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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for January 16, 2026
In This Edition:
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City Offices Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19
 Note: Due to the upcoming holiday this newsletter is being sent today, Friday, January 16, 2026, instead of Monday, January 19, 2026.
Please be advised that all city offices, including the 2nd Ward Office, will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday, January 20.
There will be no refuse collection on Monday, January 19, 2026. All city-collected refuse will be collected Tuesday through Friday. Residents should ensure black carts are accessible throughout the week.
Please note that garbage and recycling pickup is likely to be delayed by up to 24 hours for the remainder of the week.
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Foundry Park Receives Plan Commission Approval Despite Infrastructure Concerns
On Thursday, the new plan for the former Lincoln Yards North went before the Chicago Plan Commission, a recommending body that is the first step toward a zoning change for larger developments. Now known as Foundry Park and under the control of local developer JDL, the new planned development allows for up to 3,700 new housing units, 420,000 square feet of retail space, and 350,000 square feet of office space on the site bounded roughly by Dickens Avenue, Kingsbury Street, the Chicago River, and Elston Avenue. The project received its first approval and will move forward to the City Council Committee on Zoning.
In 2019, when the site fell within the 2nd Ward, I secured important promises for infrastructure improvements that are not being kept under this plan. The plan does not require any new vehicle bridges over the river, it does require a reconfiguration of the troublesome Armitage/Elston/Ashland intersection, and it does not require the extension of Kingsbury Street south of Cortland. It also does not address either improvements to or the replacement of the Clybourn Metra station. In fact, the Johnson Administration swept $34 million from the Cortland and Chicago River Tax Increment Financing District, which was established in 2019 specifically to pay for these much-needed infrastructure improvements. While the Foundry Park proposal is less dense than what was approved in 2019 and arguably a better plan otherwise, the lack of infrastructure commitments from the city should be alarming to surrounding neighborhoods already struggling with congestion. I voiced these concerns on Thursday. Please click here to read more. Recording of the Plan Commission meeting will also be available next week here. In its current iteration, I am a no vote when it comes before the Committee on Zoning.
Please click to read more. Recording of the Plan Commission meeting will also be available next week .
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Tourism Improvement District Resolution Heard at Finance Committee This Week
This Wednesday, the City Council Finance Committee reviewed a proposal to establish a Tourism Improvement District (TID) in downtown Chicago. I strongly support this initiative (and co-sponsored the resolution to call for a hearing) because it will help Chicago compete more effectively for visitors, conventions, and major events that support jobs and economic activity across the city, including here in the 2nd Ward. This proposal was brought to the City Council by Choose Chicago, the city's official tourism organization, and members of the hotel industry.
Under the proposal, downtown hotels would add a 1.5% surcharge to guest stays at larger properties, with the proceeds dedicated to tourism promotion and convention recruitment, all under the administration of Choose Chicago.
If approved, the TID is projected to generate approximately $43 million in new annual revenue to strengthen Chicago’s ability to market itself nationally and internationally and attract large-scale events that benefit our restaurants, cultural institutions, and local businesses.
I look forward to helping advance an ordinance to implement the Tourism Improvement District. Please stay tuned to this newsletter for updates and to learn more about the TID.
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Update on Development at 1800 N Clybourn
As I announced last week, my office has been informed by the ownership of the retail properties at 1800 N Clybourn Ave that they will be redeveloping the site under its existing zoning to be new retail spaces. The first step, demolition of existing structures, will soon begin. Included below are a site plan and a rendering of what the site is expected to ultimately look like when construction is completed. I am pleased to welcome over 40,000 square foot of retail space that will introduce more jobs, sales revenue, and activity to the Clybourn Corridor of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. As can be seen in the conceptual rendering included below, the historic towers will be preserved and incorporated.
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Ribbon Cutting at Wells Street Kitchen and Juice in Old Town
Last week, I had the honor of joining Old Town Merchants and Residents Association (OTMRA) for yet another grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Wells Street.
has opened at 1647 N Wells, serving quality juices and artisan sandwiches in the heart of the Old Town neighborhood. I congratulate Steven McClellan on his grand opening and encourage neighbors to stop by and support this new local business!
Front left: Marcy Huttas, Patrick Shaughnessy, Steven McClellan, Alderman Hopkins, James Dattalo, Amalia Pryor.
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311 Feedback Now Available for Personal Delivery Devices (PDDs)
As you may know, Personal Delivery Devices (PDD) — aka sidewalk delivery robots — are currently operating under a pilot program in the 2nd Ward. Currently, Serve Robotics and Coco are the two companies facilitating the delivery of groceries, prepared food items, and other small deliveries between businesses and consumers via delivery apps.
While this pilot is underway, the city is welcoming feedback on their operation. You may to submit your feedback on the City's 311 website.
Additionally, you may contact both companies using the information below:
Coco:
Phone: 1-312-728-7059
Email: [email protected]
Serve:
Phone: 1-888-711-1178
Email: [email protected]
The PDD pilot program brings a new and modern delivery system to Chicago for quick and accessible food delivery. Rest assured, throughout the PDD pilot program, city departments along with my office will be monitoring the performance including impacts on safety, mobility, and use of sidewalks and crosswalks alongside pedestrians and local businesses in the ward.
The PDD program will not continue past May 2027 without action by the Chicago City Council. Please take the time to ensure your input is taken into consideration by submitting your feedback .
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Add Our Email As A Contact
To ensure that our newsletter and neighborhood notices stay in your regular inbox and do not end up marked "spam," make sure to add [email protected] to your contact list.
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Coffee with the 18th District Commander: Thursday, January 22
 Join the 18th District Commander and the CAPS team for an informal gathering to discuss public safety in the neighborhood on Thursday, January 22, at 10:00 am at Starbucks at 210 W. North Ave.
Meet the officers who patrol your beat and speak with Commander Bielfeldt about any concerns or questions you have. If you have any questions about the event, contact the 18th District CAPS Office at 312-742-5778.
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 27
The 18th Police District Council will hold its next meeting at 12:15 pm on Tuesday, January 27, at the Near North Library (310 W Division St). Commander Chris Bielfeldt, or a representative, will be on-site to share public safety updates.
Click to RSVP for in-person attendance.
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2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Police Department's Beat community meetings are a key part of the CAPS strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person with the option for remote participation 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. 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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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. to learn more about CompStat.
Please see the 18th District CompStat report below:
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
Community Alerts:
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
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Saturday Services at the DMV - Get Your REAL ID Before the February 1 Deadline
 The Secretary of State announced new Saturday office hours at the downtown REAL ID Supercenter (191 N Clark St) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, every Saturday until February 1, 2026.
Avoid the TSA’s new $45 REAL ID penalty by getting your ID before the February 1, 2026 deadline.
for more information.
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City Vehicle Sticker and Daily Parking Passes Registration Form
 The Office of the City Clerk Information Registration form is used to gather all required documentation for the purchase of Vehicle Stickers and Daily Parking Passes. The Office of the City Clerk will review your submission and follow up according to the information provided. to register your information.
Please note: Submitting your request within the 30-day grace period will not result in waiving of the late fee and back charges.
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Law at the Library: Wednesday, January 21
 The Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Public Library, and the Evanston Public Library are offering a free, virtual information series to answer your legal questions and provide practical resources and insights into today’s most prevalent legal issues.
Join them virtually on Wednesday, January 21, from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, as they discuss: Navigating the Justice System: Know Your Rights. for more details.
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Indoor Farmers Market at Water Tower Place: Every Sunday
The South Loop Farmers Market will be operating on Sundays at Water Tower Place (835 N Michigan Ave on the 4th floor), every Sunday through March 29, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
With over 75 vendors, enjoy fresh local produce, ready-made food, and live entertainment. for a list of vendors.
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Share your O'Hare Moment: Submit by February 2
 The Chicago Department of Aviation is asking travelers to share special moments from O'Hare International Airport for its 70th anniversary. Chicagoans and travelers alike are invited to submit memories from O'Hare, including engagements, connections, reunions, and milestones from the world-class airport. A winner will be selected at random and receive a $500 gift card.
Click to submit.
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Apply for the Wells Street Art Festival: Deadline Sunday, January 25
 The 51st annual Wells Street Art Festival, taking place on June 13 and 14, is now accepting applications for vendors. Artists can apply until Sunday, January 25, and will receive notice of acceptance by February 6.
Click for more information.
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Lincoln Park Preschool Fair: Saturday, January 24
 Join the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, January 24, at the Lincoln Park Branch Library, for a free, one-stop event to meet and learn about preschools in the neighborhood. The event will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 am.
Click to register.
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Mad Science Club at Near North Library: Begins Monday, January 26
 The Near North Library is hosting a "Mad Science Club" on select Mondays after school for children aged 6 through 13. Attendees this week will learn about solubility and make a heat-free lava lamp.
Click to register.
January is a busy month at Near North. Click to view more of their great upcoming events (select "Near North" under the locations tab).
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Old Town Progressive Dinner Wednesdays
Progressive Dinner Wednesdays continue this week in Old Town. This Wednesday, January 14, enjoy a variety of delicious menu items from some of your favorite restaurants, all priced at $5 per dish from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm every Wednesday until February 25.
Participating restaurants include , , , , , , , , , , , , , and .
for more information.
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Newberry Fest "All About Maps": Saturday, January 24
 Join the Newberry Library (60 W Walton St) for Winterfest. This year's cartography-focused event will feature an extensive collection of maps from across time and place and take over the first floor of the library, providing unique opportunities for engagement, education, and enjoyment.
for more details.
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Chicago Restaurant Week: January 23 - February 8
 The 19th annual Chicago Restaurant Week begins Friday, January 23, and continues through Sunday, February 8. This 17-day celebration of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year.
for a list of participating restaurants.
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