1st Ward Newsletter | July 14, 2026
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Dear neighbors,
The past couple days I received dozens of emails related to the TIF redevelopment agreements requested to support the 78 development and more specifically the Chicago Fire stadium. In Finance Committee, the requests were separated out into general infrastructure ($174 million) and a municipally-owned underground parking garage ($250 million). I voted yes on the general infrastructure package: any new development needs streets, water mains, sewer lines, and utilities. I did however vote no on the parking garage, based on your feedback as residents but also since, based on estimated revenue from the Department of Planning and Development, it is unlikely we would recoup our investment even in 50 years.
You've also reached out around the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Board, being debated as I write in the Committee on Transportation and the Public Way. To be clear, there are some exceptionally qualified appointees put forward including Oswaldo Alvarez and Dennis Mondero. I'm grateful for Access Living's Karen Tamley being appointed to the PACE Board, though it is disappointing to see a disability advocate siloed as such. I cannot and will not vote yes for Lester Barclay. A nominee who failed to hold previous CTA leadership accountable, and who showed disdain for the agency he has now been asked to help lead, is not an appointee I can support.
In more exciting news, the all-way pedestrian crossing residents voted for through participatory budgeting is finally coming to the North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection! Over a thousand of you voted for this project in 2025. While it took a while to figure out how to implement this concept, what we are tentatively calling the Pedestrian Priority Pilot should be in place later this year. I'm excited to see the first all-way pedestrian crossing phase outside of the Loop come to Wicker Park!
Finally, I'm excited for a piece of legislation we're introducing tomorrow. You may be aware that automated speed enforcement aka speed cameras are highly regulated. State law says their revenue can only be used for specific safety and transportation purposes; the municipal code says we must also keep those funds in a separate account. You'd then be disappointed, as I am, to know that the city does neither. The legislation I'm proposing with colleagues would finally change that, including designated funding for crossing guards, infrastructure, and school safety zones. I'm very excited to move this ordinance forward as quickly as possible!
Have a safe and fun week!
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Alderman La Spata
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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Back by popular demand, join Ald. La Spata and State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado for another free bike tune-up event at Palmer Square Park! All appointments have been filled, but walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Join Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Ald. La Spata, and other elected officials for a Mobile DMV event at the West Town Library. Residents will have the opportunity to obtain a driver’s license or state ID (standard or Real ID) and purchase a license plate sticker.* For a full list of acceptable documents, please visit www.ilsos.gov. Make your appointment here.
*Please note that written and road tests will not be available at this event.
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Save the date for our annual Back to School Bash! Join Ald. La Spata and community partners on Saturday, August 8 for our annual Back to School Bash! Come by Pulaski Park between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for free backpacks, school supplies, ice cream truck, bouncy house, gaming truck, face painting, snacks & so much more!
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Circus in the Park is taking place this Thursday at 6 p.m. at Maplewood Park! CircEsteem's talented youth Performance Troupe will showcase skills in aerial silks, trapeze, juggling, tumbling, and more. Following the performance, audience members are invited to join an interactive workshop led by the troupe, offering a fun, hands-on introduction to circus arts.
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The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has released their 2026-2030 Strategic Plan with their objectives for the next five years. Click here to view the Plan. To submit any comments on the proposed plan, please email [email protected] by July 24, 2026.
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Bickerdike Waitlist Openings
Bickerdike Apartments will be opening affordable housing waitlists for the following properties for a very limited time beginning on the following dates:
July 20th at 9:00 a.m.
- Rosa Parks Apartments (1-bedroom)
- West Town Housing Preservation (3-bedroom)
July 27th at 9:00 a.m.
- Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Apartments (3-bedroom)
- Nelson Mandela Apartments (3-bedroom)
Interested persons should submit a pre-application online.
1. Go to www.bickerdike.org/before-applying-for-housing/
2. Select “Before Applying” to find links to currently open waitlists.
Applicants will be invited in the order of their waitlist number. The screening process will include: landlord history, income verification and credit/criminal background check. (Please note that waitlists close very soon after opening, interested individuals should be ready to apply right at 9 am)
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Feedback Wanted!
- 2455 N California: A zoning attorney reached out to propose a rezoning to construct a 2-flat on a vacant lot, which was improperly subdivided from the adjacent 3-flat at 2453 N California. A zoning map amendment is necessary to bring 2453 N California into conformance with the Municipal Code, otherwise 2455 N California is an unbuildable lot. The 1st Ward Office provided a zoning intake packet, requested numerous concepts from the redevelopment team to assess the future of this lot, and a two flat proposal received a June 29, 2026, 1st Ward First Look (watch the meeting).
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- 2758 N Mozart: Numerous zoning attorneys and real estate professionals are reaching out regarding rezoning options for an existing vacant lot. 1st Ward Office is providing zoning intake packet and awaiting more information. As of March 2026, it is expected that this property is under contract, and as of June 2026 the 1st Ward Office received a zoning intake packet for a five story, 40 dwelling unit mixed use property. This proposal received a 1st Ward First Look on July 13, 2026 (watch the meeting).
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