Bowling Night; Argyle Night Market

Hi neighbors,

Few things bring Chicagoans together like our collective frustrations with the 2008 parking meter deal. The parking meter operator has already recouped its investment (with 57 years left to go), and the City is required to pay the operator millions of dollars annually in connection with “lost parking meter revenue” tied to closures for street festivals and parades.

Fast forward to this year. The meter operator is seeking to sell its interest in the meters to Stonepeak Partners, a New York-based investment firm. The City Council must weigh in before any such sale is finalized, but we have exceptionally limited grounds for rejecting the sale — among them, the new operator’s financial strength, reputation, and experience operating parking meter systems. 

We had our first hearing on the proposal earlier this week and we learned new things, including that the Mayor’s Office proposed purchasing the meters back for $3.3 billion before rescinding its offer at the 11th hour, and that Stonepeak may have invested in companies that defrauded U.S. servicemembers, shipped liquified natural gas from Russia, and transported immigrants in aircraft with abhorrent conditions. As we learn more about that aborted purchase, as well as the financial and reputational background of Stonepeak, I’ll keep you all updated.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of helping cut the ribbon celebrating the recently rehabbed Western Ave Brown Line plaza and farmers market lot. This project was massive in scope and a long time coming: it was initially conceived in the 2019 Lincoln Square Master Plan, and the year-long construction certainly presented its fair share of challenges for nearby businesses and residents. But the results are worth it, and I’m especially grateful to the Lincoln Square Ravenwood Chamber of Commerce for their partnership at every step along the way.

In this year’s March primary elections, so many of us bore witness to a broken campaign finance system in which wealthy and well-connected interests often drowned out the voices of working Chicagoans. Several of my City Council colleagues and I recently penned an op-ed arguing that we can improve voter participation and remove barriers to running for office by adopting a small-dollar donor matching program for aldermanic candidates. New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Baltimore all do it. Chicago should join the club!

I hope you all have a restful weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, you can help spruce up the Welles Park Nature Play area tomorrow (Saturday) at 10am at Loose Parts Palooza! At 11am on Sunday, the annual Chicago Pride Parade will be stepping off at Broadway & Grace. And later in the day on Sunday, the North Center Neighbors Association will be hosting the 20th annual North Center Garden Walk.

And mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 22nd — our next Ward Night at Timber Lanes! Come for the bowling, stay for the wide-ranging conversations about our neighborhood and city.

Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

Bowling with the Alderman

Wednesday, July 22nd

Think you can out-bowl the Alderman? Start practicing your strikes. We're excited to announce our free Community Bowling Night at Timber Lanes.

Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours early! All ages are welcome. You can sign up individually or bring a team. Not interested in bowling? Stop by anyway and hang out with neighbors and friends.

A special thank you to Timber Lanes for generously providing one free game and shoe rental for all participants.

RSVP

Electronics Recycling and Shredding Day

Saturday, July 18th

Our office is hosting a Community Recycling Day with MWRD President Kari Steele's office on Saturday, July 18th from 9am-11am in the Northcenter Jewel Parking Lot (4250 N Lincoln).

We'll be accepting paper to shred, medicine, and electronics. There is no need to register, folks can simply show up.

Learn more

North Center Garden Walk

Sunday, June 29th

The North Center Neighbors Association is proud to present the 20th Annual Garden Walk!

They're especially excited to welcome back the trolley this year with an expanded route so you can explore even more stunning gardens throughout the neighborhood. As you stroll (or ride!) from stop to stop, enjoy live music and soak in the vibrant spirit of summer in full bloom.

Learn more

Argyle Night Markets

Begins Thursday, July 2nd

Argyle Night Market is an annual event that features food from local Argyle restaurants plus live cultural and musical performances on Thursday evenings each summer. This free outdoor event draws an average of 5,000 visitors each week and continues to grow in popularity. Part market, part street festival, this vibrant and award-winning event is located on Argyle, the city’s first shared street.

Learn more

Chicago Pride Parade

Sunday, June 28th

Chicago Pride Parade returns this Sunday. This year’s theme, Free to Be Proud, honors the legacy of those who paved the way while affirming our ongoing commitment to ensuring every person can live openly, authentically, and with dignity. As one of the nation’s oldest Pride celebrations, the Chicago Pride Parade remains both a joyful celebration and a powerful declaration.

Learn more

Welles Park Concerts at the Gazebo

Starts on June 30th

Tuesdays at the Welles Park Gazebo are back! Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. unless noted.

All performances are free and open to the public. Bring chairs, blankets, your food and (non-alcoholic) beverages from home or support one of our terrific nearby restaurants and markets, but do not leave trash or food at the park, please!

Learn more

Property Tax Appeal Toolkit

The property tax appeal system in Cook County is complex and difficult to navigate, so few homeowners appeal and even fewer succeed. Impact for Equity developed a set of checklists and resources to simplify the process and empower homeowners to challenge inequitable property tax practices.

Learn more

Lincoln Square Halloween Planning

The Heart of Lincoln Square is in the early stages of planning for a Halloweenfest. Planning to deck out your home and want a chance to show it off? Are you hosting a spooky special or an event at your business you’d like people to know about? Get on the 2026 Halloween Map. Are you a musician? Storyteller? Mixed media artist? Performer? If you would like to get involved in our event, please reach out.

Learn more

Workshop: Employee Ownership

Thursday, July 9th

Join the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce of a succession planning webinar designed specifically for business owners who want to prepare their companies for the future. This informational session will focus on employee ownership (EO) and the benefits it can bring you and your business.

Learn more

Volunteer: Ravenswood on Tap

July 18th and 19th

Ravenswood on Tap returns to celebrate our Malt Row breweries and needs help collecting gate donations, selling drink tickets, and pouring beer!

Volunteers receive an exclusive Ravenswood On Tap shirt, drink tickets, an invite to a volunteer orientation, and an invite to a year-end volunteer appreciation party! Are you a non-profit organization interested in fundraising through Ravenswood On Tap? The Chamber donates $15 an hour for each volunteer your organization sends to help out. 

Learn more

Resources

\Workforce

• Pilgrim Lutheran School Athletic Director, Learn more
• Social Services Career Trainee, Learn more
• Cook County Assessor Hiring, Learn more
• Greater West Town Job Training, Learn more

Consent Decree Hearing

Tuesday, July 14th

You're invited to an upcoming virtual public hearing on the Chicago Police Department Consent Decree. This hearing provides an opportunity for residents, stakeholders, and community organizations to share their perspectives and experiences regarding the Department's ongoing reform efforts and implementation of the Consent Decree.

Learn more

Western Brown Line Construction

CDOT continues addressing their final touches required for project completion in the plaza and surrounding area.

CTA's work on the Western Brown Line Station and bus turnaround are progressing as scheduled. The bus turnaround is projected to reopen by mid-July, with final touch ups completed thereafter.

Sign up for Updates

Ashland Resurfacing

The Ashland Arterial Resurfacing project is progressing as scheduled. All of the concrete medians and asphalt patches have been completed! The next layer of asphalt paving is scheduled the week of July 6th, followed by pavement markings, signage, and sod. No Parking signs will be taken down after the pavement markings are completed. Final installations including raised crosswalks and concrete bus pads will begin in early August. 

Sign up for Updates

This Year: Upcoming Projects

• Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
• People's Gas Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace

This Week

• Porchfest Roscoe Village, June 28th, Learn more
• North Center Garden Walk, June 28th, Learn more
• Chicago Pride Parade, June 28th, Learn more

Next Weekend

• Color Me Mine America's 250th Collectible Plate Event, July 1st, Learn more
• Argyle Night Market, July 2nd, Learn more
• Northcenter 4th of July Parade, July 4th, Learn more

Future Weeks

• Southport Arts Festival, July 10th-12th, Learn more
• Square Roots, July 10th-12th, Learn more
• Movie at Welles Park, July 10th, Learn more
• TGNC Family Beach Day, July 12th, Learn more
• Andersonville Vintage Market, July 12th, Learn more
• Graceland West Garden Walk, July 12th, Learn more
• Paint Bouquets & Sips, July 17th, Learn more
• Paper and Electronics Recycling, July 18th, Learn more
• Greater Rockwell Garden Walk, July 18th, Learn more
• Ravenswood on Tap, July 18th-19th, Learn more

Community Job Boards

Looking to work locally? Many of our local chambers of commerce offer job boards to help highlight openings at local businesses. Find more information at the following links:

• Andersonville
• Lakeview/Roscoe Village
• Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
• Northcenter
• Greater Ravenswood