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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for January 12, 2026
In This Edition:
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"Time and Site" Curfew Ordinance Passes Committee
Last week, at a meeting of the Committee on Public Safety, my ordinance allowing for the use of a "Time and Site" Curfew by the Chicago Police Department passed a committee vote by a margin of 11-4. Next, the ordinance will be voted on by the full City Council on Wednesday, January 21. I am pleased to see this common-sense ordinance another step closer to passage, and will provide further updates in future newsletters.
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Update on Development at 1800 N Clybourn
My office has been informed by the ownership of the retail properties at 1800 N Clybourn Ave that they will be redeveloping the site under its existing zoning to create new retail spaces. The first step, demolition of existing structures, will soon begin. Included below are a site plan and a rendering of what the site is expected to ultimately look like when construction is completed. I am pleased to welcome over 40,000 square feet of retail space that will introduce more jobs, sales revenue, and activity to the Clybourn Corridor of the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
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Holiday Tree Recycling: Ends January 17
 The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, in partnership with the Chicago Park District, is hosting its annual Holiday Tree Recycling Program at 27 locations throughout the city.
Chicago residents are welcome to drop off their natural holiday trees inside the designated tree recycling corral at each location.
Please remove all tinsel, lights, ornaments, tree stands, and plastic bags from your tree before placing it in the corral.
to find a location near you.
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Add Our Email As A Contact
To ensure that our newsletter and neighborhood notices stay in your regular inbox and do not end up marked "spam," make sure to add [email protected] to your contact list.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
Community Alerts:
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
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18th District CompStat Report
Computer Statistics report (CompStat) is a weekly report of incidents that have occurred in the respective police district. Each district compiles a statistical summary of the week's crime complaints, arrests, and data analysis. to learn more about CompStat.
Please see the 18th District CompStat report below:
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 27
The 18th Police District Council will hold its next meeting at 12:15 pm on Tuesday, January 27, at the Near North Library (310 W Division St). Commander Chris Bielfeldt, or a representative, will be on-site to share public safety updates.
Click to RSVP for in-person attendance.
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2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Police Department's Beat community meetings are a key part of the CAPS strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person with the option for remote participation and are an excellent way to communicate with the officers who patrol your beat and to engage with and meet your neighbors.
The entirety of the 2nd Ward falls inside the 18th District. to find which beat you reside in. You may also call 312-742-5778 or email [email protected] for more information about the 18th District CAPS office.
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Standing Water on City Streets Information
Last week's rain led to standing water on a number of streets around the 2nd Ward. Though it may have appeared to be cause for concern, water on our roadways in the immediate aftermath of a storm means our water infrastructure is working exactly how it should. The Department of Water Management uses "Rain Blockers" in city catch basins to slow down the flow of water from the street as a measure to avoid overwhelming sewers. Without these Rain Blockers, inundated sewers would flood into basements and cause significant property damage. Having streets turn into temporary reservoirs and drain gradually saves countless Chicagoans from basement flooding.
However, if you notice standing water present on the street more than 48 hours after a heavy rain, please contact our office for assistance at [email protected].
to learn more about water management during storms.
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City Vehicle Sticker and Daily Parking Passes Registration Form
 The Office of the City Clerk Information Registration form is used to gather all required documentation for the purchase of Vehicle Stickers and Daily Parking Passes. The Office of the City Clerk will review your submission and follow up according to the information provided. to register your information.
Please note: Submitting your request within the 30-day grace period will not result in waiving of the late fee and back charges.
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"Name a Snowplow" Contest Underway
 Chicago residents are once again encouraged to create innovative snowplow names and submit them below by January 10, 2026. At the end of the contest, the Department of Streets and Sanitation will pick the top six names, and those names will represent one snowplow in each of the City’s .
Click to submit a name.
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Indoor Farmers Market at Water Tower Place: Every Sunday
The South Loop Farmers Market will be operating on Sundays at Water Tower Place (835 N Michigan Ave on the 4th floor), every Sunday through March 29, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
With over 75 vendors, enjoy fresh local produce, ready-made food, and live entertainment. for a list of vendors.
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Share your O'Hare Moment: Submit by February 2
 The Chicago Department of Aviation is asking travelers to share special moments from O'Hare International Airport for its 70th anniversary. Chicagoans and travelers alike are invited to submit memories from O'Hare, including engagements, connections, reunions, and milestones from the world-class airport. A winner will be selected at random and receive a $500 gift card.
Click to submit.
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Apply for the Wells Street Art Festival: Deadline Sunday, January 25
 The 51st annual Wells Street Art Festival, taking place on June 13 and 14, is now accepting applications for vendors. Artists can apply until Sunday, January 25, and will receive notice of acceptance by February 6.
Click for more information.
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Lincoln Park Preschool Fair: Saturday, January 24
 Join the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, January 24, at the Lincoln Park Branch Library, for a free, one-stop event to meet and learn about preschools in the neighborhood. The event will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 am.
Click to register.
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Mindful Chair Yoga at Near North Library: Begins Tuesday, January 13
 The Near North Library is hosting chair yoga for seniors at 10:30 am, beginning on Tuesday, January 13, and continuing on Tuesdays for the next six weeks. Those aged 55+ are invited for this free class, with an option for virtual attendance on Zoom. Registration is required for virtual participation.
Click to register.
January is a busy month at Near North. Click to view more of their great upcoming events (select "Near North" under the locations tab).
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Old Town Progressive Dinner Wednesdays
Progressive Dinner Wednesdays continue this week in Old Town. This Wednesday, January 14, enjoy a variety of delicious menu items from some of your favorite restaurants, all priced at $5 per dish from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm every Wednesday until February 25.
Participating restaurants include , , , , , , , , , , , , , and .
for more information.
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Newberry Fest "All About Maps": Saturday, January 24
 Join the Newberry Library (60 W Walton St) for Winterfest. This year's cartography-focused event will feature an extensive collection of maps from across time and place and take over the first floor of the library, providing unique opportunities for engagement, education, and enjoyment.
for more details.
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An Evening With Mayda del Valle, Chicago's Poet Laureate: Wednesday, January 14
 This Wednesday, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Public Library, and the Poetry Foundation are hosting a celebration of Chicago's new Poet Laureate, Mayda A. del Valle. The event will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E Washington Street. Registration is required, but the event is free.
Click for more information.
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Chicago Restaurant Week: January 23 - February 8
 The 19th annual Chicago Restaurant Week begins Friday, January 23, and continues through Sunday, February 8. This 17-day celebration of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year.
for a list of participating restaurants.
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