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48th WARD NEWS: JULY 2, 2026
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Over the last three years, we have increased City Services 20% in the 48th ward. That includes taking care of the small things that increase the quality of life here in our community. No task is too small! The photo above includes just a few examples of the hundreds of smaller projects that we completed this year. Visit our blog to see before and after pictures of repaired bollards, filled potholes, reconstructed curbs and crosswalks, and more!
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Mural Community Engagement Opportunity
In the previous two Participatory Budgeting cycles, 48th Ward neighbors voted to fund public art in the ward! Last week, we held a meeting where neighbors learned about various locations where we hope to have murals and brainstormed with each other about ideas and themes. For those who weren't able to be at the meeting, we encourage you to fill out this form to share your ideas for the following locations: Margate DLSD Underpass, Thorndale / Granville / Bryn Mawr Utility Boxes, Lane Beach Seawall, 1475 W Gregory, and 5750 N Sheridan. The deadline to respond is Sunday, July 5 at 11:59pm.
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Emanuel / Fern Hill Redevelopment Feedback
Thank you to the more than 150 neighbors who joined us on Zoom for the third community meeting about Emanuel Congregation's proposed planned development. The meeting consisted of a brief presentation and a Q&A. View the recorded presentation here for an overview of the 48th Ward's zoning and development processes, project context, and latest revisions to the project plan based on community feedback from the first two meetings. You can also view the meeting slides here:
Feedback for version 3 of the plan is open now through Friday, July 10 at 5pm. Access the feedback form on our website.
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Share Your Feedback on Chicago's Draft Green Infrastructure Strategy
Earlier this week, northside environmental organizations came together from wards 49, 48, 47, 46, and 40 to talk about the City of Chicago Draft Green Infrastructure Strategy, which discusses the city's existing green infrastructure assets, current challenges with maintenance, and the need for greater cross-agency collaboration. Green infrastructure refers to nature-based solutions for collecting and diverting stormwater including rain gardens, bioswales, native plant parkways, and trees. Read the strategy and share your feedback here. Feedback is open through July 10.
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Share Feedback on the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan
CMAP is leading the development of the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) — a long-term blueprint that will guide how our region invests in and improves its transportation system over the coming decades.
Created in partnership with local governments, transportation agencies, community organizations, and residents across northeastern Illinois, the RTP defines shared goals and strategies for a more connected, reliable, and accessible system. Click here to review the draft materials and provide feedback by July 31.
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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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Congrats Conrad!
Congratulations to Conrad Suerth, 48th Ward Superintendent, on his retirement after 32 years of service to the City of Chicago! A BIG THANK YOU to Conrad for decades of hard work and service to our great city and to the residents of the 48th ward. We'll continue to see Conrad around as a neighbor, and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement!
Conrad is passing the baton to Jimmy Diaz, who officially starts as 48th Ward Superintendent this week! Welcome, Jimmy!
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Argyle Night Market Begins Tonight!
The 2026 Argyle Night Market begins tonight! Join us every Thursday night from 5-9pm at Argyle & Kenmore for good food, live music, and a diverse array of street vendors! Started in 2013 by Uptown United, the Argyle Night Market is an annual event that draws an average of 5,000 visitors each week and continues to grow in popularity. Part market, part street festival, this vibrant and award-winning event is located on Argyle, the city's first shared street. RSVP for each week's market for FREE to be eligible to win a prize package from local Argyle & Uptown businesses. The process will start again after each week's market, so you'll have a total of 9 chances to win this year. Read more about the market and RSVP here.
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Free Pride Window Signs
In the 48th Ward, we stand up for our LGBTQ+ neighbors all year long. We have a few of these free No Hate in 48 window signs remaining, so come by the office to claim yours while supplies last.
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Free Chicago Botanic Garden Passes Available at the Ward Office!
Come by the 48th Ward office whenever we're open to pick up free tickets to the Chicago Botanic Garden - parking included! Each pass is good for one person and is equivalent to a general admission ticket.
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Impact for Equity Property Tax Appeal Toolkit
Impact for Equity is excited to announce its property tax appeal toolkit. This toolkit builds on an existing series of educational materials explaining Cook County’s property tax appeal system, the burdens and limitations of the process, common types of appeals, and the evidence needed when submitting appeal applications. The new toolkit includes all these resources and two new explainers on Cook County property tax exemptions and Certificates of Error. Click here to learn more.
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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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48th Ward Office Closed Friday, July 3
The 48th Ward office will be closed on Friday, July 3 for Independence Day. 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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Lakefront Trailhead Improvements
As part of our commitment to getting bikes off of Sheridan Road sidewalks, we are investing in improving our wayfinding signage and pavement markings to the lakefront trailhead at Ardmore and Sheridan.
- Last year, we identified and filled gaps in the bike grid, creating two designated east/west routes from the North Branch Trail to the Lakefront Trail. We invested in wayfinding signage, and installed 13 signs reminding cyclists that there’s a $200 fine for riding on Sheridan road sidewalks.
- This spring, we resurfaced Ardmore west of Sheridan.
- Today, we added fresh pavement markings for the contraflow bike lane including a bright green pathway leading cyclists to the greenways on Winthrop and Kenmore.
And there’s still more to come! As part of Participatory Budgeting 2026, neighbors voted to fund:
- Lakefront Trailhead Placemaking
- A Mural at Ardmore and Sheridan
These projects are in the brainstorming and design phases and will be implemented next year.
When we organize our streets with clear spaces for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, we are all safer. Read more about ALL of the pedestrian safety improvements we’ve made to Sheridan Road on our blog: Pedestrian Safety Improvements on Sheridan Road.
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Margate Park Improvements
You may have noticed some small improvements in Margate Park! We have been working with the Park District to improve our park including:
- Replacing the old Margate Park sign
- Replacing the old water fountain
- Sanding and painting all of the park benches
- Fixing broken fences
These small upgrades are in addition to the big investments we made over the last two years resurfacing the Margate Park trails and playground, and there is more to come! We are in the process of bringing a mural to Margate Park, and are doing a feasibility study to see if it’s possible to add a cross-walk at Simonds Drive that would directly connect Margate Park to the lakefront.
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Ashland Resurfacing Update
The bulk of the Ashland Arterial Resurfacing project is nearing completion ahead of schedule. To date, all concrete work including curb, gutter, and sidewalk replacements have been completed. Medians have also been installed.
CDOT installed the first layer of asphalt in early June and has been working to complete all necessary patches and utility structure adjustments prior to the installation of the second layer of asphalt. Though originally scheduled to be complete by the end of July, the second layer of resurfacing will start ahead of schedule by the end of next week and should be completed, weather permitting, by mid July.
Once CDOT has installed the second layer of asphalt, they will work on pavement markings, signage, raised crosswalks, concrete bus pads, and sodding impacted parkways. We anticipate that these finishing touches will be complete by the end of August.
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Grind Schedule
Grinding work is scheduled for the following locations over the next two weeks, weather permitting.
Alley Resurfacing: 07/01/2026
- Argyle/Ainslie/Kenmore/Sheridan (July 1)
- Hollywood/Olive/Clark (July 1)
- Glenwood/Ridge/Hollywood (July 2)
- Glenlake/Thorndale/Kenmore/Sheridan (July 6)
- Hood/Glenlake/Clark/Greenview (July 6)
- Granville/Hood/Glenwood/Lakewood (July 6)
Street Resurfacing: 07/01/2026
- Glenwood: Balmoral to Berwyn (July 1)
- Glenwood: Bryn Mawr to Ridge (July 2)
- Glenwood: Rosedale to Ardmore (July 6)
See the construction schedule on our blog for more information.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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48th Ward neighbors gathered at City Hall to speak in support of the Broadway Land Use Framework
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Broadway Zoning Ordinances Update
On Monday, June 29, the Circuit Court of Cook County dismissed a lawsuit challenging two zoning ordinances enacted by the City Council on October 16, 2025, which allow for more density and commercial use along several blocks of North Broadway Avenue in Edgewater. The Court concluded that the claims the plaintiffs asserted were legally deficient and, as a result, terminated the lawsuit. In its opinion, the Court also concluded that the zoning ordinances were rationally related to various governmental interests such as the promotion of economic development, the provision of additional and affordable housing, and increasing access to public transportation.
Monday’s decision ends the legal challenge to the zoning ordinances, which have been in effect since they passed on October 16, 2025, although the plaintiffs could appeal the Court’s decision to try to revive their case. You can read the full court order here, and read more about the Broadway Land Use project here.
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Help Renew SSA #26 in Edgewater
Deadlines are approaching to renew SSA 26 in Edgewater. If SSA 26 expires, Edgewater's business districts will lose funding for sidewalk litter abatement, landscaping, streetscaping, holiday decor, sidewalk snow removal, neighborhood branding, public art, special events, and more! If you own property on Broadway, Bryn Mawr, Devon, or Granville in Edgewater (or know somebody who does) please contact the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] to provide your signature in support of the SSA.
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Workforce Solutions Grant Webinar
- When: Tuesday, July 7 from 10-11am
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
Workforce Solutions grants cover qualified trainings for current empoloyee-upskilling and new-hire training, leadership development, technology skills, and more! Join the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) for a webinar to learn more about this program or apply online here.
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Extreme Heat Safety Reminders
While we expect temperatures to cool slightly over the next few days, we encourage everyone to review important reminders for keeping yourselves and others safe from the heat.
- Drink lots of water and avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, and sodas; which may cause dehydration.
- Avoid going outside in extreme heat. If you must be outside, seek shade and wear sunscreen.
- If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, with windows slightly open.
- Keep electric lights turned off and minimize your use of your stove or oven.
- Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.
- Take cool baths and showers.
- Seek help if you feel symptoms of heat related illnesses.
For more information, including tips for keeping kids safe, visit our blog.
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Keep Pets Safe from the Heat!
If you're hot, they're hot! Remember to take extra precautions to keep your pets safe during times of extreme heat.
- Walk early or late.
- Keep fresh water available.
- Avoid hot pavement.
- Never leave pets in parked vehicles.
If you're planning to bring your own pet to Chicago Animal Care and Control for a non-emergency owner surrender, please consider waiting until the heat breaks if possible. Doing so helps the CACC team prioritize found stray animals and pets in need of immediate assistance while reducing the amount of time people and animals spend waiting outdoors in dangerous heat. Thank you for helping us keep Chicago's pets (and each other) safe.
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Stay Safe This July 4!
Please remember that the possession and/or use of fireworks is illegal in Illinois. Violators are subject to fines and arrest. We encourage everyone to enjoy Saddle & Cycle Club's annual display at the lakefront near Foster, which is scheduled to begin at around 9:30pm, weather permitting.
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Caring for Parkway Trees
Remember! New trees, especially those planted in Spring and Summer, need our help when they're young! While the city takes care of long term maintenance and trimming, they don't regularly water or spread new mulch around young trees.
Newly-planted trees require 10-15 gallons of water a week until they become self-sufficient which, depending on rainfall, they may not be getting on their own. Additionally, many people make the mistake of piling mulch against the trunk of a new tree in a volcano shape. Instead, create a ring of mulch, about three inches deep, around the trunk in a donut shape. The mulch should not touch the trunk. If you notice a new tree pop up near you, take a moment to give it some love!
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Applications are Open for the CCPSA Non-Citizen Advisory Council
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is seeking applicants to fill multiple vacancies on its Non-Citizen Advisory Council (NAC). The NAC helps ensure that the perspectives of noncitizen and newly arrived Chicagoans are reflected in public safety, community policing, and police accountability policies. We encourage you to apply if you:
- Are passionate about public safety and police accountability
- Have experience working with or advocating for immigrant communities
- Want to help shape policies affecting noncitizen Chicagoans
Both noncitizen Chicagoans and advocates are encouraged to apply. Applicants will not be required to disclose their immigration status or voluntarily provide private information to any government agency, and CCPSA is committed to protecting the privacy of all applicants. Learn more and apply here by August 9
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Attend Your Next Beat Meeting
Want to get involved with public safety in your neighborhood? Attend a 20th or 24th district beat meeting! All meetings for beats in the 48th ward are listed in the image above, on our blog, and on our community calendar. Find out what beat you live using the map on this page or by searching your address here.
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20th District DUI Saturation Patrol Results
Earlier this month, the Chicago Police Department 20th District conducted a DUI Saturation Patrol. According to CPD, the purpose of a DUI Saturation Patrol is to "saturate a pre-designated area with roving police officers that continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place emphasis on speed, alcohol-related and safety belt violations." The results of the DUI Saturation Patrol are below:
- 0 Driving Under the Influence
- 0 Unsafe Vehicle Violations
- 0 Open Liquor
- 2 Insurance Violations
- 0 Seat Belt Violations
- 0 Child Seat Violations
- 0 Suspended/Revoked
- 0 No Driver's License Violations
- 0 Driver's License Violations
- 18 Speed Violations
- 0 Distracted Driving Violation
- 0 Traffic Violations (Other)
- 20 Total Citations
- 0 Other Arrests
- 0 Vehicles Towed
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CLICK HERE to opt in to receive occasional crime alerts from our office. If you're having trouble with this link, you can also opt in by re-subscribing HERE and checking the box at the bottom of the form. Doing so will not alter or double your existing newsletter subscription.
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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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Leni had the pleasure of attending Synapse Arts' New Works performance at the Berger Park Cultural Center. In the intimate sunroom overlooking the lake, performer Qū Jié shared their story as a Chinese-American adoptee by presenting a 6-month culmination of movement, clay, sound, and writing. Thank you to the hosts, artists, and performer for the special event centering Asian American and Pacific Islander artists in the 48th Ward's own cultural center. To stay connected about events and performances at Berger Park email [email protected] or visit Berger Park’s page on the Park District website.
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During Chicago's festive Pride weekend, 48th ward staff was delighted to table at Newstory's Kids Pride celebration on Granville. Families gathered for a barbecue, pride parade, drag storytime, and an abundance of cute rainbow accessories and freebies! Neighbors were proud to rep our "No hate in 48" signs during the parade and took them home to display in their windows. To invite the 48th ward to table at your block party or summer event, and to bring our great office swag to you, email [email protected].
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Just before the Pride Parade stepped off, Leni joined Governor Pritzker to sign HB4834 into law. This bill will purge records of testosterone prescriptions from the Prescription Monitoring Program and will prohibit inclusion of medications used in abortion or gender affirming care if the federal government adds them to the list of scheduled drugs. Congratulations to Rep. Kelly Cassidy and all of the advocates!
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Leni had the pleasure of cheering on and bestowing medals to the runners of the annual Proud to Run event along the lakefront. Neighbors from all over Chicago came to walk, run, dance, and cheer in the spirit of Pride month! We're happy and grateful to have such an amazing and welcoming event to remind us to Spark Joy, Speak Out and Shine On. A big shout out to this year’s community partners, Youth Empowerment Project, Trans Up Front Illinois, and Lighthouse Foundation. Proud to Run started in 1982 at Foster Beach, and since its founding, has raised $1.3 million for LGBTQ+ and allied organizations. Read more here.
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Last week, Leni and the Uptown Chamber of Commerce welcomed Hops & Grapes to Uptown! Check them out at 1025 W Argyle!
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Leni joined Principal Twomey, Assistant Principal Nguyen, Mr. Hale, and the team for the unveiling of a beautiful new mural inside Hayt Elementary that says “Together We Shine.” The mural was championed by Mr Hale, who brought in NEIU Professor Chantala Kommanivanh and four of his students to create the mural. Shout out to the student artists Carlos Fuentes-Guijosa, Isabel Feliciano, Kayla Henikman, and Juan Onofre. You can read more about Professor Kommanivanh and his work here.
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