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48th WARD NEWS: APRIL 9, 2026
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CELEBRATE EARTH MONTH 2026
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Free Vehicle Emissions Testing
- When: Saturday, April 11 from 10am-4pm
- Where: Ismaili Jamatkhana Parking Lot (6259 N Broadway)
- No RSVP required
The federal Clean Air Act requires most gasoline-fueled vehicles 4+ years old to get an emissions test every two years. Due for a smog check? Come by the Ismaili Jamatkhana parking lot for free emissions testing. We need volunteers! Email [email protected] to sign up to direct vehicles and assist with other aspects of this event.
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Annual Citywide Clean & Green
- When: Saturday, April 18
- Where: Various locations across the city, including Buttercup Park (4901 N Sheridan), Margate Park (4921 N. Marine), Lincoln Simmonds Playground (4850 N Simonds), Lane Beach (5915 N Sheridan), Park No. 559 (5161 N Sheridan), and Berger Park (6205 N Sheridan)
- Register for an existing cleanup here.
Join neighbors at a park near you for the annual citywide Clean & Green where school groups, local organizations, and neighborhood associations team up to clean and beautify areas in their communities in celebration of Earth Day! Check out the link above to find a cleanup near you, or register your own by calling 311.
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ICA 4th Annual Earth Day Celebration
- When: Saturday, April 25 from 11am-2pm
- Where: Buttercup Park (4901 N Sheridan)
- Register online.
Join us at Buttercup Park for an Earth Day celebration featuring music, food, activities for kids, and resource tables from community organizations!
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Ainslie Winmore Community Cleanup
- When: Saturday, April 25 at 10am
- Where: Buttercup Park (4901 N Sheridan)
- Register online.
Join Ainslie Winmore neighbors for the first Uptown Action cleanup of the year! Pick up litter in and around Buttercup Park then stick around for a neighborhood social.
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Love Our Lakefront
- When: Sunday, April 26 from 9am-1:30pm
- Where: 5800 N Marine
- Learn more and register online.
Join the EEC and other local environmental organizations for Love Our Lakefront, a celebration of nature in the city! Activities include a nature walk, a tree tour, beach stewardship, resource & craft fair, and more!
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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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SAVE THE DATE: Mobile DMV
- When: Friday, May 8 from 10am-2pm
- Where: Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
- Reserve a timeslot here.
Come by the Edgewater Library on May 8 to access DMV services right here in the ward! Representatives will be available on site to assist with drivers licenses, state ID cards, vehicle registration, license plate stickers, and more. Visit ILSOS.gov to review required documents.
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Please Pick Up After Your Pet Yard Signs Available at Ward Office
Spring has sprung in the 48th Ward! With the weather beginning to turn there's no better time to put up one of these new "Please pick up after your pet" yard signs in your yard or parkway. They are available for free at the 48th Ward office while supplies last! Come by 1129 W Bryn Mawr whenever we're open to claim yours.
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Join the 48th Ward Pothole Patrol
- When: Friday, April 10 at 12pm
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
Join the 48th Ward Pothole Patrol! With the snow finally melting, it's officially pothole season! Our team will be out in the ward looking for potholes throughout the spring and summer, and we need your help! Join us for this training to learn how to report the potholes you see in your neighborhood!
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McCutcheon Rally - Build the Gym
- When: Friday, April 10 at 3:45pm
- Where: 4865 N Sheridan
- Learn more online.
McCutcheon STEAM Elementary is one of the only public schools in the state of Illinois without a gymnasium. For years, our students have gone without a dedicated space for physical education, assemblies, and community gatherings. They have had to share, adapt, and make do—often without equitable access to the facilities they deserve.
This is more than an inconvenience—it is an issue of equity, access, and dignity. Nearly half of the McCutcheon student population are diverse learners, yet the building is not currently ADA-compliant. Help McCutcheon build a space that meets all students' needs, supports their growth, and allows them to thrive. Not able to attend the rally? No problem, see the Friends of McCutcheon donation link here.
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Filming Notice - Monday April 13
Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA) will be filming scenes for a commercial photography project titled TimeLine Theatre Exteriors in the 48th ward on Monday, April 13. No Parking/Tow Zone signs will be posted along the East Side of Broadway from 5033 - 5041 N Broadway from 8am-9pm. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Location Manager Elizabeth K. Auman (773-636-6343) or Visual Operations Manager Adrienne Fox (612-900-6644).
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McCutcheon Preschool Open House
- When: April 14 and 15 from 4-5pm
- Where: Early Childhood Center (4850 N Kenmore)
- Learn more about Chicago Early Learning online.
Chicago Early Learning applications are OPEN for the 2026-27 school year. Next week, McCutcheon STEAM Elementary School is hosting a preschool open house where families can learn about preschool programs, meet dedicated staff, and tour facilities. Can't make it? McCutcheon also offers private tours once a week. Contact their office here for more information.
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Jumping Jack Registration & Block Party Permits
Block party season is right around the corner! It's time to apply for block party permits and secure the free inflatable Jumping Jack! Use this form on our website to apply for block party permits and save the date for Jumping Jack registration which opens here on Wednesday, April 15 at 8am.
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Apply for the CSBG Scholarship
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible Chicago residents pursuing higher education. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and may be applied toward tuition and institutional fees for the Fall 2026 semester/quarter. In 2026 the city is investing in the whole student by providing additional resources such as financial education and personal development. Learn more and apply online by May 6.
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SAVE THE DATES - Spring and Summer Events!
We can't wait to see everyone out and about at events across the ward this spring and summer! Here are just a few to add to your calendar:
- Toast of Uptown | April 26
- Andersonville Farmers Market | Starts May 13
- Renegade Andersonville | May 16 & 17
- Spring Wine Walk | May 17
- Edgewater Monday Market | Starts June 1
- Midsommarfest | June 12-14
- Pride Parade | June 28
- Argyle Night Market | Starts July 2
- Edgewater Music Fest | August 28-30
Many of these events are brought to you by your local chambers of commerce! We're fortunate to have three chambers in the 48th Ward: The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, and The Uptown Chamber of Commerce/Uptown United.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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2026 Construction
Construction season has begun! See the image above or visit our blog here to review construction projects planned for the 48th Ward in 2026. Note that dates are subject to change. Have a question about one of the projects listed? Call us at 773-784-5277 or send an email to [email protected]. You can also search for and track the progress of local projects via ChiStreetWork.
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5602 N Winthrop Development Community Meeting
- When: Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30pm
- Where: Edgewater Presbyterian (1020 W Bryn Mawr)
- Register online.
Developer Harlem Irving Companies is moving forward with a proposed mixed-use, multi-family development at 5602 N Winthrop. This project will be six stories (ground-floor retail plus five residential floors) with 95 apartment units and 28 parking spaces. The developer bought this site in 2020, proposed a residential project in late 2024, and was granted zoning variations approval in February 2025 for front and rear setbacks.
5602 N Winthrop is the site of three one-story commercial buildings in the Bryn Mawr Historic District, which received preliminary landmark status on April 2nd from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Harlem Irving, alongside OKW Architects, will present development plans and an estimated timeline.
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SSA #26 - Call for Mural Artists
Broadway Special Service Area #26 has two mural projects in the works and they're looking for artists! If you're an artist, or know a great artist, check out this page for a full description of both of the mural sites and information about how to submit your qualifications for consideration.
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Hollywood/Sheridan SBIF is Open
Starting May 1, the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) will be accepting applications for grants of up to $150,000 for commercial properties in the Bryn Mawr/Broadway TIF District. The TIF boundaries include parts of Bryn Mawr, Broadway, Berwyn, and Ridge. See the full map here.
The Small Business Improvement Fund is one tool that we use to invest in 48th ward small businesses. Leni is a champion for the SBIF program and has made over $3.3 million available to 48th ward small businesses through the SBIF program. Over the past year, she's canvassed over 100 businesses on her Door to Door Business Tour to spread the word about the program.
Past SBIF grant recipients in the 48th ward have included Mella Café (5418 N Broadway) and Jenny's Tofu (5426 N Broadway). Click the links to see these 48th Ward entrepreneurs talk about the impact that SBIF had on their businesses.
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Perkins-Nordine House Selected for Chicago Landmark Award
The Perkins-Nordine House at 6106 N Kenmore has been selected to receive a 2026 Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence. Selected by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, this project is being honored for notable improvements to this well-preserved single-family residence designed in the Arts and Crafts tradition. This residence was built in 1902-1903 and became a Chicago Landmark in October 2020.
Award winners will be honored at the annual Preservation Expo on Monday, May 18, 2026, 6:00pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, Claudia Cassidy Theater. The expo runs from 4pm - 7pm. Doors open at 5:30pm for the awards ceremony. Register here for free tickets to attend the Preservation Expo.
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Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)
We are doubling the number of Accessible Pedestrian Signals in the 48th Ward! Our office recently secured $1,080,000 for six new accessible pedestrian signals in the 48th ward. They will be installed by the end of 2026 at the following locations:
Coming in 2026:
- Sheridan & Balmoral
- Sheridan & Glenlake
- Sheridan & Argyle
- Broadway & Balmoral
- Broadway & Argyle
- Broadway & Ainslie
Existing:
- Sheridan & Thorndale
- Clark & Bryn Mawr
- Devon and Glenwood (NEW in 2025)
- Sheridan/Devon/Broadway
- Ashland/Clark/Devon
- Ainslie and Sheridan
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Uptown Know Your Rights Canvass
- When: Saturday, April 11 from 1-4pm
- Where: RSVP for location
- Register online.
Join the Northside Lakefront Rapid Response Team for canvassing to spread information about what to do during encounters with immigration enforcement officers.
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24th District Council Monthly Meeting
- When: Sunday, April 12 at 3pm
- Where: Loyola Park (1230 W Greenleaf)
- 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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20th District Council Monthly Meeting
- When: Monday, April 13 at 6pm
- Where: Broadway Armory (5917 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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Virtual Immigration Briefing
- When: Tuesday, April 14 at 1pm
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
Join the Committee on Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (CIRR) for a virtual briefing on recent immigration updates.
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North Area Community Service Center March Programs
The North Area Community Service Center at 845 W Wilson has a variety of upcoming workshops and opportunities. These FREE programs are also listed on our community calendar.
- Nutrition Assistance: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 8am-4pm | Tuesday & Thursday from 9am-5pm
- Public Benefits Support: Tuesday & Thursday from 9am-5pm
- Mental Health Services: Wednesday, April 15 from 11am-12pm
- And much more: Call 312-744-2580 for more information about emergency rental assistance, domestic violence advocacy, and other programs
See the above schedule in PDF form here.
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Train the Trainer - Short Term Guardianship
- When: Wednesday, April 15 from 12-1pm
- Where: VIRTUAL
- Register online.
Join the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights to learn about short-term guardianship and how to help families fill out forms to name a trusted caregiver for their children in case of detention or deportation.
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Immigration Workshop - Travel Ban
- When: Thursday, April 16 from 6-7pm
- Where: VIRTUAL
- Register online.
Join the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights to learn more about the recent travel ban, who it impacts, and what restrictions are included.
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14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Program
Businesses located in the 14th District. Apply for funding to install a lock and door-buzzer system to protect your space. Visit State Representative Kelly Cassidy's website to learn more and apply.
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DFSS Senior Services Food Box Program
- When: Thursday, April 23 at 12:30pm
- Where: Northeast Regional Senior Center (2019 W Lawrence)
- No RSVP required
In partnership with Top Box Foods, The Department of Family and Support Services Food Box Program provides fresh produce, frozen meats, and pantry staples to older adults age 60+.
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Attend Your Next Beat Meeting
Want to get involved with public safety in your neighborhood? Attend a 20th or 24th district beat meeting! All meetings for beats in the 48th ward are listed in the image above, on our blog, and on our community calendar. Find out what beat you live using the map on this page or by searching your address here.
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CLICK HERE to opt in to receive occasional crime alerts from our office. If you're having trouble with this link, you can also opt in by re-subscribing HERE and checking the box at the bottom of the form. Doing so will not alter or double your existing newsletter subscription.
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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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Chag Pesach Sameach! Didn't want to Passover the chance to send you Matza good wishes! Leni and the team love the bucket of matzo ball soup from JB's Deli.
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Leni joined the kiddos for an Easter Egg Hunt at Swift Elementary. Shout out to First Free Church for organizing this great community event! Hoppy Easter!🐰
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The first-ever dog vaccination and micrchip clinic co-hosted with Chicago Animal Care and Control was a hit! 110 dogs got their shots for free and everyone left with one of our brand new "please clean up after your pet" signs. Looking forward to next year!
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Congrats to Patio Beef on 44 years! Leni dropped by this 48th Ward staple with Genesis and Juan for lunch and to wish the owners a happy anniversary.
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