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45th Ward News and Community Updates

Relevance: 2/10

Summary

No zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget meetings/hearings or related ordinances are mentioned in this edition from Alderman Jim Gardiner (45th Ward). The main time-sensitive items are the rescheduling of the “Support the Police Rally” to Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m., and funeral-related traffic changes on Milwaukee Avenue (Devon to Elston) due to the announced services for Chicago Fire Department Engineer Steven M. Decker. Other notable updates include Memorial Day office closure for the ward office on Monday, May 25 (no garbage service that day) and links/resources for ward assistance, beat meeting dates, and business/community grant and webinar deadlines.

Email from Alderman Jim Gardiner

MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Chicago Fire Department Engineer

Steven M. Decker.


Visitation

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Homes

6250 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Chicago, IL 60646


Funeral

Friday, May 22, 2026 at 10 a.m.

St. Paul Lutheran Church

5650 N. Canfield Ave.

Chicago, IL 60631


Engineer Decker served with bravery, integrity and a steadfast dedication to helping those in need. His absence will be deeply felt by his CFD family, loved ones, and all fortunate enough to have known him.


Funeral Route for Engineer Steven Decker

Please be advised that Milwaukee Avenue will be reduced to a single lane in each direction from Devon to Elston beginning today through early tomorrow afternoon due to the funeral procession for Engineer Steven Decker.

Please allow extra travel time and use caution when traveling through the area.

Proudly Serving,

Alderman Jim Gardiner

TOP STORIES

Those who have misused government resources and oversight should be held accountable for the costs when innocence is clearly proven.


Alderman Jim Gardiner visits WGN TV to speak with Tahman Bradley on The Point.

In light of the scheduled funeral services for Firefighter Steven Decker, and as a sign of respect for him and the Chicago Fire Department, we are rescheduling the

Support the Police Rally to Thursday, May 28th at 6:30pm.


We look forward to seeing you on the new date.

Why I Voted No on the Ordinance: One Standard for All


CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALDERMAN GARDINER'S SPEECH AT CITY COUNCIL

Two people report being attacked in Mariano’s store parking lot on Elston Ave. 


FULL STORY HERE

Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling breaks silence on retirement rumors


FULL STORY HERE

Chicago officers unite for fishing expedition in support of mental health awareness


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Our office will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.


Garbage service is not scheduled on Monday, May 25th. Please ensure your garbage carts are accessible all week.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Proudly serving the Gladstone Park community, Dr. Katarzyna Nietupski is dedicated to helping neighbors of all ages stay healthy, active, and on their feet. With a welcoming, patient-focused approach, the practice provides compassionate podiatric care tailored to the needs of the community.

Dr. Nietupski is an experienced foot doctor and surgeon who treats a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including heel pain, bunions, corns, calluses, plantar warts, bone spurs, flat feet, and high arches. Committed to high-quality care and patient comfort, the practice strives to help every member of the community put their best foot forward.


5485 N. Milwaukee Ave.

773-763-6655

Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists PC. 

For generations, Glad Cleaners has been more than just a neighborhood dry cleaner it has been a trusted part of the Edgebrook community where families are always welcomed with friendly service and familiar faces. Family-owned and operated since 1939, the Matijevic family has proudly served Chicagoland for more than 80 years with a commitment to quality, care, and treating every customer like a neighbor. Glad Cleaners offers everything from everyday dry cleaning to the special care of bridal gowns, leather items, and fur storage. Their dedication to preserving and caring for each garment reflects the pride they take in serving the community they call home. Known for dependable care, eco-friendly cleaning methods, and commitment to the community, Glad Cleaners continues to be a neighborhood business Edgebrook residents can count on. 


6412 N Central Ave.

773-631-1800

Glad Cleaners | Greater Chicago Dry Cleaning Company

CHICAGO POLITICS

Chicago police officer beaten, teeth knocked out in McKinley Park attack


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Letters: Here’s how Chicago and the CTA can attract more bus riders


FULL STORY HERE

CPD Superintendent on teen takeovers: teens, parents must be held ‘accountable’


FULL STORY HERE

Subminimum wage hike delay OK’d by Chicago City Council


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Goodell appears to emphasize two viable sites for new Bears stadium are Arlington Heights, Hammond


FULL STORY HERE

Stacy Davis Gates speaks out on opposition to Bears stadium bill


FULL STORY HERE

Mayor Johnson determined to block Bears' move to Arlington Heights


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

THRIVING IN WARD 45

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Residents of the 45th Ward who need assistance with infrastructure-related concerns are encouraged to contact our office at (773) 853-0799 or [email protected].


Click here to see how Alderman Gardiner is addressing

infrastructure concerns in the 45th Ward.

Curious about what's happening in the community?

Check out ChiStreetWork, the City of Chicago’s interactive map portal that provides up-to-date information on infrastructure projects and permits. It compiles data from city agencies and private utilities.

Just enter an address or intersection into the search bar to see a clickable map with detailed information about active projects in that area. From sewer work to resurfacing, you’ll get a clear picture of what’s going on and when.



CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS

CONTACT INFORMATION

Visit our 45th Ward Office

5460 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Tel: 773-853-0799

Office Hours: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri.-8:30-4:30PM,

Thurs. 9:30-4:30PM Email: w[email protected]

Click the link-www.aldermangardiner.com

Thank you for being part of the 45th Ward community. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and remain dedicated to providing exceptional constituent services.

Looking for a “SLOW DOWN” or “CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG” sign?

Stop by the 45th Ward Office to pick one up.

VETS IN 45

The Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission visits our office each month to assist veterans in our community. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support or has questions, please feel free to stop in.

MATURING RESIDENTS IN THE 45TH WARD

Senior Services


The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services offers a wide range of programs and resources to support older adults across the city. Services are designed to meet the diverse needs of seniors—whether they are active and independent, living in long-term care facilities, or in need of additional assistance at home.



From wellness programs and social activities to home-delivered meals and in-home support, these services are focused on helping older adults maintain their independence, health, and quality of life.


CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

WARD 45 RESOURCES

The Express Permit Program is a web-based interface for homeowners, businesses, and other building owners/tenants (and the contractors that work with them) to obtain building permits needed to repair or replace existing features of a building or undertake specific small improvement projects, such as adding residential solar panels. The web interface allows permit applicants to check application status, pay fees, and view inspection results online 24/7.

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

The Department of Family and Support Services provides programs and support to older adults aged 60 and better. DFSS offers a range of programs and services throughout the year to keep older adults healthy, active, and engaged. 

Click here for additional information 


SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.


CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND REGISTER FOR UPCOMING BACP WEBINARS

APPLICATIONS DUE BY MAY 30TH

The City of Chicago is now accepting applications for its Community Development Grants (CDG) program, which supports local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations with funding for projects that create jobs and strengthen our neighborhoods.


Small and Medium grant applications are open now, with a deadline of August 14, while Large grants are accepted on a rolling basis. Small grants can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, with awards up to $250,000.


Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar or review available resources before applying.



Click here for more information and to apply.

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free and optional program available to attendees of the free BACP business education webinar series. The program is designed to give entrepreneurs the essential information they need to start and grow a business in Chicago. The program’s curriculum covers essentials in business planning, financing, marketing, legal topics, technology, and more. Click here for additional information

Local Chambers of Commerce



Our neighborhood Chambers of Commerce support local businesses through advocacy, networking, marketing, and community events. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to connect and get involved.

Gladstone Park Chamber Of Commerce 6150 N. Milwaukee (773) 756-6206

Click here for additional information

Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 46311 (773) 545-9300

Click here for additional information

Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.5 (773) 736-6697

Click here for additional information

Polish American Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.1 (773) 205-1998 

Click here for additional information

Six Corners Chamber of Commerce 4054 N Milwaukee Ave (773) 685-4955 

Click here for additional information

Portage Park Chamber of Commerce 4946 W. Irving Park Rd. (773) 777-2020

Click here for additional information

WARD 45 SAFETY NEWS

Beat Meetings are a great opportunity to meet your local officers, learn about public safety in your area, and share concerns. We encourage residents to attend and stay involved.

2026 BEAT MEETING SCHEDULE

Beat 1621

Edgebrook Library

5331 W. Devon

June 3rd

Beat 1622

Dunham Park

4638 N. Melvina

June 10th

Beat 1623

16th District Police Station

5151 N. Milwaukee

May 29th

Beat 1731

Kilbourn Park

3501 N. Kilbourn

June 4th

Beat 1624

Portage Park

4100 N. Long

May 27th

CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR BEAT

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Beaubien Elementary School

5025 N. Laramie Ave., (773) 534-3500

Click here for additional information


   Edgebrook Elementary School      

6525 N. Hiawatha Ave., (773) 534-1194

Click here for additional information


Edgebrook Early Learning Branch

6407 N. Minnehaha Ave., (773) 534-0720

Click here for additional information


Farnsworth Elementary School

5414 N. Linder Ave., (773) 534-3535

Click here for additional information


Hitch Elementary School

5625 N. McVicker Ave.,  (773) 534-1189

Click here for additional information


William J. Onahan School

6634 W. Raven St., (773) 534-1180

Click here for additional information


Prussing Elementary School

4650 N. Menard Ave., (773) 534-3460

Click here for additional information


Catalpa Early Childhood Center

5252 N. Long Ave., (773) 534-8380

Click here for additional information


St. Constance School

5841 W. Strong St., (773)-283-2311  

Click here for additional information


St. Elizabeth of the Trinity School

6040 W. Ardmore Ave., (773)-763-7080

Click here for additional information


St. John's Lutheran School

4939 W. Montrose Ave., (773) 736-1196

Click here for additional information


St. Roberts Bellarmine School

6036 W. Eastwood Ave., (773) 725-5133

Click here for additional information


St. Mary of the Woods

6955 N. Hiawatha Ave., (773)-763-4968

Click here for additional information


Wildwood Elementary School

    6950 N. Hiawatha Ave. (773) 534-1188

Click here for additional information

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS

Disney II Magnet School (7th-12th)

 3900 N Lawndale Ave., (773) 534-5010

Click here for additional information




Horizon Science Academy Belmont (7th-10th)

4434 N. Laramie Ave., (708) 667-0941

Click here for more information



Vaughn Occupational High School

4355 N. Linder (773)-534-3600

Click here for additional information

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

Supporting Our Neighbors in Need

New Hope Community Food Pantry

Address: 6125 W Foster

Phone:773-775-1215

Hours:Tuesday:

9:30- 11:30 AM


Joined Hands Food Pantry / Our Lady of Victory

Address: 5212 W Agatite

Phone: (312)972-1164 

Hours: Wednesday:

5:00 - 7:00 PM

[email protected]

Harvest Christian Center Chicago Food Pantry

Address: 4020 N. Tripp Ave.

Phone:  773-685-4222

[email protected]

Hours:  Last Friday of the month:

1:30 -2:30 PM

Volunteer Opportunities

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering as a Gardiner Angel in the Ward office providing clerical assistance, research, communications assistance, etc. or would like to provide on the ground help cleaning up the ward, please reach out to us at [email protected]