| | Dear Neighbor,
This past weekend, I attended several block parties across the ward. It was great to connect with residents, discuss local issues, and spend time with neighbors, enjoying food, music, and community. The 2900 block of N. Sawyer had an incredible water slide for the kids, the 2500 block of N. Drake had a great DJ, and the 2400 block of N. St. Louis served some of the best arrachera tacos I’ve ever had.
There’s still plenty of time to organize a block party on your street this year. Block parties are a great way to build community and get to know your neighbors. You can find information about the permitting process and the block party petition at www.ward35.org/neighborhood-services.
My staff and I have also continued going door-to-door across the ward to invite neighbors to submit infrastructure improvement ideas for our 35th Ward Participatory Budgeting program. Reminder to please submit your ideas on our website at www.ward35.org/pb2027.
On Wednesday, I met with the owners of Mate and Coffee, a new business preparing to open at 2779 N. Milwaukee Avenue. It was a pleasure to learn more about their plans and welcome them to the neighborhood. We’ll share details about their grand opening and ribbon cutting once they are finalized.
We also discussed city programs that can help small businesses invest in their properties. Two opportunities business owners should keep on their radar are:
Community Development Grants Applications are open through August 14 at 11:59 p.m. for grants of up to $250,000. Eligible projects include office, retail, light industrial, and mixed-use developments. More information, including registration for an informational webinar on August 12, is available online.
Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) Applications for the Fullerton/Milwaukee TIF’s SBIF program will open on September 1. This reimbursable grant program helps fund permanent building improvements and repairs, with grants covering between 30 and 90 percent of eligible project costs. The Department of Planning and Development will host an informational webinar on September 2 at 1 p.m.
Last night, I attended a town hall at Roosevelt High School hosted by the Treatment Not Trauma campaign, which is working to reopen Chicago’s public mental health clinics and expand the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) program. CARE is the City’s non-police response team for people experiencing mental health crises. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 9-1-1 and ask for the CARE team. |
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| CARE teams provide crisis de-escalation, mental health assessments, referrals to community services, and transportation to community-based care when appropriate. They also conduct follow-up outreach after connecting someone to services.
At the town hall, we discussed how decades of disinvestment in public mental health care have left too many Chicagoans without access to the support they need. Chicago had 19 public mental health clinics in the 1980s. A few years ago, only five remained after years of closures under multiple administrations, including seven clinics closed under Mayor Daley and seven more under Mayor Emanuel.
Those decisions were wrong and harmful. Thanks to years of advocacy by the Treatment Not Trauma coalition and the leadership of my colleague, 33rd Ward Alderperson Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, Mayor Johnson reopened two public mental health clinics—the first new public clinics in more than 40 years.
I remain committed to reopening additional clinics and expanding the CARE program so that every neighborhood has access to a 24/7 non-police mental health crisis response.
Lastly, next Wednesday, August 5, at 6:00 PM at Avondale-Logandale Elementary School, we will host our 35th Ward Annual Report Town Hall. I encourage you to join us to learn about our progress and help develop future priorities. You can read our full report at www.ward35.org/report2026. |
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| As always, I hope you have a wonderful weekend, rain or shine!
Sincerely,
Anthony J. Quezada Alderman, 35th Ward
Community Resources: |
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| | Upcoming Ward Nights
Our upcoming ward nights are August 10th and August 24th. We schedule Ward Night visits by appointment to ensure ample time for residents to discuss community concerns and opportunities with the alderman. To schedule an appointment to meet with the Alderman during Ward Night, please email us at [email protected] or call us at (773)-985-3510 during our hours of operation (9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday).
Update on Outreach, Housing Placement, and the former Belmont-Kedzie Encampment Site
On Thursday morning, after successful outreach efforts connected the remaining unhoused individual at the Belmont-Kedzie underpass enclosure with bridge housing, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) removed the remaining items left on its property.
This occurred only after the Department of Family & Support Services confirmed that no one was living there, and ongoing outreach verified the remaining belongings had either been secured for storage or abandoned.
This location was always intended to serve as a temporary site for a neighbor while they were connected to housing resources. That effort was successful.
Our office will never criminalize poverty. We work to connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter, services, and permanent housing. The resident’s successful transition into bridge housing reflects that commitment.
While we were able to assist this resident in transitioning to housing, we understand that the work is far from done. I remain committed to working with our colleagues across all levels of government toward lasting solutions and housing as a human right for anyone experiencing housing instability in our ward and across our city. |
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| Belmont Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) Study Survey
Have thoughts on potential transit-oriented improvements near Belmont and Kimball in Avondale? Help shape the Belmont Blue Line ETOD Plan by taking a community survey through Aug. 31 and adding ideas to the interactive map. Complete the survey at bit.ly/BelmontSurvey and learn more at Chicago.gov/BelmontETOD.
Call for Artists: Request for Qualifications- 35th Ward Mural Projects
In 2025, 35th Ward residents voted to dedicate funding through the 35th Ward Participatory Budgeting Program for Public Art and Beautification of Public Spaces. Two winning project proposals were the installation of murals on viaducts at 3401 N Kimball and 3040 N Sacramento. The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), in partnership with the 35th Ward Office, invites professional artists, artist teams, and arts organizations based in Chicago to submit qualifications. You can find more information and apply here. This call is open through August 28, 2026.
Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Upcoming Waitlist Opening
On Monday, August 3rd at 9am, Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp will be opening their waitlists for the Victory Apartments and West Town Housing Preservation. These are 4 bedroom units. Those interested in applying should visit the application website submit their pre-application. Applicants will receive their waitlist number in the mail. Applicants who do not have access to a computer can call the Bickerdike office at 773-227-6332 to be sent an application in the mail. You can also check out future waitlist opportunities here.
Community Development Grants OPEN
The City of Chicago is taking applications for Community Development Grants (CDG) for small and medium grants to support a variety of eligible, business-related investments that create and maintain jobs and quality-of-life improvements for local residents. Applications are due by August 14 by 11:59 PM. Register here for a webinar discussing small-size CDGs on Wednesday August 12 at 10:00 AM.
Irving Park Department of Water Management Project 7578 Updates
This week, the Department of Water Management (DWM) continued working on Lead Service Line Replacements on the 3700 block of N St Louis Ave - 8 were completed this week! Additionally, DWM has continued the installation of the new sewer main on W Waveland between N Bernard and N Kimball, and completed the cut and cap reconnection of the existing water main at the N Bernard and W Waveland intersection.
Sewer/Water Schedule - August 3rd, 2026 - August 7th 2026
The Department of Water Management will continue to install a new water main eastward on waveland between N St Louis avenue and N Kimball avenue. While they are doing this work, they will also begin installing new catch basins and connections to the sewer main on waveland between St Louis and Kimball. Additionally, Lead Service Line Replacements (LSLR) will continue throughout the week on the 3700 block of N St Louis ave. Residents receiving their LSLR should be in direct contact with the Department of Water Management regarding the date this will occur. As DWM continues installation of sewer main towards N. Kimball Ave, a street closure of the intersection will be needed. Beginning on August 10th, 2026, DMW will be closing the intersection to all traffic to safely complete the required sewer and watermain work in N. Kimball Ave x W. Waveland Ave. N. Kimball Ave is a bus route, and CTA has been notified of the detour for the buses that will be affected. Detour signs will be posted to notify public transportation where their temporary route will be. I've also included a map provided by the contractors of this detour. |
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| 3600 N Sacramento Upcoming Department of Water Management Work
This week, the main activity on site was the relocation of several utility lines, in preparation for further water work. This utility work is expected to wrap up by end of the day Monday, and subsequently, work on the new water main will resume.
Fullerton Avenue Arterial Resurfacing
The contractor continues work in both stages 1 (Lockwood to Karlov) and 2 (Karlov to Kimball) on Fullerton Avenue. In stage 1, most activity has been completed, and the contractor intends to install the final layer of asphalt in the stage late next week, or the beginning of the week of August 10th.
In stage 2 (Karlov to Kimball), the contractor expects to wrap up grinding the old asphalt layer by Monday and will begin installing the first layer of asphalt next week. Currently, approximately 30% of the concrete work in this section is completed and will continue once the grinding and installation of the first layer of asphalt is completed.
Additionally, our office and the Chicago Department of Transportation will be hosting a follow-up meeting to our May community meeting to discuss updates to the design of the pedestrian crossing at St. Louis and Fullerton. The meeting will be at 6pm on Monday, August 3rd at 6pm at Cosmic Underground Theater, located at 3433 W Fullerton.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
Upcoming Paseo Prairie Garden Work Days
The Friends of Paseo Prairie Garden will be hosting upcoming volunteer work days. Each work day will be held from 10am-11:30am at Paseo Prairie Community Garden, located at 2614 N Kedzie, and volunteers can assist with weeding, trash pickup, watering and planting.
Upcoming dates: Saturday August 1st Sunday August 9th Saturday August 15th
West Chicago Township Property Assessment Appeals NOW OPEN
Residents of the 35th ward that reside within the West Chicago township may a file an appeal of their assessment until August 21st. Check your township here. If you think the estimated market value of your home is incorrect, you should file an appeal if you have not done so recently. This is the last year for appeals until the next reassessment year for Chicago, meaning if people have appealed already once since 2024, there is no need to reappeal this year. Our joint office with Commissioner Jessica Vazquez, located at 2934 N Milwaukee, Unit C, is taking appointments for appeals, please call (312) 603-6386 to schedule an appointment.
Cook County Board of Review Pre-File Appeals NOW OPEN
The Cook County Board of Review has officially opened the tax year 2026 session and ALL property owners may Pre-File an appeal with the Cook County Board of Review now OR you can wait and file an appeal when your township appeal period opens. If you have already had a reduction through a successful appeal in the last 2 years, we would not encourage you to file another appeal this year. As a reminder you can appeal your assessment every year with the Cook County Assessor's Office and with the Cook County Board of Review. You can appeal online via this link. If you need assistance, feel free to call the office of Commissioner Jessica Vásquez at 312-603-6386 or stop into our shared office at 2934 N. Milwaukee Unit C.
School Supplies Drive until August 7
Our office is collecting school supplies in partnership with the offices of State Representative Will Guzzardi (IL-39) and State Senator Graciela Guzman (IL-20) until Friday, August 7. Donations of new school supplies such as backpacks, pencils, pens, highlighters, notebook paper, folders, binders, spiral and composition notebooks, tissue packs, hand sanitizer, erasers, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, crayons, and markers are greatly appreciated.
Trina Davila CSC - Chicago Program Highlight
The Trina Davila Community Service Center, located on 4312 W North Avenue, provides a variety of services for residents to connect to city and state services.
SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF Application Support: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-5pm (Provided by Legal Aid Chicago) Wednesdays from 9am-12pm (Provided by Family Focus Agency)
Emergency Rental Assistance: If you have questions about the Emergency Rental Assistance program, stop by Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. |
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| Policy and Zoning Updates |
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| Community Meeting on Zoning Map Amendment Request at 3019-3021 W Belmont
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the 35th Ward Office will be holding a community meeting at Revolution Brewing Tap Room at 3340 N Kedzie Ave from 6:30-8pm to gather feedback on a zoning map amendment request for 3019-3021 W Belmont Ave. The current property is a ground-floor storefront and three apartments. The applicant, Anthony Vitale, is seeking a zoning map amendment from B3-1 to B2-2 to demolish the current building and construct a 6-unit apartment building.
At the meeting, the applicant will present their proposal and residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. Following the meeting, the 35th Ward Office will allow two weeks for residents to provide additional feedback. At the end of the two week period, the Alderman will decide whether he supports the project based on the feedback received. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call (773) 985-3510.
Request to Lift the Moratorium on New Tavern Licenses on North Milwaukee Ave. Between Kimball Avenue and Central Park Avenue
The 35th Ward Office has received a request to lift the moratorium on new tavern licenses on North Milwaukee Ave Between Kimball Avenue and Central Park Avenue. The applicant is considering purchasing the restaurant space at 2945 N. Milwaukee Ave. and converting it into a modern sushi restaurant. The concept will focus on modern Japanese cuisine, with beer, wine, and sake offered as a complement to the dining experience.
In line with our policies on liquor moratoriums, the applicant attended the CAPS meeting for beat 1412 on Tuesday, July 2, 2026 to introduce themselves and answer questions. We will accept feedback on this request until 5pm on August 7, 2026. You can provide feedback here. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.
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| 35th Ward Participatory Budget Process |
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| The 35th Ward invites you to submit infrastructure improvement ideas for brick-and-mortar projects for our Participatory Budgeting program to be implemented in 2027. Ward residents get to submit ideas and vote on how the 35th Ward office and the Volunteer PB Committee prioritizes Aldermanic Menu Program funds.
Projects must be located within the 35th Ward and must be on the public way or the property of a City of Chicago sister agency, such as the Chicago Park District or Chicago Public Schools. You can review a map of the 35th Ward here: https://app.chicagoelections.gov/documents/general/35th%20Ward.pdf
Examples of common infrastructure improvement projects are: sidewalk repair street resurfacing alley resurfacing concrete alley aprons lighting improvements (piggy back lighting, new light poles) pedestrian sidewalk bump-outs (detached bump-outs or curb extensions) pedestrian refugee islands traffic circles protected or painted bike lanes curb and gutter replacement beautification improvements (light pole repainting, planters, murals)
Please contact our office if you have any questions at (773) 985-3510 or at [email protected]. |
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| | Upcoming Community Events |
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| Paradise Garden Logan Square Upcoming Events
Paradise Garden Logan Square and Logan Square Mutual Aid are hosting a Community Meal and Household Supply Drive on Sunday, August 2 at 4:00pm at the garden, 2214 N Drake Ave. LSMA provides the vegan main dish. Bring a food/drink item to share, or just come hungry and partake. We are also collecting household supply items for neighbors in need. Questions? Email [email protected]
Unity Park Upcoming Events
On Friday, July 31, Unity Park will host the Hip-Hop Family Fun Fest from 6pm to 7:30pm. Bring your lawn chairs and click on the link for more information.
On Thursday, August 6, there will be a free screening of the movie Hoppers starting at 8:30 PM. Bring a blanket/lawn chairs
Avondale Spotlight Awards
Vote across 13 different categories for the businesses and people that represent the best of our Avondale community. Voting is open until Friday, August 6 and will culminate in an awards ceremony on Thursday, August 27th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Revolution Brewing, 3340 N Kedzie
Trina Davila Community Center Upcoming Events All events are at 4312 W North Ave, Chicago, IL
Thursday, August 6th, 11AM - 3PM Clothing Giveaway of gently used and new clothes of all genders, ages, and sizes
Thursday, August 6th, 11AM - 2PM CityKey printing (Appointment Required)
14th District District Council Meeting
Hear from Austin Segal from Chicago Appleseed regarding Eileen O’Neill Burke’s first 500 days of office at the monthly 14th District Council Meeting on Thursday August 6th at 6PM in the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse, 1440 N Humboldt Blvd. |
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| | 35th Ward Office Phone: 773-985-3510 35th Ward Office Email: [email protected] DSS recycling and garbage schedule: chicagorecycles.org Parking Zone Lookup: http://smartchicago.github.io/zone-parking/ Snow Plow Tracker: https://plow-tracker-chicago.hub.arcgis.com/ Street Sweeping Schedule: 2026 Street Cleaning Schedule Street Sweeper Tracker: www.cityofchicago.org/sweepertracker Street Sweeper “We The Sweeple” App: https://www.wethesweeple.com/Elected Official Lookup: https://chicagoelections.com/en/your-voter-information.html Backyard service rodent abatement: (312) 746-5230
35th Ward Staff Scott Jaburek - Chief of Staff Alberto Cuevas - Ward Superintendent Sara Rodriguez - Neighborhood Services Director Chas Sirridge - Policy Director Juan Cardenas - Neighborhood Services Advocate
Food Resources
On May 1, nearly 120,000 neighbors in Illinois lost their SNAP benefits due to new work requirements and other eligibility changes. This is the largest drop in SNAP participation in our state’s history, and we know local hunger is rising.
No one should have to worry about putting food on the table while navigating these changes. If you or someone you know relies on SNAP, take action to protect your benefits or reconnect to SNAP today. You might qualify to apply for an exemption from the new work requirements. There are also free resources like Job Ready Illinois and Serve Illinois to help you connect to job training, work, and volunteering, if you are not exempt.
Visit SaveOurSNAP.org for resources or contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154 to talk to someone about your benefits.
35th Ward Food Access Sites
Chicago Hope Inc.
2505 N Kedzie Blvd Regular Program Hours: Monday- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thursday- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
New Community Covenant Church
2649 N Francisco Ave Regular Program Hours: Wednesday 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
St Sylvester Parish
2915 W Palmer St Regular Program Hours: Wednesday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Life Impacters Foundation
2100 N Kildare Ave
[email protected] Regular Program Hours: Monday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wednesday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
July Schedule for Northwest Side Solidarity Network Events - 3000 N Kedzie Ave (All food given on a first-come, first-served basis)
July Community Dinners Date: August 6th and August 13th Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm Location: 3000 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Employment Opportunities
The Illinois Department of Human Services is hiring! Check out open positions here.
People’s Gas is also hiring! You can find open positions in the region on their website.
The City of Chicago is hiring for several positions. You can find these positions at www.cityofchicago.org/jobs.
The Chicago Transit Authority is hosting a workforce connections event on Tuesday, August 4th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 401 W 111th St, Chicago, IL
To find open positions at the Chicago Park District, please visit this link. |
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| Public Safety (CAPS) Meetings CAPS meetings are an opportunity for residents to meet with the Community Engagement officers of their local police districts to discuss public safety concerns in their neighborhoods. The 35th ward includes portions of the 14th, 17th, and 25th districts of the Chicago Police Department. Visit the CPD website to find your beat.
CAPS Beat 2522 at Blackhawk Park located at 2318 N Lavergne at 6:30pm |
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