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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for July 20, 2026
In This Edition:
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Sheffield Garden Walk Recap
This weekend I had the pleasure of sponsoring the 55th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk. This self-guided event brings neighbors and the community together to explore beautifully landscaped private and community gardens, while enjoying live music, supporting local vendors, and celebrating the unique character of Lincoln Park. Thank you to the Sheffield Neighborhood Association for such an amazing event, rain or shine!
This year's Garden Walk also served as a meaningful opportunity to honor the legacy of Patricia "Patty" Hayes, a beloved former Sheffield Neighborhood Association board member, Sheffield Garden Walk & Music Festival chair, neighbor, and friend to so many in our community. I had the privilege of knowing Patty personally, and I was honored to say a few words in her memory during the dedication ceremony. Patty passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Following her passing, the Sheffield Neighborhood Association pledged to dedicate the garden at Trebes Park in her honor once fundraising efforts made the park's renovation possible. Last year, that promise became a reality with the opening of the newly renovated park, and this weekend—during what was always Patty's favorite weekend of the year—we gathered with her family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate a legacy of service, generosity, and community spirit that will continue to inspire generations to come.
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Dearborn Garden Walk Recap
 This weekend I also had the pleasure of attending the 66th Annual Dearborn Garden Walk, one of Chicago's oldest and most beloved neighborhood traditions. Hosted by the North Dearborn Association, this remarkable event welcomed visitors from across the city to explore an incredible collection of private gardens and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces throughout the Gold Coast.
Congratulations to the North Dearborn Association and its dedicated volunteers for another outstanding Garden Walk. Events like this showcase not only the beauty of our neighborhoods, but also the pride, creativity, and strong sense of community that makes the 2nd Ward such a special place to call home.
Thank you to everyone who opened their gardens and helped make this year's event such a success!
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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: Work has begun, and the first layer of asphalt has been laid in at least 1 traffic lane in each direction.
- 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: In progress with work beginning today (July 20).
- 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: Awaiting final details to be completed on Southport and Belden intersection reconstruction before proceeding. Schedule forthcoming.
- Chestnut St complete lighting replacement from Mies van der Rohe to Lake Shore Drive
- Concrete restoration has begun
- 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. There is an interactive map of all seven street sweeping sections included, as well as 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, July 21: Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow), Section 6 (Green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, July 22: Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow), Section 6 (Green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, July 23: Section 7 (Brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, July 24: Section 7 (Brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, July 27: Section 1 (Olive)
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Coffee with the 18th District Commander: Thursday, July 23
 Join 18th District Commander Christopher Bielfeldt and the CAPS team for coffee and conversation on Thursday, July 23, at Lincoln Park Zoo (Foreman Pavilion) at 10:00 am.
This is an excellent opportunity to speak with the commander and the officers who patrol your neighborhood. If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS Office at 312-742-5778.
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, July 28
The 18th Police District Councilmembers will host their monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 28, at the Near North Public Library (310 W Division St) at 12:30 pm.
This month's featured guest is 18th District Commander Christopher Bielfeldt, who will provide public safety updates. Click here to register in person and here for the Zoom option.
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National Night Out: Tuesday, August 4
Join the 18th and 1st Chicago Police Districts for National Night Out on Tuesday, 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.
If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS Office at 312-742-5778.
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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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Metra Clybourn Station Feasibility Study: Thursday, July 23
 The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) invites residents to attend a Public Information Open House for the Metra Clybourn Station Feasibility Study. The Open House will introduce the Study, gather initial feedback on needed improvements at the Metra Clybourn Station, and provide ample opportunity to connect directly with the Study team.
The meeting takes place on Thursday, July 23, at Holstein Park, located at 2200 N Oakley Ave, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. If you are unable to attend in person or would like to review meeting materials and submit comments electronically, please contact Scott Speegle at [email protected].
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Delayed Property Tax Bills: What Cook County Property Owners Should Know
 The Cook County Board of Review announced that Second installment property tax bills are expected to be mailed around September 1 and due by approximately October 1, 2026, about two months later than usual.
Before bills are issued, property owners should review their exemption history to confirm that all eligible exemptions have been applied to their properties. Exemptions can reduce a property's taxable value and lower the amount owed.
To review your exemption history and status and determine whether you qualify for available exemptions, visit the Cook County Assessor's Office exemption page.
If you believe you are missing an exemption, you may still be able to apply for certain exemptions for tax years 2021 through 2025 through the Cook County Assessor's Office Certificate of Error process. Learn more through the Cook County Assessor's Office Certificate of Error Program.
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Report Misplaced Divvy Bikes and Scooters in 311
As you undoubtedly know, the use of Divvy Bikes and shared scooters (Lime and Divvy) is much more prevalent during these warmer weather months. I would like to remind visitors and residents that riding on sidewalks is prohibited per the municipal code, and returning them to a dedicated docking station at the completion of your ride is important to keeping our sidewalks clear and free of hazards.
All classic, non-electric Divvy Bikes must be parked at an official Divvy docking station. To park a classic bike, align the front of the bike with the triangular slot in the dock, and firmly push the bike into the dock, holding it in place for a few seconds until the light on the dock turns green. Electric Divvy Bikes and Divvy Scooters may be returned to official Divvy docking stations the same way as Classic Bikes. Additionally, using the attached cable lock, Electric Divvy Bikes may be returned to designated "Virtual Stations" or approved public bike racks found in the Divvy app.
Reporting Divvy Bikes or Scooters parked improperly is an important step to keeping our sidewalks safe. To report an improperly parked Divvy bike, I encourage residents to call 311 or fill out an online service request. Additionally, you may email my office with a photo and location of the bike.
Report a Divvy Bike Parking Complaint here.
Report a Submerged Divvy Bike Complaint here.
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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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Donate Blood to the American Red Cross
 The American Red Cross announced a national emergency blood shortage as the nation's blood supply declined by nearly 25% during June. This shortage comes during the height of summer, when hospitals often experience increased demand for blood due to trauma cases, emergency surgeries, and other critical medical needs.
Donors of all blood types, especially those with O+ and B- blood, are needed now to help reverse a dangerous drop in the Red Cross blood supply.
Click here to book your appointment and help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care.
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Chicago Climate Week: Now through July 25
 Chicago Climate Week takes place across Chicagoland, now through July 25. As Chicago's first community-led, promoted Climate Week, it brings together events hosted by nonprofits, businesses, universities, community groups, government agencies, and residents across the region.
Whether you are climate-curious or deeply involved in the space, Chicago Climate Week offers opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and take action.
Learn more, browse events, and find ways to get involved here.
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Gold Coast Neighbors Building Network Meeting: Wednesday, July 22
 Join the Gold Coast Neighbors Association (GCNA) on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at St. Chrysostom Church, 1424 N Dearborn St, for an informative discussion on current and upcoming HOA rules and regulations and their impact on board liability. Topics will include the latest condominium law updates, reserve study requirements, and new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines.
In addition to learning about changes in HOA rules and regulations, attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers from other residential buildings and learn how the GCNA Building Network can help with management and residents of your building. Click here to learn more.
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Memory Cafe at the Lincoln Park Library: Friday, July 24
 Join The Village Chicago at the Lincoln Park Library, located at 1150 W Fullerton Ave, on Friday, July 24, from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Memory Cafe offers a comfortable and supportive environment for individuals living with memory loss and their care partners. Enjoy lunch and make new friends. This is a fun and casual environment where all are welcome.
Activities at this event will be thematic and will include games, arts and crafts, music, and more. Friends, family members, and community allies are all welcome.
Click here to register.
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Adoption Fees Waived at Chicago Animal Care and Control: Now through July 26
 Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is once again partnering with BISSELL Pet Foundation for its nationwide Empty the Shelters adoption event. Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation's generous sponsorship, adoption fees will be waived for all dogs and cats throughout the event, allowing even more animals to find loving homes.
For Adoptions:
Visit CACC, located at 2741 S Western Ave, daily, between 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Please arrive before 5:30 pm if you plan to adopt the same day. Click here to see a list of available animals.
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Market Days at Pioneer Court: Wednesdays through October
 Shop local every Wednesday at Market Days, located at Pioneer Court (401 N Michigan Ave) from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, featuring rotating vendors, handmade goods, specialty foods, local restaurants, and food trucks in the heart of The Magnificent Mile.
Click here for more details.
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Galloway Lecture "The Chicago Immigration Story": Saturday, July 25
 Join Fourth Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 25, at 11:30 am, at the Gratz Center, 126 E Chestnut, for the 2026 Galloway Lecture, featuring Rev. David Black of First Presbyterian Church of Chicago and immigration attorney Maureen Graves.
Drawing on their work with immigrants and asylum seekers, they will explore the challenges, opportunities, and stories shaping our immigrant communities today. Admission to the lecture is free. Lunch costs $30.
The Galloway Lecture is made possible thanks to a generous donation from Maggie Galloway in honor of her late husband, Paul Galloway, a long-time member of Fourth Presbyterian Church and a reporter, columnist, and storyteller who wrote for both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune.
Please register here.
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Beatles Sing-Along at Lake Shore Park: Sunday, July 26
The Lake Shore Advisory Council and Skyline Village Chicago present a Beatles sing-along at Lake Shore Park (808 N Lake Shore Drive) on Sunday, July 26, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Bring a chair, blankets, snacks, instruments, and gear up for a night of singing Beatles tunes.
Contact Lake Shore Park with any questions at 312-742-7891.
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