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48th WARD NEWS: SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
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MOBILE DMV
- When: Friday, September 4 from 10am-2pm
- Where: Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
- Sign Up for a timeslot here.
There are still a few spots available for our Mobile DMV event tomorrow at the Edgewater Library! Register at the link above and visit ILSOS.gov to review required documents. Mobile DMV is an event series that allows you to access DMV services right here in the ward! Representatives will be available on site to assist with drivers licenses, state ID cards, vehicle registration, license plate stickers, and more.
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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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Join Us for the 25th Annual Bike the Drive
- When: Sunday, September 6 at 6:30am
- Where: Bryn Mawr DLSD entrance
- Learn more online.
Grab your bike and reconnect with friends and family on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Ride as little or as much of the 30-mile course as you’d like, and then enjoy a post-ride festival in Grant Park. No bike? No problem! Rentals are available. Please note that DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be inaccessible to cars before and during the event. See full details here.
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Recycle Fabric Tote Bags and Prescription Bottles
The 48th Ward Green Council is collecting two hard-to-recycle materials now through September 11: fabric tote bags and prescription medication bottles. Our team will drop off these materials at the upcoming Fall Nature Fest at LaBagh Woods where they will be redistributed and reused.
Tote Bags:
Tote bags will be donated to Care for Real for their clients to use for groceries. Bags must be made of fabric with no rips or tears.
Prescription Bottles:
Prescription bottles will be donated to Matthew 25 Ministries who will use them to ship medications to communities in need. Containers must have lids/caps and be empty, clean, and labelless. Remove labels in hot soapy water.
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Tree Trimming Update
The Bureau of Forestry (BoF) is currently working on grid area N060 - W012 which is bounded by Clark, Devon, Broadway, and Elmdale.
Visit our blog to see a map of the grid and learn more. The City of Chicago uses a grid system for tree trimming with 1-2 trim crews from the Bureau of Forestry (BoF) trimming trees in a 16-block area, or "grid," on a given day of the week. BoF trims every tree in the grid, and if these trees are properly cared for, they should not need to be trimmed again for at least five years.
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Ward Night Recap
Thanks to everyone who joined us at our July 21 Ward Night meeting! You can read an overview of what we discussed here. Register for the next Ward Night meeting here.
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Older Adults Picture Day
- When: Friday, September 9 from 10:30am-12:30pm
- Where: Senior Center Lounge (5917 N Broadway)
- No RSVP required
It's picture day! Come have your picture taken at the Edgewater Satellite Senior Center and receive a printout copy for you to take home!
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Friends of Bezazian Book Drive
Now through September 19 we're collecting books, CDs, and DVDs for the Bezazian book sale! Drop off items at 1129 W Bryn Mawr any time we're open or by the Bezazian Library front desk (1226 W Ainslie) Please note that vinyls, VHS tapes, cassettes, textbooks, and magazines will not be accepted. Learn more online here.
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Edgewater Satellite Senior Center September Calendar
The Edgewater Satellite Senior Center located at 5917 N Broadway is open Monday through Friday offering entertainment, fitness, resources, hot lunch, and more! Come by to take a yoga class, play board games with neighbors, or enjoy a meal. Call the center at 312-742-5323 with any questions.
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48th Ward Back to School Bash
The 2026/2027 school year is officially underway! Thanks to all of our wonderful neighbors and volunteers who came together to make this year's back to school bash the best one yet. Between games, music, and family fun, we distributed over 250 backpacks! There are still a few left, so if you weren't able to make it to the event, head to the Margate Park Fieldhouse (4921 N Marine) during regular hours to claim yours! Note: backpacks will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis to children accompanied by an adult.
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48th Ward Office Closed Monday, September 7
The 48th Ward office will be closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor 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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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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100% Affordable Housing at 5853 N Broadway Moving to Next Step!
Three ordinances will be heard this month by the Committee on Finance for Bickerdike’s 100% affordable housing development at 5853 N Broadway. The ordinances authorize issuance of multi-family program funds and approve a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) amendment to help fund the construction of this new housing development. We anticipate hosting a groundbreaking ceremony later this year.
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Goudy Sensory Playlot Ribbon Cutting
During Participatory Voting YOU voted to fund the new fully accessible playlot at Goudy. Last week, we cut the ribbon on the completed project! The new playlot will help meet the needs of the growing pre-k program at Goudy, and is open to the community.
We are also so proud that Goudy was recently named a Magnet School of Excellence! Congratulations to Principal Yeh and the amazing team at Goudy for this honor and for creating this new sensory playlot for our kids!
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Elevating Culture Near Transit RFP
Elevated Chicago is launching the second round of the Elevating Culture Near Transit RFP to support creative placekeeping in Chicago. This funding opportunity is designed to spark community pride, protect neighborhood culture, and fuel economic growth. This year, Elevated Chicago will support projects that:
- Activate public spaces through arts & culture
- Advance equity and community power in urban planning
- Support local creatives & small businesses
- Advance collaborative, community-led efforts
Applications are open and will close on Monday, September 14. Learn more and apply online.
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Update: Geofencing Sheridan Road
To improve pedestrian safety, geofencing of Divvy ebikes is now live on N Sheridan Road between Ardmore and W Sheridan Road. The change was implemented at the alderwoman's request in response to community concerns about frequent sidewalk riding along this busy pedestrian corridor near the entrance to the lakefront trail.
This section of N Sheridan Road has a unique set of conditions that made geofencing an appropriate tool in this instance, including high pedestrian activity, a large number of older adults and other vulnerable road users, and nearby parallel bikeways that provide comfortable alternatives for people traveling by bike or scooter.
In recent years, The 48th Ward office has worked closely with CDOT to support safer travel in the area including improving the parallel Kenmore and Winthrop neighborhood greenways and refreshing the Ardmore connection to the Lakefront Trail. We created the first two east-west bikeway connections through the 48th Ward, on Berwyn and Granville, helping create a more connected neighborhood network. When we organize our streets with clear spaces for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, we are all safer.
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Older Adults Medical ID Bracelet Registration Event
- When: Saturday, September 5 from 9am-12pm
- Where: 20th District CAPS Office (5400 N Lincoln)
- No RSVP required.
The 20th District Community Policing Office will be hosting a medical ID registration event in an effort to help older adults save crucial time in the event of an emergency. Health information will be registered in the CPD data system to keep track of any medical issues of concern for family and medical personnel. Attendees must register in the CPD community policing office to obtain a bracelet.
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CIRR Immigration Briefing
- When: Tuesday, September 8 at 1pm
- Where: VIRTUAL
- RSVP online.
The Chicago City Council’s Committee on Immigration & Refugee Rights (CIRR) invites you to join a virtual immigration briefing to ensure we all understand the changes to immigration law occurring at the federal level and their practical effects on Chicagoans. We will discuss changes that may be brought by presidential actions, congressional actions, federal agency policy changes, and judicial actions. We know that immigration issues are broad and often complicated to understand so we’re partnering with immigration attorneys to provide some insight.
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Grocery Gift Card Disaster Relief Program
If you experienced a power outage as a result of severe weather this summer, you may qualify for one-time assistance in the form of a $150 Visa Grocery Gift Card to replace lost perishable food. Contact one of the six DFSS Community Service Centers for eligibility information and application assistance.
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District Council Election Info Session
- When: Wednesday, September 9 at 6pm (and other scheduled dates)
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
In February 2027, elections will be held to select 3 District Councilors (DCs) in each of Chicago's 22 police districts. District Councils bring community voices into policing and public safety at both the local and city level. Councilors serve as local elected leaders providing grassroots input to CPD oversight efforts. During this brief information session, you will learn about the upcoming elections, the responsibilities of the DCs, and about the requirements to run for this elected office. Learn more here.
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Help Select a New Police Superintendent
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is leading a nationwide search for Chicago's next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department and they want to hear from you! The Commission's job is to identify, review, and nominate three candidates; the mayor will make a selection from these nominations. Take a moment to share your ideas and priorities with the CCPSA via this online survey.
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Caring for Parkway Trees
Summer may be slowly winding down, but it's not over yet! New trees, especially those planted in Spring and Summer, still 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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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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DWM Sheridan / Bryn Mawr Water Main Project Update
The Department of Water Management (DWM) has an updated design for the water main replacement project planned along Bryn Mawr (between Kenmore and Sheridan) and along Sheridan (between Bryn Mawr and Foster). Construction has been paused since mid-June when utility conflicts were discovered and the contractor demobilized from the site.
Design plans were revised and completed in late August for the Sheridan portion of this project. Per the new alignment, DWM must install the water main further west on the Sheridan portion of the project. DWM is coordinating with the Bureaus of Electricity and Forestry to minimize potential impacts to light poles and trees for this project. The 48th Ward office will provide an update on the project schedule when available. Construction work continues to be paused on both Sheridan and Bryn Mawr at this time as we await an updated timeline.
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Glenwood Paving Schedule Update
The paving of Glenwood (Balmoral to Berwyn) is tentatively scheduled for next week. This is pending the completion of work from the Department of Water Management.
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People's Gas Sidewalk Construction
People’s Gas is currently doing sidewalk restoration work on the following streets:
- Olive (Clark to Glenwood)
- Victoria (Clark to Ridge)
- Edgewater (Clark to Glenwood)
- Ridge (Victoria to Bryn Mawr)
- Glenwood (Bryn to Ridge)
These sidewalks were restored by People's Gas in 2022/2023 with a low quality concrete mix, and are being re-done at no cost to the city. See a full 2026 construction schedule on our blog.
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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. Much of the work listed below is part of the CTA Under L activation project to open up community spaces under our new Red Line tracks! Read more about this project here.
ALLEY IMPACTS
East side of the tracks from Catalpa - Bryn Mawr
- Monday, August 17 - Friday, September 4
- Work Activity: Curb Installation and Utility Work
East side of the tracks from Foster - Berwyn
- Thursday, August 6 - Monday, September 7
- Work Activity: Curb Installation
East side of the tracks from Argyle - Winona
- Monday, August 24 - Friday, September 11
- Work Activity: Curb Installation & Site Grading
East of 5239-5255 N Broadway (Foster - Berwyn)
- Tuesday, September 8 - Monday, September 14
- Work Activity: Underground Utility Work + Alley Reconstruction
East of 1125 W Foster & 5125 N Broadway (Winona - Foster)
- Tuesday, September 8 - Monday, September 14
- Work Activity: Underground Utility Work + Alley Reconstruction
West side of the tracks from Ainslie-Argyle
- Tuesday, August 25 - Friday, September 18
- Work Activity: Underground Utility Work + Alley Resurfacing + Curb Installation
East side of the tracks from Ainslie - Argyle
- Monday, August 31 - Friday, September 28
- Work Activity: Curb Installation + Final Site Grading
East side of the tracks from Lawrence - Ainslie
- Monday, August 31 - Monday, September 28
- Work Activity: Curb Installation + Site Grading
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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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A big 48th Ward congratulations to the many graduates of Chicago Public LIbrary's 2026 Summer Reading Program! Leni attended the ceremony which celebrated volunteers and youth alike with games, prizes, and a glow stick dance party!
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As the summer winds down, our team has been bringing city services directly to YOU at festivals, back to school bashes, block parties, and more! Over the last three years, we have increased city services by 20% in part by attending over 200 community events!
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Edgewater knows how to party! The second annual Edgewater Music fest was packed with neighbors from all over the North Side and beyond! Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy good food, listen to independent music, and shop local at tables throughout the event. Here's to many more years of Edgewater Music Fest! Shout out to the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and all of the amazing sponsors for making this event happen!
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Block party season is still going strong in the 48th Ward! Thanks to the North Uptown Neighbors Association (NUNA), BARGE, and One Long Table for having us at your recent summer celebrations. Check out our 48th Ward block club map here to get involved with your local community. Want to invite Leni to your next event? Use this link.
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Welcome back to school! Last week, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth and Principal Dacres welcomed Mayor Brandon Johnson and CPS CEO Macquline King to Senn High School. They visited classrooms, spoke with students and teachers, and enjoyed an improv performance by Senn Arts students!
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Thank you to the neighbors at East Point and Hollywood House 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.
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