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Happy Friday Neighbors!
Fall is here and there is something about the cooling of the temperature that allows for a reset and reflection. We had a somewhat productive city council meeting, where our office introduced an ordinance that would expand the city’s Smart Streets Pilot, as well as proposed questions to place on the February ballot for our 40th Ward neighbors (yep, that means YOU) can vote on.
We also had an opportunity to many of our partners from the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights for Latine Heritage Month: Alejandra Palacios, Cecelia Mendoza, Nina Sedeño, Enrique Espinosa, Herlinda Arriaga, Dulce Garduno, Julieta Bolivar and Victoria Infante have been working with the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights since the beginning of the term putting on Know Your Rights events, immigration workshops, trainings, and briefings virtually and in person across the city, in a variety of languages. Because of them, we are able to go into the communities that need this information, instead of waiting for them to come to us for help and information. We have done nearly 100 of these events over the last few years and these subject matter experts and leaders within their communities in their own right have also willingly VOLUNTEERED hundreds of hours to prepare for and put on events alongside us––this despite the fact that many of them have been overloaded with work over the past few years due to the constant upheaval from this administration. We are so deeply grateful for from the bottom of our hearts for their work: our work has only been successful because we have them guiding and supporting us along the way, letting us know where there are gaps and suggesting how to fill them, and spreading the word to their communities.
We have also been able to push the Department of Transportation to make a visibility improvement on Western by Argyle. A paint and post designator is being placed on western so that cars heading westbound on to Western from Argyle are better able to see as they head into the intersection. There is more work to be done, but we have progress.
In the coming week, we will have a city council meeting where we will be discussing three key items––the parking meter deal, the 30 vote threshold for bond matters, and the PRO and FAIR tenant/landlord ordinances. These have all been moving targets, and my guess is that they will continue to be negotiated until votes occur on Tuesday. We’ll have more details in our City Council round up next week, so stay tuned for that!
As I consider the matters, your feedback is always important and welcome. Thank you for being the best neighbors in the city of Chicago! We are moving our city forward together.
Yours in Service and Community, 
Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward Alder |
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| Host an Event at Ainslie Arts Plaza!
Now that Ainslie Arts Plaza is officially open, it is now available to the public to host events! Ainslie Arts Plaza is a public space that is free and open to the community. All members of the public are welcome to apply to host an event, free of charge. Teach a yoga class, host a karaoke night, or gather artists together for an arts fair! Learn more and apply to host an event on our website.
Events must be submitted at least one month in advance. Please note, event requests may be denied for reasons like weather, traffic issues, competing permits, public safety concerns, or scheduling conflicts. |
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| Haven on Lincoln Update
Earlier this year, we celebrated the completion of a project many years in the making: the Haven on Lincoln, Chicago's first stabilization housing project. Since then, we have been working with the City and State to finalize all the pieces that need to be in place before the doors of the Haven can officially open. The last step in the process before the Haven can open officially is receiving a No Further Remediation (NFR) letter from the Illinois EPA, which proves the site meets safety standards. Once that letter is complete, the City will transfer the property to Cornerstone Community Outreach to operate the Haven. We are doing everything we can to expedite that process, and are looking forward to the day we invite our first neighbors to their new home! To learn more and take a virtual tour of the space, visit our website. |
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| Apply to Become a Youth Commissioner for the CCPSA!Are you a young leader (18–24) from Chicago’s North Side who is passionate about public safety and police accountability? A seat is opening on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), and the District Council Nominating Committee is seeking applicants now through October 18. Applicants must submit an application, resume, and three letters of support; meet age and residency requirements; and demonstrate strong leadership and the ability to work well with diverse communities and public safety stakeholders.
Visit the CCPSA website to learn more, register for an upcoming virtual information session, and to apply before October 18. |
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| Workforce Solutions Program: Employee Training Grant
The Workforce Solutions Program (WSP) helps Chicago businesses invest in their workforce via a reimbursement grant that provides funding for employee training and on-the-job training for new hires. Visit this link to learn more about eligibility, funding opportunities, and how to apply. |
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| Cook County & City of Chicago: Vital Records and Voter Registration Event
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are partnering to bring Vital Records and voter registration services directly to Chicago residents. On Saturday, September 26, eligible residents will have the opportunity to obtain a birth or marriage certificate at a reduced or waived fee (additional copies are $4 each) and receive assistance registering to vote through the State of Illinois website. Advance registration is encouraged––interested parties can register here! Please be sure to bring and ID or other identifying information to the event to help expedite the process. Date: Saturday, September 26th, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Location: Manning Library, 6 S. Hoyne Ave., Chicago, IL 60612
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| Notice of Intent: 5636-40 N. Ashland AvenueAfter hearing from the community, Ald. Vasquez has decided to support the zoning change at 5636-40 N. Ashland from RS-3 to RM-6. Feedback from neighbors on this proposal was majority positive, with strong support for the building’s added residential density and onsite affordable units. To hear more about this project and the process, visit our website! |
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| Ravenswood Water Main ReplacementStarting in October 2026, the Department of Water Management (DWM) will install 2,596 feet of new sewer main to create a more reliable and efficient system. The following blocks will be affected: N. Oakley Ave: From W Ainslie to W Argyle W. Argyle St: From N Oakley Ave to N Bell Ave N. Claremont Ave: From W Ainslie to 140 feet south of the intersection W. Lawrence Ave: From N Oakley Ave to N Leavitt N. Leavitt St: From W Lawrence to 135 feet north of the intersection N. Hamilton Ave: From W Lawrence Ave to 170 feet north of the intersection W. Argyle St: From N Hoyne to N Hamilton N. Damen Ave: From W Ainslie to 260 feet north of the intersection
During completion of the sewer water main installation, DWM will begin outreach as part of the Lead Service Line Replacement Program to replace lead water service lines for all residents within the limits of the newly installed sewer main. Restoration will follow, including full-width street resurfacing along with replacement of damaged parkways and sidewalks. Some of the construction impacts will include: Traffic: If construction crews need to close or limit traffic during construction for safety reasons, you will always be able to reach your home or business. Outside of working hours, a travel lane will be left open for local traffic only. Parking: No Parking signs will be posted as needed during work hours (generally 7am-4pm). Parking outside those hours is allowed, but cars must be moved by the start of the next workday. Crews will try to preserve as much parking as possible. Service transfers: You will be given 24-hours notice when it is necessary to temporarily interrupt water service to transfer water to the new main. In the event of an emergency shutdown, you may not be able to be given prior warning.
We are having a community meeting with neighbors and the 47th Ward to discuss the project on Tuesday, October 6th, 6–8pm at Chappell Elementary (2135 W Foster). Learn more on our website! |
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| | Artesian Water Main ReplacementThe Department of Water Management (DWM) has begun installation of a new water main at N. Artesian Ave from Peterson to Granville, including full lead water service line replacement.
This week, crews began installing water main, which they will continue next week. There is no scheduled water interruptions in the next week. N. Artesian Ave from W Granville Ave to W Peterson Ave will be closed to the through traffic during working hours, but residents will have access to their homes. |
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| Residential Street Resurfacing!The following streets are being resurfaced this month! N. Campbell Ave from Granville to Glenlake N. Campbell Ave from Morse to Pratt N. Hermitage Ave. from Edgewater to Olive W. Balmoral Ave from Ravenswood to Ashland N. Winchester Ave from Balmoral to Berwyn W. Balmoral Ave from Hoyne Ave to Damen W. Carmen Ave from Oakley to Leavitt W. Leland Ave from Manor to the River N. Manor Ave from Lawrence to Montrose
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| Elise Malary PlazaCatalpa between Clark and Ashland is now permanently closed as a result of the new plaza being constructed. If you missed the pre-construction meeting we held earlier this year, you can check out a recording of our pre-construction meeting to learn more about this project and its impact to the community.
Next week, crews will be cleaning and adding soil to the planter boxes. Next week, they will begin irrigation work and preparing to pour sidewalk and other concrete work. |
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| HOPE’s Kitchen Free Monthly Meal
On Tuesday, October 6th, from 5:00–7:00 pm, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church will be hosting the HOPE'S Kitchen Welcome Meal! St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church hosts a free warm meal on the first Tuesday of every month at 2727 W. Winona, between Budlong School and Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital. |
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| St. Philip’s School Rummage Sale
On Friday, October 2 from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm, St. Philip Lutheran School is hosting a Community Rummage Sale in the school gym at 2500 W Bryn Mawr Ave. The rummage sale is made up of donations from many school families and the school--including housewares, accessories, school/classroom materials, small appliances, toys, books and more! The sale, run by the middle school class, is CASH ONLY and most items will sell for $1. Proceeds from the sale directly benefit the St. Philip’s middle school class trip! |
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| School Board District 2B Candidate Forum
On September 28th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, West Andersonville Neighbors Together (WANT) is hosting a Chicago School Board District 2B Candidate forum at Nicholas Senn High School (5900 Glenwood Ave). The event will be cohosted by West Edgewater Area Residents (WEAR), the League of Women Voters, and others. |
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| Metra Tree Walk at Peterson/Ridge Metra Station
On Saturday, September 26th at 10am join TreeKeeper Brett Jelinek on a Tree Tour around the Peterson/Ridge Metra Station. Learn how the trees planted at the new Metra station are helping local wildlife and humans alike, and the role community advocacy played in bringing 100% native plants to the station. This is also a great way to get out into nature and enjoy the first days of fall! |
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| Butterfly Garden Plant ID and Native Plant Giveaway at the Budlong Woods Library
On Sunday, September 27 at 2PM, the Budlong Woods Library is hosting Butterfly Garden Plant ID and Native Plant Giveaway at 5630 N. Lincoln Avenue. The cohort will identify and label native plants growing in the library's new butterfly garden. Learn about the benefits of adding native plants to your landscape. Each participant will take home a free native seedling for fall planting. A variety of native species seed packs and resource materials will be available. Space is limited. Stop by the library or call 312-742-9590 to register. |
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| Andersonville Arts Weekend
Join Andersonville Chamber of Commerce for the 22nd annual Arts Weekend! The event kicks off Friday, September 25, with opening parties & artist receptions and continues through the weekend with 30+ local businesses hosting artists from across Chicago. |
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| Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
Celebrate the sights, sounds and flavors of autumn at the 39th Annual Apple Fest in the heart of Lincoln Square! Join the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce for three days of fall fun on Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, 2026. To learn more, neighbors can visit the Apple Fest website! |
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| Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse at the Northtown Garden Society Meeting
On Thursday, October 1, from 7:00 - 8:30 PM, the Northtown Garden Society will be hosting a speaker from the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse at Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave. At the event, the speaker will cover Chicago's maritime history, the broader history of the Great Lakes, and the efforts toward lighthouse restoration and preservation in the region. |
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| A Purrfectly Spooky Caturday in Bowmanville
The Lincoln Square Cat Tour will be hosting another cat tour this October in Bowmanville on October 10th from 3-5pm! Interested neighbors can use this form to add their cat to the map before the Sep. 30, 2026 deadline. |
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| | | Veterans of Foreign Wars Illinois: Youth Scholarship Program and Essay Competition
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of Illinois welcomes all Middle and High School Students to participate in their annual essay contest. The Patriot's Pen is open to all students between grades 6 - 8 and is a written essay with this year's theme "What a veteran taught me about America". The Voice of Democracy is open to grades 9 - 12 and is an audio recorded essay with this year's theme "What a veteran taught me about America". Deadline for submissions for both contests is October 31, 2026. |
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| Volunteer to Judge Budlong Elementary School’s Science Fair!
Budlong Elementary School is seeking volunteer judges for their December 4th Science Fair with two sessions at 9am-11:15am & 12pm-3pm. Contact Linda Scheiber at [email protected] to register for one or both sessions. No experience needed! Lunch will be provided. |
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Public Safety Updates
The 19th District has shared that delivery drivers are currently being targeted in motor vehicle thefts across the City. Make sure to roll up the windows, turn off the ignition, lock the door and take your keys. All it takes is a minute or less for someone to steal your vehicles, so stay alert!
Overall, violent crime is slightly up (3.5%) in the 40th Ward for the year so far compared to last year. Citywide, violent crime is down 7.3%. See below for a breakdown of citywide and 40th Ward statistics across all categories. You can visit the City of Chicago’s Violence Reduction Dashboard to learn more! |
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| 19th District Council Monthly Meeting
Join the 19th District Council for their monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 30th at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church (600 W. Fullerton Avenue). The event takes place from 6:30PM to 8:30 PM. The event will feature conversations with Jens Ludwig, Director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab, who will join to discuss his book Unforgiving Places, and Becoming a Man (BAM) who will discuss their evidence-based approach to helping young people navigate conflict, emotions, and difficult situations. |
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| It was a joy celebrating our volunteers this past week! Thank you to everyone who works to make the 40th Ward the best community in the city. |
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We passed a resolution this month to recognize the Black Panther Heritage Trail! |
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The Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights joined Syrian Community Network and Indo-American Center at Windy City Sportsfest 2026! |
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