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48th WARD NEWS: NOVEMBER 26, 2025
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Small Business Saturday
November 29 is Small Business Saturday: an opportunity to celebrate the small businesses we love and that make our community great! The 48th ward is lucky to have three chambers of commerce—Uptown, Edgewater, and Andersonville—and the Rogers Park Business Alliance at the northern border. These chambers support small business along multiple shopping corridors. Take some time to check them out over the holiday weekend!
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Catch a Ride on the CTA Holiday Fleet!
CTA Holiday train rides begin just after Thanksgiving on November 28 and are scheduled to pass through the 48th ward six times this year! Catch a festive ride on the #22 bus this weekend: November 28 and 29! Learn more about the holiday fleet and how to track trains and buses here.
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Lakefront Litter Cleanup with EEC
- When: Saturday, November 29 at 11am
- Where: Hollywood Beach House (5800 N DLSD)
- RSVP online.
Join the 48th Ward Green Council and the Edgewater Environmental Coalition (EEC) for a post-thanksgiving litter cleanup at Hollywood Beach. This is part of EEC's Litter Free Edgewater program. Learn more here.
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Volunteer to help with Christmas in the Wards
Every year, wards across the city come together to give families a Christmas to remember! This year, the 48th ward office is seeking volunteers to help with gift shopping on Monday, December 1 and gift wrapping on Friday, December 12. Sign up here.
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Recycle Holiday Lights at the 48th Ward
We're partnering with Reduce Waste Chicago for another year of holiday lights recycling! Last year, this program diverted 4,618 pounds of lights from landfills across 39 drop-off sites. Learn more here.
Drop off lights at our office (1129 W Bryn Mawr) any time we're open beginning Monday, December 8.
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Andersonville Holiday Tree Lighting
- When: Sunday, November 30 at 5pm
- Where: 5346 N Clark
- No RSVP is required for this event
Join the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce for their holiday tree lighting, now in between the U.S. Bank and The Clark. Learn more about this and other Andersonville Holiday events here.
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Care for Friends Toy Drive
Care for Friends is now collecting toys for their 2025 holiday drive. Toys can be dropped off at the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (5706 N Clark) during their regular business hours. They are seeking donations of toys for kids ages 2-17. If gifts are wrapped, please label with the item and intended age. Great gifts include stuffed animals, board games and puzzles, and balls for sports!
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Holiday Meal Kit Donation Drive
We're partnering with Commissioner Gainer's office on a Meal Kit Donation Drive. Please shop entire recipes when possible and drop off meal kits at our office (1129 W Bryn Mawr) by December 8. Learn more on our blog.
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Edgewater Village is Seeking Gift Bag Donations and Greeting Cards
This holiday season, Edgewater Village is starting a new project! They'll be donating gift bags filled with useful items to residents of Balmoral Nursing Home located in West Edgewater. They are seeking donations of new, travel-sized toiletries, socks, gloves, hats, t-shirts, stationery, jewelry, cosmetics, books, and ornaments. They are also seeking donations of non-religious holiday cards.
Drop off all donations at the Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway) by Friday, November 28.
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Winter Walk on Wilson
- When: Friday, December 5 from 5-8:30pm
- Where: Participating businesses on Wilson
- No RSVP is required for this event
Stroll along Wilson Avenue to experience the holiday cheer of live performances and tasty offerings by Uptown's small businesses! Learn more.
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Friends of Goudy Hot Chocolate Fundraiser
- When: Sunday, December 7 from 9:30am-12pm
- Where: Haibayo Cafe (1132 W Argyle)
- No RSVP is required for this event.
Come support the newly formed Friends of Goudy group as they raise funds to uplift and empower our local Goudy school-age youth! Enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate - lovingly made by the students themselves!
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48th Ward Office Closed November 27-28
The 48th ward office will be closed for Thanksgiving from 12-5pm on Wednesday, November 16 and all day on November 27-28. 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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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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Property Tax Appeals and Exemptions
Many of us recently saw increases in our property tax bills. Due to the four-month delay in the mailing of the latest bills, the that it will reopen the appeals window in all townships. While this will unfortunately not lower our bills this year, it will give homeowners another chance to challenge their assessed value and potentially reduce their bills in 2026.
The Cook County Board will release specific reopening dates and instructions in the coming days. The 48th ward office will continue to share information as we receive it, and we will also be available to assist neighbors in the exemptions/appeals process.
We also encourage homeowners to check for missing property tax-saving exemptions including:
If you believe you are eligible for an exemption, you are encouraged to complete a Certificate of Error application, which provides homeowners with an opportunity to redeem missing exemptions for the 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 tax years. Accepted photo IDs and documents required to apply are listed on the Assessor’s website. If you have already paid the original amount due, you will receive a refund check from the Cook County Treasurer’s Office in the mail once the application is processed by the Assessor’s Office.
To learn more about missing exemptions, join a virtual workshop on Facebook or YouTube on the following dates:
- Monday, December 1 at 6pm in English
- Tuesday, December 2 at 6pm in Spanish
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Apply to Serve on Your Local School Council
Apply to become a candidate in the 2026 Local School Council (LSC) election and make a difference in your school community. Parents, community members, staff, and students who want to strengthen their school are encouraged to run. Learn more online.
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Help shape OIG’s project priorities for 2026
The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published two draft documents that share details of proposed projects under consideration for 2026. Both documents are posted on OIG’s website for public review and comment.
Community feedback helps OIG prioritize projects for the coming year to align with what is of most concern and importance to all Chicagoans. OIG invites you to explore both draft plans and encourages you to provide your feedback by taking the community feedback survey at igchicago.org/survey. OIG is accepting community prioritization feedback through December 31, 2025.
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Backyard Compost Bin Giveaway
Ward Superintendent, Conrad Suerth, delivered 20 backyard compost bins to 48th ward neighbors as part of the Backyard Compost Bin Giveaway! See our blog for more information about composting in the fall and winter.
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Fall Reminders from Streets and Sanitation
Please review the above guidance from the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) about keeping fall leaves out of street, curbs, and gutters. Contact 311 for yard waste pickup and related requests.
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Mobile DMV
- When: Wednesday, December 10 from 11am-2pm
- Where: 1507 W Morse
- No RVSP is required for this event.
Join State Rep. Kelly Cassidy and the Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias for a Mobile DMV event. Access drivers license and ID services, vehicle registration assistance, license plate stickers, and more. Be sure to bring all necessary documents with you to the event. See a list of acceptable materials here.
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The Edgewater Indoor Market Returns in 2026!
The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back the Edgewater Indoor Market for a second year! The indoor market will feature 60+ food vendors, artists, and artisans selling prepared foods, baked goods, winter produce, warm drinks, local treats, art, gifts, and more!
Last year's market was a MASSIVE success and we're delighted to announce that this year's market will be expanding and moving into the 1st floor space at Broadway Armory which means more vendors, more dates, more variety, and no stairs! Learn more online.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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SBIF Opportunities Open on December 1
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) is opening grant opportunities up to $150,000 for commercial properties in the Hollywood/Sheridan TIF District on December 1. The TIF boundaries include parts of Broadway, Bryn Mawr, Argyle, and Sheridan. See the full map here: Hollywood/Sheridan TIF Map. Join us on December 3 at 1pm for an informational webinar about this opportunity. RSVP here.
The Small Business Improvement Fund is one tool that we use to invest in the 48th ward small businesses. Leni is a champion for the SBIF program and has been canvassing businesses in the ward to spread the word about this opportunity and others. This year, Leni has canvassed over 100 businesses on her Door to Door Business Tour. Last week, she visited Haibayo, JB's Deli, Hon Kee BBQ & Seafood, Argyle Store, and more!
Past SBIF grant recipients in the 48th ward have included Mella Café (5418 N Broadway) and Jenny's Tofu (5426 N Broadway). Click the links to see these 48th Ward entrepreneurs talk about the impact that SBIF had on their businesses.
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Participatory Budgeting Update
Thanks to all of our 48th ward neighbors who participated in our community engagement sessions for PB 2026! With these meetings wrapped up, our next step will be to come together with our volunteer facilitators to review notes and form a ballot. We'll communicate with city departments about project details and costs, and then early next year, it'll be time to vote! Keep an eye out for more information about the voting process in future newsletters. In the mean time, feel free to submit any final ideas through our online forms. Any we don't see in time for PB 2026 will be considered the following year.
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Construction on TimeLine Theatre is 75% Complete!
The construction of the TimeLine Theatre building is more than 75% complete! TimeLine is building a 250-seat black box theater, a bar and café, exhibit galleries, dedicated spaces for education programs and community gatherings, and more with room for future expansion. TimeLine estimates substantial completion of the building by February 2026. Learn more online.
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Steep Theatre Groundbreaking - Save the Date!
- When: Thursday, December 11 (Time TBD)
- Where: 1044 W Berwyn
- No RSVP is required for this event
Save the date for the groundbreaking of the new $6.3 million Steep Theatre! In September, City Council approved $880,000 in community development funds towards this project. This funding was championed by Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth and brings the city’s total support for the project to $3,868,535. The new theatre will feature a 70-seat theatre, a lobby-lounge, and support spaces for artists/staff. We’re thrilled that Steep Theatre has found their forever home in Edgewater, and are looking forward to opening night! Read more about this project here.
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6150 N Sheridan Approved by Plan Commission
The Chicago Plan Commission approved Domus Group’s proposed 5-story, 40-unit residential development with 40 parking spaces to be built at 6150 N Sheridan in a RM-5.5 zone. No zoning change is proposed. This project includes bird-friendly glass and will convert a vacant parking lot into an active residential use. This project has been found to comply with the Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance and is supported by the Association of Sheridan Condominiums/Co-op Owners (ASCO).
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Zenwich: Coming Soon to Thorndale!
A new sandwich shop featuring Asian flavors of what chef Chai Ploentham calls “borderless cuisine” is coming to Edgewater near the Thorndale Red Line Station. Check out their menu online here.
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS & NEIGHBOR SOLIDARITY
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Foro Virtual de Inmigración Para Padres de CPS y Miembros de la Comunidad
- Cuándo: Martes, 2 de diciembre de 2025, de 6:00PM a 7:30PM
- Dónde: Virtualmente; una vez que te registres a continuación, recibirás el enlace de zoom un día antes del evento.
- Regístrese en:
El Comité de la Ciudad de Chicago sobre Derechos de Inmigrantes y Refugiados, junto con la Universidad para Padres de las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago (CPS), el Centro Indoamericano, la Oficina de Defensores Públicos del Condado de Cook, la Organización Comunitaria Unida, Servicios Familiares Metropolitanos, la Organización Africana Unida, el Centro del Noroeste y Family Focus, ofrecerán una sesión informativa virtual sobre inmigración. Este evento virtual está dirigido a padres y escuelas de las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago (CPS) para que se informen sobre las últimas novedades en materia de inmigración.
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Know Your Rights & Be Prepared: Virtual Town Hall
- When: Wednesday, December 3 at 6pm
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is hosting a "Know Your Rights and Be Prepared" virtual town hall. Learn about your rights pertaining to immigration, guardianship, power of attorney, deed transfers, and other important resources. Together, we can work to make justice accessible to all who call Cook County home.
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Know Your Rights/Migra Watch Training
- When: Wednesday, December 3 at 6pm
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
Join the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights' Know Your Rights + Migra Watch Training. This training aims to equip participants with ways to exercise our rights when encountering federal immigration enforcement actions.
Únete al Entrenamiento de Conoce Tus Derechos y Migra Watch a de la Coalición de Illinois por los Derechos de Inmigrantes y Refugiados. Este entrenamiento se enfocará en las herramientas que necesitamos para ejercer nuestros derechos en una operación de inmigración.
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Resources Available at the 48th Ward Office
The 48th Ward Office has free Know Your Rights cards and flyers, whistles, Protecting Chicago signs, and Protecting Edgewater Signs available on a first-come-first-served basis while supplies last! If you would like to pick up a stack of Know Your Rights cards or flyers to distribute in the community, let us know and we can prepare them for you. Drop in at 1129 W Bryn Mawr any time we're open or give us a call at 773-784-5277.
To print signs, flyers, and cards at home, visit our Know Your Rights page and look under "Printable Materials."
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Operation Warm Coat
- When: Saturday, December 6 from 1:30-4pm
- Where: Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
- Register online.
The Edgewater Library branch is giving away 130 free coats (and books!) to children in the community ages 3-13. In order to get a coat and a book, the family must register by coming in person to the Edgewater library, in advance or day-of. Registration is necessary to ensure the right size is available. Coat distribution will take place on Dec 6th from 2-4pm.
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Support for Unhoused Neighbors
On November 20, CDPH, DFSS, CPD, and the Park District conducted a safety clean up of the Meadows east and west ends of the lakefront. This is part of a continued effort and collaboration with our community organizations and City Departments to provide mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and housing assessments to unhoused residents.
Our lakefront tent counts are down and we are working with the city to activate our cold weather shelter plans when necessary. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, or if you would like to report abandoned/dilapidated tents, please send an inquiry to [email protected] with photos or a description of tent/location.
We are proud to have housed 60+ neighbors living in tents. Visit our blog to learn more about our strategy for supporting our unhoused neighbors.
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SNAP Updates & Food Security Resources
The federal government shutdown has ended allowing thousands of Illinoisans to access overdue benefits. While this comes as a relief for many families, many more are still preparing to lose their benefits at the start of December following changes to SNAP eligibility requirements. To access foo security resources and find out how to help our at-risk neighbors, visit our blog.
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Notification of Prescribed Burn: Osterman Beach Dunes
The Osterman Beach Dunes natural area site is on the priority list for prescribed burns this season. Being on this list does not guarantee a burn will take place but does indicate that priority will be given to this area if conditions allow for burning.
Fire is a natural part of Illinois ecosystems. It promotes species diversity and helps control invasive shrubs and trees. Without fire, natural areas often become dense thickets with few flowers. Fire burns off dead vegetation, returns nutrients to the soil, and stimulates new plant growth. Learn more about Chicago Park District Natural Areas here.
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Check Out the New CCPSA Website
In July 2021, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance creating a new model for police oversight, accountability, and public safety. The ordinance created two bodies: a citywide Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) and our District Councils. The Commission and District Councils bring police officers and Chicago residents together to plan, prioritize, and build mutual trust. Learn more about this important work on CCPSA's new, user-friendly website.
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2025-2026 Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP)
The Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) provides direct assistance to owner-occupied properties in the City of Chicago, helping homeowners repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating systems. Qualified contractors perform the work at no cost to the homeowner with funding provided through the Department of Housing (DOH). The assistance is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more online.
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Extreme Cold Weather Resources
With temperatures dropping, it's important to be prepared with resources for staying safe in extreme cold weather. Remember that you can always contact 311 to find warming centers, file no-heat complaints and request wellbeing checks for yourself or others. Visit our blog for more winter safety tips.
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CPD Training Needs Assessment
Every year, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) provides training to CPD officers to ensure they are performing their jobs safely and fairly. Community feedback is important in identifying training needs for police officers.
CPD is conducting a survey to learn what people think police training should focus on. Take the voluntary and confidential survey online here. The survey takes about 5 minutes.
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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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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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For the past 30 years, the Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA) has held an inter-faith Thanksgiving service, bringing together neighbors from many different religious backgrounds. The service is centered on bringing the community in fellowship and in taking the time to share back to those in need. In the spirit of service, each year, food and donations are collected at the event for Care for Real. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful program including music from the Sacred Heart Choir. A big thank you to the organizers of this special tradition, and to this year’s host, St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church. Events like this are what makes Edgewater such a special place to live.
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Last week, Leni met with students at the Center for Urban Learning at Loyola University Chicago. The students are working on an informative tool to empower residents in the Edgewater and Roger’s Park communities. The inspiring conversation included topics such as authoritarianism, political dissent, and building community. Shout out to Loyola senior Caleb Alberto Arroyo for the invitation! To invite the Alderwoman to speak at an event use this link.
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On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we welcomed LGBTQ+ leaders including Equality Illinois to the rainbow cross-walk at Farragut and Clark outside of Women & Children First. We stood together to deliver a strong message that the LGBTQ+ community is visible, resilient, and strong. Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy, and protection of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Congratulations to Channyn Lynne Parker for being named the next CEO of Equality Illinois.
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