Thriving 21 Weekly Bulletin

July 28, 2026

Hi 21st Ward Family,

Summertime Chi is alive and well in the 21st Ward! From block club parties and back-to-school events to dancing and movies in the park, this past week was filled with neighbors coming together and enjoying our community.

And we’re only getting started! Over the next few weeks, join us for Morgan Park Roots Fest; back-to-school events hosted by Phalanx Family Services, Brainerd Library and Fernwood Park; National Night Out; Silver Swagger; and more. And across the city, Chicagoans can also enjoy the Bud Billiken Parade and Lollapalooza.

One of the best parts of serving as your Alderman is seeing you out in the community—not only to hear your concerns, but also to share smiles, laughter and memories together.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Town Hall this past Saturday and to every organization that provided valuable information to our residents. Special thanks to MWRD Vice President Theresa Flynn; Dr. Catherine O’Connor, Director of Engineering at MWRD; Francisco Velez, Executive Director of OEMC; Commissioner Angela Tovar of the Department of Environment; and Andrew Bonaparte, Assistant District Superintendent with the Department of Water Management, for their presentations on environmental issues and emergency preparedness.

I also want to thank SplitSec.AI for partnering with the 21st Ward to provide residents with another public-safety resource.

The importance of these conversations became clear just days later as another severe storm brought flooding, fallen trees, and power outages to parts of the 21st Ward. As we continue recovering, my office is actively advocating for dead tree removals, tree trimming, sewer inspections, and catch basin cleanings to help reduce the impact of future storms. We will keep working with our City departments to ensure our neighborhoods receive the attention and resources they deserve.

I look forward to seeing everyone out enjoying the summer and the many great events happening throughout our ward!

Better Together!

— Alderman Ronnie L. Mosley

Progress by the Numbers

This Month in the 21st Ward

• Received 4672 city service requests; 62% resolved
• 15+ development projects advancing
• 19 resurfacing projects completed

Building a Thriving 21

We're continuing to make progress across the 21st Ward with new housing, business investments, infrastructure improvements, and community development projects. Here's a look at some of the latest updates:

Economic Development

Residential

• Beverly Ridge Phase 1B (105th & Vincennes) - Acquired Title, Closing Proposed Late August 2026
• Unity Youth Shelter (8913 S. Ashland) Closing August 2026 

Business

• Former Starbucks Site (9348 S. Ashland) Currently in Contract
• Midwest Express Clinic (120 W. 87th St.) - Opening August 2026 
• Shell Gas Station (1421 W. 95th St.) - Excavation - Late August 2026
• Lior's Cafe (10500 S. Halsted) - Petitioning for ballot referendum to serve wine/beer/cocktails with meals 
• Eiffel Waffle (10321 S. Halsted) - Opening Proposed - Late Summer 2026
• Figurati Pizza and Italian Beef (11611 S. Halsted) Opening October 1, 2026 
• Former Walmart Site (8341 S. Stewart St.) - Offer Pending 
• Former Starbucks Site (9438 S. Ashland) Currently in Contract 
• K & Jay’s Soul Food (10341 S. Halsted) Open   
• Genesus Construction Training Center (1407 W. 95th St.) - Workforce Solutions Grant Award 
• SSA 69: Ashland Corridor (75th-95th; S. Ashland) New Commissioners
• Save A Lot-Oasis Fresh Market Seeking Acquisition (10700 S. Halsted St.) Closed July 2026 

Parks, Recreation & Community Spaces

• Progressive Manor Community Youth Center (1223 W 87th Street) Proposed Gym Completion and Soft Opening - Nov. 2026 Official Opening Late Summer 2027

Education & Institutional Development

• Larry’s Barber College Expansion (10456 S. Halsted) Opening Fall 2026 
• Chicago Collegiate Charter School (Former Kwame Academy 314 W. 108th St.) Ribbon Cutting Ceremony August 21st, 2026 
• ARTism Behavior Services (748 W. 103rd St.) Under Construction - Proposed Ribbon Cutting-Year End 

Save A Lot Closure and Food Access

While we celebrate new investments across the ward, we also recognize the serious impact of the Save A Lot closure at 10700 S. Halsted St. Following the passing of Yellow Banana’s CEO, a leadership transition left an outstanding balance unresolved.

Recent cuts to the SNAP program created additional financial challenges, and Save A Lot could no longer supply the store without the balance being settled and a sustainable path forward. Our office is working with stakeholders to address this closure and improve access to fresh, affordable food. In the meantime, residents can find nearby food resources below.

As an additional support for seniors, a temporary free transportation program is available to help senior residents affected by the recent grocery store closure in their area. Through United Way's 211 service, seniors can receive free round-trip rides to nearby grocery stores. No smartphone or Lyft app is required—211 navigators will schedule rides on behalf of eligible residents. To learn more or arrange a ride, call 211.

Infrastructure

Streets Repaved 

• S. Princeton Ave.: W. 116th - W. 118th St. 
• S. Emerald Ave.: W. 109th - 110th St. 
• S. Sangamon St.: W. 107th - W. 109th St. 
• S. Aberdeen St.: W 106th - W. 107th St. 
• S. Union Ave.: W. 106th - W. 107th St. 
• S. Parnell Ave.: W 106th -107th St. 
• S. Lowe Ave.: W. 106th - W. 107th St. 
• S. Wallace St.: W. 106th and W. 107th St. 
• S. Peoria St.: W. 104th - W. 105th St. 
• S. Wallace St.: W. 103rd - 105th St. 
• S. Union Ave.: W. 97th St. - W. 98th Pl. 
• S. May St.: W. 106th St. - W. 107th St. 
• S. Marshfield Ave.: W. 90th - W. 91St. 
• W. 93rd Pl.: S. Beverly Blvd. - S. Ashland Ave. 
• S. Sangamon St.: W. Dead End - 96th St. 
• W. 92nd St.: S. Beverly Blvd. - S. Marshfield Ave. 
• S Paulina St.: W. 89th - W. 90th St. 
• S. Aberdeen St.: W. 88th - W. 89th St. 
• S. Lowe Ave.: S. Vincennes Ave. - W. 86th St. 

19 Streets Paved This Past Month! 

Upcoming Residential Street Repavements

• S. Green St.: W. 99th - W. 101 St. 
• S. Union Ave.: W. 104th St. - W. 105th St. 
• S. May St.: W. 87th - W. 88th St. 

The Department of Transportation has a tool called the Chi Street Work Portal where you can input an address and see all surrounding permits for projects on that street. 

21st Ward Services

Did you know our office can assist with:

• City service requests
• Streets and sanitation concerns
• Housing resources
• Business assistance
• Senior services
• Development questions
• Infrastructure concerns

If you need assistance, our team is here to help.

103rd station:

Future Impacts:

• July 28 - August 18, 2026: Intermittent Parking Lane Closures 342 to 346 W. 107th Street

• July 29 - August 18, 2026: Intermittent Parking Lane Closures 401 W. 99th Street 



Michigan station:

Future Impacts:

• July 28 - August 18, 2026: Intermittent Alley Closure The alley behind 11330 to 11334 S. Wentworth Avenue

City Council Updates

Citywide Updates: 

RESOLUTIONS

• Recognition of Disability Pride Month 
• Honoring Chicago Cubs 150th Anniversary and 8/29/2026 as Chicago Cubs Day 
• Celebrating Chicago Sculpture Exhibit 25th Anniversary 

APPOINTMENTS

• Lester Barclay (CTA), Oswaldo Alvarez (CTA), Natasha Jenkins (PACE), Dennis Mondero (Metra), Dee Atkins, Dr. Michael Eaddy, Christian Lopez, Karen Tamley appointed to NITA 
• Dr. Garth Walker Commissioner of Public Health 

PASSED

• $424 Million in TIF for the The 78 Project
• November ballot referendum questions on permanent festival and outdoor space; restart use of gunshot detection technology; federal government financial & economic accountability for ICE Activities
• February ballot referendum questions on permanent monument celebrating Chicago's global contributions to music and the arts; Chicago City Council independent legal counsel; Chicago sister agencies debt enforcement

21st Ward Specific Updates:

RESOLUTIONS

• Tributes to late Leslie Brown-Librarian; Bishop Larry A. Brookins; Pope Titus Justice the 1st Alfred Lee
• Recognition of Blaq Ice as honorary cultural ambassador and declaration of September as Spoken Word Month 

PASSED

• Honorary street designation as "Honorary Jermaine A. Pelt Way”
• Valerie Goodloe and Andrea Brookins as Commissioners for SSA 69 



INTRODUCED

• Ordinance to establish Violence Reduction Governance and the Department of Gun Violence Reduction
• Amendment to allow for properties covered by Utility Billing Relief Program to remain in program if it meets the requirements 
• Amendment to establish Urban Flooding and Climate Resilience Task 

21st Ward Interns Visit City Council

On Wednesday, July 22, our 21st Ward interns visited City Hall to attend a City Council meeting. The experience gave them an opportunity to see local government in action, learn how Council meetings are conducted and better understand the legislative process. They also had the chance to meet Mayor Brandon Johnson. 

Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington

In the Community

Movies in the Parks at Fernwood Park

21st Ward families gathered at Fernwood Park for a special Movies in the Park showing of Gremlins. Our office provided popcorn, hot dogs, snow cones and water for everyone to enjoy during the movie.

Thank you to the Chicago Park District for creating another fun and free summer experience where families could spend time together and enjoy one of our neighborhood parks in a different way.

Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington

Dance in the Parks at Oakdale Park

On July 21, 21st Ward residents gathered at Oakdale Park for an evening of dance and culture. In partnership with the Chicago Park District, the MSB Dance Ensemble and The Joffrey Ballet each took the stage to perform two dance routines for the community.

The event gave families an opportunity to experience professional dance right in their neighborhood while providing both groups with a platform to share their talent. Thank you to the Chicago Park District, MSB Dance Ensemble and The Joffrey Ballet for bringing this special experience to the 21st Ward!

Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington

Celebrating Our Block Clubs

This weekend was all about neighbors and community! I had a great time stopping by block parties at 107th & Morgan, 115th & Loomis, 110th & Emerald, 118th & Bishop, 112th & Emerald and 120th & Union, along with the celebration hosted by Restoration MB Church.

From children playing and neighbors catching up to burgers, hot dogs and plenty of good food on the grill, each block was filled with the spirit of summertime in the 21st Ward. These gatherings are about more than having a good time—they strengthen relationships and help keep our community connected.

Thank you to every block club leader, resident and church member who helped organize these celebrations and welcomed me to the block!

Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington

9th Annual Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Boogati Car Show

Car enthusiasts from the 21st Ward and beyond gathered this past weekend at 115th & Halsted for the 9th Annual Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Boogati Car Show.

As the largest car show in the ward, the event brought out an impressive lineup of old-school cars with customized interiors, detailed exteriors and plenty for car lovers to admire. Local small businesses, food vendors and service providers also had an opportunity to connect with attendees.

I was proud for our office to support an event that brings the community together while raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Thank you to the organizers, car owners, vendors and everyone who helped make this year’s show a success!

Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington

Public Safety Corner

SplitSec.AI Community Safety Pilot

If you missed our July 25th Town Hall, there is still time to participate in the 21st Ward’s SplitSecAI pilot program.

Residents can sign up for a free two-month trial of the gunshot-detection app, which helps identify possible gunfire and share safety alerts with trusted contacts.

The app does not record audio, track your location or share your personal information.

It is currently available for Android devices, with an Apple version coming soon.

Use this link to sign up: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.splitsec.ai&pli=1

Honda Air Bag Theft Alert

The Chicago Police Department continues reporting air bag thefts involving Honda vehicles.

Protect your vehicle by:

• Using a steering wheel lock
• Parking in well-lit areas
• Reporting suspicious activity immediately

Small preventative steps can make a significant difference.

Stay Alert: Secretary of State Text Scams

Fraudulent text messages claiming to come from the Illinois Secretary of State continue circulating.



Remember:

• Never click suspicious links.
• Never send payment through unsolicited texts.
• Verify information only through official state websites.

When in doubt, delete the message.

Visit the Illinois Secretary of State's official website for more information.

Block Club Resources

Free Jumping Jack for Summer Block Parties

Planning a summer block party? The City of Chicago’s Jumping Jack Program is back, offering free inflatable bounce houses for residential block parties across the city.

Applications are open now through September 6th on weekends. This is a great opportunity to bring neighbors together, create safe and fun spaces for our youth, and build stronger connections across the 21st Ward.

Please note: this program is only available for residential block parties, and requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upcoming Events

21st Ward Community Events

Stay Engaged with the 21st Ward

Every month, our Town Halls bring City departments, community organizations, and residents together in one place.

Whether we’re discussing housing, public safety, economic development, or infrastructure, our goal remains the same: put the right information, the right people, and the right resources directly in front of our residents.



Your participation helps shape the future of our community, and I encourage you to stay engaged throughout the year.

City Events

City, County, and State Resources

Business Resources

For more info and to apply, visit

http://Chicago.gov/RFPs.

Senior & Veteran Resources

Housing & Utility Resources

Youth Resources

Health Resources

Employment Opportunites

Looking for a career in public service? Explore open roles across local, county, and state agencies, covering administration, finance, operations, public safety, education, transportation, parks, and more

Every street improvement, new business, housing development, community event, and constituent request resolved moves us one step closer to the kind of neighborhood we all deserve.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Alderman. My office remains committed to being accessible, responsive, and focused on delivering results for every resident.

Together, we're building a Thriving 21.

21st Ward Office

10801 S. Halsted St

Chicago, Illinois 60628

Tel: (773) 881-9300

Email: [email protected]

Web: aldmosley21.com

Office Hours:



Monday 9 AM - 7PM

Tuesday 9 AM - 5 PM

Wednesday 9 AM - 5 PM

Thursday 9 AM - 5 PM

Friday 9 AM - 3 PM



Sat. & Sun. - CLOSED

Constituents Hours:

Mondays

2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Monthly Townhall Meetings

Every 4th Saturday

January - October

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Carter G. Woodson Library

9525 S. Halsted St.