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Happy Friday Neighbors!
I would first like to give a huge thank you to Yasmin Chaudhry, who has served literally thousands of constituents in her three years at our office, as our Neighbor Services Aide and now Deputy Director of Neighbor Services. She is leaving to pursue her Masters in Science Communication and Public Engagement in Malaysia. Today is her last day and we will miss her so much, even as we wish her the best in her next chapter! She is also an organizer of tonight’s Ainslie Arts Plaza Skate Event in partnership with Boards Over Borders, a group that collects skate equipment and sends it children in need across the world. It’s happening from 6-8pm so stop on by to celebrate and thank Yasmin for her contributions to our community!
This weekend I will be at the Skate Event, the Chicago Federation of Labor’s Labor Day Parade and Eddie Fest––join us and represent our 40th Ward! Heck you can walk in the parade with us if you’d like, just let us know.
On Sunday, I want to see every cyclist in the 40th Ward who is available at the Bike the Drive Launch event! Bike the Drive is a beautiful annual event sponsored by Active Transportation Alliance and conceived 25 years ago by 40th Ward Neighbor Randy Neufeld, who was its Executive Director at the time.
Bike the Drive is an event where DuSable Lake Shore Drive is OPEN for bikes and other vehicles that aren’t cars! Many of you know that I learned to ride a bike for the first time 5 years ago. As someone who grew up in a poor immigrant family, our parents were very concerned to be out in the streets. In quite the same manner, undocumented families are frightened now (although ICE is a relatively new construct, the dynamic isn’t). As a result, I didn’t really go outside or learn to ride a bike as a child.
I learned as an adult thanks to a city program, and three weeks later, I went on Bike the Drive. The feeling of riding along the lake, with the skyline in view, is just magical. It feels like flying and is a remarkable way to enjoy our city.
This Sunday from 6-6:30am, we will meet at the Ainslie Arts Plaza, located on Lincoln by Ainslie, and take off together to go to Bike the Drive! You can find full details below.
Finally, as neighbors may have seen on social media, I have been directing traffic on Argyle and Western during St.Matthias’s school pick-up and drop-off times to help unclog some of the traffic jam there, which was exacerbated by Department of Water Management construction work on Ainslie and Oakley.
That work is complete, but there will be more construction resuming in October. All of this work is necessary water main and lead service line replacement, which will also potentially address some of the flooding in the area. The work will continue into next year. That’s what’s led me to direct traffic as an immediate solution while working with the Department of Transportation to make long term adjustments. To stay on top of the latest there, you can follow us on social media or stay updated on the construction updates in the infrastructure section of this newsletter!
So, 40th Warder, there are three requests this weekend: Join us for the Skate Event tonight! Join us for the Labor Day Parade and Eddie Fest! Join us for the 40th Ward Bike the Drive morning launch at Ainslie Arts Plaza!
Yours in Service and Community, 
Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward Alder |
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| Office Closed for Labor DayOur office is closed today for Labor Day! If anything comes up, please submit a request at 40thward.org/contact or leave us a voicemail at 773-654-1867 and we'll get back to you when we re-open on Tuesday.
There will be no garbage collection on Monday September 7, 2026. All City-collected garbage will be serviced Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Residents should ensure all black carts are accessible throughout the week of collection, not solely on their regular day of collection. Additionally, residents should be advised of potential changes to Blue Cart Recycling collection based on their service provider. The Department of Streets and Sanitation (Zones 2 and 4) will collect recycling Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. There will be no Recycling Cart service collection on Monday, September 7, 2026. Residents should ensure all blue recycling carts are accessible throughout the week of collection. LRS (Service Areas 1,3,5 and 6) will be collected Tuesday through Saturday. Friday collections are being moved to Saturday. There will be no recycling cart service collection on Monday, September 7, 2026. Residents with private services should continue to put out recycling carts throughout the week, according to their typical schedule.
Neighbors can view their personalized collection schedule by visiting the trash and recycling service schedule link and /or by visiting ChicagoRecycles.org. |
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| Community Skate at Ainslie Arts PlazaJoin Boards Across Borders for a Community Skating Event TONIGHT at the Ainslie Arts Plaza on Friday, September 4th from 6:00-9:00PM! The event will feature skating activities for skaters of all levels, vendors, a DJ, and more! |
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| Bike The Drive with Alder Vasquez
Are you planning to go to Bike the Drive and would like a crew to roll with? We've got you covered! Alderman Vasquez, along with other community leaders and organizations are putting together a bus that will travel as one group to Bike the Drive. If you are interested, meet at Ainslie Arts Plaza at 6am on September 6th. The group will begin riding to Bike the Drive at 6:30am. We hope to see you there! |
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| West Nile Virus Warning: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is reporting Chicago’s first two human cases and first death from West Nile virus (WNV) in 2026. CDPH has sprayed insecticide in 15 different community areas over the last several weeks, including Beverly, Burnside, Chatham, East Garfield Park, Lower West Side, Morgan Park, Near West Side, North Lawndale, O’Hare, Pullman, Roseland, South Deering, Washington Heights, West Lawn, and West Pullman. West Nile virus risk in Chicago is currently rated as moderate, and all Chicagoans are encouraged to take precautions against mosquitoes: Use EPA-registered insect repellant that contains ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Eliminate standing water: empty water from any indoor or outdoor containers, such as flowerpots, gutters, pet water dishes, and birdbaths on a weekly basis. Keep grass and weeds short to eliminate hiding places for adult mosquitoes. When outside between dusk and dawn, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, long sleeves, pants, socks, and shoes. Make sure that all screens, windows, and doors are tight-fitting and free of holes. Use air conditioning when possible. People who are immunocompromised should consider avoiding outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn.
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| Notice of Intent: 2648-58 W. Lawrence Ave Thank you to all the neighbors who took the time to give us feedback on the zoning change request at 2648 W. Lawrence! After receiving enormously positive feedback from the community, I have decided to support the zoning change, with the following updates suggested by neighbors: Building designs will be updated from electric-ready to 100% electric. Building designs will be updated to incorporate requirements of the proposed Bird-friendly Building Design Ordinance. Building designs will be updated to allow for a potential restaurant tenant A mural will be added to the building facing Gross Park following completion.
Learn more at 40thward.org/2648lawrence! |
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| Water Main Replacement on Artesian from Peterson to GranvilleStarting this month, the Department of Water Management (DWM) will begin installation of a new water main at N. Artesian Ave from Peterson to Granville, including full lead water service line replacement.
What to expect during construction Temporary lane closures, parking restrictions, and detours Brief, scheduled water service interruptions (neighbors will be notified in advance) Possible discolored water for a short time after service is restored (run cold water until it clears!) Construction noise during posted work hours, typically weekdays Restoration of streets, sidewalks, and parkways will follow after the new main is in service.
We are having a virtual meeting with neighbors to discuss the project on September 10th at 5:30pm on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/ArtesianDWM! |
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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 N. Manor Ave from Lawrence to Montrose W. Leland Ave from Manor to the River
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| Alley Resurfacing!The following alleys will be resurfaced, starting in the next month! Winona St/Carmen Ave/Ashland Ave/ Clark St Ainslie St/Gunnison St/Rockwell St/Lincoln Ave Thorndale Ave/Ardmore Ave/Rockwell St/Maplewood Ave
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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.
Work is on pause this week, as crews wait for soil to be delivered. |
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| | Ashland Avenue ResurfacingThis week and next week, crews will be installing concrete raised crosswalks for west side of the street and install concrete bus pad at Ashland & Wilson southbound. There will be street closures on the west side of Sunnyside, Carmen, and Winona. |
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| Manor Avenue ResurfacingManor Avenue has been resurfaced! The next and final step will be reinstalling pavement marking and speed humps, which will hopefully take place in the coming weeks. |
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| Extreme Weather Planning and Homelessness: Education + Engagement Session
The CHHRGE Flexible Shelter Committee invites you to join an important virtual meeting at noon on Thursday, September 10th for an opportunity to begin to plan for a difficult winter in Chicago with inadequate shelter and resources. Preview the services and accommodations that will likely be available this winter, discuss current gaps in the shelter and warming system, and review advocacy efforts undertaken in recent years to fill the gaps. You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in the Extreme Weather Planners Coalition. Help build an ever-improving response to Chicago's extreme weather emergencies, and do more to save life and limb. RSVP here to join on September 10th! |
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| Chicago North Side Great Decisions: Foreign Policy Discussion Group
Every Monday from September 14, 2026 to November 9, 2026, Great Decisions is hosting Chicago Northside Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Group at the Budlong Woods Library (5630 N. Lincoln).
This structured eight-week program is designed to increase your awareness and critical analysis of current events that relate to foreign affairs. RSVP at this link! |
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| Chicago Fire Department’s Public Education Unit
Interested in learning more about protecting yourself and loved ones in case of a fire? Consider attending one of the Chicago Fire Department’s ‘Sound the Alarm’ informational workshops! At these trainings, neighbors will learn about: School Fire Safety Programs Hands Only CPR Stop The Bleed/Narcan Training Senior Fire Safety Programs Smoke & CO Detectors for Seniors Car Seat Inspections
For more information, you can reach out to CFD’s Public Education team at [email protected]! |
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| Free Vaccine Clinic
The Friendship Center is partnering with Walgreens to provide a FREE flu vaccine clinic on Thursday, September 10, from 12 - 4 pm at The Friendship Center: 2711 W Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL 60625. No cost or insurance required Bring your insurance card if you have one Open to anyone 3-65 years old
For more information, you can visit this link! |
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| Guatemalan/Central American Nations’ Independence Day Celebration!
Join and support the Guatemalan Independence Day Parade scheduled for Sunday, September 13th at 12pm by Montrose & Kimball near California Ave! |
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| Hearing in Color at West Ridge Nature Park
West Ridge Nature Park will host a Hearing in Color Performance on September 19 at 6:00PM. This is a moving (literally) performance of an acapella choir that will stop in several places around the park and end in the Nature Play Space for about another half hour performance. |
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| Give Feedback on the CPD Superintendent SearchWhat do you want to see in the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department? The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is conducting a nationwide search for Chicago’s next Superintendent of Police and they want to hear from you! Join a virtual upcoming listening session on Thursday, September 10th on Zoom. Register here!
Can’t attend? No worries. You can learn more on the CCPSA website, and share your feedback at bit.ly/SupSearch26. |
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| | Public Safety TrendsOverall, violent crime is down 2.9% in the 40th Ward for the year so far compared to last year. Citywide, violent crime is down 8.5%. 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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Thank you to all the neighbors that attended our Policy Town Hall this week! |
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Had a blast celebrating the grand opening of Zimi’s Pizza at 5077 N. Lincoln! |
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It was great to meet with the great folks at Christ Church Chicago this week! |
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Always great to visit the Japanese American Service Center! |
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The 40th Ward Environmental Board's Paul Naylor spoke on the Sustainable Parkways at Indivisible Lincoln Square's discussion on resilient neighborhoods in a changing climate! |
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