1st Ward Newsletter | July 21, 2026
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Dear neighbors,
My thanks to the many of you who tuned in for the First Ward First Look meeting on the proposed development for 2758 N. Mozart and the over 100 who provided feedback. I want to confirm that this is the very beginning of our community review process and we will continue collecting feedback and asking the developer to constructively incorporate it. That said, 61% of Logan Square residents and 59% of ward residents have shown initial support for the proposal; anonymized feedback and a summarized analysis are available to view in the Zoning section of this newsletter. We will continue to update you as this process proceeds.
It was wonderful to see your enthusiasm for the Pedestrian Priority Pilot, the tentative name we’re giving for the all-way pedestrian crossing at North, Milwaukee, and Damen! Why might this take longer than expected and how are we addressing it? The City of Chicago–I will say rightfully and justly–lost a class action lawsuit for failing to install Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at crosswalks. The judge’s order requires APS installations at any new all-pedestrian crossings, of which there is just one planned in the city: ours. I agree that we cannot promote accessibility and short-change it at the same time. I'm asking CDOT to allow us to preview it this year, just to give you a sense of what’s coming!
Finally, work is scheduled to begin next Monday on the city’s first public restroom in decades, right here in the 1st Ward at the Polish Triangle. This is in collaboration with JCDecaux, internationally the most trusted operator of these facilities. I first raised this issue years ago with Ald. Rodriguez-Sanchez and the support of organizations like AARP and Access Living (among more than 20 others!). It’s thrilling to bring this amenity to the ward and help lead the way toward a more equitable and hygienic Chicago.
See you Saturday for our rescheduled bike tune-up event at Palmer Square Park, hopefully with much cleaner air!
Sincerely,
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Alderman La Spata
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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If you haven't heard, Meet Me on Milwaukee is back for 2026! We're seeking volunteers to sign-up for 3-hour shifts on each event day. Volunteers will be responsible for setting up barricades, guarding intersections, redirecting drivers, providing information to attendees, disposing of litter, and more. Please help make MMoM 2026 a success by registering below!
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Join Ald. La Spata and State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado for another free bike tune-up event at Palmer Square Park! Appointments made for the postponed July 18 event will be honored. Walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Save the date for our annual Back to School Bash! Join Ald. La Spata and community partners on Saturday, August 8 for our annual Back to School Bash! Come by Pulaski Park between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for free backpacks, school supplies, ice cream truck, bouncy house, gaming truck, face painting, snacks & so much more!
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Annual Municipal Audit
Earlier this month, the City issued their legally required audit. The 1st Ward Office published the first part of an audit review, which includes the following topics:
- The City’s funded ratio for its pensions has increased yet again in 2025, across all four funds.
- The City’s judgments and claims increased more than $250 million in 2025.
- The City increased its general obligation line of credit limit, as well as its line of credit borrowing in 2025.
- The City spent down more than $1 billion in governmental investments in 2025, driven primarily by a decline in Special Tax Area balances (ex., Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts).
- The City’s business-like functions (water, sewer, and airports) performed well in 2025, improving balances across all funds and demonstrating strong investment returns.
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Property Tax Appeals
Residents in the West Chicago Township can now file Property Tax Appeals with the Cook County Board of Review. Find your township and property pin number using this search. You can file an appeal in one of three ways:
- File online here
- Call Commissioner Vasquez's office at 312-603-6386 to make an appointment at her office (2934 N Milwaukee Unit C, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Go to the Assessor’s office directly
The deadline to apply is August 21.
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CDPH is hiring for the position of Associate Mental Health Crisis Clinician for CARE. Applications are due next Wednesday, July 29. Apply here!
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Community Review Updates
- 2455 N California (FEEDBACK WANTED!): A zoning attorney reached out to propose a rezoning to construct a 2-flat on a vacant lot, which was improperly subdivided from the adjacent 3-flat at 2453 N California. A zoning map amendment is necessary to bring 2453 N California into conformance with the Municipal Code, otherwise 2455 N California is an unbuildable lot. The 1st Ward Office provided a zoning intake packet, requested numerous concepts from the redevelopment team to assess the future of this lot, and a two flat proposal received a June 29, 2026, 1st Ward First Look.
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