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45th Ward News and Community Updates

Relevance: 3/10
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Summary

This newsletter from Alderman Jim Gardiner (45th Ward) does not list any specific upcoming zoning, housing, transit, budget, or street-safety hearings/meetings, but it spotlights CTA safety and calls residents to attend scheduled Chicago Beat meetings in April and May (Edgebrook, Dunham Park, and Kilbourn Park among others). It also promotes neighborhood and city resources/events, including a “Clean & Green” support offer from the Ward office and “Property tax exemption help” next Wednesday, plus community programming such as performances by Edge of the Wood (March 27–April 12) at Edgebrook Community Church and monthly Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission visits.

Email from Alderman Jim Gardiner

MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER

The 45th Ward is proud to be home to many first responders, and we are committed to supporting them in their efforts.


We hope to see you this Sunday for a family-friendly event that is sure to hit the spot. Thank you to St. Robert Bellarmine for hosting, as well as to all of our

co-sponsors for their support.

Proudly Serving,

Alderman Jim Gardiner

TOP STORIES

Next Wednesday: Property tax exemption help for our community.

Heavy rain, possible thunderstorms expected to develop in Chicago area Thursday


FULL STORY HERE

Illinois Secretary of State warns drivers of scam texts, calls


FULL STORY HERE

Apple's iPod is making a comeback — and here's why


FULL STORY HERE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Located in the heart of Jefferson Park, Cosmic Bikes is more than just a repair shop—it’s a neighborhood spot that brings people together.


Every bike that comes in has a story. Whether someone is fixing up a longtime ride, looking for something new, or just trying to get back on two wheels, it’s all about getting out, staying active, and enjoying the neighborhood.


Cosmic Bikes is known for taking the time to answer questions and help people find what they need. It’s a place where neighbors help neighbors and where people feel comfortable stopping in.



With spring and summer right around the corner, be sure to stop by Cosmic Bikes and get ready to ride.


4641 N. Milwaukee Ave.

773-930-4076

Cosmicbikes.com 

Located right here in the Jefferson Park community, Dream Team Group Fitness is a locally owned personal training studio dedicated to helping neighbors achieve their fitness goals in a supportive and welcoming environment. Owned by Jason Rosenberg and Matt Kline, the studio offers one-on-one and small-group training tailored to each individual’s needs.


Designed for those seeking guidance, consistency, and real results, Dream Team Group Fitness provides a more personal alternative to traditional, crowded gyms. As an appointment-only studio, they focus on building meaningful connections with each client while fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere.


If you are looking to prioritize your health and connect with a community-focused fitness space, consider booking an appointment and checking them out.


4803 N. Milwaukee

312-882-9797

Home | Dream Team Group Fitness

CHICAGO POLITICS

Editorial: Whether on the CTA or in a parking garage, Chicago can’t afford unsafe commutes


FULL STORY HERE

Man found dead on CTA Blue Line train on West Side, Chicago police say


CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALDERMAN GARDINER DISCUSS CTA SAFETY

Aldermen bristle over Mayor Brandon Johnson move on pension costs for aides


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Chicago Park District promises ‘reforms' to summer camp registration, addressing parent frustrations


FULL STORY HERE

Driverless taxis turn heads in Chicago, but do the benefits outweigh the risks?


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Chicago Police Chief Larry Snelling defends officer actions during Operation Midway Blitz


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Letters: The City Council needs to show us that it takes safety on the CTA seriously


FULL STORY HERE

Top cop bullish on study calling for hundreds of more officers — but unions, lack of money could stand in way


FULL STORY HERE

Teen takeovers continue to wreak havoc on Chicago's downtown area.


CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALDERMAN GARDINER'S REEL

Shootings up 78% in Chicago in one week, as city suffers two-month murder surge


FULL STORY HERE


CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALDERMAN GARDINER'S REEL

CHA Commissioner Debra Parker accused of defrauding the public housing agency


FULL STORY HERE

The 45th Ward offers its heartfelt condolences to the Gorman family and victims of preventable violence that plagues our city.


-Alderman Jim Gardiner


CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALDERMAN GARDINER'S SPEECH

What we know about the suspect in the killing of 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student


FULL STORY HERE

Johnson Defends Proposal to Give Area Around United Center $55M Tax Break


FULL STORY HERE

Mayor Johnson’s administration undergoes major shake-up


FULL STORY HERE

Another high-level Chicago city official out amid major shakeup


FULL STORY HERE

THRIVING IN WARD 45

The Jeff Award-winning branch of Edge of the Wood returns with a new twist on William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing directed by Resident Artist Herb Metzler.


Shakespeare’s modestly titled play is the forebear of Hollywood’s classic screwball comedies. Set in post-WWII America – and featuring period slang, references, and swing tunes – this production is a nostalgic homage both to the Bard and to the genre he inspired.


The 19-member acting ensemble from throughout Chicago includes Resident Artists R. Scott Purdy, Janet Rourke, Chris Toft, Adrienne Grove, and Stephen Oberhardt.


Performances run March 27-April 12.  For more information and to purchase tickets go to edgeofthewood.com.


Edgebrook Community Church

 6736 N Loleta Ave

Hosting a Clean & Green event in the 45th Ward? Our office is here to help.

Reach out to us at (773) 853-0799 or [email protected] for assistance in coordinating tools and resources for your clean-up.

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.

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

Chicago Seniors Connected


The City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Senior Services Division offers a wide range of programs and supports for residents age 60 and better, helping older adults stay healthy, active, and engaged.


The newest edition of the Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure is now available and includes virtual and in-person activities, as well as upcoming special events and meal opportunities taking place across the city.


👉 View the Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure

WARD 45 RESOURCES

Every high school age student in Chicago (public or private) interested in the possibility of becoming a first responder should apply for this excellent program.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HERE

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

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

May 6th

Beat 1622

Dunham Park

4638 N. Melvina

May 13th

Beat 1623

16th District Police Station

5151 N. Milwaukee

April 29th

Beat 1731

Kilbourn Park

3501 N. Kilbourn

May 7th

Beat 1624

Portage Park

4100 N. Long

April 22nd

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

APPLY HERE

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]


If you would like a "SLOW DOWN" or "CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG" sign, please come in our office at 5460 N. Milwaukee.