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Dear Neighbors,
We had another great annual 44th Ward Senior Picnic last week. More than 200 neighbors enjoyed lunch, live music, and raffle prizes!
 
This week, I joined Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and State Senator Sara Feigenholtz in making phone calls to 44th Ward constituents who are owed unclaimed funds. The State of Illinois holds lost funds until they are either claimed by the original owner or their heirs. To see if you have any funds owed to you, visit icash.illinoistreasurer.gov or call 217-524-0649.
 
Each September, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), observe National Preparedness Month (NPM) to promote family and community disaster planning year-round. This year, OEMC is launching a new monthly newsletter that will share relevant information to Chicagoans including public safety updates and events happening in the city. To sign up, click here. Additional resources include signing up for Smart911, downloading the OEMC app, and signing up for text alerts relating to traffic impacts, severe weather, and emergencies via NotifyChicago. To learn more, visit OEMC's website here.
In other public safety news, on Thursday, September 24, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) will hold their monthly public meeting at DePaul College Prep (3300 N Campbell Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. focusing on officer wellness. To RSVP or leave a comment, click here.
  
This weekend, the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts returns on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20. This festival will showcase over 150 artists displaying paintings, sculptures, photography, furniture, jewelry, and more. Each day will also feature two stages with live music and a kids zone. For more information, click here.
On Saturday, September 19, the Southport Neighbors Association will be having their annual Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, click here.
Additionally, on Sunday, September 20, the Race to Wrigley will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with some street closures beginning as early as 3 a.m. For more information, on street closure, timing details, and the course map, click here.
 
There's a new neighborhood festival coming to Clark Street this fall: Clark Street Live! On Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, Clark will be closed between Addison and Newport for two days of live music. For more information about this new festival, click here.
Also that weekend, East Lake View Neighbors will host its annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 26, at Murphy's Bleachers. The event will feature live music, German food, and a silent auction. Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.
Next week, I will be joining the Diversey Community Coalition (DCC) at two events regarding ComEd's proposed Substation at 1111 W. Diversey Pkwy. First, on Wednesday, September 23, there will be a community update at New Life Church (1110 Lill Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. to share the latest on efforts to oppose the substation as currently proposed. Then, on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m., community members will gather for a rally outside the proposed substation at 1111 W. Diversey Pkwy. For those unable to attend, the DCC website includes additional ways residents can make their voices heard, including filing a complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
As I've stated before, a project of this scale should undergo thorough community review, just as any other major development would. Neighbors continue to express that this transit-accessible stretch along Diversey is best suited for housing and retail.
 
On Sunday, October 11, Chicago will welcome runners and spectators from around the world for the 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Residents can view the complete route here, as well as a complete list of anticipated street closing and reopening times here.
Many of you have reached out to share your thoughts on the two major renter protection proposals currently moving through City Council: the Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) and the Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental Ordinance (FAIR). Both proposals would modernize Chicago’s 40‑year‑old Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance—an update that is overdue.
Importantly, both include the creation of a citywide rental registry, a reform I strongly support to improve accountability and transparency. These two proposals differ most notably in their implementation structures and fee regulations, which is where much of the debate and ongoing conversations are occurring.
I remain hopeful that Council can find common ground. We must strengthen protections and rights for renters and standardize our fee structures while ensuring that any additional requirements do not result in rent hikes for tenants. I’m committed to advancing a balanced approach that supports both renters and responsible housing providers.
I would like to take a moment to thank James Turner. James has been voluntarily cleaning East Lakeview's parks for over 13 years. Thank you, James, for your long-standing commitment to keeping our community clean!
As a reminder, ensuring alley garbage carts are in good condition is one of the most effective ways to reduce rodent activity. Rats only need a small opening to get inside, so if you notice any cracks, holes, or lids that do not close tightly, you can request a replacement cart through 311. Keeping carts fully sealed helps prevent rodents from accessing food and supports our ongoing efforts to control rodent activity in the neighborhood.
Yom Kippur will begin at sundown on Sunday, September 20. We extend our sincere wishes to all who observe, and hope the holiday brings a day of meaningful reflection, renewal, and peace.
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Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson
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Upcoming Resurfacing
Streets:
The summer street resurfacing schedule is now complete. We are waiting for updates on the fall schedule from CDOT. We hope to have more information soon.
Alleys:
- EW alley between W. Newport, N. Lakewood, W. Roscoe, N. Racine - estimated grinding date 9/23
Wellington, Broadway, and Oakdale:
As part of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Capital Alley Program, the North/South and East/West section of the alley bordered between Clark, Wellington, Broadway, and Oakdale will be undergoing reconstruction for much needed alley improvements.
The schedule for this project is below. Please note that all dates are tentative due to any weather delays that may occur.
Phase-1 (East/West Leg): Complete!
Phase-2 (North/South Leg):
- Sawcut/Removal – 09/08 to 09/11
- Frame/Stone/Pour – 09/14 to 09/23
- Cleanup/Open Alley – 09/24 to 09/25
If you have any questions on this alley resurfacing, please reach out to our office for more details.
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Divvy Bikes & E-Scooters
We are excited to share that we now have a total of 26 E-Scooter & Divvy Bike docking stations in the 44th Ward!
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Divvy for Everyone Program
The Divvy for Everyone Program provides a full year of bikeshare access for just $5 for income-qualified residents.
To learn more about this program, click here.
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Reporting Scooter & Divvy Bike Removals
If you see Divvy Bikes or E-Scooters that are not properly returned to a docking station, please report this to 311 here. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean.
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Chi Street Work Portal
Have questions about street work happening in your area?
The Department of Transportation has a tool called the Chi Street Work Portal where you can input an address and see all surrounding permits for projects on that street.
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Garbage & Recycling
The next recycling pick-up for the 44th Ward is the week of September 28. You can find your full garbage and recycling pick up schedule here.
Recycling information is now also available through Chicago's Recycle Coach App. To learn more about the app, click here.
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To submit a small business for our weekly shoutout, please complete the form here.
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19th District Weekly Report:
September 7 - September 13
My office is in regular contact with the 19th Police District about crimes that have occurred recently in our area and that are reflected in the statistics below. The majority of 19th District crimes have occurred outside of our ward. The 19th District also includes the surrounding neighborhoods of Uptown, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Bricktown, Ravenswood, and Lincoln Square.
Please view our website's public safety page here for both proactive measures to stay safe before crimes occur, and also how to respond in the event of a crime. In order to stay safe, please find the the full list of CPD's safety tips here, as well as tips for personal safety, robberies, and vehicles.
Below you'll find Week 37's CompStat breakdown of crime in the 19th District.
Please note, these statistics are a reflection of the entire 19th District. The boundaries are from Lawrence Ave to Fullerton Ave, from the Chicago River to the Lake.
Here are the key points:
- Year to Date, Robberies are down 39%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 are down 10%
- Year to Date, Aggravated Battery is flat, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 is down 50%
- Year to Date, Burglaries are down 44%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 they're down 42%
- Year to Date, Thefts are up 6%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 they're up 13%
- Year to Date, Motor Vehicle Thefts are up 23%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 they're down 2%
For a list of crime definitions, please see CPD's website here.
See full report below:
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Upcoming Meetings
Community Meetings With CPD (‘Beat Meetings’):
Beat meetings are part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) and are an opportunity to speak directly with CPD officers about your neighborhood. The officers review incidents that have occurred as well as an overview of crime statistics. Find your beat here and view the beat meeting schedule below or in our ward calendar.
19th Police District Council
The 19th Police District Council holds monthly meetings. To view all upcoming meetings, you can visit the 19th Police District Council website here.
The next meeting is:
Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Topic: Conversation with Jens Ludwig, Director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab
Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church
600 W Fullerton Pkwy.
Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability (CCPSA)
CCPSA holds monthly Commission meetings. To view all upcoming meetings, you can visit the their website here.
The next meeting is:
Thursday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m.
DePaul College Prep
3300 N Campbell Ave.
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CPD Superintendent Search
Following the retirement of Superintendent Larry Snelling, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has begun the process of identifying candidates to serve as the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The Commission is conducting a 120‑day nationwide search and will recommend three finalists to the Mayor.
Community Input Opportunities:
- Complete the CCPSA Community Input Form to share what qualities and priorities you want to see in the next Superintendent.
- Attend an upcoming listening session. The Municipal Code requires the Commission to hold at least four public hearings across the city—on the North Side, South Side, and West Side
—to gather recommendations from Chicagoans before selecting candidates.
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Other Public Safety Alerts
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Delivery Drivers:
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Charity Scam Alert:
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Mental Health Response Resources
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If someone is in a mental health crisis, NAMI, Thresholds, and Trilogy provide resources and mobile crisis response in which a mental health professional can be dispatched.
This can be done instead of, or in conjunction with calling 911. If calling 911, you can ask for a CIT officer to be dispatched as they have additional mental health response training.
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THIRD SPACE FILM SCREENING - SEPT. 17
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SNA YARD SALE
- SEPT. 19
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LAKEVIEW EAST FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS - SEPT. 19-20
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RACE TO WRIGLEY - SEPT. 20
Register HERE by noon on 9/19
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COLON CANCER SCREENING - SEPT. 23
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GENDER COOL GALA
- SEPT. 24
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VITAL RECORDS EVENT
- SEPT. 26
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ELVN OKTOBERFEST - SEPT. 26
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CLARK STREET LIVE
- SEPT. 26 & 27
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TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE - OCT. 3
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LAKEVIEW EAST CHAMBER LITTLE MONSTERS CRAWL - OCT. 31
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On Sunday, October 11, Chicago will welcome runners and spectators from around the world for the 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
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Towing and Street Closures:
- No parking is allowed on the Chicago Marathon course. Towing of vehicles on the course will begin at 1:00am on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
- The Chicago Marathon will involve extensive street closures on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Streets in your neighborhood may be closed to traffic starting at 6:00 a.m. and continuing to 4:00 p.m.
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Merlo Library - Upcoming Programs
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Merlo Library (644 W Belmont) has a wide range of events each week for babies, kids, teens, and adults.
Click here to view all of Merlo's upcoming events, and see below for events this coming week.
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- Film Screening: Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021) - Saturday, September 19, 11:00am–1:00pm
- Adult Book Discussion: The Bell Jar - Saturday, September 19, 3:00pm–4:00pm
- Canvas and Conversation - Tuesday, September 22, 11:00am–1:00pm
- Sewing Certification for Teens - Tuesday, September 22, 4:00pm–5:30pm
- LEGO Club - Wednesday, September 23, 3:30pm–4:30pm
- Baby Time - Thursday, September 24, 10:30am–11:00am
- Baby Time - Thursday, September 24, 11:30am–12:00pm
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Click here for a full list of Chicago farmers markets.
Wrigleyville Night Market at Gallagher Way
The Night Market at Gallagher Way is back on select Thursdays from 4-8pm in July and August. To view the full schedule, click here.
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Nourishing Hope (3945 N Sheridan), formerly known as Lakeview Pantry, is a robust Chicago nonprofit providing food, mental wellness counseling and other social services, such as job and housing assistance, to our neighbors in need.
To learn more about their programs, click here.
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Deliver fresh groceries to your neighbors!
- Sign up for a Home Delivery Driving shift with Nourishing Hope to deliver 8-10 orders. Driving shifts begin at their Hub warehouse at 5151 N. Ravenswood at 10:30am.
- You can learn more and register for shifts here.
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Donation Pages & Volunteer Opportunities
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TUBMAN PLAYGROUND
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CHICAGO ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL
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MEALS ON WHEELS - SEPT. 21
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VACCINATIONS
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MAKE YOUR BUILDING
BIRD-FRIENDLY
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BEAT FACILITATOR APPLICATION
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COMMUNITY PARKING PROGRAM
AT SAINT JOSEPH
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The City is Hiring
Looking for a job? Try working for the City! Click here to see the full list of job openings currently seeking applicants.
Local government employment opportunities:
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