32nd Ward Newsletter January 16, 2026 - Chicago Alderman Newsletter Tracker

Email from Alderman Scott Waguespack, 32nd Ward

32nd Ward Newsletter January 16, 2026

Dear John,

We're expected to get more snow this weekend on top of this week's earlier snowfall. Please remember to shovel and salt your sidewalk. Clearing your sidewalk is not only the law in Chicago, but it is the responsible thing to do to help others. Please clear a wide path through snow and ice, especially for seniors and people with disabilities to walk more easily. If you can, lend a hand to a neighbor in need.

Christmas Tree recycling can be done through tomorrow at one of 27 sites in the City. If you buy a real tree, recycle it. Leaving trees in alleys creates a fire hazard.

Our office will be closed on Monday, January 19th in honor of MLK, Jr Day. Please make sure to keep your garbage and recycling carts out all week since pickup can be affected by this. Garbage pickup can also be affected by the snow, as clearing the streets takes precedence and it is the same trucks/crews doing both jobs.

I've also included an update on the passage of the first phase of Foundry Park as it went through Plan Commission yesterday and is now on to the City Zoning Committee. We're excited to see movement on the site.

Have a good weekend and GO BEARS!

Alderman Scott Waguespack

Phase 1 of the New Foundry Park Passes Chicago Plan Commission

Phase 1 of the Foundry Park project has in redevelopment. The Foundry plan now goes to the City Council Zoning Committee for approval in February.

The JDL proposal Planned Development 1439 to change the plan of development to allow for up to 3,737 dwelling units including single-family homes, townhomes, and multi-family dwellings, approximately 350,000 square feet of office space, 420,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 200,000 square feet of hotel uses, public parks and open space, riverwalks, new streets and alleys, and enclosed and below-grade parking.

The southern portion of the former Lincoln Yards (LY) site was recently bought by Novak Construction but they do not yet have plans outlined for the southern portion of the area. The sale of the two different sections of the former Lincoln Yards means that we have to amend or nullify all of the prior LY plans and agreements.

You can view the as well as the .

General Overview

The Foundry Park plan, at its core, is designed to bring much needed residential development to the area with retail designed to support these new residences. The LY plan, idling for over seven years, created a second downtown loaded with office and destination retail; this plan focuses on creating a new neighborhood-oriented development.

The transportation challenges that this site faces are significant and we are not suggesting that this plan completely solves them. Real solutions will involve a holistic approach to improving transit service that is beyond the scope of any individual PD.

The amended PD facilitates targeted transportation investments to reconnect the street grid, improve existing streets and traffic signals, connect strategic bike infrastructure to the planned 606 extension, and extend the Riverwalk. The first phase starts with four new buildings and improvements to Cortland, Kingsbury, and Southport and improvement of an extensive segment of the Riverwalk.

Prior to the authorization of each subsequent phase, the team will be coming back to the Plan Commission with plans for additional development and associated transportation infrastructure, with the successes and challenges of each phase informing and refining the next. TIF issues will continue to be discussed but as of this year, the without consultation, so the TIF will have to regenerate funding for infrastructure in the upcoming year.

Separately from this amended plan, we are continuing to work with CDOT, DPD, the CTA, and federal partners on the issues with Armitage, Ashland, and Elston as well as the Metra station, and adjacent rail and viaduct infrastructure that badly need federal funding to be rebuilt. While the CTA is now funded via the NTIA, there needs to be a new vision for the CTA that also addresses transit needs like bus service for Clybourn or Elston. These adjacent projects are largely not in the Cortland River TIF district and require state and federal funding to rebuild.

A successful development of this site will require a coordinated effort including the developer JDL, City departments, myself, and most importantly, the adjacent neighborhoods that will interact with the site on a daily basis. My commitment from the day I took office has been to work with neighbors and community organizations as partners in all development and zoning issues. There has never been a project in the 32nd Ward where this collaboration is more essential. I am confident that for the first time we have a plan and development partner in place capable of executing a successful project on this important site. It will be a primary focus of my office to ensure that this succeeds.

Housing and Retail

The Affordable Housing Plan is designed to achieve full compliance with the 2021 ARO while delivering meaningful affordable housing opportunities across a variety of product types. At the same time, it provides the flexibility necessary to respond to evolving market conditions.
The total ARO obligation as approved by the Department of Housing will be 602 units that will consist of 303 onsite, 29 offsite, and 270 payment in lieu.
Retail space is roughly 367,000 GSf and while spread out, will be focused primarily on the new streetscaped section of Southport.

Street Improvements and/or Modifications

• Extension of Southport Avenue between Kingsbury Street and Cortland Street

• Extension of Dominick Street between Dickens Avenue and proposed extension of Southport Avenue

• Streetscapes along Cortland Street will be enhanced to provide one travel lane in each direction, left-turn lanes at key intersections, and the pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure within the PD boundaries will be enhanced.

• Reconstruction of Dickens Avenue between Dominick Street and Southport Avenue to provide pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements

• Improvements/modifications along various area streets and at various area

intersections, including capacity upgrades and traffic control enhancements.

Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Improvements

• Construction of river walks along both the east and west sides of the Chicago River within the Foundry Park PD limits and will connect to the future extension of the 606 Trail.

• Addition of new protected bike lanes to be incorporated along many of the streets that will extend through the Foundry Park PD and a centrally located Divvy station.

• New private shuttle bus service that will provide service between the Foundry Park PD property and the local CTA and Metra train stations.

Chicago Public Schools Local School Council (LSC) Elections

Applications Close Jan 20, 2026

If you're interested in becoming a candidate in the 2026 Local School Council (LSC) election and make a difference in your school community, you can still apply. Parents, community members, staff, and students who want to strengthen their school are encouraged to run.

Application period is now open, but the application period closes at 3:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026: All application materials must be submitted by the deadline to be nominated as a candidate. The election will take place on March 18, 2026.

Questions? Contact the Office of Local School Council Relations (OLSCR) at 773-553-1400 or [email protected].

Winter Weather Reminders and Tips

As frigid weather and snow hits Chicago, I hope you can take the time to watch over your neighbors in need. The Office of Emergency Management is prepared to assist where they can. When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below, are available at the City’s six community service centers from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. The warming areas are available for all residents in need of safe refuge and relief from extreme cold weather. City-operated libraries and park facilities also may activate warming areas if needed, including during evening hours, weekends, and holidays. For assistance after hours, residents should call 311 to be connected to available services – including placement to an available shelter bed. for more info on cold weather resources.

Cold-Weather Tips:

· Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic, and others or requiring emergency services.

· Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. For winter preparation information visit, for details and links to other local, state, and federal resources.

· Avoid unnecessary trips outside if you must go out, limit the time you stay outside.

· Wear several layers of loose, warm cloth.

· Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoor.

· Stay dry because moisture can damage the insulation effectiveness of clothing.

· Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

· Don’t forget your pets; bring them inside during bitter cold and numbing wetness to stay safe and warm.

· for more cold weather tips.

Winter Storm Tips:

· Make sure your is stocked and winter storm ready.

· Buy salt (preferably pet friendly) to melt ice on walkways and sand to improve traction.

· Keep emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove, kerosene heater, or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room of your house warm enough. If you have a wood burning fireplace, store a supply of firewood.

· Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.

· . Insulate walls, attics, doors, and windows. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

· Do not overexert yourself or work outside for extended periods of time.

For timely updates and other information on weather preparedness, follow OEMC on Twitter via the handle and sign up for free emergency alerts.

· Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at

· CHILAKE: For lakefront notices including flooding, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5

· CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

Don’t let broken string lights tangle up your holidays – recycle them with us! Drop off your non-working holiday string lights between now and January 31 and Reduce Waste Chicago will take them to be properly recycled. Be sure your lights are separated from other decor and are free from other packaging (no plastic bags, please), then drop them off during our regular working hours. for more info.

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, in partnership with the Chicago Park District, is hosting our annual Holiday Tree Recycling Program at 27 locations throughout the city.

Chicago residents are welcome to drop off their natural holiday trees inside the designated tree recycling corral at each location.

Please remove all tinsel, lights, ornaments, tree stands, and plastic bags from your tree before placing it in the corral.

The holiday trees will be chipped to create mulch, which will be available to residents for FREE pick up at six of the locations starting Monday, January 5.

Thousands of trees are diverted from landfills each year and turned into tree mulch for residents and local parks. Over 22,000 trees were recycled in 2025. Let’s top that in 2026!

for more info and a list of locations.

January CAPS Meetings

14th Police District

1432- January 21, 6pm

Holstein Park

2200 N. Oakley

[email protected]

14th District CAPS- 312-744-1261

19th Police District (Note- some times and locations have changed)-

1921- January 21, 6pm

Police Auditorium

2452 W. Belmont

1922- January 21, 7pm

Police Auditorium

2452 W. Belmont

1931- January 27, 6pm

Boys and Girls Club

2915 N. Leavitt

1932- January 27, 7pm

Boys and Girls Club

2915 N. Leavitt

[email protected]

19th District CAPS- 312-744-0064

Vote By Mail!

You may now apply online to Vote By Mail for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election– !

To apply online, please enter your first and last name (no middle name), address (Street Direction and Street Name) and five number zip code to proceed. Please do not leave any spaces after the numerical value in the online form.

You will be asked to choose one Political Party ballot type for the upcoming election: Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, and Non-Partisan (referenda only). Per Illinois Election Code, voters may only choose one ballot and cannot vote multiple Party ballots.

Prefer to always vote from the comfort of your own home? You may also apply online to join the Vote By Mail Permanent Roster ahead of the next election – !

You may request to have your Vote By Mail ballot sent out of city or state, but not out of the country. Choose your best option for delivery in Step 3 of the Online Application. You may choose to receive your Vote By Mail ballot in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, or Tagalog in Step 4.

You may also choose to join the Accessible Vote By Mail Program in Step 3. This program allows voters with disabilities to access and mark their ballots through an online system and then print out their ballots and mail in those ballots. Please note: You will not receive a ballot in the mail. Voters with disabilities will access and mark their ballot electronically – this is not online voting.

When you apply online to Vote By Mail, the Board will send you emails:

When your ballot is mailed to you,
When the Board receives your Ballot Return Envelope, and
When your ballot has been processed and counted.

The Board will tentatively start mailing ballots by Feb 5, 2026. All Vote By Mail ballots come with postage-paid Ballot Return Envelopes.

When you receive your Vote By Mail ballot, you may return it through standard US mail and must postmark it before or on Election Day, March 17, 2026. You may also submit the Ballot Return Envelope in a secured drop box at any Chicago Early Voting site before and on Election Day.

Questions? or call 312-269-7967 or email [email protected]

You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County - and you can earn up to $230 for your service. Being bilingual is especially helpful.
High School Juniors and Seniors can also apply. Do you know a student with a GPA above 3.0 and an interest in government? Let them know they can serve as an election judge and see how democracy works from behind the polling place curtain.
You can go to or call 312-269-7984 to learn more and apply.

You're invited to Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting: Lincoln Park 2026 to learn more about future plans and exciting programs from Lincoln Park’s three aldermen. Hear from Ald. Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward, Ald. Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward, and Ald. Timmy Knudsen of the 43rd Ward. In addition to this lively discussion, the LPCC will hold their annual election of directors.

The LPCC will also be presenting Neighborhood Champion Awards, which recognize neighborhood involvement and making a positive impact in the community.

Thursday, February 5

8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

WhirlyBall

1825 W. Webster

Robot Delivery Services (aka PDD or Personal Delivery Device) - NEW 311 Category

The PDD pilot program brings a new and modern delivery system to Chicago for quick and accessible food delivery. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) are assessing the benefits and risks of the PDD pilot program. Throughout the PDD pilot program, CDOT and BACP are monitoring the performance including impacts on safety, mobility, and use of sidewalks and crosswalks alongside pedestrians and local businesses. Additionally, community and stakeholder feedback is encouraged.

Under the Emerging Business Permit, businesses are encouraged to explore new ideas that don’t fall under existing business license categories. The Emerging Business Permit governs the permit application process and operation of PDDs during the pilot program. The Municipal Code of Chicago amendment includes defining PDDs, allowing the operation of PDDs on sidewalks and crosswalks, and forbidding the operation of PDDs unless the operator has received a permit allowing PDDs to be operated on the public way and within geographic zones as specified in the permit rules.

The PDD program will not continue past May 2027 without action by the Chicago City Council.

Below is the contact information for the two PDD companies:

Coco:

Phone: 1-312-728-7059

Email: [email protected]

Serve:

Phone: 1-888-711-1178

Email: [email protected]

Choosing the right preschool is a big step, and Lincoln Park Lakeview Chamber of Commerce is here to make it easier for you. Join them on Saturday, January 24, at the Lincoln Park Branch Library, for a free, one-stop event to meet and learn about some of the best preschools in the neighborhood — all in one convenient place!

Saturday, January 24

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Lincoln Park Library Branch

1150 W. Fullerton

Vehicle Emissions Testing Program
New Mobile Unit

There is currently a Mobile Testing Unit for Illinois emissions tests located in the parking lot of the Jewel at 2550 N. Clybourn. It is located in the lot to the north of the store. to find out more information about mobile testing.

Calling all local growers and artisans!

Be a part of the 2026 Chicago Farmers Markets season — running May through October across the city.

We’re looking for passionate producers and creators of handmade and natural goods to join our community of vendors. Showcase your craft, connect with your neighbors, and grow your business!

to secure your spot — the deadline is Friday, January 30!

Winter Wellness Event: Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce

Get ready to move, connect, and have fun at the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce’s annual Winter Wellness event!

Thank you to and , for hosting this energetic evening. Explore local Chamber businesses while jumping into basketball, dodgeball, slides, swings, trampolines, and more.

Date: Monday, January 26

Time: 6–8 PM

• Complimentary wraps and smoothies from at 7 PM

• Open jumping available throughout the evening

Location:

Altitude Trampoline Park – Roscoe Village

3330 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60618

Tickets: $15 (18 and under) | $30 (adults) and can be purchased .

Free parking available

City News

- the jewelry and gift boutique opens its doors open-house style, complete with tarot readings from noon-2 p.m. and a live, local jazz performance from 4-6 p.m. A

Alderman Scott Waguespack

2657 North Clybourn

Chicago, IL 60614

(773) 248-1330

[email protected]