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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for June 22, 2026
In This Edition:
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2nd Ward Website
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2nd Ward Twitter
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2nd Ward YouTube
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SOAR Farmers Market Grand Opening
 Last Tuesday marked another excellent Grand Opening for the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) Summer Farmers Market. I was proud to stand alongside SOAR leadership, my colleague Alderman Reilly, and other community partners for a celebration of this important pillar in Streeterville. Each Tuesday, the SOAR Market brings neighbors together while providing access to local goods and fresh food. Meeting and connecting with so many of you at my office's booth is always a highlight of my week, and I look forward to seeing new faces throughout this summer season.
Photo credit Jeff Brown.
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Celebrating The Peninsula Chicago's 25th Anniversary
 This month, I was pleased to join the wonderful people at the Peninsula Chicago for a celebration of 25 years of excellent hospitality. As I wrote in my resolution honoring this landmark occasion for them, "The Peninsula has provided accommodations, dining, wellness, and gathering spaces of exceptional quality, welcoming guests from across the nation and around the world and reflecting the high standards for which the City of Chicago is known."
Like many of our luxury hotel institutions situated on the Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula contributes mightily to the world-class reputation of this historic shopping and entertainment district. Their strong reputation begets our own. As new businesses continue to open along the Mag Mile, I thank our partners in the business community for continuing to strive toward excellent service and hospitality. The vitality of this neighborhood can only strengthen Chicago's future.
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Update on the Division Street Streetscape
With an anticipated start of mid-July or sooner, crews will break ground on the Division Street Streetscape between Dearborn Street and State Street. These streetscape improvements have been designed by the Chicago Department of Transportation in close cooperation with community representatives and my team. Highlights include:
• Roadway geometry improvements
• Full-width roadway resurfacing
• New wider paver sidewalks
• New curb and gutter
• New street lighting
• ADA ramps and crosswalks
• New pavement markings and signs
• Tree plantings and landscaping
• Site furnishings
Throughout construction, Division Street will remain open to motorists and pedestrians, and access to businesses and residences will be maintained. During the final stage of construction, westbound traffic will be temporarily detoured. Please watch out for parking restrictions for equipment staging on nearby streets.
The outbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will be detoured during specific stages of construction. The inbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will not be affected. Individual bus stops may be temporarily closed or relocated to accommodate construction. For more information, please call the CTA information hotline at 773-836-7000.
Hardscape work is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving, with some landscaping work happening in the spring. Construction review meetings will be held weekly by CDOT when construction is underway. These meetings are open to the public and provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to ask questions and coordinate concerns regarding construction.
For additional information, please call the Department of Transportation at (312) 744-5900 or visit the project website here.
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Deborah's Place
Recently, I had the pleasure of touring Deborah’s Place, a supportive housing and services facility for women experiencing homelessness.
Deborah’s Place is a vital resource in the 2nd Ward—providing compassionate care and support to those in need for 41 years. Today, it is Chicago’s largest provider of supportive housing exclusively for women. As I toured, I was deeply impressed by their comprehensive approach and commitment to the women they serve. My team and I are thankful for the chance to learn more about their invaluable work and the difference they make in our community every day.
To learn more about Deborah’s Place and its mission, you can visit their website here.
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Get Behind the Vest Fundraiser: This Wednesday, June 24
Join me and Committeeman Egan for a special fundraiser supporting Get Behind the Vest, hosted by Mario Stefanini. The event will be held this Wednesday, June 24, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm at Mario's Table (located at 21 W Goethe St).
This is the 5th Annual Get Behind the Vest event we have hosted in the 2nd Ward. Since 2022, we have raised over $250,000 (approximately 500 life saving vests for our men and women in the department).
A vest is not bulletproof forever. It wears out. It breaks down. It needs to be replaced every 5 years. At $500 or more per vest, in addition to other equipment and uniform expenses, the costs can quickly add up. That is why we need your help. Your donation ensures that every officer out there protecting you is protected.
Click here for tickets.
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Street Sweeping
The Department of Streets and Sanitation continues to operate its regular street sweeping schedule. Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.
"Sweep Around Us" — a third-party email reminder service used for street sweeping alerts — has rebranded as "We The Sweeple." Click here for more information.
Click here to find the Street Sweeping section of my website. There is an interactive map of all seven street sweeping sections included, as well as the full schedule of 2026 sweeping dates. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for respective sweeping dates in the event that they have visitors or are out of town.
Scheduled for cleaning on Tuesday, June 23: Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow), Section 6 (green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, June 24: Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow), Section 7 (brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, June 25: Section 7 (brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, June 26: Section 1 (olive)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, June 29: Section 1 (olive)
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 23
The 18th Police District Council will hold its monthly meeting on June 23 at 6:00 pm at Wintrust Bank, located at 100 W North Ave. Parking is available on North Ave and Clark St.
This month's guest speakers include 18th District Commander Christopher Bielfeldt and 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen.
Click here to RSVP in person and here for Zoom.
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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.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
- 05 June 26 - Offenders Charged with Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking of 63-Year-Old Male
Community Alerts:
- 10 June 26 - 1st District - Arson
- 11 June 26 - CPD Business/Community Alert
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 18 June 26 - Offender Charged with Murder of 27-Year-Old Male
- 17 June 26 - Offender Charged with Multiple Counts of Hate Crime and Arson
- 17 June 26 - Offender Charged with Attempted Murder of Chicago Police Officers
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Updated 2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Beat community meetings are a key part of the Chicago Police Department's strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person, with the option to participate remotely, 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. Click here 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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CTA Service Improvements in the 2nd Ward
I am pleased to announce that the CTA is improving service for the following bus routes affecting the 2nd Ward:
- #134 Stockton/LaSalle Express: Start your week off right with earlier weekday southbound service that starts at 6:00 a.m.
- #65 Grand: The first eastbound bus will now begin service at 4:30 a.m. and 5:25 a.m. westbound on weekdays. Service will also be extended later from Navy Pier on weekdays and Saturdays until 11:30 p.m. and Sunday/holiday until 11:00 p.m.
- #10 Obama Presidential Center/Museum of Science and Industry Express: New name, new endpoint and more! The #10 now continues to Stony Island/62nd after the Museum of Science and Industry with service to the Obama Presidential Center. Every day from ~9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every 30 minutes all year, not just the summer.
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General 2nd Ward Infrastructure Updates
While out and about in our neighborhoods, you will certainly see that road construction season is well underway. Crews are busy resurfacing streets and alleys, building pedestrian safety improvements, and replacing street lighting. Here are some highlights of ongoing or upcoming infrastructure improvements in our ward. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. My office always stands ready to answer questions about these or any other infrastructure projects in our ward and to receive your suggestions for future consideration.
- Inner Lake Shore Drive resurfacing from Michigan to Ohio
- Scheduled for later this Summer or Fall
- Will include some pedestrian safety improvements for crossing perpendicular east-west streets
- Additional details will be shared by USPS letter with nearby residents once known
- Division St streetscape from State to Dearborn
- New, wider sidewalks with decorative pavers and space for outdoor dining
- Addition of landscaped planters and street furniture
- New lighting
- Southport/Belden intersection reconstruction
- Intersection will be reconstructed over the summer to raise it
- Raised intersections calm traffic and increase pedestrian safety
- Curb bump-outs will also be added to shorten pedestrian crosswalks
- A comparable nearby intersection is Belden and Sheffield
- Aesthetic improvements are included
- Additional details will be shared by USPS letter with nearby residents
- Southport Ave resurfacing from Webster to Fullerton
- Will be completed in conjunction with the Southport and Belden intersection reconstruction
- LaSalle/Delaware installation of rapid flashing beacons for pedestrian crosswalk
- Requested and funded in 2024
- My office continues to push the Chicago Department of Transportation for installation as soon as possible
- LaSalle/Burton installation of rapid flashing beacons for pedestrian crosswalk
- Requested and funded in 2024
- My office continues to push the Chicago Department of Transportation for installation as soon as possible
- Chestnut St complete lighting replacement from Mies van der Rohe to Lake Shore Drive
- Wells St replacement of lighting fixtures on existing poles from Division to North Ave
- Wabash Ave resurfacing from Huron to Superior
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Schiller to Burton
- Huron St resurfacing from St. Clair to Fairbanks
- McClurg Ct resurfacing from Ohio to Ontario
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Scott to Schiller
- Pending spot curb replacement on 1300 block
- Additional details will be shared by USPS letter with nearby residents
- Delaware Pl resurfacing from Clark to LaSalle
- Magnolia Ave resurfacing from Webster to Belden
- Blackhawk St resurfacing from Sedgwick to Larrabee
- Magnolia/Belden detached pedestrian bump outs
- Dickens Avenue resurfacing from Clifton to Racine
- Requested early in 2026 but on hold while fiber optics (Lumen) project is completed
- If still necessary after fiber optics restoration, will be done in 2027
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Weekend Ramp Closures at Ohio and Ontario Feeder Ramps: Friday, June 26
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be performing pavement patching repairs that require full weekend closures, alternating between the Ohio St and Ontario St ramps. Closures are expected to begin at 10:00 pm on Friday and continue through 5:00 am on Monday.
The scheduled closure weekends are:
- June 26
- July 17
- July 24 (backup weekend)
IDOT will share additional details next week, including specifics on traffic impacts and detour routes. We will provide updates as they become available.
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Follow Me on Social Media to Receive Pertinent Updates
 While the weekly Email Newsletter is the best way to stay up-to-date with communications from my office, you may also get updates about grand openings, community alerts, and other news from my official office accounts on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X.
Please follow us at the handles below:
Instagram - @aldhopkins
Facebook - @aldermanhopkins
X - @aldhopkins
TikTok - @alderman2ndward
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Seasonal Tree Care Tips from the Urban Forestry Advisory Board
The Chicago Urban Forestry Advisory Board would like to remind tree owners about proper protocol for tree care in warmer months, sharing the following information:
Mulching Reminder: Show Your Trees Some Love: Mulch Like a Donut, Not a Volcano
Proper mulching is one of the simplest ways to care for a tree. Follow the 3-3-3 Rule: apply mulch 3 inches deep, in a 3-foot-wide circle, while keeping it 3 inches away from the trunk. This creates a donut-shaped mulch ring that helps trees thrive.
A properly mulched tree benefits from improved moisture retention, moderated soil temperatures, reduced weed competition, and protection from damage caused by lawnmowers and string trimmers.
Avoid creating "mulch volcanoes" by piling mulch against the trunk. Excess mulch around the base of a tree can trap moisture against the bark, encourage decay, promote circling roots, and create conditions favorable to pests and diseases.
Spending a few minutes flattening a mulch volcano into a donut-shaped ring can help prevent common tree health issues and support long-term growth.
Watering Reminder for Newly Planted Trees
Newly planted trees need regular watering to establish strong, healthy root systems and give them the best chance of long-term survival—especially during dry periods and drought conditions.
To support healthy growth and establishment, provide 10–15 gallons of water each week at the base of the tree—about 2–3 five-gallon buckets. Water slowly and deeply so the moisture penetrates the soil and reaches the developing roots rather than running off the surface. During drought periods, watering can also help established trees stay healthy.
Consistent watering during the first few years after planting is one of the most important steps you can take to help your tree thrive.
Click here to learn more about the Chicago Urban Forestry Advisory Board.
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Making Mosaic Coasters at the Chicago Public Library: Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 23
 The Near North Library, located at 310 W Division St, is hosting a crafting event where participants can make mosaic coasters. This event will take place tomorrow, June 23, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and is suitable for participants ages 10 to 19.
Registration is required. Click here for more information.
Near North has several exciting events planned for this summer. Click here to view their summer calendar.
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Cravings on Clark: Wednesday, June 24
Stroll Clark Street and enjoy exclusive food tastings from 17 neighborhood restaurants, bars, and cafes - all in one evening, this Wednesday, from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Throughout the crawl, enjoy additional deals and specials from participating restaurants and complimentary pedicab rides to transport you from stop to stop.
Click here for more details.
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June Activities at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks
June is a busy month at Lake Shore Park and Seneca Park, featuring exciting programming from the Seneca Park and Lake Shore Park Advisory Councils. Check out their list of upcoming events below.
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Sheffield Neighborhood Association Garden Walk: July 18-19
 I am proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 55th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk this July for the second year in a row. The event will take place on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19. This incredible free community event will feature a self-guided walking tour of 50+ beautiful gardens, a Family Fest (on Saturday, July 18), live musical performances, interactive installations, architecture walks presented by the Chicago Architecture Center, live painters, and much more.
This time of year, Lincoln Park exemplifies Chicago's reputation as a "city in a garden." Celebrating the beauty, vitality, and biodiversity of this neighborhood is always a highlight of my summer. As you may know, I was recently able to strengthen our now-active Native Pollinator Garden Ordinance by increasing the maximum plant height to 36 inches in an effort to further support our parks, yards, other green spaces, and local ecosystems altogether (you can read more about that here). My hope is that these efforts to encourage and foster native gardens will ensure the health and beauty for years to come.
My staff and I will be greeting neighbors and visitors as they collect their program books ahead of the garden walk on Saturday and Sunday. Many of you stopped by last year to say hello and enjoy some complimentary popcorn, and I look forward to seeing you all again at this wonderful event.
Click here for more details.
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Dearborn Garden Walk: Sunday, July 19
 Tickets are now on sale for the 66th annual Dearborn Garden Walk, put on by the North Dearborn Association. Taking place on Sunday, July 19, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, this event showcases some of the best gardens in the Gold Coast.
Click here for more information.
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Discover the History and Architecture of Fourth Presbyterian Church
 Step inside one of Chicago's architectural treasures this summer. On July 19, August 9, and August 30, architectural enthusiast Ken Hazlett will lead a free guided tour of the church's historic sanctuary.
Learn about the sanctuary's remarkable design, history, and architectural features during a brief presentation and walking tour. Tours begin at approximately 11:15 a.m. Participants should gather at the rear of the sanctuary.
Fourth Presbyterian Church is located on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Delaware Street in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. No registration is required.
Whether you're a neighborhood resident, architecture enthusiast, or first-time visitor, this is a unique opportunity to explore one of Chicago's most iconic sacred spaces.
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