1st Ward Newsletter | September 22, 2026
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Dear neighbors.
I love an autumn Sunday! The leaves slowly changing color. A briskness in the air. Families, bikes, and ducks filling Milwaukee Avenue. Yes, Meet Me on Milwaukee returns this Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm! We can’t wait to see you!
Last week, the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety held a hearing on the Smart Streets Pilot, which issues bike and bus lane citations based on cameras affixed to municipal and CTA vehicles. It has been remarkably successful: most drivers who receive a first ticket never receive a second and we have much more functional infrastructure. The Chicago Department of Transportation also discussed how this mode of enforcement could be applied to other parking violations our residents care about. While this pilot is due to expire in December, be on the lookout for an ordinance would codify the pilot and take it citywide.
As I write, we’re preparing to vote in the Committee on Contracting Compliance and Equity on an ordinance related to how companies contract with both ICE and the city. Many have voiced concerns related to businesses that profit from their financial ties both with ICE and the city. This ordinance would require an affidavit from firms seeking to do business with the city to disclose their current and former contracts with federal immigration enforcement agencies. I believe this transparency is good for the city and can help both the public and alders provide accountability on these matters.
Tune in next week for more school highlights!
Sincerely,
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Alderman La Spata
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1st Ward Office Hours
The 1st Ward Office will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23 due to a planned ComEd outage. Staff will work remotely. Please submit any constituent service requests or concerns via our online request form.
The 1st Ward Office will also be closed on Monday, September 28. We will resume normal office hours (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) on Tuesday, September 29.
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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The next Meet Me on Milwaukee event is THIS SUNDAY! We're seeking volunteers to sign-up for 3-hour shifts on each event day. Volunteers will be responsible for setting up barricades, guarding intersections, redirecting drivers, providing information to attendees, disposing of litter, and more. Volunteers will also receive a free Meet Me on Milwaukee shirt. Register below!
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Join Ald. La Spata and City Clerk Anna Valencia for a CityKey printing event next Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1510 N. Claremont. The Chicago CityKey is an optional, valid, government-issued ID card available to Chicago residents for free! Additionally, you can use it as a Chicago Public Library card, a CTA Ventra card and a Chicago Rx prescription drug discount card.
This event is by appointment only. Make your appointment here! Learn more about the documents you will need to apply for your CityKey at bit.ly/Apply_CK.
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Join Ald. La Spata for a blood drive and free vaccine clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the West Town Library! Walgreens will be offering the following vaccines:
- Flu & COVID
- Adult routine vaccinations (RSV, shingles, pneumonia, tdap, and hepatitis B)
No registration is required to receive a vaccine. To donate blood, please make an appointment here.
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St. Helen is celebrating its 20th anniversary this weekend at the St. Helen Carnival! Enjoy four days of rides, music, great food, cold drinks and neighborhood tradition in the heart of Chicago's Ukrainian Village between Friday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 27. Learn more at www.carnival.sthelenchicago.org/.
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Join Friends of St. John Berchmans for an enchanting evening at the SJB GLIMMER on October 3, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the St. John Berchmans School Gym (2524 W. Altgeld). This year's theme: IN MEMORIAM. What does that mean? Fair question. It means come dressed as one of the late greats from history, pop culture, etc...
This exciting fundraising event will shine a light on our school community, featuring a silent auction and raffle. Learn more here.
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Community Review Updates
- Chicago Avenue Zoning Ordinance Submitted! Following review from the Department of Planning and Development and Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards, Alderman La Spata formally submitted the ordinance to rezone Chicago Avenue underlying commercial zoning from B1 to B3, specifically to facilitate uses such as restaurant with incidental consumption of liquor on premises. Other liquor-related uses such as Packaged Goods or Tavern uses would still require Zoning Board of Appeals approval. You can refer to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance (17-3-0207) for a full listing and comparison of the use groups that would be permitted under B3 zoning.
- Updated presentation available! 2525 N Milwaukee Property owner proposes adaptive reuse of existing vacant building (former Single Room Occupancy residence) for 30 residential dwelling units and 2 ground floor commercial units. A 1st Ward First Look meeting occurred September 14 for this proposal; you can review original conceptual plans, watch the meeting, review updated community presentation, and provide feedback. (received August 2026)
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Recent Zoning Inquiries
- 1313-1327 N Moorman: A zoning attorney representing the property owner reached out to discuss rezoning options for the existing parking lot. 1st Ward Office provided intake packet, awaiting more information.
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