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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for July 6 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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Statement Regarding Superintendent Larry Snelling's Retirement
The retirement of Superintendent Larry Snelling marks the conclusion of more than three decades of dedicated service to the City of Chicago. As a lifelong Chicagoan and career police officer, Superintendent Snelling devoted his professional life to protecting the city he proudly called home, and for that, he has earned the gratitude and respect of all Chicagoans.
During his tenure as Superintendent, Larry Snelling strengthened morale within the Chicago Police Department and earned the confidence of officers at every rank. He led with integrity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the challenges facing the men and women of CPD because he had walked in their shoes. His leadership helped build a stronger department focused on its core mission of protecting our neighborhoods.
As Chairman of the City Council's Committee on Public Safety, I had the privilege of working closely with Superintendent Snelling on many of the city's most pressing public safety issues. He was always accessible, candid, and collaborative, maintaining a productive working relationship with the City Council while keeping politics separate from policing.
Although there were policy differences between my office and the administration on issues such as establishing a curfew to address violent teen takeovers, those debates should never be confused with the Superintendent's leadership. In fact, the recent decline in these incidents is due in large part to Superintendent Snelling's leadership and the outstanding work of the men and women of the Chicago Police Department, who adapted their strategies and remained steadfast in protecting our communities.
I thank Superintendent Larry Snelling for his extraordinary service, his steady leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Chicago. I wish him and his family every happiness in a well-earned retirement.
On July 15, Fred Waller will once again act as Interim Superintendent until the search and selection process for a permanent superintendent is carried out.
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Restoring Confidence in Public Transit
Photo Credit: Chicago Tribune
One of the most encouraging public safety success stories this year has been the work of Sheriff Tom Dart and the dedicated men and women of the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department, who have played an increasingly important role in restoring confidence in our public transit system by providing a visible law enforcement presence on the Red and Green Lines.
Click here to view ABC7's coverage of the Sheriff's Police patrolling the Green Line.
Click here to view WTTW's coverage of Sheriff Dart's team working to address fare evasion across the system.
Since March, the Sheriff's Office has deployed approximately 50 deputies each day, working 12-hour shifts on the Red and Green Lines. Rather than remaining stationary, these officers continuously move from car to car throughout each trip, ensuring their presence is felt across the entire train. As one supervising sergeant explained, "If we keep moving, we can actually hit all the cars." Riders and CTA employees alike have reported feeling safer simply because officers are consistently present and engaged.
In May 2026, crime on the CTA was down an extraordinary 77 percent compared to May 2025. While this success is the product of collaboration among several law enforcement agencies in response to a mandate from Springfield, Sheriff Dart's officers deserve tremendous credit for helping make our trains and stations safer places for residents, workers, and visitors alike. Sheriff Dart's officers have done far more than patrol platforms—they have recovered illegal weapons, made hundreds of arrests, executed outstanding warrants, reunited missing juveniles with their families, and taken unregistered sex offenders into custody. At the same time, embedded mental health professionals have connected vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or substance use disorders with services and treatment instead of simply moving them from one station to another.
Perhaps just as importantly, the Sheriff's Office tackled one of the transit system's most persistent quality-of-life problems: fare evasion. Sheriff Dart reported that before the initiative, some stations saw 80 to 90 percent of riders entering without paying a fare. Today, with deputies stationed at those locations, fare evasion at those stations has been virtually eliminated, while the Sheriff's Office reports an 85 percent reduction on the Red Line. Officers have also enforced everyday rules against smoking, drinking alcohol, and moving between railcars while trains are in motion—small but meaningful steps that help restore order and reinforce the expectation that public transit should be clean, safe, and welcoming.
This initiative demonstrates an important truth: when people feel safe, they ride public transit. Increased ridership means stronger fare revenue for the CTA, less traffic congestion on our streets, greater support for downtown businesses and neighborhood commercial corridors, and renewed confidence in one of Chicago's most important public assets. Public safety and economic vitality go hand in hand.
While these policing efforts have produced outstanding results, we should also invest in infrastructure that supports them. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system in San Francisco has achieved tremendous success with its Next Generation Fare Gates, which utilize durable polycarbonate barriers specifically designed to deter fare evasion while improving station security. The new gates have reduced fare evasion, increased fare revenue, and contributed to a safer environment for both riders and employees.
For that reason, I will be introducing a resolution calling on the Chicago Transit Authority to evaluate and pursue the installation of similar Next Generation Fare Gates throughout our 'L' system. These modern barriers would serve as a force multiplier for law enforcement by dramatically reducing opportunities for fare evasion, allowing officers to devote more time to addressing violent crime and serious public safety concerns.
Click here to learn more about the polycarbonate fare gates used by BART.
Photo Credit: (Samantha Lim/KQED)
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Statement on Garfield Park "Teen Takeover": Sunday, July 5th
This weekend, another senseless and preventable instance of gun violence occurred on the city's west side. In the early morning hours of Sunday, July 5th, seven individuals, including teens, were shot in two different shootings on the 3800 block of West Maypole Avenue.
Chicago Police were already on scene before the shooting erupted; however, the visible presence of squad cars did nothing to deter the gunfire from occurring.
Incidents like this highlight why common-sense curfews are needed to keep teenagers off the street during volatile situations. I will continue to advocate for legislative fixes to keep Chicago youth safe.
ABC7 coverage, including comments on the event, can be found by clicking here.
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Chicago's Airports Continue to Expand Global Connectivity
The Chicago Department of Aviation recently announced two significant additions to the city's international air service network. O'Hare International Airport welcomed EGYPTAIR's new nonstop service to Cairo—the first nonstop passenger route between Chicago and North Africa—while Midway International Airport celebrated Volaris' launch of nonstop service to San Luis Potosí, Mexico, restoring a direct connection that has been absent since 2008.
These new routes further strengthen Chicago's position as one of the nation's premier aviation hubs while supporting tourism, international commerce, and business development. The Cairo route enhances access to destinations throughout Africa and the Middle East, while the San Luis Potosí service provides an important connection for one of Chicago's largest cultural communities and expands affordable travel options between the Midwest and Mexico.
As a member of the City Council's Committee on Aviation, I appreciate the Chicago Department of Aviation's continued work to expand air service at both O'Hare and Midway. Every new nonstop destination reinforces our airports' role as critical economic assets for the city and region, creating opportunities for businesses, attracting visitors, and strengthening Chicago's standing as a global gateway.
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Celebrating Independence Day Around the Ward
This weekend, I had the honor of celebrating America's 250th birthday at the rededication of the Abraham Lincoln statue in Lincoln Park. The statue was restored after being defaced by vandals in 2024, making this ceremony a powerful symbol of resilience and remembrance. During the event, I had the privilege of reading the Gettysburg Address, one of the most enduring and influential speeches in American history.
Click here to view my remarks honoring Abraham Lincoln.
Additionally, in tribute to Independence Day, Lake Shore Park was adorned with 13 American flags, representing the nation's original 13 colonies. Special thanks to the Lake Shore Park Advisory Council for doing this each year.
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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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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, July 7: Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow), Section 6 (Green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, July 8: Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow), Section 6 (Green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, July 9: Section 7 (Brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, July 10: Section 7 (Brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, July 13: Section 1 (Olive)
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Coffee with the 18th District Commander: Thursday, July 23
 Join 18th District Commander Christopher Bielfeldt and the CAPS team for coffee and conversation on Thursday, July 23, at Lincoln Park Zoo (Foreman Pavilion)at 10:00 am.
This is an excellent opportunity to speak with the commander and the officers who patrol your neighborhood. If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS Office at 312-742-5778.
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, July 28
The 18th Police District Councilmembers will host their monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 28, at the Near North Public Library (310 W Division St) at 12:30 pm.
This month's featured guest is 18th District Commander Christopher Bielfeldt, who will provide public safety updates. Click here to register in person and here for the Zoom option.
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National Night Out: Tuesday, August 4
Join the 18th and 1st Chicago Police Districts for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Soldier Field, 1410 S Special Olympics Dr. National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that brings together law enforcement, community partners, and neighbors to strengthen community ties, build positive relationships, and celebrate a safer, more connected community.
If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS Office at 312-742-5778.
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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:
- 26 June 26 - Offender Charged with July 2025 Armed Robbery and Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking of 32-Year-Old Male
Community Alerts:
- 25 June 26 - 18th District - Battery
- 25 June 26 - 19th District - Criminal Damage to Property
- 23 June 26 - City Wide -Major Crimes Division- Deceptive Practice
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 27 June 26 - Offender Charged with July 2024 Attempted Murder of a 32-Year-Old Male
- 24 June 26 - Offender Charged with Aggravated Battery of 36-Year-Old Male
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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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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 to begin late July.
- 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
- Scheduled to begin late July.
- 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
- The contractor handling the work has informed my office that there has been a delay, which is the result of the need for fresh approvals of two pole locations from the Department of Transportation after unexpected vaulted sidewalks were encountered. All new poles are expected to be installed this week (week of 7/6), and sidewalk concrete restoration is expected the next week (week of 7/13), weather permitting. Full completion of the project is expected by mid-August.
- Wells St replacement of lighting fixtures on existing poles from Division to North Ave
- Wabash Ave resurfacing from Huron to Superior (completed)
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Schiller to Burton
- Paving scheduled for next week (7/13)
- Huron St resurfacing from St. Clair to Fairbanks
- McClurg Ct resurfacing from Ohio to Ontario (completed)
- 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 (completed)
- Magnolia Ave resurfacing from Webster to Belden
- Blackhawk St resurfacing from Sedgwick to Larrabee (in progress)
- 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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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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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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Empty the Shelters Event at Chicago Animal Care and Control: July 5-26
 Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is once again partnering with BISSELL Pet Foundation for its nationwide Empty the Shelters adoption event. Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation's generous sponsorship, adoption fees will be waived for all dogs and cats throughout the event, allowing even more animals to find loving homes.
For Adoptions:
Visit CACC, located at 2741 S Western Ave, daily, between 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Please arrive before 5:30 pm if you plan to adopt the same day. Click here to see a list of available animals.
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Abra-ka-Dabra Magic Show with Pocket Circus at the Near North Public Library: Tuesday, July 7
The Near North Public Library has an itinerary of fun summer activities. Visit this Tuesday, July 7, from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm, and see Mr. Firu’s Abra-ka-dabra interactive magic show.
Click here for more details and a schedule of activities at the Near North Library all summer long.
Get a library card:
Getting a library card is easy, and it's free. Please visit any CPL location to fill out an application. You can also download an application and bring it to any CPL location.
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Gold Coast Neighbors Building Network Meeting: Wednesday, July 22
 Join the Gold Coast Neighbors Association (GCNA) on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at St. Chrysostom Church, 1424 N Dearborn St, for an informative discussion on current and upcoming HOA rules and regulations and their impact on board liability. Topics will include the latest condominium law updates, reserve study requirements, and new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines.
In addition to learning about changes in HOA rules and regulations, attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers from other residential buildings and learn how the GCNA Building Network can help with management and residents of your building. Click here to learn more.
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Taste of Chicago Road Closures and Event Information
 The 46th annual Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park on July 8-12 from 11:00 am - 9:00 pm. The annual free-admission food and music extravaganza will take over the downtown park with dozens of Chicago’s favorite food vendors, representing the astounding diversity of the Chicago culinary scene. Click here for a list of vendors.
The following street closures will go into effect for the 46th annual Taste of Chicago Festival:
Monday, June 29, at 6:00 am (curb lanes only)
Columbus Dr from Monroe Dr to Balbo Dr (both sides of the street)
Thursday, July 2, at 6:00 am (Full Closure)
Columbus Dr from Monroe Dr to Balbo Dr, Ida B. Wells Dr from Columbus Dr to Congress Plaza
Sunday, July 5, at 6:00 am (Full Closure) Jackson Dr from Michigan Ave to Lake Shore Dr
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Chicago Climate Week: July 18-25
 Chicago Climate Week takes place across Chicagoland from July 18–25. As Chicago's first community-led, promoted Climate Week, it brings together events hosted by nonprofits, businesses, universities, community groups, government agencies, and residents across the region.
Whether you are climate-curious or deeply involved in the space, Chicago Climate Week offers opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and take action.
Learn more, browse events, and find ways to get involved here.
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Bastille Day Celebrations in Old Town: July 10-14
 In honor of Old Town's twinning with Montmartre, Paris, the Old Town Triangle Association, Old Town Merchants & Residents Association, and SSA #48 will come together to organize a weekend of fun activities.
Old Town celebrates Bastille Day with French-inspired specials at local businesses July 10-14 and neighborhood-wide celebrations Saturday, July 11, through Sunday, July 12.
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Taste of River North: July 17-18
Nestled in the heart of River North, this dynamic event showcases the neighborhood’s vibrant culinary scene, live entertainment, and artistic talent, offering an unforgettable experience for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Taste of River North returns on July 17-18. Click here for more details.
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NewberryFest: Saturday, July 18
 Visit the Newberry Library at 60 W Walton St for NewberryFest on Saturday, July 18, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. NewberryFest will take over the library's first floor, providing unique opportunities for engagement, education, and enjoyment. The event is free and open to the public.
Throughout 2026, the Newberry will be commemorating America’s semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Click here to learn more.
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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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