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August 14, 2026

Yours in Service,
Alderwoman Angela Clay

Chicago Air & Water Show - Reminders

What to Expect
This year's Chicago Air & Water show will be headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights, alongside additional military and civilian air and water demonstrations. For the complete performer lineup, event schedule, and updates, visit ChicagoAirandWaterShow.us.

Because the 46th Ward is a lakefront community, neighbors should prepare for:

• Aircraft demonstrations and intermittent loud noise

• Large crowds along the lakefront

• Increased vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic

• Heavier CTA and Metra ridership

• Traffic control aides and potential changes to normal traffic patterns

Please allow additional travel time and consider alternate routes when possible.

Loud Noise Resources

Please note that aircraft activity and related Chicago Air & Water Show noise may begin as early as Thursday, August 13. We understand that loud noises can be difficult, inconvenient, and traumatic for some of our community members. As such, we’ve compiled a series of resources to help neighbors who may need to find support for themselves or their family members. 

• Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs

  • If aircraft activity or loud noise becomes overwhelming, support resources are available through the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs. Additional information about available services and community resources can be found at www.chicago.gov/veterans or by contacting [email protected].

• Chicago Animal Care and Control

  • Loud aircraft noise from the Air and Water Show may affect or startle pets. Chicago Animal Care and Control recommends planning ahead to help keep animals safe and comfortable and shared the following tips:

  • Keep pets indoors during peak performance hours whenever possible.

  • Walk dogs before peak performance hours and always keep them leashed outdoors.

  • Close windows, blinds and curtains to help reduce outside noise.

  • Create a quiet, familiar space where pets can rest.

  • Make sure identification tags and microchip information are current in case a pet becomes startled and gets loose.

  • If your pet has a history of severe anxiety during loud events, consult your veterinarian before the weekend.

  • Stop by Chicago Animal Care & Control ‘s Care & Water Show adoption event on Saturday, August 15 at 2741 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL from 12 pm to 6 pm.

Planning to Attend?

Admission to the Chicago Air & Water Show is free.

If you're heading to the lakefront:

• Arrive early and allow additional travel time.

• Use public transportation, walk, or bike when possible.

• CTA and Metra will provide additional service for the event.

• Pets are not permitted on Chicago swimming beaches, except for service animals.

• Follow directions from event staff and public safety personnel.

• Stay hydrated and prepare for warm summer weather.

A complimentary shuttle from Millennium Garages, 6 S. Columbus Drive, to North Avenue Beach will also be available during the show. The first shuttle departs at 9:00 AM from the Millennium Park 2.5 lobby, with service approximately every 20 minutes.

Stay Connected

Neighbors can stay informed before and throughout the weekend using City resources:

• DCASE: @ChicagoDCASE

• OEMC App: Download the Chicago OEMC App for emergency alerts, weather updates, traffic information, street closures, preparedness guidance, and other public safety information.

• Notify Chicago: Sign up at NotifyChicago.org

• Lakefront Alerts: Text CHILAKE to 78015

• Business Alerts: Text CHIBIZ to 67283

OEMC also reminds neighbors and visitors to remain aware of their surroundings, particularly when attending large events.

Pole markers located throughout the lakefront can help event security and first responders identify your exact location during an emergency. If you see suspicious activity, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1.

Questions?

For non-emergency City questions, contact 311 through the CHI311 app, visit 311.chicago.gov, or dial 3-1-1. For additional Air & Water Show information, contact [email protected].

CALLING ALL BUSINESS OWNERS!!

Gentle reminder that the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in August in the Clark/Montrose TIF district. Apply at chicago.gov/sbif by Aug. 30!

The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to  help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their  facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses  are also eligible to apply on their own.

Program  participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a  maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial  properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do  not have to be repaid. Those interested in applying can verify that their  property is located in an eligible district by using the SBIF Locator Map tool.

For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif.
 

#78 Bus Service Change

Begins August 23rd

CTA's #78 route will change from Clark to Ashland on 8/23, covering approximately 0.4 miles. This means the #78 will spend approximately two blocks less on Montrose, and two more blocks on Wilson.

This change will provide faster service for the #78 as Ashland provides easier turns at less congested intersections with minimal impact on customers due to the proximity of the two streets.  The changes should also reduce congestion at Clark/Montrose and Clark/Wilson that results from the unusually tight turns that buses need to take.

This change will also allow the #78 to make use of a new bus pad at Ashland/Wilson as part of CDOT's Ashland Arterial Resurfacing project.

If you missed our Back to School Bash earlier this month - don’t worry! Next Thursday, August 20 from 3 pm to 7 pm - we’re partnering with Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) to host Back to School giveaway at our office at 4544 N. Broadway.

On Friday, August 21 from 12 pm to 3 pm - Christmas in the Wards is hosting a "Back to School Giveaway” for wards across the city, including our ward! Head to Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd for free school supplies, clothes, shoes and food!

Back-to-School State Sales Tax Holiday August 7, 2026, through August 16, 2026

As families continue preparing for the school year, we also want to make sure you are aware of Illinois' Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which begins this week from August 7 through August 16. During this period, the state portion of the sales tax on eligible back-to-school purchases is reduced by 5 percentage points!

For retailers, the tax breakdown is:

Businesses located within the MPEA area should add an additional 1%, bringing the holiday tax rate to 6.5%. Please note that the MPEA area extends approximately 100 feet north of Diversey.

To learn which items qualify for the reduced tax rate, visit the Illinois Department of Revenue website.

Please note: This information is specifically for retailers selling eligible back-to-school items.

What action must the retailer take?

Retailers must adjust their method of collecting sales tax so that beginning on August 7, 2026, and ending at the close of business August 16, 2026, they will collect the reduced tax rate on qualifying items. The sales tax rate that must be used during the holiday period is the rate currently in effect on the date of the holiday minus 5.00 percent (5.00%).

Business Spotlight: Easy Tires

Tucked away at 4653 N. Clark St., between Taqueria El Ranchito and Ramsan Wireless, is one of the ward’s longtime neighborhood businesses: Easy Tires. If you walk by too quickly, you might miss it—but for more than three decades, owner Sergio Mora and Easy Tires have been helping neighbors get back on the road safely. From tire balancing, installation, and rotation to wheel alignments and tire repairs, Easy Tires is a neighborhood go-to for keeping your wheels in good shape.

When we say tucked away, we mean it! To find Easy Tires, head through the alley between Clark St. and Dover St., just behind Carol’s Pub to have your car’s tires serviced.

We’ve been enjoying a beautiful Chicago summer, but we all know winter has a way of sneaking up on us. So, if you’ve been putting off that tire rotation or repair, now is a good time to stop by Easy Tires and get your car ready for the seasons ahead.

And while you’re on Clark Street, make a day of supporting our neighborhood businesses! This Dine-In Solidarity weekend from August 14-16, grab a bite at Tiztal Cafe or La Mexicana for a chance to win a giveaway through the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. Shop local, eat local, and support the businesses that have been keeping our neighborhoods moving for decades.

Business Hours:

Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4 PM

We are proud to celebrate the small businesses that make the 46th Ward such a unique place to call home.

Stay Cool During This Week's Heat

With dangerously high temperatures continuing this week, we encourage all neighbors to take precautions and check in on family, friends, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the heat. Be sure to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during peak afternoon hours, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

If you missed our Heat Safety Update earlier this week, we encourage you to take a few minutes to review it. It includes important information on cooling centers, public cooling locations, heat safety tips, available resources, and ways to stay cool throughout the heat wave.

Read our Heat Safety Update here.

Stay safe, stay cool, and don't hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs assistance accessing heat relief resources.

Street Sweeping Reminders

E-Scooters and E-Bikes Reminders

Please click here for updated guidance and rules from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) on Scooter and E-Bike rides.

Click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. Vendors have two hours to remedy any parking complaints.To report dangerous or illegal activity on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc), call 1-888-546-3345.

We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood safe and clean.

46th Ward Upcoming Events

Housing & Community Services

This week, we connected with &Rise, an organization founded by Jennifer Solarte dedicated to the belief that women thrive on building & sustaining strong connections with one another, some of which assist in forming their futures!

In addition to free counseling, support groups, and teen programs, &Rise offers a diverse range of services made to help women succeed including financial education workshops, trauma life coaching, and community empowerment events.

   

To sustain their work, they are hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, September 12 at Zanies Chicago - 1548 N. Wells at 4 pm. Doors open at 3 pm and tickets can be purchased here!

New Zoning Change Proposal - 4531 N. Clark

A potential buyer (Platinum Homes - the same developer as 4713 N. Clark at Clark/Leland) is seeking a zoning change to redevelop the existing single-story commercial building at 4531 N. Clark and construct a 4-story mixed-use building in its place.

The existing building includes two storefronts, one of which is occupied by a clothing retailer, and one of which is vacant.  The proposed building would include 9 for-sale condominium units (all 3-bedroom units), approximately 3,200 square feet of ground-floor retail space subdivided into two storefronts, 10 vehicular parking spaces, and 13 bicycle parking spaces.

The existing zoning allows an 8-unit building of the same height as the proposed building. The developers are seeking a zoning change primarily to enable the addition of one more unit, 2,400 more square feet of floor area, and more parking spaces.

As the development includes fewer than ten units, no affordable units are required by the City of Chicago's Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) and the ward is not able to require them of the developer.

Zoning Change Open for Feedback! - 1429 W. Irving Park

A potential buyer of 1429 W. Irving Park is seeking a zoning change from B3-2 to B2-3 in order to construct a five-story mixed use building on the site of an existing parking lot. The proposed building would include 36 residential units, 4,400 square feet of ground floor retail space, and 25 parking spaces.

The proposed building would mostly consist of family-sized units: 8 three-bedroom units, 20 two-bedroom units, 4 one-bedroom units, and 4 studio apartments. Seven of the 36 residential units (i.e., 20%) would be designated as affordable units via the Affordable Requirements Ordinance. Fourteen of the 25 parking spaces would be interior garage spaces; the other 11 would be exterior spaces.  All parking would be accessible via the alley and the proposal includes the elimination of an existing curb cut on Irving Park Road.

The 46th Ward Office coordinated a presentation from the developers at a Southport Neighbors Association (SNA) meeting at 7 PM on Monday, July 27 for in-person discussion and feedback.  We are seeking additional feedback through our online feedback form, which opened for responses on Monday, July 27 and will stay open through Monday, August 17.

You can see the street-facing elevation of the building below, and check out all the project details on the ward website here.

640 W Irving Park (American Islamic College / AIC) - Development Update!

Over the past few weeks, neighbors have reached out to the 46th Ward Office with questions about the the development at 640 W. Irving Park / the American Islamic College, related to permitting and the recent sale of the parking lot.  We are including the most recent updates below.

• Several weeks ago, the American Islamic College sold the parking lot in the middle of the site to CityPads. The zoning entitlements (for a residential tower) from the existing Planned Development (approved in 2023 before Ald. Clay took office) are still in effect for this middle portion. Any expansions to the existing proposal (either a taller building or more units) would require a Planned Development (PD) Amendment and would go through the 46th Ward Community Zoning Process.

• A developer is permitted to build within the existing zoning envelope (i.e. a shorter building and/or building with fewer units) without going through the PD Amendment process. We would still share any new details about the project with the community  as we become aware of them and host a community meeting as appropriate.

• CityPads has communicated that they plan to continue renting parking spaces in the lot to neighbors; they are currently finalizing the logistical and operations arrangements.

• KGiles LLC, the original development entity, owns the existing AIC building and is proceeding with the  adaptative reuse project to do a residential conversion of the site. Though they recently applied for building permits, they are still currently seeking financing and finalizing potential contractors and do not yet have a construction timeline. If and when they have a construction timeline, we will co-host a construction logistics meeting with their team for community members.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions about this - given that multiple developers are now involved in what was originally proposed as a single project, we understand that the situation can be confusing.

Alley Reconstruction - Malden / Magnolia / Leland / Lawrence!

Malden / Magnolia neighbors, thank you for your patience!

Your alley reconstruction project is complete and all neighbors should be able to park in their garages!

Unfortunately, we are still waiting for the resolution of a utility issue and garbage collection will need to continue from the street for the next few days. AT&T has flagged a that low-hanging wires pose a safety concern at the north of end of the alley; to ensure that garbage trucks do not strike the wires, we are requesting that residents leave their dumpsters in the street for the next few days.

Our office is in contact with CDOT, ComEd, and AT&T and pushing them to remedy the issue as quickly as possible.

Say Goodbye to Potholes on Sheridan!

In May, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) contractors began resurfacing Sheridan Road between Montrose and Foster to fix the wear and tear on the street. The resurfacing project includes pedestrian safety improvements, including curb extensions and paint-and-post bump-outs opposite of “T” intersections for traffic safety.

Paving is now complete!  Crews finished laying the asphalt last week and are completing the remaining striping and signage over the next few weeks.

Resurfacing Construction Reminders

• During construction, signs will often be posted to limit parking during workdays to enable construction access. Please move your vehicle to avoid tickets.

• Parking will generally remain available overnight and on weekends. Be sure to check signage.

If you want to learn more about the project, check out the presentation from our online briefing on our website!

4600 - 4800 N. Racine Water Main Update: The Wait for Restoration

In May, the Department of Water Management (DWM) began work on a project to replace the water main on Racine between Wilson and Broadway. This project entails replacing the existing (more than 120 year-old!) water main and replacing all existing lead service lines along this stretch of Racine.

Crews have installed the new water main, installed all new service lines, and shut off the old water main; all underground plumbing work has been completed.

Crews will begin restoration (repaving and fixing all impacted curbs and sidewalks) by the beginning of September and  should be complete by the end of October at the latest.

Parking restrictions will only return when restoration work starts.

New Streetlights Coming to Sheridan Road (Montrose to Buena)

Neighbors, new street lights are coming to Sheridan Road!

CDOT (Chicago Department of Transportation) contractor will install new and more reliable streetlights on this stretch of Sheridan. Given the limited extent of the segment under construction, the supervising engineers anticipate the project should be completed before Labor Day, as long as the weather cooperates.

Crews will install new streetlights with "piggy-back" lights (which provide better sidewalk illumination) over the next several weeks. Once the new streetlights are installed, electrified, and functioning, crews will remove the old ones. Afterward, they will complete concrete and asphalt restoration as necessary.

We understand that streetwork across the ward can cause parking challenges, and we are doing our best to keep all projects on track and on time.

New Streetlights Coming to 4600-4800 Beacon Street

Neighbors, you may have noticed even more orange no-parking signs in Sheridan Park!

These restrictions are in place to enable CDOT (Chicago Department of Transportation) contractors to install new and more reliable streetlights on this stretch of Beacon. The supervising engineers anticipate this project should be complete by the end of October, as long as the weather cooperates.

Crews will install new street lights with "piggy-back" lights (which provide better sidewalk illumination) over the next several weeks. Once the new streetlights are installed, electrified, and functioning, crews will remove the old ones. Afterward, they will complete concrete and asphalt restoration as necessary.

The parking impacts for this project will be most significant over the next week as crews complete the directional boring (installing the underground conduits that power the new street lights) and dig foundations for the new light poles.

Fatal Crash on 1400 W. Block of Irving Park

Last weekend, 25-year-old neighbor Sarah Milcarek passed away on the border of the 46th and 47th Wards after being struck by a vehicle in an apparent hit-and-run on the 1400 W. Block of Irving Park Road. My heart goes out Sarah and her family; no family deserves to suffer this type of loss.

As soon as I heard about this crash, I reached out to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to take a renewed look at Irving Park between Clark and Ashland with the goal of improving pedestrian safety along the corridor and making sure that we are doing everything possible to make this never happens again.

The alleged offender was taken into custody by the Chicago Police Department the evening of the crash and has been charged with several felonies and misdemeanors including a felony count of aggravated DUI resulting in a death.

See the images below to find your beat and see meeting dates and locations.

Search by address here.

See our local 19th District’s website here. Email [email protected] or our office with any questions.

Citywide Events & Resources

Business Resources

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City of Chicago. BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, regulates business activity, protects consumers from fraud, enforces Chicago’s labor laws, partners with business service organizations and provides education and resources for businesses.

BACP is here to support your business today:

• Business Education Webinars: Chicago.gov/BACPWebinars

• Entrepreneur Certificate: Chicago.gov/BACPCertificate

• Neighborhood Business Developments Centers: Chicago.gov/NBDC

• Small Business Center: Chicago.gov/SmallBusiness

  
  

FREE BUSINESS EDUCATION WEBINARS

The Chicago 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, hosted online and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.

Upcoming Business Education Webinar Schedule

August 19 - The Start-Up Challenge: Is Your Dream Built to Succeed?

August 20 - Empower Hour: Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream

August 21 - The 5 New Rules for Being Found Online and How AI Can Help

The Cook County Small Business Source helps entrepreneurs in Cook County navigate the challenges of business growth by connecting them to the right experts, resources and funding opportunities. If you're looking for guidance, sign up for free at cookcountysmallbiz.org and get connected to an expert for one-on-one business advising, events, and more.

ChiBizHub, powered by Allies for Community Business (A4CB) helps Chicago entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Their mission is to provide small businesses with FREE business assistance. ChiBizHub connects a large network of nonprofit service providers offering a wide variety of business-building services for small businesses. We match these organizations to early, emerging, and established small businesses throughout the region who visit the site looking for help.

Workforce Development

Visit the American Job Center at Truman College, located at 1145 W. Wilson - Room 1917, to access employment resources, information about job training, and more.  The center has knowledgeable staff that provides career assistance and job skills training for youth (ages 18+) and adults. All services are FREE..

Please call (773) 831-5221 in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details.

Utility Resources

Senior Resources

Veteran Resources

Cook County Resources

The big screen in your backyard, Movies in the Parks returns this summer, bringing Hollywood movies and local films to local parks for the twenty-sixth season. Join us in the parks for classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood, retro childhood favorites, and the best family-friendly box office hits. Movies in the Parks is part of Night Out in the Parks, which features cultural & arts events in parks throughout the city each year.

Click to download the full Movies in the Parks schedule (PDF/Excel), or add events to your calendar from our Google Calendar.

Help support Movies in the Parks! Keep this FREE program going strong by making a donation today.