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48th WARD NEWS: MAY 15, 2026
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CELEBRATING THREE YEARS IN OFFICE
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Dear Neighbors,
Three years ago today, I was sworn in as your Alderwoman. It is the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside you, I am humbled by all that we have achieved together, and I look forward to our continued partnership.
The list below highlights some of our shared accomplishments in the last three years and, as impressive as it is, it’s only a fraction of the work that we do together.
Thank you to the hundreds of selfless volunteers who make this work possible, our incredibly dedicated staff, and the tens of thousands of you who have engaged with our office. Together, we make the 48th ward great, and the possibilities are endless.
Yours in Community,
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Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
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Over the last three years we have…
Increased City Services by 20%
- Including 11% more sidewalk repairs, 13% more rodent abatement, 42% more speed hump repairs, 84% more tree trims, and 115% more clean-ups.
- Brought new pop-up city service events to the 48th ward including local vehicle emissions testing, City Key, free pet vaccinations, mobile DMV, and more!
- Modernized the ward office technology to better serve our neighbors.
Focused on Health & Safety
- Developed and implemented the Safe 48 Plan; violent crime is down 28% and robberies are down 39% year over year.
- Implemented proven traffic safety measures; in the 48th ward, we have had zero traffic fatalities for three years in a row.
- Housed nearly 80 people sleeping along the lakefront.
Fought for the 48th Ward in City Hall
- Sponsored or co-sponsored 338+ pieces of legislation including Cut the Red Tape to support our small businesses, One Fair Wage to support our workers, and Chi v Hate to help address the increase in antisemitism and other hate crimes.
- Funded our libraries, youth employment, the Department of Environment, the CARE Team for mental health crisis support, and more.
- Maintained one of the highest attendance rates in the City Council.
Championed Sustainable Development
- Sponsored and passed Green Social Housing, which is the largest investment in affordable housing and economic development in the history of Chicago.
- Passed the Broadway Land Use Framework, our vision for a pedestrian-friendly corridor with thriving businesses and transit-oriented development.
- Secured crucial funding for an 100% affordable housing development that will provide nearly 100 new homes.
- Provided opportunities for small-business owners to access more than $12 million in grants.
Practiced Co-Governance
- Introduced Participatory Budgeting to the 48th ward, empowering neighbors to decide how to spend $3 million in infrastructure funds.
- By overwhelming community request, we recommended Bryn Mawr for Landmark designation.
- Hosted over 150 community events and meetings, including the annual Older Adults Resource Fair, Shred Event, Halloween Parade, ward nights, town halls, pre-construction presentations, development feedback meetings, and more.
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MAY IS OLDER ADULTS MONTH
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Property Tax Exemptions
Most homeowners 65 years of age or older are eligible for the Senior Exemption on their property taxes! Many more may be eligible for the Senior Freeze Exemption. These exemptions are designed to save you money, so be sure to check out the Cook County Assessor's website to learn more about eligibility and how to apply. Applications are due Friday, May 15.
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Senior Health & Resource Fair
- When: Thursday, May 21 from 10am-1pm
- Where: NE Levy Senior Center (2019 W Lawrence)
- No RSVP required
Come by the Northeast Levy Senior Center to connect with government agencies and non-profit organizations and access information about health and wellness. While you're there, get free COVID and Flu vaccines and enjoy a boxed lunch.
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Chicago Seniors Connected Spring Brochure
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Senior Services Division provides social services and support programs to adults 60 years of age and older. They serve a diverse population of older adults including those that are vulnerable, homebound, active, and fit. See the Spring 2026 edition of the DFSS Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure here to learn about upcoming virtual and in-person programming.
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Senior Utility and Garbage Discounts
The Senior Citizen Sewer Exemption entitles seniors aged 65+ who reside in their own residence with separate metered water service to a sewer service charge exemption. Senior Citizens who are not eligible for the Senior Citizen Sewer Charge Exemption due to property type, can apply for the Senior Citizen Sewer Rebate. This provides an annual $50 rebate in lieu of the exemption.
Customers who receive the Senior Citizen Sewer Charge Exemption also receive the Senior Citizen Garbage Fee Discount. No separate application is required. Learn more and apply online.
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Ride Free Permits for Older Adults
Older adults and people with disabilities who are enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access program are eligible to ride free on the CTA, Metra and Pace fixed-route services. Eligibility in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program (BAP) is required in order to be found eligible for the RTA Ride Free program. Learn more and apply online.
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Edgewater Satellite Senior Center May Calendar
The Edgewater Satellite Senior Center located at 5917 N Broadway is open Monday through Friday offering entertainment, fitness, resources, hot lunch, and more! Come by to take a yoga class, play board games with neighbors, or enjoy a meal. Call the center at 312-742-5323 with any questions.
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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Foster Avenue Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup
- When: Sunday, May 17 from 9-11:30am
- Where: Foster Avenue Beach (5200 N DLSD)
- Register online.
Join the Friends of the Edgewater Library for a cleanup at Foster Beach! Please arrive about 10 minutes early to check in and kindly bring gloves and a bucket for collecting trash. Don't forget to bring a reusable water bottle, wear comfy clothes and shoes! All ages are welcome.
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Renegade Craft Fair
- When: May 16 and 17 from 11am-6pm
- Where: Clark between Bryn Mawr and Edgewater
- Learn more online.
Come one, come all for a weekend of small business revelry! Renegade is a celebration of conscious consumerism, sustainability, and an accessible creative economy aiming for low-impact, thoughtful, and highly curated events that are joyful for artists & shoppers alike.
No parking will be available within the event area. Please look for posted "No Parking" signage in the area beginning Friday, May 15. Clark Street will be closed to through traffic between Bryn Mawr and Edgewater for the duration of the fair.
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Tree Trimming Update
The Bureau of Forestry (BoF) is currently working on grid area N060 - W012 which is bounded by Clark, Devon, Broadway, and Elmdale.
Visit our blog to see a map of the grid and determine when the trees on your street will be trimmed. The City of Chicago uses a grid system for tree trimming with 1-2 trim crews from the Bureau of Forestry (BoF) trimming trees in a 16-block area, or "grid," on a given day of the week. BoF trims every tree in the grid, and if these trees are properly cared for, they should not need to be trimmed again for at least five years.
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14th District Virtual Town Hall
- When: Wednesday, May 20 from 6-7:30pm
- Where: Virtual via Zoom
- Register online.
Join the office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy for a virtual town hall to discuss upcoming legislation, the budget, and the end of session, with guest speakers State Reps. Lindsey LaPointe and Will Guzzardi. Please register to attend. Zoom links will be sent out the day of the event.
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The Andersonville Farmers Market 2026 Season Has Begun!
Wednesday, March 13 was the first day of the Andersonville Farmers Market's 2026 season! Drop by at the corner of Clark and Winona every Monday until October 21 to shop local for produce and prepared food. See a full list of vendors online.
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SAVE THE DATE: 2027 Budget Engagement Roundtable
- When: Saturday, June 6 from 9am-12:30pm
- Where: Truman College (1145 W Wilson)
- Register online.
Join us for a Budget Engagement Roundtable to share your insights and priorities about the 2027 City of Chicago Budget. Doors will open at 9am for a City Resource Fair, where representatives from City departments will be available to answer questions and provide information about City services and programs. Roundtable activities, including creating sample budgets, will begin at 10am. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to build a budget that reflects the values and needs of our communities.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Emanuel Congregation/Fern Hill Redevelopment Community Meeting
- When: Thursday, May 28 at 6:30pm
- Where: Emanuel Congregation (5959 N Sheridan)
- Register online.
Join us to learn about revisions to the proposed Emanuel Congregation synagogue redevelopment plans. This meeting is an opportunity for neighbors to hear directly from the development team, ask questions, and provide feedback on the revised plans that were presented on April 30 at the public congregation meeting. Our online public feedback form will be open for two weeks after the May 28 community meeting.
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Upcoming Construction for CTA’s Under 'L' Activation Project
We’re excited to announce that construction for the Under 'L' Activation project is expected to begin this summer and potentially as soon as late May / early June. The Under “L” Activation project is an additional phase of CTA’s Red & Purple Modernization (RPM) project that will open up 10 blocks of community spaces under the “L” tracks.
Once permits are issued, construction is expected to begin at the north end of the project at Ardmore and move south with potential for simultaneous construction on all project blocks. CTA will issue construction notices as needed. Read more about the Under “L” project on our blog.
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Adopt-a-Landmark Grant Informational Webinar
- When: Thursday, May 21 at 10am
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
$750,000 in grant funding is available for eligible improvement projects at designated landmarks and structures. Learn more and register online here.
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Commission on Chicago Landmarks Meeting Recap
Three permit applications for the demolition of 1114 W Bryn Mawr, 1106 W Bryn Mawr, and 5614 N Winthrop were brought before the Commission on Chicago Landmarks (CCL) last week on May 7. Given the preliminary landmark status of the Bryn Mawr Avenue District, the CCL approved 2 demolition permits applications (#5614, #1106) and preliminarily disapproved 1 permit application (#1114). CCL's final recommendation to City Council will follow the public hearing on the matter. Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth encouraged the developer to work with city staff to find solutions forward in alignment with the preliminary landmark status of the Bryn Mawr Ave District.
According to the Landmarks Ordinance, preliminary disapproval of the permit application for demolition of a contributing building at 1114 W Bryn Mawr triggers an expedited 90-day consideration of both the landmark designation for the Bryn Mawr Avenue District and the #1114 demolition application. The public hearing will be scheduled for mid-June. Stay tuned to our newsletter for more updates and an announcement of the public hearing date when it is confirmed. Learn more on our blog.
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Sheridan & Bryn Mawr Water Main Replacement
The Department of Water Management (DWM) will be replacing the water main along the north side of Bryn Mawr from Kenmore to Sheridan and along the west side of Sheridan from Bryn Mawr to Foster. This project is a $2.8 million investment to replace water main pipes that are over 120 years old.
The project will be completed in two phases:
- Phase 1: Replacement of the water main on the north side of Bryn Mawr from Kenmore to Sheridan is estimated to start June 1st and estimated to be done by mid-June.
- Phase 2: Replacement of the water main on the west side of Sheridan from Bryn Mawr to Foster is estimated to begin mid-June and estimated to be complete by September.
Partial lane closures are anticipated eastbound on Bryn Mawr from Kenmore to Sheridan in Phase 1 and southbound on Sheridan in Phase 2. About 200 ft of street in one lane will be closed at a time as DWM digs, replaces pipe, and backfills with concrete. Please expect some traffic congestion. No full street closures are expected at this time.
As part of this project, DWM will do lead service line replacement on the one lead service line in the project area. After the water main work is complete, restoration will occur, including any curb that may have been impacted by the project. Following restoration, we anticipate full resurfacing of Sheridan curb-to-curb from Bryn Mawr to Foster.
Thank you to Edgewater Beach Apartments for hosting our office, the DWM team, and neighbors on Tuesday for the community meeting about this project.
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Sheridan Resurfacing to Begin as Early as May 18
Resurfacing on Sheridan Rd from Bryn Mawr to Montrose will take place this year in two phases.
Phase 1: Work on Sheridan from Foster to Montrose will begin first and is estimated to start as early as May 18. The project includes pedestrian safety improvements including curb extensions, and paint-and-post bump outs opposite of “T” intersections for traffic calming. The estimated timeline is below (weather permitting):
- Late May: Asphalt milling and leveling out of road surface
- June: Pouring and leveling of concrete
- July: Adding final layer of asphalt, then striping and signage
Phase 2: Work on Sheridan from Bryn Mawr to Foster is expected to start in Fall 2026, after DWM completes the Sheridan / Bryn Mawr water main replacement project.
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Catch Basin Cleaning
Catch basin cleaning is expected to take place the week of May 18 at the following locations adjacent to last year’s sewer project. Look for “No Parking” signs next to catch basins. Crews will flyer to inform neighbors about the work and knock on doors before towing cars. Neighbors can call 311 if they are looking for a towed car.
- Olive (Glenwood to Clark)
- Hollywood (Ridge to Clark)
- Ridge (Magnolia to Wayne)
- Victoria (Clark to Ridge)
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Elise Malary Plaza Preconstruction Meeting
- When: Wednesday, May 20 from 5:30-6:30pm
- Where: Virtual via Zoom
- Register online.
Construction for Elise Malary Plaza is scheduled to start soon. Join 40th Ward Ald. Vasquez's Office, CDOT, and the construction team to learn more about construction plans and answer your questions.
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Loyola University Construction Activities
Please be aware of sidewalk closures and traffic changes related to utility connection and alley resurfacing work on Loyola University Chicago properties. See the graphic above for further details. Resurfacing will be completed by May 15 and the utilities will be completed by May 29.
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Park Cleanups and Support for Unhoused Neighbors
We are pleased to share that we have recently successfully paired 9 individuals with housing opportunities through coordinated efforts with city departments and community organizations.
The Chicago Park District maintains public park property and, in partnership with the City of Chicago, is responsible for ensuring the safety and accessibility of public spaces for employees, residents, and park patrons. Every month, the Park District and City partners conduct Coordinated Encampment Cleanings to help maintain clean and sanitary public areas, protect public health and safety, and ensure accessibility for all. These coordinated cleanings are not encampment closures. Below is the schedule for May encampment cleanings in the 48th Ward:
- East and West Meadows Lakefront (NE HOP Team) Cleaning: May 12
- Margate Park (North and South of Fieldhouse) Cleaning: May 13
- Lincoln Park Cleaning: May 15 and 19
Our office remains committed to working collaboratively to support unhoused residents with dignity while maintaining safe and accessible public spaces for all. If you see any tents down, broken, or abandoned please email [email protected] with a location and short description of either location or tent characteristics.
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Know Your Rights Canvass - Uptown Neighbors
- When: Saturday, May 16 from 1-4pm
- Where: Register for location
- Register online.
Join the Northside Lakefront Rapid Response Team for Know Your Rights canvassing to make sure our neighbors know their legal rights and what to do if they encounter ICE. Everyone will gather for a brief training to prepare before heading out to flyer and talk to neighbors.
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Community Shred Event
- When: Saturday, May 16 from 10am-12pm
- Where: Lake Shore Schools (5611 N Clark)
- No RSVP required
Midway Moving and Storage will be available to shred paper documents at this community event. Please bring materials you want to shred in paper bags and remove all binders and paperclips.
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24th District Council Monthly Meeting
- When: Sunday, May 17 at 3pm
- Where: Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
- No RSVP required
Are you interested in public safety? Looking for a way to get involved in community safety initiatives? Attend your next local district council meeting and join the conversation! Each district council is made up of three people elected by their community to build stronger relationships with police. The more people who participate in this vital community policing process, the more effective it can be. Thank you for working with us to build a safe and healthy neighborhood where we can all thrive.
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E-Scooter Safety Reminders
Summer is peak riding season for E-Scooters. Before you go out for a ride, please review the city's rules for safely driving and parking these devices. These rules include staying in bike lanes, staying off sidewalks, and wearing a helmet at all times. Failure to comply with travel and parking regulations may results in fees or suspensions. Learn more online.
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Uptown Connects Resource Fair
- When: Thursday, May 21 from 12-4pm
- Where: North Area Service Center (845 W Wilson)
- No RSVP required
Join us at the Uptown Connects Resource Fair to speak with representatives from more than 30 organizations and access resources including free HIV testing. Sign up in advance here to get a City Key! Note: May 28 has been set as the rain date for this event.
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20th District Business Public Safety Meeting
- When: Thursday, May 21 from 2-4pm
- Where: 20th District Station (5400 N Lincoln)
- No RSVP required
This event is an opportunity for all businesses in the 20th District to speak about safety concerns and work together toward solutions.
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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Leni attended the Edgewater Chamber Annual Meeting this week at Lytle House (5517 N Broadway). The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and SSA #26 invest in keeping the district vibrant, clean, and competitive. Some of their projects include the Edgewater Music Fest, Edgewater Indoor Market, public art, seasonal banner street program, litter abatement, landscaping, holiday decor, sidewalk snow removal, and rebates for vandalism, security, facade improvements, and patio cafe permits.
At this meeting, we recognized Commissioner Jill Metz for 22+ years of service. Jill was one of the original commissioners for Special Service Area 26 when it was first constituted in 2004 and we're all going to miss her leadership, transparency, and passion for the aesthetics and safety of Edgewater's business corridors.
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Thank you to the neighbors at the Edgewater Triangle Neighborhood Association (ETNA) for inviting us to present at your block club meeting! We discussed noise concerns, the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon project at Wayne/Ridge, development, and more! Click here to invite Leni to present at your block club, building, or HOA meeting.
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Shout out to the Initiative For Democracy at The Breakers for all of their incredible advocacy work. We enjoyed meeting with the group to share updates about what’s going on in City Council and in the 48th ward!
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Some of the 48th ward staff enjoyed the first production at the new TimeLine Theatre, An Enemy of the People. We are thrilled to welcome TimeLine Theatre to Uptown. The new space features a 250-seat theatre, gallery, and first-floor bar and cafe. The $40 million project was made possible, in part, with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds championed by Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth.
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