Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday, we sent a special newsletter to alert the community of the shooting and killing of a 30-year-old man on Sunday night near Lincoln and Webster after a fight at a nearby bar. We now have confirmation that this homicide occurred after a fight broke out between individuals at a party at “The Dime” at 2263 N. Lincoln Avenue, which then continued onto the street of Lincoln Avenue.
This morning, following sustained advocacy and pressure from our office, Chicago Police Interim and Acting Superintendent Fred Waller ordered The Dime closed immediately under a Summary Closure Order. In partnership with the local community, my office has pushed for further restrictions and investigation of this bar due to several years of safety incidents. I am grateful to Superintendent Waller for understanding the ongoing public safety threat of this bar, and taking the rare step of a Summary Closure Order.
This is not the same as permanently revoking the Dime’s liquor license. That is a separate, longer process through BACP and the Local Liquor Control Commissioner. My office will continue to advocate for that permanent step, building on our push earlier this summer for stronger restrictions on this stretch of Lincoln Avenue. I plan to engage the local community in this push, and will follow-up with instructions on how you can provide our office that support in the coming weeks.
What is a Summary Closure?
A Summary Closure lets the Superintendent of Police shut a business down immediately, without a hearing, once CPD determines it is a “public safety threat” — meaning a violent crime is directly connected to the establishment.
The closure lasts up to six months. The Dime can only reopen sooner if it negotiates a Nuisance Abatement Plan with the City — covering security staffing, cameras, and earlier hours — and proves the danger has been addressed. If there is not a plan, there will be no reopening.
Why This Matters
Summary Closures are rare, and this is a step that is not taken lightly. Recent reports show that since the summary closure ordinance began in 2015, it has been used, on average, fewer than ten times a year for the whole city. This action reflects how serious and well-documented the pattern of a risk of violence has become at this location.
Thank You
My number one priority as your alderman is to keep our community safe and secure the resources necessary to do so. Our community has experienced gradual decreases in crime over the past few years; however, there is still far more to be done. This incident underscores the aggressive work we need to continue to do as a city and state to get guns off of the streets and to prosecute offenders. My promise is to continue that work by pushing City Hall for the resources we need and supporting our Chicago Police Department.
I want to send a heartfelt thank you to the residents, neighboring business owners, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Avenue SSA, and everyone who came forward with information and support. Particular thanks to 18th District Police Commander Chris Bielfeldt for his care, and to Lincoln Avenue favorites like Brando’s, King of Cups, Soloway, Mary Jo McGuires, and Halligan Bar, who partnered with us and provided footage to detectives to help keep this community safe.
This homicide should have never occurred and I send my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. We’ll keep pushing for a permanent resolution and keep you updated.
