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Happy Friday Neighbors!
I hope you have had a fulfilling and productive week, as well as a reflective one. Here in 40, pothole patrol has continued, the city is repairing/improving infrastructure and we are preparing for our 40th Ward Policy Townhall, scheduled on Monday August 31st from 6-8pm at Dank Haus (4740 N Western)!
The Protecting Renters Ordinance, Data Center Moratorium, the Police Superintendent Search, the Parking Meter Deal 2.0, Sustainable Parkways, all of these policy priorities and more will be up for discussion, so bring your questions and let’s talk shop!
Monday, I joined Commissioner Jessica Vasquez, local officials, organizations, and advocates to join community members as they filed police reports against the federal agents who attacked them during Midway Blitz. In the past year of ICE’s assault on Chicago, we have had neighbors kidnapped, assaulted, and even killed at the hands of the federal government, and I am proud to stand with victims in their pursuit of justice. To learn more about what occurred on Monday, check out this article. If you or someone you know experienced or witnessed violence from federal agents, you can check out the public safety section below for a toolkit on how to report.
This weekend Friendship Center has a block party, hope you can make it out and support!
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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| | Chicago Air and Water ShowThe Chicago Air and Water Show is in town this weekend on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16th at the North Avenue Beach!
Neighbors may notice increased aircraft activity beginning Thursday, Aug. 13, including during the scheduled rehearsal on Friday, August 14th. During rehearsal and show days, neighbors, particularly those living, working or visiting near the lakefront, may experience: Aircraft demonstrations and intermittent loud noise. Increased vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic; allow extra travel time. Traffic control aides will be deployed to facilitate traffic around the area; motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
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| | In the News
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!
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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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Community Zoning Meeting: 4949 N. Western Ave
Join the 40th Ward for an in-person follow up meeting on Wednesday August 19th from 6pm-7pm at DANKHaus (4740 N Western Ave, 6th Floor) to discuss a proposal to rezone 4949 N Western Ave to allow for construction of a residential apartment building! Learn more on our website. |
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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 grading and concrete on Catalpa Avenue. 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! W Ainslie will be closed from Ashland to Clark during Phase 1 W Winona will be closed from Ashland to Clark in Phase 1, and Ashland to Paulina in Phase 2 W Carmen will be closed from Ashland to Clark in Phase 1, and Ashland to Ravenswood in Phase 2 W Sunnyside will be closed from Ashland to Greenview in Phase 1 and Ashland to Paulina in Phase 2
For the farmers market, Ashland access will be closed, but people can access the market via the alley on Winona. The work will likely begin this month, pending final permits. |
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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 the week of August 17th! |
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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 next week, the week of August 17th. 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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| 2026 Blue Ink FestivalOn Saturday, August 15, American Blues Theater hosts the 2026 Blue Ink Festival featuring 3 different play readings. Attend 1, 2, or all 3 readings!
Learn more & RSVP here! |
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| NSTOP IGNITE The City 5k & Block Party
On Saturday, August 15th 2026 at 8am, NSTOP is hosting IGNITE The City: 5k Run/Walk at 2447 W Granville Avenue. This event is designed to bring together residents, families, youth, community leaders, businesses, and organizations in a positive, healthy, and engaging environment. Directly after the event, stick around for NSTOP's annual Back to School Block Party from 11am-1pm! |
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| Realty of America: Free Back-to School Community Event
On Saturday, August 15, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Realty of America will be hosting their annual Back-to-School Event at Theodore Gross Park. Families will receive free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), and they will also have food, music, games, raffles, and valuable community resources to help students start the school year prepared and excited. |
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| Jamieson Elementary School Back to School Bash
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Jamieson School is hosting their Annual Back to School Bash on their turf field (5650 N. Mozart Street, Chicago, IL 60659). Students and parents, come by and meet our staff, and ask any questions you may have. |
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| Save the Date: Back-to-School Field Day!
Join Rogers Park and West Ridge school patrols for field day games, a craft table, last-minute school supplies, and a chance to meet neighbors from Rogers Park and West Ridge.
This event marks School Patrol coming back for the fall, so you can meet the folks helping keep Rogers Park and West Ridge students and families kids safe on their way to school, and learn how to get involved. When: Saturday, August 22nd, 1:00–4:00 PM Where: Hayt Elementary Blacktop
All families welcome. No RSVP needed! Hosted by Protect Rogers Park, Rogers Park School Patrols, West Ridge Community Alliance + School Patrols, and Mobile Front Porch |
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| Car Wash Fundraiser for Mather HS Swim Team
On Friday, August 21, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 6 pm. The girls' swim team will be having a Car Wash to raise funds for swimsuits and swag. The event will be at the south/east Mather's parking lot, accessible via California Ave. |
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Public Safety UpdatesA woman has now been charged with first-degree attempted murder and aggravated battery in connection with a hit & run that occured in the West Edgewater neighborhood at Ridge and Ravenswood on July 26th. She was denied bond in an initial hearing on Saturday, August 8th. If you have witnessed or experienced federal agents committing violence or otherwise breaking the law, you can file a police report. Here’s how: Review the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois toolkit to learn best practices for standing, documentation and evidence provision, legal and ethical considerations. Do a risk assessment! Kulis Law will give free advice and help you assess: call 312-581-1830 Review Special Order S06-14-03 (VI. C Reporting Requirements- Reporting Conduct of Members of a Federal Immigration or Other Federal Law-Enforcement Agency) to understand the forms CPD must complete when you bring allegations to them File a police report. If you attempt to file a report and a police officer does not do intake or give you police report number, call Kulis Law and notify us: [email protected].
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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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| | 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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We were honored to join Commissioner Jessica Vasquez, Brian Orozco, and members of the community to call on CPD to investigate ICE violence. |
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Our team was thrilled to attend Mather High School’s Back to School Bash! |
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