Dear Neighbors,
Today marks 25 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. As we remember and honor the memory of those lost that day, we invite the community to pause and reflect on this solemn milestone together. September 11 has a deep connection here in Chicago and the 43rd Ward, and we encourage neighbors to learn more about our local history and explore how our city is commemorating this anniversary. Today is also an important opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the first responders who protect and serve our communities every single day. Thank you to our firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and dedicated public servants who selflessly step forward when neighbors need them most.
Cortland Bridge Landmark Status
The 124-year-old Cortland Street Bridge has now been closed to vehicles for nearly a year after significant structural issues were discovered. This week, Alderman Knudsen joined Aldermen Brian Hopkins, Scott Waguespack, and other North Side colleagues in supporting an effort to remove the bridge's landmark designation, an important step toward allowing city leadership to move more quickly toward a long-term solution. Our office continues to push CDOT and the City for stronger traffic mitigation measures during the bridge’s closure, while also supporting greater oversight and planning before crucial pieces of infrastructure are closed for extended periods of time.
Small Business Success Across the Ward
This week, our office was excited to welcome Piccadilly Market to 444 W. Fullerton Avenue, at the corner of Fullerton and Clark. This new multifunctional space (equipped with a full coffee shop, bar, mini grocery store, and plenty of working space) is another welcomed investment in the neighborhood. The opening also supports our continued vision of returning Clark Street to its place as one of Chicago's most popular and vibrant commercial corridors.
|
Just a few blocks away, Lincoln Avenue remains open for business even as crews undertake critical work replacing the more than 100-year-old water infrastructure. As work continues, Gunny's Pub is preparing to open at 2642 N. Lincoln Ave. next Wednesday, while Beatnik Lincoln Park is also preparing to open at the corner of Wrightwood, Sheffield, and Lincoln. Both are great reminders that there is plenty happening along the corridor even while the street may look closed. With commercial rents and other costs increasing, we encourage everyone to shop locally when possible so we can preserve the healthy mix of businesses that make our neighborhoods so special.
Additionally, this week brought even more good news for the corridor: Pat's Pizza will be serving its famous tavern-style pizza at Northwestern University's new Ryan Field, joining a lineup intended to showcase some of Chicago's most iconic food. Congratulations to Pat's on representing Lincoln Park and 43rd Ward businesses on an even bigger stage!
More Ways to Get Involved This Fall
This summer was one of our busiest yet for community engagement. From launching our Block Heroes pilot to continuing Saturday office hours, community meet-and-greets, public safety walks, infrastructure walks, and block parties, our office continues to prioritize connecting neighbors with each other and city services.
Although summer is coming to an end, we're excited to keep that momentum going with our upcoming fall community engagement series. Highlights include two Block Heroes neighborhood cleanups, another installment of "What Is the Ward?" on October 15th, focused on aldermanic menu funding — the approximately $1.5 million each ward receives annually for infrastructure and community projects — and our September community meet-and-greet focused on recycling with our Ward Superintendent John and the Department of Streets and Sanitation.
We hope to see you around the neighborhood in the coming weeks. Please keep an eye on our newsletter for the upcoming event’s dates and locations!
|
The 43rd Ward Public Service Office
|
The 43rd Ward Office is looking for Fall/Winter interns.
|
This is a great opportunity for students interested in local government, communications, community engagement, and gaining hands-on experience in a busy ward office. We can also sign off on college credit for students. We’re looking for someone who:
-
Has afternoon availability, generally 12pm–5pm
-
Can commit to 8-12 hours per week
-
Is interested in learning more about local government and working with the community
Know someone who might be a good fit? Have them reach out to [email protected].
|
Modernizing The 43rd Ward Office
|
Last month, 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 & 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. 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.
|
ADU Ordinance Now in Effect
|
As of April 1, the City’s ordinance to legalize Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), is officially in effect. 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.
|
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 36 Compstat.
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Week 36 Compstat.
|
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.
|
Ald. Knudsen Continues to Urge Johnson & CDOT to Prioritize Bridge Closures and Offer Alternative Traffic Congestion Plans
|
"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.
|
OEMC/CPD September Safety Memo
|
Interactive Ward 43 Parking Zone Map
|
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.
|
Join Box United for a night of trivia, dinner, drinks, and community on Wednesday, September 16, from 6–9 p.m. at Tapster Lincoln Park. Tickets are $75 and include two drinks, Lou Malnati’s dinner, trivia, and access to a silent auction. Proceeds support Box United’s free programs using boxing to empower young girls across Chicago.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
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.
|
Parking Enforcement via 311
|
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.”
|
E-Scooters and E-Bikes Policy Updates
|
Please click here for updated guidance and rules from CDOT on Scooter and E-Bike rides.
|
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.
|
|
