Dear Neighbors,
This week, our office announced coordinated city and state legislation with Sen. Sara Feigenholtz aimed at restoring meaningful community review for large utility projects like the proposed ComEd substation at 1111 W. Diversey Parkway. Over the past several months, neighbors across Lincoln Park have raised significant concerns about the proposed electrical substation planned adjacent to homes, a vibrant CHA senior community, schools, and the Diversey stop, an ADA-accessible CTA station.
Throughout this process, our office has worked alongside residents, the Wrightwood Neighbors Association, Central Lake View Neighbors, Sen. Feigenholtz, Rep. Ann Williams, Ald. Bennett Lawson, Ald. Scott Waguespack, and the Diversey Community Coalition to better understand the proposal’s impact. In this partnership, we have requested increased transparency from ComEd, city departmental holds on permits, and formal clarification from the city’s Zoning Administrator. As these actions have unfolded, a larger issue became apparent - the current state and city approval framework largely treats a small neighborhood-serving utility installation the same way as it treats a football field-sized regional utility facility like the one being proposed.
With this issue identified, the legislation we introduced would create a clear distinction for larger utility projects in urban areas under the law. Specifically, it would treat substations larger than 0.5 acres or within 660 feet from a residential property as a “Major Utility”, which would require locational approval by the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals. Creation of this step would build a real community process, still prioritizing essential infrastructure like electrical substations. Overall, it would ensure that this kind of infrastructure is placed strategically and with an approval threshold (similar to any other kind of large project in Chicago). This would aid thoughtful land use planning and neighborhood compatibility, and would stay true to the Chicago Connected Communities Ordinance which was passed to prioritize housing and mixed-use development near transit.
As Chicago continues to grow, our office remains committed to balancing infrastructure needs with preserving neighborhood character, supporting transit-oriented housing, and ensuring residents have a real voice in decisions that shape the future of Lincoln Park and communities across the city.
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This week, in collaboration with former Alderman Dick Simpson (1971 - 1979), I introduced a resolution honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and formally supporting the work of the Illinois America250 Commission ahead of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration. The resolution recognizes the historic significance of the Declaration of Independence, and supports ongoing efforts at both the national and state level to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary through educational initiatives, civic engagement, historical reflection, and community events.
The Illinois America250 Commission was established to help schools, libraries, cultural institutions, and local governments create inclusive commemorations that reflect both our nation’s history and Illinois’ unique role within it. Chicago has always played an important role in the American story, and the resolution encourages members of City Council to help bring neighbors together around a shared vision for Chicago’s future. You can read the full resolution here.
Finally, last Friday I had the incredible honor of serving as commencement speaker for Lincoln Park High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony. In my remarks, I spoke about authenticity, bravery, gratitude, and the importance of building a future together rather than asking young people to solve the world’s problems alone. I reflected on how this class entered high school coming out of the pandemic and helped bring an incredible sense of energy, spirit, and resilience back into the school community. I also spoke about the way these students have shown up for one another, from protecting classmates during moments of uncertainty in our city to achieving remarkable successes in academics, athletics, robotics, cheerleading, and beyond.
Lincoln Park High School sits at the heart of our community, and this graduating class represents so much of what gives me hope for the future of Chicago. Congratulations again to the Class of 2026, and thank you to Principal Steinmiller, the faculty, families, and staff for allowing me to be part of such a special evening. You can watch the full speech here.
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Alderperson Timmy Knudsen
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P.S. The historic Beaumont’s of Lincoln Park is officially re-opened! Re-imagined from the bar of our past, the new Beaumont’s joins the 43rd Ward as a design-forward neighborhood restaurant for all ages to enjoy. Significant investment went into restoring the space, and we hope you make a plan to try it soon. Check out media on the re-imagined space here.
P.P.S. Remember, our ward is represented by elected police district councilors in both the 18th and 19th Chicago police districts who advocate on issues of policing and public safety. Both councils want to hear your voice which helps give our community a say in what public safety and policing look like in our neighborhoods. Whether its an email, event, or a survey (like this one led by the 18th district council relating to representation on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability), please don't hesitate to share your thoughts.
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As announced earlier this week, after years of community conversation and months of negotiations, our office formally announced support for the proposed Francis W. Parker School expansion alongside a comprehensive Plan of Operation & Community Benefits Agreement designed to ensure the project delivers meaningful benefits back to the neighborhood. Following extensive feedback from hundreds of residents, the agreement secured major commitments from Parker, including $500,000 in direct support for Lincoln Park High School and Lincoln Elementary overtime, a 100% affordable housing conversion at 2236 N. Clark for teachers and first responders, a 30-year commitment to preserve rental apartments at 317-325 W. Belden, expanded community access to athletic facilities, updated traffic mitigation plans, and additional historic preservation measures. This process has always been about balancing the needs of a long-standing institution with preserving neighborhood character, affordability, transparency, and community voice. You can read the full announcement here, and the full plan of operations and community benefits here.
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Modernizing The 43rd Ward Office
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Last week, our office was proud to be highlighted nationally in a new Indigov and Granicus case study recognizing the 43rd Ward as a model for tech-forward constituent services and responsive local government. The report highlights how our office integrates Chicago’s 311 system directly into our internal workflow, allowing us to respond faster, track issues more efficiently, and proactively communicate with residents at scale. I’m incredibly proud of our small but mighty team for continuing to help set a new standard for modern local government as we believe local government should be as responsive, transparent, and modern as the people it serves. I encourage you to check out the full report here.
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Thanks to the hundreds of residents that stopped by our "seedlings giveaway" in collaboration with Rich Mott and North Pond Restaurant. We gave away over 1300 plants, and look forward to continuing this tradition next year.
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ADU Ordinance Now in Effect
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As of April 1, the City’s ordinance to legalize Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), led by Alderman Bennett Lawson and supported by my office, is officially in effect. In just the first two days, the City received 88 applications, an encouraging early sign that residents are ready to take advantage of this long-awaited change. Expanding access to ADUs is an important step toward addressing Chicago’s housing shortage and creating more flexible, affordable living options in our neighborhoods.
If you have ever considered adding an ADU, whether to create additional income or keep family members close, now is a great time to explore your options. You can enter basic information about your property to see how many units you may be eligible for and learn how to get started. The site also includes an interactive map that allows you to look up eligibility by address. I was proud to support this effort, and I encourage you to learn more, share this opportunity with neighbors, and explore how this program can help expand housing options across our city.
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The Recycle Coach app is a simple, all-in-one tool to help you manage trash, recycling, and waste services in your neighborhood. It helps residents stay organized, recycle correctly, and keep up with local services. With Recycle Coach, you can:
- Get personalized trash and recycling pickup reminders
- Look up how to properly dispose of items with the “What Goes Where” tool
- Find drop-off locations for hard-to-recycle materials
- Stay updated on service changes and holiday schedules
- Learn about local recycling events and programs
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Crime, and safety remain top of mind for our community. Each week, the 18th and 19th District post Compstat numbers that reflect changes in indexes for key crimes. As a reminder, these statistics represent 100% of the 18th & 19th Police Districts; accordingly, they represent an area much larger than our ward.
For 18th District (south of Fullerton) Week 21 Compstat.
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Week 21 Compstat.
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We work closely with the 43rd Ward’s local CAPS districts, which include the 18th (Near North) and 19th (Town Hall) Police Districts. Our office is in frequent contact with officers from both of these districts and their local CAPS officers, who host a variety of community forums and events including beat meetings, informational settings, and expert panel discussions, as well as sending out community alerts when a pattern of crime is detected.
Beat Meetings are part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy and an excellent way to hear directly from CPD about your neighborhood. Meetings are held in the evenings every two months. Click here and find out your Police District and Beat number, and click here for a larger and printable version of the graphic.
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Ald. Knudsen Urges Johnson & CDOT to Prioritize Bridge Closures and Offer Alternative Traffic Congestion Plans
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"The ongoing closure of river bridges (especially the Cortland Bridge) has created major traffic strain and frustration for residents and businesses alike. Alongside seven other aldermen, I sent a letter to Mayor Johnson urging his administration and CDOT to prioritize this bridge issue. My office will continue pushing for clearer communication, smarter coordination, and the fastest safe timeline possible to get these bridges reopened." -Ald. Timmy Knudsen
Alderman Knudsen supported a proposal from 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins requiring the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to present a detailed traffic plan before closing any bridge for more than 30 days. The plan must outline how congestion will be reduced — including detours, parking adjustments, and other mitigation strategies. Our office also received a letter back from CDOT, outlining steps they are taking to help reduce traffic congestion and delays for 43rd Ward residents. You can read it here.
Below is the most recent update we got from CDOT:
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Interactive Ward 43 Parking Zone Map
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Our office has created a parking zone map to help residents better understand where residential parking zones are located throughout the ward. For several streets, a Residential Parking Permit may not be required. Some areas may instead be free parking, pay-to-park, school zones, or tow and loading zones that restrict parking during certain hours.
While the map can be helpful for general reference, posted signage is always the most reliable indicator of parking rules. We encourage residents and visitors to carefully check street signs when parking to confirm the applicable restrictions.
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RANCH Triangle is now offering $1,000 grants to nonprofit organizations whose work benefits residents of the RANCH community. To be eligible, an organization’s work must benefit RANCH residents, though the organization does not need to be located within the neighborhood. Interested non-profits can email RANCH at [email protected] for more info. Applications must be submitted by June 5, 2026.
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Kick off summer with a focus on you! Celebrate the season of sunshine at the Lincoln Park Health & Wellness Showcase. This event is FREE and features 30+ local businesses offering free mini-treatments, exclusive giveaways, and more.
Pick up a Health & Wellness Passport when you arrive for details and your chance to win a Health & Wellness Weekend Swag Bag!
Saturday, June 6
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Lincoln Common Plaza
2335 N. Lincoln
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When: SATURDAY JUNE 6TH
Start Line: Butch McGuire's 11:00 AM
Finish Line: Mary Jo McGuire'
ALL Proceeds go towards supporting Chicago Fire Fighters!
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Host an international high school exchange student at Lincoln Park High!
Free and Open to the Public - Register here
The featured students are part of AFS Intercultural Programs, which carefully vets and prepares students from around the world for a successful exchange experience.
Host families complete a simple application and screening process, then choose a student who is the best fit for their family, with support from the local AFS team throughout the year.
Hosting creates lasting impact not only for students, but also for families and communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Have questions about street work happening in your area? The Department of Transportation has a wonderful tool to look up street work in your area called the Chi Street Work Portal. Here you can input an address and see all surrounding permits for projects on that street. The map is also interactive, allowing residents to view the real permits, view projects in other areas of the City, and see which type of work is being done on your street.
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Parking Enforcement via 311
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The Department of Finance (DOF) announced that City residents now have the option of reporting the following parking enforcement violations: Bus Lane Parking, Commercial Loading Zone, Commercial Vehicle Parked on a Residential Street, Disabled Parking, Fire Hydrant Parking, Residential Parking, Rush Hour Zones, School Safety Zones, Vehicle Parked in Bike Lane, Other (Semi-trucks parked on streets, etc.) Neighbors can report parking violations by calling 311, using the CHI311 app, or through the 311 website. The request type is “Finance Parking Code Enforcement Review.”
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E-Scooters and E-Bikes Policy Updates
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Please click here for updated guidance and rules from CDOT on Scooter and E-Bike rides.
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I want to keep spreading the good word of how powerful a tool CHI 311 is to address non-emergency services in our Ward. Via the CHI 311 website and mobile app, you can:
- Create new service requests and check the status of existing requests (such as on timing and completion).
- Snap a photo of an issue to submit it with a request to improve location accuracy.
- Get local and relevant information/tips regarding the 43rd Ward including visibility into what other requests are being made in your neighborhood. The free CHI 311 mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and may be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
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