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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for August 17, 2026
In This Edition:
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Cortland Bridge Update
The Cortland Street Bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River has been closed to vehicular traffic since September 22, 2025, as part of the Cortland Street Capital Bridge Rehabilitation project. The century-old bridge was built in 1902, before modern inspection and maintenance standards, making some areas difficult to access and assess. The closure allowed the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to conduct a more thorough inspection and identify significant structural issues that were not included in the original scope of work. CDOT has recently stated that those findings require additional engineering review before a revised approach can be identified. It has been determined that it is unsafe for the bridge to handle vehicular traffic in its current condition. In the meantime, pedestrian and bicycle access remains.
I understand the need to address these structural issues and to complete the rehabilitation safely. However, the community has now lived with this closure for nearly a year, and there is still no clear scope of work or timeline for reopening the bridge. Residents and commuters have endured longer commutes and disruption from the loss of a critical river crossing.
CDOT has a responsibility to maintain Chicago's infrastructure while also addressing the impact its projects have on surrounding communities. On this project, not enough has been done to meet that responsibility. The lack of a clear plan, schedule, and meaningful traffic mitigation has placed too much of the burden on residents and businesses.
To spare others this burden, I spearheaded an ordinance this year requiring CDOT to develop a detailed traffic plan before closing a bridge for more than 30 days. The plan must identify ways to reduce congestion, including detours, parking adjustments, and other mitigation measures. The city should not close a critical piece of infrastructure for months—or longer—without a plan to manage the consequences for the surrounding community. We cannot simply accept prolonged disruption as an unavoidable consequence of infrastructure work. Meaningful steps must be taken to relieve congestion and provide the public with a realistic timeline. Click here to read my successfully implemented ordinance, which has already been triggered this year for other projects around the city.
The surrounding community has been patient, and it deserves a clear plan, effective traffic mitigation, and a firm path toward reopening the bridge. Please see below for CDOT’s statement on the matter.
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THIS WEEKEND: 2nd Ward Bike the Ward Event: Sunday, August 23
Join the 2nd Ward team for our annual Bike the Ward event starting at SPF Chicago, located at 2121 N Clybourn Ave. Get ready to pedal through the streets of the 2nd Ward with fellow cyclists. This event is perfect for all cycling enthusiasts, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rider.
Do not miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore the neighborhood on two wheels. Check-in will begin at 7:15 am, and participants will start lining up at 7:45 am.
Click here to register.
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General 2nd Ward Infrastructure Updates
Construction season continues as crews are busy resurfacing streets and alleys, building pedestrian safety improvements, and replacing street lighting. Here are some highlights of ongoing or upcoming infrastructure improvements in our ward. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. My office always stands ready to answer questions about these or any other infrastructure projects in our ward and to receive your suggestions for future consideration.
- Inner Lake Shore Drive resurfacing from Michigan to Ohio
Status: Milling and first layer of asphalt are complete. Utility level adjustments and sidewalk concrete work are underway.
- Will include some pedestrian safety improvements for crossing perpendicular east-west streets
- Southport/Belden intersection reconstruction
Status: Most work complete. Aesthetic additions such as bollards will be added soon. Asphalt patch added to rough seam between milled street and concrete intersection.
- Raised intersection installed to calm traffic and increase pedestrian visibility in all directions.
- Curb bump-outs will also be added to shorten pedestrian distance when crossing in all directions.
- Aesthetic improvements are included (protective bollards and stamped concrete accents).
- Clover Playlot Improvements*
(*For the safety of parkgoers, the park is closed while major renovations take place)
- Removal of dead trees
- Installation of artificial turf in areas prone to flooding
- Refreshed decorative hardscaping along the existing walking path (new pavers and decomposed granite finishes).
- Construction of a brand-new Gaga Ball court
- Status: In progress
- Work on new surface hardscaping has begun. Timeline for completion imminent.
- Pearson St parkway improvements
Status: Concrete work complete, paver restoration and finishing touches imminent
- Restoration of existing pavers and sidewalk replacement in select areas adjacent to Seneca Park
- Installation of brand-new paver-style stamped concrete along south parkway adjacent to Lake Shore Park (replacing existing sandstone gravel)
- Southport Ave resurfacing from Webster to Fullerton
- Status: Milling completed, asphalt being held pending Department of Water Management reconstruction of two collapsing sewers. Asphalt expected in two to three weeks.
- Chestnut St complete lighting replacement from Mies van der Rohe to Lake Shore Drive
- Status: Final electrical work scheduled for next week, concrete restoration of remaining areas scheduled for following week
- Magnolia Ave resurfacing from Webster to Belden
Status: Crews attempted to pave this morning, however, two private construction dumpsters needed to be moved. Asphalt crew expected back later this week.
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Scott to Schiller
Status: Project start is pending on spot curb and gutter replacement on the 1300 block of State Pkwy
- Dickens Avenue resurfacing from Clifton to Racine
Status: Requested early in 2026 but on hold while fiber optics (Lumen) project is completed
- If still necessary after fiber optics restoration, will be done in 2027
- Huron St resurfacing from St. Clair to Fairbanks
Status: planned for this year, schedule forthcoming
- Wells St replacement of lighting fixtures on existing poles from Division to North Ave (completed)
- Wabash Ave resurfacing from Huron to Superior (completed)
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Schiller to Burton (completed)
- McClurg Ct resurfacing from Ohio to Ontario (completed)
- Delaware Pl resurfacing from Clark to LaSalle (completed)
- Blackhawk St resurfacing from Sedgwick to Larrabee (completed)
- Magnolia/Belden detached pedestrian bump-outs (completed)
- Schiller between LaSalle and Clark: center line striping (completed)
- Alley apron and sidewalk replacement on North Ave from LaSalle to the western alley (in progress) - pictured below
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Street Sweeping
The Department of Streets and Sanitation continues to operate its regular street sweeping schedule. Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.
"Sweep Around Us" — a third-party email reminder service used for street sweeping alerts — has rebranded as "We The Sweeple." Click here for more information.
Click here to find the Street Sweeping section of my website. An interactive map of all seven street-sweeping sections is included, along with the full schedule of 2026 sweeping dates. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for respective sweeping dates in the event that they have visitors or are out of town.
Scheduled for cleaning on Tuesday, August 18: Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow)
Section 6 (Green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, August 19: Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow)
Section 6 (Green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, August 20: Section 7 (Brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, August 21: Section 7 (Brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, August 24: Section 1 (Olive)
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Community Input for CCPSA's 2026 Superintendent Search
 The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is responsible for searching for Chicago's next Superintendent of Police. The Commission's job is to identify, review, and nominate three candidates; the mayor will select from the options submitted.
CCPSA is seeking community input in their search for the next Superintendent. Please take the survey here.
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Coffee with the 18th District Commander: Thursday, August 20
 Join the 18th District Commander and the CAPS team for coffee and conversation this Thursday, August 20, at 10:00 am, at 515 N State St. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the officers who patrol your neighborhood and discuss your concerns or input with the commander.
If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS Office at 312-742-5778.
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, August 25
Join the 18th Police District Council for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 25, at 6:00 pm at Wintrust - Old Town, located at 100 W North Ave. Street Parking is available on North Avenue and Clark Street.
I am honored to be the guest speaker along with Commander Christopher Bielfeldt and the 18th District CAPS team to discuss public safety matters.
Click here to RSVP in person or here for the Zoom option.
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Sign Up for Notify Chicago Alerts Today
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages visitors and residents to sign up for NotifyChicago alerts to stay aware of weekend events and weather conditions citywide. Those who sign up will get real-time updates on events and weather conditions from OEMC, ensuring they stay in the know at all times. Sign up here today.
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18th District CompStat Report
Computer Statistics report (CompStat) is a weekly report of incidents that have occurred in the respective police district. Each district compiles a statistical summary of the week's crime complaints, arrests, and data analysis.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
Community Alerts:
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
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Updated 2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Beat community meetings are a key part of the Chicago Police Department's strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person, with the option to participate remotely, and are an excellent way to communicate with the officers who patrol your beat and to engage with and meet your neighbors.
The entirety of the 2nd Ward falls inside the 18th District. Click here to find which beat you reside in. You may also call 312-742-5778 or email [email protected] for more information about the 18th District CAPS office.
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Update on the Division Street Streetscape
I am happy to report construction has finally begun.
These streetscape improvements have been designed by the Chicago Department of Transportation in close cooperation with community representatives and my team. Highlights include:
• Roadway geometry improvements
• Full-width roadway resurfacing
• New wider paver sidewalks
• New curb and gutter
• New street lighting
• ADA ramps and crosswalks
• New pavement markings and signs
• Tree plantings and landscaping
• Site furnishings
Throughout construction, Division Street will remain open to motorists and pedestrians, and access to businesses and residences will be maintained. During the final stage of construction, westbound traffic will be temporarily detoured. Please watch out for parking restrictions for equipment staging on nearby streets.
The outbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will be detoured during specific stages of construction. The inbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will not be affected. Individual bus stops may be temporarily closed or relocated to accommodate construction. For more information, please call the CTA information hotline at 773-836-7000.
Hardscape work is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving, with some landscaping work happening in the spring. Construction review meetings will be held weekly by CDOT when construction is underway. These meetings are open to the public and provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to ask questions and coordinate concerns regarding construction.
For additional information, please call the Department of Transportation at (312) 744-5900 or visit the project website here.
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SAVE THE DATE! Upcoming 2nd Ward Document Shredding and Electronic Recycling Events
Join me at my upcoming 2nd Ward Document Shredding and Electronic Recycling Events:
Gold Coast: Sunday, August 30 | 9 am to 12 pm - 1258 N State Pkwy (My Parking lot)
Streeterville: Sunday, September 13 | 9 am to 12 pm - 382 E Huron St - Northwestern University Lot (from Superior to Huron)
Lincoln Park: Sunday, September 20 | 9 am to 12 pm - 2121 N Clybourn - SPF Chicago
Additional information on each event will be published in upcoming newsletters.
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Participate in Lights Out Chicago During Bird Migratory Seasons
As a member of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy, I am passionate about ensuring bird safety in our city, particularly in areas with large, glass-covered buildings such as those in our ward. I am proud to be a primary sponsor of an ordinance to establish requirements for bird-friendly building design in new buildings, which, if passed, will ensure that developers must include bird-friendly elements in their design process and avoid preventable bird deaths from window collisions.
If you want to help prevent these window collisions, I encourage you to participate in the Lights Out Chicago program. From now until November 15, the Lights Out Chicago program encourages the owners and managers of tall buildings and any buildings along the river or lakefront to turn off or dim their decorative lights and other non-essential lighting every evening in the spring and fall from 11 pm until sunrise.
The goal is to achieve a building with the least amount of light emission possible from 11 pm until sunrise during migratory seasons (March 15 to June 15 and August 15 to November 15):
- Extinguish or dim exterior or decorative lighting on any multi-story building. This includes spotlights, logos, lighted clock faces, greenhouses, antennae lighting, etc.
- Extinguish or dim the maximum amount of lobby lighting possible.
- Minimize the lights or draw shades in perimeter rooms at all levels of the building.
Click here to learn more about Lights Out Chicago and how you can help.
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Registration for Bike the Drive Now Open
 Registration for the 25th Annual Bike the Drive is now open. The event takes place on Sunday, September 6, on Lake Shore Drive. Bike the Drive is a fundraiser for the Active Transportation Alliance, a non-profit advocacy organization working to improve conditions for walking, biking, and public transit throughout Chicago.
Click here to learn more. Click here for volunteer opportunities.
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Clear the Shelters Event at CACC: Now through August 31
 Throughout August, adoption fees will be waived for dogs and cats as part of NBCUniversal Local's annual Clear the Shelters campaign. Residents can visit Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) daily from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm (please arrive by 5:30 pm if you plan on adopting).
Visit 24petconnect.com/chgoall for the most up-to-date list of animals in the shelter.
Click here for more information.
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Christmas In The Wards Back to School Bash: August 21
Join Christmas in the Wards for a back-to-school giveaway on August 21, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Malcolm X College (1900 W Jackson Blvd). Attendees will receive backpacks, school supplies, clothing, shoes, and good. This free event is open to the public.
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Mary Poppins Movie in the Park: Saturday, August 22
Join me this weekend at Lake Shore Park for a magical evening under the stars as we screen the beloved classic Mary Poppins! The movie will begin at approximately 8:30 PM on Saturday, August 22.
Before the movie, the fun starts with some special entertainment in the crowd! Talented actors from our very own Lookingglass Theatre will roam through the audience with circus antics and improvisation, while Mary Poppins—on stilts and carrying her large carpet bag—will hand out popcorn to moviegoers.
Five lucky audience members will also be selected to compete in our “Bad Cockney Accent Competition”! Bring a blanket, bring your friends, and come ready for a jolly good time before the movie takes flight!
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Destigmatizing Dementia: A Community Conversation: September 9
 Join Skyline Village Chicago and the Center for Life and Learning at Fourth Presbyterian Church for a free community event exploring ways to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia. The program features a keynote presentation by TimeSlips, an internationally recognized nonprofit that uses creativity and storytelling to strengthen connections with people living with dementia, followed by a panel discussion on the Dementia Friends movement and the GUIDE program. The program will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm at Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E. Chestnut St). Open to caregivers, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, people living with dementia and their care partners, and anyone interested in creating a more dementia-friendly community.
Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. To register, visit CLL: Destigmatizing Dementia – Fourth Presbyterian Church.
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Stress-Buster Program Now Available
If you are a family member or caregiver of someone with dementia, you are invited to participate in the "Stress-Buster" program through the Department of Family and Support Services. Participants will learn stress management techniques, receive peer support, learn enhanced problem-solving skills, and more. You can register to attend these virtual classes here.
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Little Sisters of the Poor Chez Ste Marie Fundraiser: Thursday, September 17
 Join the Little Sisters of the Poor for Chez Ste. Marie–A Taste of France. This popular wine tasting event will take place on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in St. Mary’s Garden (2325 N Lakewood Ave).
Sample select fine French wines, taste handcrafted hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy the dulcet sounds of the guest string quartet. All proceeds go to support St. Mary’s Home and Jugan Terrace.
Click here for more information.
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