Dear Neighbors,
This week, I introduced an ordinance to support faith communities of all kinds by allowing them to rent out unused parking spaces during off-hours without going through a costly and time-consuming zoning process. Right now, religious assemblies on residential-zoned lots are required to seek special zoning relief to do so. This ordinance creates a more streamlined approach, while ensuring parking remains available during service times.
We are proud to partner on this ordinance with the Church of Our Saviour (530 W. Fullerton), one of our wonderful faith communities here in the 43rd Ward. Like many faith communities who are adapting to changing in-person attendance patterns, Church of Our Saviour was looking for a way to generate modest revenue to support its programming. Yet, when the Church of Our Saviour went to rent out their spaces, they learned about the unnecessary regulatory and financial hurdles they would have to cross. I am confident this ordinance will pass City Council, and provide faith communities of all kinds a tool to cut red tape and use their physical spaces to financially support their missions.
Also at this week’s City Council meeting, Ald. Gil Villegas was confirmed as the new Chair of the Committee on Zoning, after the Committee was led for 18 months by Vice Chair Bennett Lawson. It was no secret that I strongly believed that Ald. Lawson should become the full-time chair, due to his impressive work stepping-in to lead the committee for so many months, his leadership on legalizing additional dwelling units (ADUs), the most meaningful piece of zoning legislation to occur during this administration, and more. I thank Ald. Lawson for his leadership during this void, and all said, I am confident that Ald. Villegas will do a stellar job. It is an improvement for us all that this role has been filled.
Additionally, we confirmed Kenya Merritt as the City’s new Commissioner of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Commissioner Merritt has my highest respect. She brings an extraordinary depth of experience, having served under four mayors and across both the public and private sectors. She has a track record of thoughtful and collaborative leadership. Overall, I have great confidence in Commissioner Merritt’s vision and am excited to partner on efforts that continue to elevate Chicago as the vibrant cultural capital we know it to be.
|
The Jonquil Park renovation project is underway! After a few years of hard work planning by the Wrightwood Neighborhood Association and the community, you will notice fencing in place as crews have begun sodding improvements to the grass field. In addition, you will notice improvement work being done on the park’s drainage, fencing, and landscaping. Construction fencing will remain in place for approximately 3–6 weeks to allow the grass to properly establish. Once the field is ready, the fencing will be removed and the space will reopen for community use.
The 43rd Ward’s “bagel renaissance” continues. This morning, “PopUp Bagels” opened at 2321 N. Lincoln Avenue, joining our new Schneider Deli at 1733 N. Halsted, our office-favorite The Bagelers Coffeehouse at 2461 N. Lincoln, Chicago Bagel Authority at 1134 W. Armitage, and more. Like several of our recent business openings, PopUp Bagels is generating a lot of excitement, including a limited-edition “Giardiniera Schmear” in partnership with Portillo’s. More broadly, I am proud that the 43rd Ward continues to have such frequent ribbon cuttings, showing the strength of our commercial corridors.
|
This week we were also proud to ribbon-cut the new space of the Dawn McKenna Realty Group at Sheffield & Armitage! Congratulations to the whole team on the beautiful activation of a historic building
|
As we celebrate Earth Month, this week at City Council we honored several Chicago environmental institutions for their impact across the city, including the Lincoln Park Conservancy that keeps all of Lincoln Park, from Gold Coast to Edgewater, a gem of the Midwest. Wednesday is Earth Day, and I hope you are able to get involved in one of the city’s many “celebrations”, be it a clean-up, 5k, educational course or concert. We enjoyed kicking-off Earth Month at Sunday’s bi-annual shred event. Thank you to the hundreds of neighbors who joined, and I know I will see many of you in our parks this weekend.
|
Thank you to Lauren & Iyana for joining me downtown for our Earth Day Resolution!
|
Alderperson Timmy Knudsen
|
P.S. I am honored to be recognized this weekend by the Chicago Bird Alliance with the Protector of the Environment – Political Service award. This recognition, given every two years, highlights efforts to protect wildlife, migratory birds, and the natural spaces that make our region so special. I am grateful to be part of this work and proud to continue supporting conservation efforts across our community.
|
Our amazing crew that helps us put on our Shred Event!
|
It was great to connect with so many neighbors this week at the Sheffield Neighbors annual meeting at SPF Pickleball. Congratulations to the educators and small business owners who were honored!
|
ADU Ordinance Now in Effect
|
As of April 1, the City’s ordinance to legalize Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), led by Alderman Bennett Lawson and supported by my office, is officially in effect. In just the first two days, the City received 88 applications, an encouraging early sign that residents are ready to take advantage of this long-awaited change. Expanding access to ADUs is an important step toward addressing Chicago’s housing shortage and creating more flexible, affordable living options in our neighborhoods.
If you have ever considered adding an ADU, whether to create additional income or keep family members close, now is a great time to explore your options. You can enter basic information about your property to see how many units you may be eligible for and learn how to get started. The site also includes an interactive map that allows you to look up eligibility by address. I was proud to support this effort, and I encourage you to learn more, share this opportunity with neighbors, and explore how this program can help expand housing options across our city.
|
Pushing Back Against Proposed ComEd Substation
|
A proposed ComEd substation at 1111 W. Diversey has raised important questions about size, location, and community impact, especially given its proximity to homes, schools, and transit. While the project is currently classified as a “minor utility” and permitted by right, our office, alongside neighboring alders, has formally requested a zoning review to determine whether it should instead undergo a more rigorous “major utility” approval process. We are continuing to push for transparency, proper community engagement, and a project that aligns with our neighborhood’s character and transit-oriented development goals. Read more here.
|
The Recycle Coach app is a simple, all-in-one tool to help you manage trash, recycling, and waste services in your neighborhood. It helps residents stay organized, recycle correctly, and keep up with local services. With Recycle Coach, you can:
- Get personalized trash and recycling pickup reminders
- Look up how to properly dispose of items with the “What Goes Where” tool
- Find drop-off locations for hard-to-recycle materials
- Stay updated on service changes and holiday schedules
- Learn about local recycling events and programs
|
Crime, and safety remain top of mind for our community. Each week, the 18th and 19th District post Compstat numbers that reflect changes in indexes for key crimes. As a reminder, these statistics represent 100% of the 18th & 19th Police Districts; accordingly, they represent an area much larger than our ward.
For 18th District (south of Fullerton) Week 15 Compstat.
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Week 15 Compstat.
|
We work closely with the 43rd Ward’s local CAPS districts, which include the 18th (Near North) and 19th (Town Hall) Police Districts. Our office is in frequent contact with officers from both of these districts and their local CAPS officers, who host a variety of community forums and events including beat meetings, informational settings, and expert panel discussions, as well as sending out community alerts when a pattern of crime is detected.
Beat Meetings are part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy and an excellent way to hear directly from CPD about your neighborhood. Meetings are held in the evenings every two months. Click here and find out your Police District and Beat number, and click here for a larger and printable version of the graphic.
|
A report of a charity scam has been reported to our office taking place on Deming Place between Lakeview and Hampden on 4/8/26. The offender’s tactics include approaching individuals with a tap to pay device and requesting donations for a fabricated charity. Please express caution if you find yourself in a similar situation and immediately contact the Chicago Police Department and your bank should you experience this theft. In addition, our office recommends:
-
Do not tap your phone or card on a stranger's device.
-
Verify the amount before completing any transaction.
-
Never hand your phone or card to someone else.
-
Research organizations before donating, even if they seem legitimate, as noted in the FBI's warning on charity fraud.
-
Report suspicious activity to the FBI or local police.
|
Ald. Knudsen Urges Johnson & CDOT to Prioritize Bridge Closures and Offer Alternative Traffic Congestion Plans
|
"The ongoing closure of river bridges (especially the Cortland Bridge) has created major traffic strain and frustration for residents and businesses alike. Alongside seven other aldermen, I sent a letter to Mayor Johnson urging his administration and CDOT to prioritize this bridge issue. My office will continue pushing for clearer communication, smarter coordination, and the fastest safe timeline possible to get these bridges reopened." -Ald. Timmy Knudsen
Alderman Knudsen supported a proposal from 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins requiring the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to present a detailed traffic plan before closing any bridge for more than 30 days. The plan must outline how congestion will be reduced — including detours, parking adjustments, and other mitigation strategies. Our office also received a letter back from CDOT, outlining steps they are taking to help reduce traffic congestion and delays for 43rd Ward residents. You can read it here.
|
Nature Boardwalk Undergoes Prescribed Burn
|
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Nature Boardwalk undergoes periodic prescribed burns. The Nature Boardwalk prairie ecosystem is burned 100 feet at a time and will be monitored at all times. Active burn areas will be surrounded by water or a low-trimmed grassy area to keep fire contained. Staff will oversee the process and will have water sources nearby. Along with smoke, flames, and Horticulture staff, guests may also see Chicago Fire Department personnel & emergency vehicles.
LPZ does prescribed burns as part of its management of Nature Boardwalk. Fire is a natural part of the renewal process for grasslands, and prairies benefit from occasional burns. Burning the prairie ecosystem helps native seeds germinate and gets rid of invasive plants. It’s a natural, ecological restoration process. As with everything at Lincoln Park Zoo, the prairie burn is being conducted with animal safety in mind. For example, logs used by local turtles and other wildlife will not be affected. You can learn more about the prescribed burns here.
|
Oscar Mayer Neighborhood Registrations
|
Mayer will hold neighborhood registrations on the following dates: 4/15&16/2026, 05/28&29/2026 & 06/11&12/2026, 08/18&19&20/2026. All registration will take place from 10:00 - 2:00pm.
|
Investing in Arts Education Across CPS
|
Ingenuity recently announced $1.7 million in Creative Schools Fund grants, supporting 125 Chicago Public Schools for the 2025–26 school year. These grants expand access to high-quality, teacher-led arts programming, especially in schools with limited arts resources. Since launching in 2013, the Creative Schools Fund has invested more than $26 million into CPS, helping ensure every student has access to a well-rounded education that includes the arts. Programs like this continue to strengthen our schools and create more opportunities for students to explore their creativity.
|
Interactive Ward 43 Parking Zone Map
|
Our office has created a parking zone map to help residents better understand where residential parking zones are located throughout the ward. For several streets, a Residential Parking Permit may not be required. Some areas may instead be free parking, pay-to-park, school zones, or tow and loading zones that restrict parking during certain hours.
While the map can be helpful for general reference, posted signage is always the most reliable indicator of parking rules. We encourage residents and visitors to carefully check street signs when parking to confirm the applicable restrictions.
|
RANCH Triangle is now offering $1,000 grants to nonprofit organizations whose work benefits residents of the RANCH community. To be eligible, an organization’s work must benefit RANCH residents, though the organization does not need to be located within the neighborhood. Interested non-profits can email RANCH at [email protected] for more info. Applications must be submitted by June 5, 2026.
|
Our Fourth Annual Earth Day is your chance to roll up your sleeves and directly shape the beauty of Old Town Triangle. Projects will include park cleanups, planting, mulching, gardening, and beautification work across our neighborhood green spaces. Whether you can stay the full morning or just an hour or two, every helping hand makes a big difference.
Ella Jenkins Park (333 W Wisconsin Ave)
Saturday, May 9th between 9AM – 1PM
After an incredible 2025 Earth Day where more than 150 neighbors, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders came together to transform our green spaces, I hope you'll join us and help make this year’s Earth Day our most impactful yet.
|
Third Coast Percussion
Thursday, May 14 | 7 p.m.
Heller Auditorium
Free and Open to the Public - Register here
In the 9th year of the Joan W. Harris Visiting Music Scholar in Residence program, Parker is excited to welcome it’s first percussion group as part of this visiting scholar series: Third Coast Percussion! Third Coast Percussion is a GRAMMY® Award-winning Chicago-based percussion quartet and GRAMMY®-nominated composer collective that made history as the first percussion ensemble to win the revered music award in the classical genre.
|
Monday, April 27 | 6 p.m.Heller Auditorium - RSVP Here
Parker’s Math Department welcomes all for a film focusing on the power and importance of numeric literacy. The movie Counted Out investigates the biggest crises of our time through an unexpected lens: math. All are welcome to join us for a screening of Counted Out followed by a facilitated discussion with Parker Math faculty. Film run time is 1 hour and 29 minutes.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
Have questions about street work happening in your area? The Department of Transportation has a wonderful tool to look up street work in your area called the Chi Street Work Portal. Here you can input an address and see all surrounding permits for projects on that street. The map is also interactive, allowing residents to view the real permits, view projects in other areas of the City, and see which type of work is being done on your street.
|
Parking Enforcement via 311
|
The Department of Finance (DOF) announced that City residents now have the option of reporting the following parking enforcement violations: Bus Lane Parking, Commercial Loading Zone, Commercial Vehicle Parked on a Residential Street, Disabled Parking, Fire Hydrant Parking, Residential Parking, Rush Hour Zones, School Safety Zones, Vehicle Parked in Bike Lane, Other (Semi-trucks parked on streets, etc.) Neighbors can report parking violations by calling 311, using the CHI311 app, or through the 311 website. The request type is “Finance Parking Code Enforcement Review.”
|
E-Scooters and E-Bikes Policy Updates
|
Please click here for updated guidance and rules from CDOT on Scooter and E-Bike rides.
|
I want to keep spreading the good word of how powerful a tool CHI 311 is to address non-emergency services in our Ward. Via the CHI 311 website and mobile app, you can:
- Create new service requests and check the status of existing requests (such as on timing and completion).
- Snap a photo of an issue to submit it with a request to improve location accuracy.
- Get local and relevant information/tips regarding the 43rd Ward including visibility into what other requests are being made in your neighborhood. The free CHI 311 mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and may be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
|
|
