventable injuries.

Fireworks can be very frightening to neighbors, especially those with PTSD and other underlying conditions. Pets often find fireworks terrifying as well. This time of year, our local parks are frequently left littered with discarded fireworks and debris, forcing volunteers and Park District staff to clean up massive piles of garbage.

Please leave the fireworks to the professionals and find another way to enjoy the summer. If we all work together, everyone can have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Small Business Improvement Grants - Lincoln Ave TIF

Local small business owners will soon be able to apply for funding to improve their facilities. The City of Chicago will accept Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) applications from business owners in the Lincoln Avenue TIF from July 1 until July 30 at 5 PM.

The SBIF program uses Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to help owners repair or remodel their facilities and improve their businesses. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply. Grants up to $150,000 are available for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties.

Examples of what SBIF grants can pay for include:

• Exterior renovations and repairs, including new windows, doors and roofs

• Interior remodeling, including framing, drywall, flooring and ceilings

• Tuck-pointing and masonry repairs

• HVAC, electrical and plumbing system upgrades

• Structural components of new signage

• ADA improvements

• Project-related architectural and construction management fees

This round of funding is only available for businesses within the Lincoln Avenue TIF. To find out if your business is eligible, use the SBIF Locator Tool.

The Department of Planning and Development will be holding an informational webinar to discuss the program on Wednesday, July 1 at 1 PM. Register for the webinar here.

For more information about the SBIF program, visit chicago.gov/sbif. For any questions, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Veterans Resource Day - July 1

Calling all veterans! The 50th Ward is proudly partnering with the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) to offer a monthly Veterans Resources Day at the Ward Office. Join us on the first Wednesday of every month at 2949 W. Devon to meet individually with experts and get connected to resources tailored for veterans and their families. The next monthly event will be on Wednesday, July 1 from 11 AM to 3 PM.

The government has many programs available to help those who served. If you are a veteran, the family member of a veteran, or you know a veteran in need, please come to this Veterans Resources Day and get the help you deserve. A veterans service officer will be here to assist with enrollment for health care, disability & compensation, employment, financial assistance, and more.

Click here for more information. For any questions, please call the 50th Ward Office at (773) 262-1050. We are dedicated to honoring all who served!

Upcoming Summer Events - Save the Date

Summer is a very busy time in the 50th Ward. We have a lot of great events coming up over the next few months. Please save the dates for the following community gatherings:

Back to School Giveaway - July 26

It is never too early to start thinking about school and ways we can help all of our children have a successful school year. The annual 50th Ward Back to School Giveaway will be on Sunday, July 26 at 10 AM.

Join us at the Indian Boundary Park Nature Play Center for free backpacks and school supplies. Help your children start the school year off on the right foot!

The Indian Boundary Park Nature Play Center is in the northwest section of the park, near Estes and Rockwell. Backpacks will be distributed one per child on a first-come, first-served basis. Backpacks will ONLY be distributed to children, so make sure your child is present. I hope to see you all at the 50th Ward Back to School Giveaway! 

50th Ward Movie in the Park - August 5

I am excited to announce the details for this year’s 50th Ward Movie in the Park! Join us for free snacks, entertainment, and the movie Zootopia 2 at Chippewa Park (6748 N. Sacramento) on Wednesday, August 5.

The movie begins at dusk, but the fun begins at 7 PM. We will be sponsoring a special family fair before the show. Come early for free airbrushing, balloon twisters, pizza, and snacks!

The Movie in the Park is one of my favorite community events every year. We are always joined by hundreds of local children and families for a fantastic time. I hope to see you all there! 

For all our upcoming summer events, including Outdoor Office & Ice Cream Socials, the 50th Ward Movie in the Park, and our Back to School Giveaway, visit 50thward.org/summer. I hope to see you out in the Ward!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Debra L. Silverstein

Alderman, 50th Ward

Upcoming 50th Ward Summer Events

Storm Damage Survey

Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) and the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) are reviewing damage from the severe thunderstorms that occurred between June 10 and June 11, 2026; and asking that residents who have been impacted by these storms submit an initial damage assessment.

To fill out a survey, please visit the Illinois Residential Self-Assessment Survey online. If you contacted 311 to report storm damage, you should receive a text message from OEMC with a link to complete the assessment.

Residents can access the survey in English, Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, or Mandarin by selecting the preferred language at the top of the survey.

Lake View Township Property Tax Appeals

Lake View Township is now open for property tax appeals through the Cook County Assessor’s Office. The assessment of your home is one of the most important factors in determining how much you will pay in property taxes. The good news is that you can appeal your valuation and potentially lower your taxes.

Lake View Township encompasses the area of the 50th Ward that is south of Devon and east of Western. The appeals period is open until Monday, July 13. You can file an appeal online at www.cookcountyassessoril.gov/online-appeals.

If your appeal is accepted, changes to your property's assessed value will be reflected in the second installment property tax bill you receive next year in late 2027.

For any questions, please contact the 50th Ward Office at (773) 262-1050 or contact Cook County Commissioner Morita’s Office at (312) 603-6383.

Events at the Northtown Library

Northtown Chess Club

Sunday, June 28 at 1:00-2:30 PM

Join us as we start a weekly chess club that will meet every Sunday afternoon. Local chess coach Isaac Adams will be with us for each meeting to teach and advise.

Plant Our Native Midwest Garden with Us!

Sunday June 28 at 1:30-3:00 PM

Join us as we start on a gardening adventure! The Northtown Branch now has two raised-bed gardens we’ll be tending for the community to enjoy. This exciting next step involves us adding plants and flowers native to the Midwest from Gethsemane Garden Center. We’ll have the plants, shovels and trowels ready! For anyone 3 and up

Family Crafts

Tuesday, June 30 at 1-2 PM

Drop in for some arts and crafts for the whole family! For children 0 to 13 and their caregivers.

Tabletop Game Night 

Tuesday, June 30 at 5:30-7:30 PM

Are you a train gamer, Catan champion, dice roller, or just looking to pick-up a new hobby? Join us at the Northtown branch on Tuesday evenings for tabletop board game play! Choose from our selection of games or bring your own to share! Library staff will be available to teach games and connect you with other players. Bring a friend or meet a new one! For ages 13+.

Early Childhood Story Time 

Wednesday, July 1 at 10:30-11:30 AM

Join us as we read books, sing songs and enjoy rhymes! For children 0 to 5 and their caregivers.

STEAM Makers 

Thursday, July 2 at 4:00-5:00 PM

Join us for hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities every week. We're doing LEGO challenges on June 18 and July 16! For kids 6 to 13.

Library Closure

Friday, July 3

All CPL locations are closed Friday, July 3 for Independence Day (observed).

Library Closure

Saturday, July 4

All CPL locations are closed Saturday, July 4.

All events are located at the Northtown Library at 6800 N. Western. For more information, contact (312) 744-2292 or [email protected].

Sign Up for Street Sweeping Alerts

Street sweeping has officially started and will continue through late-November. You can view the schedule for the 50th Ward as an interactive map here or download a printable version on the Department of Streets and Sanitation website here. Please double-check your address on the map to make sure you are looking at the correct section.

You can find a printable schedule for each individual sweeping section on the 50th Ward website at 50thward.org/sweeping.

You can also sign up for street sweeping alerts with We the Sweeple, a third-party website that pulls information from the publicly available sweeping schedule on the Streets and Sanitation website. Visit www.WeTheSweeple.com to sign up for email alerts when street sweeping is scheduled on your block.

Please note, the site is not affiliated with the City of Chicago, so please always double-check with the official schedule.

50th Ward Know Your Rights Portal

HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program

Yoga Nature Hike at Park 538