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48th WARD NEWS: JUNE 18, 2026
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NIGHT OUT IN THE PARKS 2026
Night Out in the Parks activates parks across the city with robust cultural events, bringing neighbors together to laugh, dance, sing, and engage. Through theater, music, movies, dance, site-specific performances, and nature programs, the series supports Chicago-based artists and cultivates civic engagement. Learn more about the Night Out in the Parks program here. See a schedule of Night Out in the Parks events in and near the 48th Ward in the image above or on our blog!
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CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the end of slavery in America. Though President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, slavery did not truly end until two years later when troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865 to announce that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree. Juneteenth celebrations began that day, and have continued every year since.⠀
Juneteenth is an annual reminder of Black Americans' long fight for freedom and of the importance of our daily work for a more just and equitable country, state, city, and ward.
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3rd Annual Juneteenth Flag Raising
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth and some of the 48th Ward team attended the 3rd annual Juneteenth Flag Raising at Daley Plaza on June 16. Together, we recognized the significance of Juneteenth and its history. We commemorated the contributions of Black Chicagoans to our city and celebrated that Chicago’s life expectancy and housing stability have improved immensely, especially for Black Chicagoans. The work continues, and we are proud to stand in community with the activists, neighbors, and government officials who are dedicated to eradicating systemic racism and inequity, and ensuring racial justice in our great city.
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City Council Juneteenth Resolution
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth and her colleagues voted to pass a resolution marking June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in Chicago. The resolution encourages all Chicagoans to acknowledge and condemn the history of slavery in the United States, to recognize and reflect its grievous and ongoing legacy, and raise awareness of the value of reparations for descendants of slaves. Read the full resolution here.
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Juneteenth Freedom Day Interfaith Service
- When: Friday, June 19 at 7pm
- Where: Sacred Heart Chapel (6250 N Sheridan)
- No RSVP required
Join the Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA), State Senator Mike Simmons, and Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth for an interfaith service in honor of Juneteenth.
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Juneteenth Celebration
- When: Thursday, June 22 from 10:30am-2pm
- Where: NE Levy Senior Center (2019 W Lawrence)
- No RSVP required
Come by the NE Levy Senior center for their annual Juneteenth celebration featuring a special lunch, music, and dancing!
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Edgewater Satellite Senior Center Juneteenth Closures
The DFSS Edgewater Senior Center will be closed on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth. Standard hours will resume on Monday, June 22 at 8:30am.
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48th Ward Office Closed Friday, June 19
The 48th Ward office will be closed on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth. While we are away, please contact 311 for non-emergency requests. In the case of an emergency, contact 911. See the full list of City of Chicago holidays here. We also include these closures on our community calendar.
Garbage Collection Schedule
During the holidays, garbage collection schedules may shift by 24-48 hours. During weeks with city holidays, put your bins out 24 hours ahead of your scheduled pick up day to avoid delays.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Emanuel Congregation/Fern Hill Redevelopment Community Meeting
- When: Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30pm
- Where: Virtual via Zoom
- Register online.
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth is hosting a follow-up virtual community meeting for the proposed redevelopment of the synagogue at 5948, 5959, and 5965 N Sheridan. Emanuel Congregation in partnership with Fern Hill will present further revisions based on recent community feedback. This will be the third community meeting for this proposed planned development project.
The first community meeting was held earlier this year on February 26 at Emanuel Congregation. Slides from Emanuel and Fern Hill’s presentation showing the initial plans can be viewed here. The second community meeting was held May 28 at 5959 N Sheridan, and slides from the presentation showing revised plans can be viewed here. Following this virtual community meeting on June 24, we will open online public feedback for 2 weeks.
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4943 N Kenmore (The Northmere) Update
The Northmere at 4943 N Kenmore was a single-room occupancy (SRO) hotel that was vacated late last year due to extremely unsafe building conditions. Over several months, our office worked closely with City departments and agencies and a wide network of City and community partners including ONE Northside, Uptown People’s Law Center (UPLC), and Voice of the People Chicago to provide resources and coordinate relocation for tenants. Learn more about our work with the Northmere on our blog here.
Under general receivership, the Northmere has been cleaned up in the last few weeks in preparation for sale. We are advocating for affordable housing developers to acquire this property and continue to provide affordable places to live in our community.
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Simonds Drive Crosswalk
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth has requested a feasibility study for a crosswalk on Simonds Drive at Argyle. If CDOT and Parks determine that the addition of this crosswalk is feasible, the project will be added to the Participatory Budgeting 2027 ballot for neighbors to decide if they would like to allocate funding to this project.
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Landmarking Bryn Mawr - Public Hearing Recap and Next Steps
On Monday, June 15, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks (CCL) held a public hearing on the proposed landmark designation for the Bryn Mawr Avenue District and on the preliminary disapproval of the permit application for demolition of the two-story building at 1114 W Bryn Mawr. According to the Chicago Landmarks Ordinance, in the case of the permit application review, the public hearing is the forum for the presentation of all evidence and testimony. In determining whether to approve or disapprove the permit application, the commission shall only consider evidence or testimony included in the record of the hearing described in Article IV, Section I.
On Thursday, July 9 the CCL will vote on a final landmark recommendation on the Bryn Mawr Avenue District and on the final decision regarding the demolition permit application for 1114 W Bryn Mawr. Read more about our work to landmark Bryn Mawr on our blog.
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Chicago Greyhound Bus Station
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth was proud to vote in favor of the city’s purchase of the Greyhound Bus Station on Harrison, which passed City Council yesterday by a vote of 37 to 10. People travel from across the country to Illinois by bus for a number of reasons including access to sexual and reproductive health care, and transportation must not be a barrier to care. Chicago must remain a critical access point and a safe haven for bodily autonomy. The ordinance was supported by Planned Parenthood where out-of-state patients account for 12% of patients who accessed abortion care and 5% of patients who accessed gender-affirming care.
The Alderwoman is proud to stand in support of this ordinance alongside 48th Ward neighbors, A Just Harvest, Access Living, Active Transportation Alliance, AFGE Local 704, Alliance of the Southeast, Better Streets Chicago, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Climate Reality Project, Chicago Chapter, Elevated Chicago, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Faith in Place, Garfield Park Community Council, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Illinois Environmental Council, League of Women Voters of Chicago, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Metropolitan Planning Council, North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, Union League Club of Chicago, and more. Read more about the ordinance here.
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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Chicago Park District Pools Open June 19
We're thrilled to announce that Chicago Park District outdoor pools officially open tomorrow, June 19, a week earlier than last year's start date. Additionally, outdoor pool hours have expanded to eight hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of the summer season! Click here to find a pool near you!
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Mural Community Engagement - Participatory Budgeting
- When: Tuesday, June 23 from 6-7pm
- Where: Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
- Register online.
In the previous two Participatory Budgeting cycles, 48th Ward neighbors voted to fund public art in the ward! Join us at this meeting to share your vision for art at the following locations: Margate Underpass Entrance, Thorndale / Granville / Bryn Mawr Utility Boxes, Lane Beach Seawall, 1475 W Gregroy, and 5750 N Sheridan.
Please note that this meeting was previously scheduled for 6:30pm at the 48th Ward office. It will now be held at 6pm at the Edgewater Library.
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Mayor's Youth Commission Application Closes Soon
The Mayor's Youth Commission (MYC) is a group of up to 40 Chicagoans (who live within the boundaries of the City of Chicago) between the ages of 14 and 19 that serve as a liaison between the Chicago Mayor's Office and Chicago's youth. The Commission meets monthly to foster youth-driven civic engagement and amplify youth voices to impact the City's critical policy conversations. Any youth that are interested must apply by June 19, 2026. This is a paid opportunity for youth and a great way for young people to get their voices heard!
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Loyola University Parking Restrictions
Please be aware of the upcoming parking restrictions on Loyola University's campus. For more information, contact the Loyola Office of Neighborhood Initiatives at (773) 508-7450.
Thursday, June 18 from 8am-5pm
- 6300-6359 N Winthrop Ave (both sides)
- 1013-1130 W Rosemont Ave (north side)
Sunday, June 21 from 8am-5pm
- 6300-6359 N Winthrop Ave (both sides)
- 1013-1130 W Rosemont Ave (north side)
Thursday, July 9 from 8am-5pm
- 6300-6359 N Winthrop Ave (both sides)
Sunday, July 12 from 8am-5pm
- 6300-6359 N Winthrop Ave (both sides)
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Get Into Summer! Youth Events and Opportunities
This summer, there are plenty of ways for teens to have fun and stay engaged for free! see the flyer above or the list below for city resources designed to help our youth thrive while school is out:
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Pride Month 2026
The 48th Ward is rich in LGBTQ+ history and culture. We are a ward that loves and respects our neighbors, and rejects hate in all its many forms. Pick up a "no hate in 48" sign for your business or residence for free at the 48th Ward office while supplies last. Find more events and resources, including the 2026 Pride Parade map, on our blog.
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Ward Night Recap
Thanks to everyone who joined our June 16 Ward Night meeting. Neighbors discussed pedestrian safety construction projects in the ward, treatment not trauma, development, and more. Read notes from the meeting here. Register for our next Ward Night here.
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#92 CTA Bus - Summer Service Expansion
As of June 7, CTA bus services have expanded. Riders can now travel westbound on the #92 Foster bus until 10:30pm on weekends. Eastbound weekend service has also been extended until 9:55pm on Saturdays and 9:50pm on Sundays/holidays. Sundays/holidays service begins at 5am.
In addition to the #92, service has been expanded on the nearby #50 Damen bus route with buses running every 12-15 minutes on Saturdays (a 25% increase) and every 15 minutes on Sundays (a 20% increase).
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Urban Forestry Advisory Board Tree Mulching Reminders
Proper mulching is one of the simplest ways to care for a tree. Follow the 3-3-3 Rule: apply mulch 3 inches deep, in a 3-foot-wide circle, while keeping it 3 inches away from the trunk. This creates a donut-shaped mulch ring that helps trees thrive. A properly mulched tree benefits from improved moisture retention, moderated soil temperatures, reduced weed competition, and protection from damage caused by lawnmowers and string trimmers.
Avoid creating "mulch volcanoes" by piling mulch against the trunk. Excess mulch around the base of a tree can trap moisture against the bark, encourage decay, promote circling roots, and create conditions favorable to pests and diseases. Spending a few minutes flattening a mulch volcano into a donut-shaped ring can help prevent health issues and support long-term growth.
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SAVE THE DATE: Dim Sum & Then Some
- When: Saturday, August 1
- Where: 1016 W Argyle
- Learn more online.
Get ready to race, feast, and celebrate as we kick off a day of fun, fitness, and culture in the heart of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood! Whether you’re running the 10K, 5K, or cheering on the kids in the Dash, Dim Sum & Then Some promises an unforgettable experience that’s more than just a race.
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Storm and Flooding Reminders: Reporting Tree Emergencies
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to our office during this week's heavy rainfall to report tree emergencies and flooding hazards. Crews from the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), Transportation (CDOT) and Water Management (DWM) are out in the ward restoring power and removing tree debris. Due to the volume of calls, please allow our city departments extra response time.
When reporting tree emergencies, whether to 311 or our office, please include photos. Photos help response crews understand the hazard and locate the specific trees and branches when they arrive. As a reminder, the following scenarios constitute tree emergencies:
- Fallen trees
- Tree debris/branches on power lines
- Trees with multiple large branches falling down
- Large pieces of tree debris blocking public access areas
Visit our blog for additional storm resources and reminders.
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Residential Storm Damage Assessment Survey
Did you recently receive a text from Chicago 311? The city is reaching out to folks who have recently reported storm-related damage with a link to a voluntary survey to help our county and state partners determine whether additional assistance is needed. This text (pictured above) is not a scam or phishing attempt. You can also click here to take the survey.
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Free Senior Fitness Class
- When: Wednesday, June 24 at 9:30am
- Where: SelfHelp Home (908 W Argyle)
- RSVP to Jessica Katz at 773-271-0300
Staying healthy and making connections in your community just got even more convenient! SilverSneakers and HealthPRO Heritage are offering classes where you live. No matter if you're new to exercise or looking for a new challenge, this class is for all levels and abilities. Have fun exercising with others. All are welcome!
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CCPSA Monthly Meeting
- When: Thursday, June 25 at 6:30pm
- Where: Benito Juarez High School (1450 W Cermak)
- Register online.
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) will hold its next public meeting on Thursday, June 25. During the meeting, the Commission will officially welcome newly appointed Commissioners Angelique Guzman and Anjanette Young, receive updates from Commission working groups, and discuss preparations for the 2027 District Council elections.
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Transfemicide Working Group Report
The City of Chicago Transfemicide Working Group released a report this week with key findings and recommendations. The report was developed through extensive engagement with trans community members and City departments. Read the report here.
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Our Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Justice
In the 48th Ward, we believe that everyone has the right to live in a sustainable and healthy environment with access to green spaces and outdoor recreation. Sustainability isn’t just a one-off clean-up event or an occasional reminder about how to recycle. It has to be part of everything we do from development, to infrastructure, to health & safety and beyond. We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to the environment through policy and collective action. Visit our blog to learn more about our sustainability and social justice work.
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Elisa Malary Plaza Construction Update
On Thursday, June 18, Leni celebrated the groundbreaking of Elise Malary Plaza with other electeds and community leaders. This week, crews were at work closing Catalpa between Clark and Ashland and setting up temporary barriers, pavement markings, and signage. Motorists should expect lane reductions on Ashland and lane shifts on Clark. Travel will be maintained in both directions, but delays may occur during peak traffic periods.
Next week, underground drainage improvements will begin on Clark Avenue between the Walgreens entrance and Pizza Lobo. This work is necessary to improve stormwater collection and drainage in the area. Expect some traffic congestion while the sewer lateral work is being installed across Clark at Catalpa, particularly during peak morning and afternoon travel periods. The contractor anticipates completing the storm sewer installation in approximately 2 to 3 days. Other impacts include:
- Parking restrictions from 6am to 6pm
- Intermittent lane obstructions from 7am to 3pm
- Intermittent Sidewalk closures from 7am to 3pm
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DWM Bryn Mawr / Sheridan Water Main Update
Sheridan Project Status: Due to the utility conflicts found last week on the Sheridan portion of the project, the contractor will be demobilizing from the site while the design office looks for solutions to the conflicts. Weather permitting, steel plates will be removed and trenches temporarily restored where the exploratory excavation was done.
Bryn Mawr Project Status: ComEd may be doing work on Bryn Mawr at this time. This construction work is not related to the DWM water main project.
We will provide an update once DWM has a revised project timeline.
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Concrete Schedule
The following concrete work is scheduled for the next two weeks (weather permitting).
Alley Resurfacing: 6/29/2026
- Argyle/Ainslie/Kenmore/Sheridan
- Hollywood/Olive/Clark/Glenwood
Street Resurfacing 6/29/2026
- Glenwood: Balmoral to Berwyn
Street Resurfacing 6/30/2026
- Glenwood: Bryn Mawr to Ridge
- Glenwood: Rosedale to Ardmore
Alley Resurfacing 6/30/2026
Alley Resurfacing 7/1/2026
- Glenlake/Thorndale/Kenmore/Sheridan
- Hood/Glenlake/Clark/Greenview
- Granville/Hood/Glenwood/Lakewood
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CTA Construction Activity Notices
Please review the following construction notices from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). To sign up for alerts near you, click here.
ALLEY CLOSURES
West side of the tracks from Bryn Mawr - Hollywood
- Friday, June 12 - Wednesday June 24
- Work Activity: Mountable Curb Install
East side of the track from Catalpa - Bryn Mawr
- Tuesday, June 16 - Monday, June 29
- Work Activity: Mountable Curb Install
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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Thank you to the neighbors at Hollywood Towers for the kind hospitality! Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth visited with neighbors for a fireside chat; topics discussed included construction, pigeons, extreme weather, and more! Click here to invite Leni to present at your building, block club meeting, or HOA meeting. We’ll see you soon at Hollywood House!
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It’s that time of the year again, where neighbors, businesses, organizations, and incredible performing artists come together to dance and celebrate Midsommerfest! A special thanks to the Andersonville Chamber and all of the organizers. Congratulations to the Swedish Museum on 50 years! We can’t wait for next year!
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Leni joined the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce at Tefsa Ethiopian Cuisine for one of their business networking events. The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is working to renew Special Service Area (SSA) #26. SSA 26 provides regular street cleaning, litter removal, pressure washing, and sidewalk snow removal, seasonal landscaping, district marketing, special events programming, business support, and public space improvements. For more information on how to support this renewal, go here.
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This week, City Council recognized the 14th anniversary of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). 48th Ward Neighborhood Services Director, Angel Rubi Navarijo, was amongst those recognized for their contributions to Chicago. Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth shared the following remarks:
“Today, as we commemorate the 14th anniversary of DACA, I want to take a moment to recognize one of our own, Angel Rubi Navarijo from the 48th Ward office.
For years, Angel has been a dedicated advocate for immigrant communities, helping uplift the voices and experiences of DACA recipients and working to create more welcoming and inclusive communities. His commitment to public service extends beyond the ward office, serving as President of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and as a Vice President and Commissioner with the Community Commission on Public Safety (CCPSA), where they continue to push important issues affecting our city.
We’re fortunate to have Angel on our team in the 48th Ward, serving our residents every day. As Director of Neighborhood Services he helped to increase city services to 48th Ward residents by 20%, housed over 140 people sleeping in tents, and was instrumental in the development of the Safe 48 Health & Safety Plan to keep us safe and improve the quality of life for 48th Ward neighbors.
Thank you, Angel, for your leadership, your service to our city, and your continued advocacy on behalf of the 48th Ward and immigrant communities across our city. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition."
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