Dear Neighbor,

On Monday, our office hosted our second community meeting in coordination with the Department of Transportation regarding the ongoing arterial resurfacing work on Fullerton Avenue between Lockwood and Kimball Avenue. We provided updates on construction and on the street design, which includes 36 curb extensions and 13 bus bulbs. These features will make Fullerton Avenue safer for pedestrians, public transit users, and motorists alike. The pedestrian crossing at Fullerton and St. Louis will be redesigned with curb extensions on both sides of the street to maintain pedestrian safety while also addressing traffic safety issues that have resulted in multiple crashes.

Work continues on this stretch, and the Resident Engineer expects that this upcoming week the contractor will finish installing the first layer of asphalt on the 35th Ward portion of the project, and will then proceed with their work installing curb extensions and sidewalk repairs, catch basins, and performing utility adjustments.

On Wednesday, our office hosted our 35th Ward Annual Report Town Hall, where we discussed our 2026 Annual Report. Thank you to all of our neighbors who attended. It was great to share all of the work that we have accomplished over the past year to build and preserve affordable housing, protect our neighbors from ICE, improve local infrastructure, deliver responsive and effective neighborhood services, and advocate for legislation to help our working families. 

Please note that as part of the Department of Water Management sewer/water/and lead service line replacement project in the Irving Park neighborhood, Kimball Avenue at Waveland Avenue will be temporarily closed to construct a new sewer main connection. The closure and impact to traffic will begin on Monday, August 10th, and is currently planned to reopen early the week of August 17th. North- and southbound traffic, including the Kimball bus, will be re-routed to Kedzie Avenue, between Irving Park and Addison.

Tomorrow, our Irving Park neighbors will be hosting their annual Community Garage Sale. This is one of the most visited and popular community garage sales in the city! Please be sure to stop by between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. You can find a map of participating households here.

Our office will be hosting a neighborhood clean-up with the Trash People organization tomorrow at Algonquin Park, 2941 N Washtenaw, in Avondale at 10:00 AM. If you’re interested in joining us, please register here to ensure we have ample tools. I hope you have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Anthony J. Quezada

Alderman, 35th Ward

Community Resources:

• Food Bank Locator and SNAP Updates

• Utility Billing and Relief

• Immigration Resources | Family Support Hotline 855-435-7693

• Parking Ticket Relief

• Tenants Rights Resources

Ward Updates

Upcoming Ward Nights

Our upcoming ward nights are August 10th and August 24th. Appointments are filled for August 10th and available for August 24th. We schedule Ward Night visits by appointment to ensure ample time for residents to discuss community concerns and opportunities with the alderman. To schedule an appointment to meet with the Alderman during Ward Night, please email us at [email protected] or call us at (773)-985-3510 during our hours of operation (9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday).

Logan Square Megamall Plaza Community Identifier Feedback

Community feedback is being gathered to help shape the design of a new identifier for the new Megamall plaza. Community identifiers are built elements that celebrate the cultural history of a neighborhood and serve as gateways, destinations, and local wayfinding landmarks. We invite you to take this survey and choose the identifier concept you prefer for the plaza.

This survey will close Friday 8/21/26 by 6:00PM.

Call for Artists: Request for Qualifications- 35th Ward Mural Projects

In 2025, 35th Ward residents voted to dedicate funding through the 35th Ward Participatory Budgeting Program for Public Art and Beautification of Public Spaces. Two winning project proposals were the installation of murals on viaducts at 3401 N Kimball and 3040 N Sacramento. The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), in partnership with the 35th Ward Office, invites professional artists, artist teams, and arts organizations based in Chicago to submit qualifications. You can find more information and apply here. This call is open through August 28, 2026.

Belmont Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) Study Survey

Have thoughts on potential transit-oriented improvements near Belmont and Kimball in Avondale? Help shape the Belmont Blue Line ETOD Plan by taking a community survey through Aug. 31 and adding ideas to the interactive map. Complete the survey at bit.ly/BelmontSurvey and learn more at Chicago.gov/BelmontETOD.

Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Upcoming Waitlist Opening

On Monday, August 10th at 9am, Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp will be opening their waitlists for the La Estancia (Division St) and Lucy Gonzalez Parsons (Logan Square) Apartments. These are 1-bedroom units. Those interested in applying should visit the application website submit their pre-application. Applicants will receive their waitlist number in the mail. Applicants who do not have access to a computer can call the Bickerdike office at 773-227-6332 to be sent an application in the mail. You can also check out future waitlist opportunities here. 

Community Development Grants OPEN

The City of Chicago is taking applications for Community Development Grants (CDG) for small and medium grants to support a variety of eligible, business-related investments that create and maintain jobs and quality-of-life improvements for local residents. Applications are due by August 14 by 11:59 PM. Register here for a webinar discussing small-size CDGs on Wednesday August 12 at 10:00 AM.

Irving Park Department of Water Management Project 7578 Updates

This week, the Department of Water Management completed another 7 Lead Service Line Replacements on N St Louis ave, between Waveland and Elston! Contractors also continued working on the new sewer heading east on Waveland from Bernard toward N Kimball. They also began installing catch basins on Waveland between N St Louis and N Kimball Ave.

Sewer Schedule - August 10th, 2026 - August 14th, 2026

The Department of Water Management (DWM) will continue coordinating the installation of a new sewer main, heading east on W Waveland towards N Kimball Ave, and they will in the next week be installing a new manhole structure at the Kimball and Waveland intersection. They anticipate that the ‘cut and cap’ and reconnection on the existing water main at this intersection will be completed next week to accommodate the sewer installation. There will be an interruption of water service for homes near this intersection on August 10th. The affected homes have been notified directly. In addition to this work, DWM anticipates to complete roughly 8 more Lead Service Line Replacements.

As DWM continues installation of sewer main towards N. Kimball Ave, a street closure of the intersection will be needed. Beginning on August 10th, 2026, DMW will be closing the intersection to all traffic to safely complete the required sewer and watermain work in N. Kimball Ave x W. Waveland Ave. N. Kimball Ave is a bus route, and CTA has been notified of the detour for the buses that will be affected. Detour signs will be posted to notify public transportation where their temporary route will be. I've also included a map provided by the contractors of this detour.

Fullerton Avenue Arterial Resurfacing

This week, the contractor finished the removal of the old asphalt in phase 2 (Karlov to Kimball). Next week, the contractor will be laying the final surface in Stage 1 (Lockwood to Karlov). In Stage 2, the contractor will finish installing the first layer of asphalt and will continue with concrete work, sewer installations, and utility readjustments throughout the project's stage 2 area.

Upcoming Paseo Prairie Garden Work Days

The Friends of Paseo Prairie Garden will be hosting upcoming volunteer work days. Each work day will be held from 10am-11:30am at Paseo Prairie Community Garden, located at 2614 N Kedzie, and volunteers can assist with weeding, trash pickup, watering and planting.

Upcoming dates:

Sunday August 9th

Saturday August 15th

West Chicago Township Property Assessment Appeals NOW OPEN

Residents of the 35th ward that reside within the West Chicago township may a file an appeal of their assessment until August 21st.  Check your township here. If you think the estimated market value of your home is incorrect, you should file an appeal if you have not done so recently. This is the last year for appeals until the next reassessment year for Chicago, meaning if people have appealed already once since 2024, there is no need to reappeal this year. Our joint office with Commissioner Jessica Vazquez, located at 2934 N Milwaukee, Unit C, is taking appointments for appeals, please call (312) 603-6386 to schedule an appointment.

Cook County Board of Review Pre-File Appeals NOW OPEN

The Cook County Board of Review has officially opened the tax year 2026 session and ALL property owners may Pre-File an appeal with the Cook County Board of Review now OR you can wait and file an appeal when your township appeal period opens. If you have already had a reduction through a successful appeal in the last 2 years, we would not encourage you to file another appeal this year. As a reminder you can appeal your assessment every year with the Cook County Assessor's Office and with the Cook County Board of Review. You can appeal online via this link. If you need assistance, feel free to call the office of Commissioner Jessica Vásquez at 312-603-6386 or stop into our shared office at 2934 N. Milwaukee Unit C.

Small Business Improvement Fund - Chicago Program Highlight

The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in September in the Fullerton/Milwaukee TIF district. Apply at chicago.gov/sbif by Sept. 30, and register for an informational webinar at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2 bit.ly/sept26sbif

Community Cleanup Event in East Avondale August 8

Join us for a community clean-up in collaboration with Trash People on Saturday, August 8 at Algonquin Park (2941 N Washtenaw Ave) at 10 am.

All supplies needed will be provided (gloves, bags, grabbers, etc.) - so just bring yourself and be ready to pick up some trash and meet some neighbors!

Registration is required by all participants in order to participate.

Policy and Zoning Updates

Community Meeting on Zoning Map Amendment Request at 3019-3021 W Belmont

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the 35th Ward Office will be holding a community meeting at Revolution Brewing Tap Room at 3340 N Kedzie Ave from 6:30-8pm to gather feedback on a zoning map amendment request for 3019-3021 W Belmont Ave. The current property is a ground-floor storefront and three apartments. The applicant, Anthony Vitale, is seeking a zoning map amendment from B3-1 to B2-2 to demolish the current building and construct a 6-unit apartment building.

At the meeting, the applicant will present their proposal and residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. Following the meeting, the 35th Ward Office will allow two weeks for residents to provide additional feedback. At the end of the two week period, the Alderman will decide whether he supports the project based on the feedback received. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call (773) 985-3510.

35th Ward Participatory Budget Process

The 35th Ward invites you to submit infrastructure improvement ideas for brick-and-mortar projects for our Participatory Budgeting program to be implemented in 2027. Ward residents get to submit ideas and vote on how the 35th Ward office and the Volunteer PB Committee prioritizes Aldermanic Menu Program funds.

Projects must be located within the 35th Ward and must be on the public way or the property of a City of Chicago sister agency, such as the Chicago Park District or Chicago Public Schools. You can review a map of the 35th Ward here: https://app.chicagoelections.gov/documents/general/35th%20Ward.pdf

Examples of common infrastructure improvement projects are:

• sidewalk repair

• street resurfacing

• alley resurfacing

• concrete alley aprons

• lighting improvements (piggy back lighting, new light poles)

• pedestrian sidewalk bump-outs (detached bump-outs or curb extensions)

• pedestrian refugee islands

• traffic circles

• protected or painted bike lanes

• curb and gutter replacement

• beautification improvements (light pole repainting, planters, murals)

  
  

Please contact our office if you have any questions at (773) 985-3510 or at [email protected].

Upcoming Community Events

Irving Park Community Garage Sale August 8th

This Saturday, our neighbors in Irving Park will be hosting a community yard sale. Over 125 homes are opening up their garages. Score new finds like antiques, kitchenware, tools, furniture and much more all within the boundaries of the neighborhood.

Learn more and find a map of participating homes here.

Paradise Garden Logan Square Upcoming Events

Join Paradise Garden Logan Square (2214 N Drake) for a Classical Open Mic Night on Friday August 21st at 6pm. This is an opportunity for musicians in the classical realm of music to show off their talents. Please fill out this form by Tuesday, August 18th to be considered. Participation will be on a first come first serve basis.

CTA Sculpture Project August 11

Join sculptor Janet Austin and Jose L. Gutierrez to create art and poetry that may be incorporated in a new sculpture that will be installed at the Logan Square CTA Station. Join the artists at Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N Milwaukee Ave, 2nd Floor on Tuesday, August 11th from 12 to 3 PM.

Friends of Avondale-Logandale Elementary Fundraiser

Our neighbors at the Friends of Avondale-Logandale Elementary School are collecting donations to help build a bathroom and provide aftercare for their youngest scholars in Pre-Kindergarten. If you are interested in donating, please click the following link. For more information, email [email protected]

Constituent Resources

35th Ward Office Phone: 773-985-3510

35th Ward Office Email: [email protected]

DSS recycling and garbage schedule:  chicagorecycles.org

Parking Zone Lookup:   http://smartchicago.github.io/zone-parking/  

Snow Plow Tracker: https://plow-tracker-chicago.hub.arcgis.com/

Street Sweeping Schedule: 2026 Street Cleaning Schedule

Street Sweeper Tracker: www.cityofchicago.org/sweepertracker

Street Sweeper “We The Sweeple” App: https://www.wethesweeple.com/Elected Official Lookup: https://chicagoelections.com/en/your-voter-information.html

Backyard service rodent abatement: (312) 746-5230

35th Ward Staff

Scott Jaburek - Chief of Staff

Alberto Cuevas - Ward Superintendent

Sara Rodriguez - Neighborhood Services Director

Chas Sirridge - Policy Director

Juan Cardenas - Neighborhood Services Advocate

Food Resources

On May 1, nearly 120,000 neighbors in Illinois lost their SNAP benefits due to new work requirements and other eligibility changes. This is the largest drop in SNAP participation in our state’s history, and we know local hunger is rising.

No one should have to worry about putting food on the table while navigating these changes. If you or someone you know relies on SNAP, take action to protect your benefits or reconnect to SNAP today. You might qualify to apply for an exemption from the new work requirements. There are also free resources like Job Ready Illinois and Serve Illinois to help you connect to job training, work, and volunteering, if you are not exempt.

Visit SaveOurSNAP.org for resources or contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154 to talk to someone about your benefits.

35^th Ward Food Access Sites

Chicago Hope Inc.

2505 N Kedzie Blvd

Regular Program Hours:

Monday- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Thursday- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

New Community Covenant Church
2649 N Francisco Ave  

Regular Program Hours:

Wednesday 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Friday 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

St Sylvester Parish

2915 W Palmer St

Regular Program Hours:

Wednesday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Life Impacters Foundation
2100 N Kildare Ave  

[email protected]

Regular Program Hours:

Monday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

August Schedule for Northwest Side Solidarity Network Events - 3000 N Kedzie Ave (All food given on a first-come, first-served basis)

August Community Dinners  

Date: August 13th and August 20th

Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Location: 3000 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

August Free Groceries

Date: August 19th

Time: 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Location: 3000 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

August Adult Health Screenings

Date: August 19th

Time: 10 am - 1:30 pm

Location: 3000 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Employment Opportunities

The Illinois Department of Human Services is hiring! Check out open positions here.

People’s Gas is also hiring! You can find open positions in the region on their website.

The City of Chicago is hiring for several positions. You can find these positions at www.cityofchicago.org/jobs.

To find open positions at the Chicago Park District, please visit this link.

Public Safety (CAPS) Meetings

CAPS meetings are an opportunity for residents to meet with the Community Engagement officers of their local police districts to discuss public safety concerns in their neighborhoods. The 35th ward includes portions of the 14th, 17th, and 25th districts of the Chicago Police Department. Visit the CPD website to find your beat.

Beat 1413 Wednesday August 12 at 6pm at 3418 W Armitage

Beat 1732/1733 Wednesday August 12 at 6:45pm at 3546 W Addison St.

Beat 1414 Thursday August 13 at 6pm at 3030 W Fullerton Ave