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Happy Friday Neighbors!
It's been a steady week of resolving constituent requests! On Fridays, we hunker down and focus on clearing the queue of any of the requests and concerns that neighbors call into our office. Thankfully, over the last couple of weeks, we have been intentional about responding to every request, even as we were clearing all of the storm-related ones. We are grateful to the Departments of Streets and Sanitation, Transportation, and Water Management, who are still working on storm related impacts citywide. If you see debris on parkways in the ward, please know that they are all being tracked! The fact that many are still on the parkway speaks to the number of large scale challenges across the city. We definitely got hit pretty hard, but not as bad as some other wards.
As a reminder, if you have service requests, please do any/all of the following: File the request using the city's 311 system, which is accessible on any browser at 311.chicago.gov––or, even easier, you can do it straight from your phone using the CHI 311 app (here is the link for iPhone and for Android)!
Submit a request (preferably with your 311 Service Request number) to our office at 40thward.org/contact. You can also call 773.654.1867 during office hours, but the contact form is definitely the best way to submit the request and have it timestamped for follow up.
I wanted to make sure to share this information as it helps us better respond and address issues, and I recognize that sometimes folks may forget or not have the information. With so much going on, we want to make sure everyone has the information so they can reach out when needed - we are at your service, and at your door!
I look forward to connecting with you this weekend at the block parties and as I'm traveling in the ward! Also, mark your calendars for our Policy Townhall (August 31st at DANK Haus) and make the time to enjoy Caturday in Lincoln Square by taking a catwalk (or a catnap if needed)!
Yours in Service and Community, 
Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward Alder |
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| Save the Date: Policy Town Hall
Join us for our Policy Town Hall on Monday, August 31st from 6-8pm at DANK Haus (4740 N Western Ave)! We'll discuss the policy issues facing our city—everything from public safety, to affordable housing, transit, environmental justice, the city budget, immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights, and more—what we've tackled and what we're still working on. Then, we'll host breakout discussions so we can hear your ideas about what you want to see for our city's future.
Bring your ideas and concerns, but you can also come if you just want to learn more about City policy. Hope to see you there!
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| Chicago Park District Citywide Participatory BudgetingThe Chicago Park District has officially launched the voting phase of its Citywide Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiative. Through Citywide Participatory Budgeting, community members have the opportunity to help determine how $500,000 in capital improvement funding will be invested in parks across Chicago. Voting will take place from July 27 through August 27, and all community members ages 13 and older are encouraged to participate. Community members can vote by completing the online ballot here OR casting a ballot at any Chicago Park District fieldhouse or at community outreach events. |
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| | Chicago Air and Water ShowThe Chicago Air and Water Show is in town this weekend on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16th at the North Avenue Beach!
Neighbors may notice increased aircraft activity beginning Thursday, Aug. 13, including during the scheduled rehearsal on Friday, August 14th. During rehearsal and show days, neighbors, particularly those living, working or visiting near the lakefront, may experience: Aircraft demonstrations and intermittent loud noise. Increased vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic; allow extra travel time. Traffic control aides will be deployed to facilitate traffic around the area; motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
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| | In the News
On the BlogEmergency Family Planning in Case of Detention: In the past month, we have seen a surge in ICE enforcement in Chicago. To help you and your family prepare in case you are targeted by ICE, we’ve included some resources on our website!
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Community Driven Zoning Meeting: 1634 W. ThorndaleOn Tuesday, August 11th from 5:30-6:30PM, the 40th Ward is hosting a community driven zoning meeting for a proposed development at 1634 West Thorndale Ave via Zoom. RSVP at this link! |
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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 last month, you can Check out a recording of our pre-construction meeting to learn more about this project and its impact to the community.
Crews anticipate completing electrical underground work this week. Next week, crews will begin grading and concrete work on Catalpa Ave. This work will have little to no impact on traffic. |
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| | Ashland Avenue ResurfacingCrews will be installing raised crosswalks in the 47th Ward from Montrose to Lawrence. W Ainslie will be closed from Ashland to Clark during Phase 1 W Winona will be closed from Ashland to Clark in Phase 1, and Ashland to Paulina in Phase 2 W Carmen will be closed from Ashland to Clark in Phase 1, and Ashland to Ravenswood in Phase 2 W Sunnyside will be closed from Ashland to Greenview in Phase 1 and Ashland to Paulina in Phase 2
For the farmers market, Ashland access will be closed, but people can access the market via the alley on Winona.
The work will likely begin next week, pending final permits! Crews anticipate completing the project by the end of September. |
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| | Campbell Street ResurfacingCrews will anticipate repaving Campbell Avenue from Morse to Pratt the week of August 17th! |
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| Road Closures on Ainslie StThis week, crews began working on the intersection at Ainslie and Claremont. The intersection, along with the majority of the 4800 block of N Claremont, has been closed to allow the city to complete a sewer main and structure installation. Crews are currently backfilling the deep excavation, and next week, they will begin placing concrete pavement. Weather permitting, they anticipate the intersection at Claremont and Ainslie will be reopened on Friday, August 14th.
Starting Thursday August 13th, the intersection of Ainslie St and N Oakley Ave will also be closed to traffic as part of this same project.
The project is in the 47th Ward, but the project will impact the 40th Ward as well, due to the intersection closures. Work at this location is expected to last approximately 3-4 weeks but could take longer. If you have any questions, or if any issues come up during construction, please reach out to our office at 40thward.org/contact! |
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| Manor Avenue ResurfacingAsphalt resurfacing of Manor Avenue is expected to begin within the next week! Crews anticipate that they will begin grinding the existing asphalt this week, weather and equipment permitting. Once the existing asphalt is milled, they will adjust any sewer structures, and then repave the street, followed by pavement markings. The entire process typically takes around 3-4 weeks.
While the street will remain open for the duration of this work, there will be lane closures as needed to facilitate this work, so please plan for additional time on your commutes! We apologize for the disruption, but looking forward to a smoother, safer Manor Avenue. |
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| St. Padre Pio Annual Outdoor MarketOn August 8 from 10AM-3PM, St. Padre Pio Parish is hosting an Outdoor Market at the parish parking lot, 5615 N. California Ave. This free community event offers something for everyone!
Shop for affordable clothing, books, toys, and many other hidden treasures while supporting St. Padre Pio Parish and its ministries. Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Vendor spaces are still available for $25. Bring your gently used items, reserve your own parking-space-sized booth, and join us for a fun day of community and bargain hunting. |
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| West Andersonville Community Garden Volunteer Day!On Sunday August 9th 9AM-12PM, join West Andersonville Neighbors Together (WANT) for a volunteer day on the east side of the railway at Ravenswood & Summerdale. Tools and water will be provided! |
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| Movie in the Park at Park 599: A League of Their OwnOn August 10th, pack blankets and lawn chairs and head on over to Park #599, located at 1623 W. Edgewater Ave, for a free screening of A League of Their Own, part of the Chicago Park District's Movies in the Parks series.
The movie begins at dusk, so arrive early to find a spot and enjoy free popcorn before the show. Rated PG, A League of Their Own has a runtime of approximately 128 minutes and is fun for the whole family. |
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| Creative Movement for Kids at Indian Boundary Cultural CenterOn Fridays from 3:15-3:55PM, September 11th - November 6th, 2026, Khecari is hosting Creative Movement Classes for Kids (Ages 2-5) at Indian Boundary Park Cultural Center (2500 W Lunt Ave).
This class is an introduction to movement and dance for children aged 2-5 years old. Through movement games and beginner dance skills, children learn self-confidence, and practice basic gross motor skills to improve balance and coordination. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay in the space during class. This class is taught by Robin Davis and may be subbed by another teacher. We encourage pre-registration and early purchases of drop-in classes, so that if a class has to be cancelled for health or safety concerns, the teacher can let you know by email.
For more information, and to register, visit us here. |
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| Friends of the Parks, North Side Neighborhood MeetingOn Thursday, August 13th from 6:30-8pm, Friends of the Park 2026 is hosting a North Side Neighborhood Dialogue to invite neighbors to share what they envision for the future of Chicago's parks and green spaces. This event is free and open to the public. |
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| 2026 Blue Ink FestivalOn Saturday, August 15, American Blues Theater hosts the 2026 Blue Ink Festival featuring 3 different play readings. Attend 1, 2, or all 3 readings!
Learn more & RSVP here! |
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| Rooted in Song & Resistance Rooted in Song returns to Bramble Arts Loft at 5545 N Clark! After selling out in its very first year, Rooted in Song returns on August 10, 2026, and this year, there are two performances at 6PM and 8PM. Get your tickets now for Rooted in Song & Resistance, an inspiring evening celebrating the power of music, community, and standing together and for TWO incredible causes. Directed and hosted by Broadway performer David Rossetti, with music direction by Alex Newkirk (from Elixir's open mic), the evening features over 16 Chicago professional performers, including Midsommarfest favorites Molly Callinan (Too Much Molly Band), Jennifer Femme, Amanda and Justin Horvath-Adair (Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute), and Adam LeBlanc (16 Candles Band). Your ticket purchase will not only go to Aville Grows and its continued growth, but also a portion of the night's proceeds to a local organization helping fight for immigrant rights in our own community.
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Public Safety Updates On July 30, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) held its monthly meeting on the Northwest Side. I wasn’t able to attend in person, but I did watch the hearing afterward and came away concerned about how things unfolded. A big part of the discussion centered on the Superintendent Working Group, with Commissioner Driver and others raising concerns that the group doesn’t reflect the broader Commission.
With two new Commissioners now seated and a majority signaling interest in changing the working groups, it’s clear there are different opinions on how this process should move forward. Unfortunately, the conversation shifted into back-and-forth disagreements, and the meeting ended without resolving the issue. For now, the working group remains the same.
Because of this, community input is especially important right now. CCPSA staff have announced a series of Listening Sessions to hear directly from residents about what you want to see in the next Police Superintendent. The first session will be at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd) on August 17 at 6:30 p.m., with more sessions to follow. If you’re able, I encourage you to attend and share your perspective.
As part of the Immigration Working Group for District Councilors, I’ll be pushing for stronger training around the Welcoming City Ordinance and for continued efforts to rebuild trust between communities and the Chicago Police Department, especially in light of past harms like the Midway Blitz. If you can’t make a session, you can still share your input through the online form.
Yours in Service, Deirdre O’Connor 20th District Councilor
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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. Neighbors can share what qualities, priorities, and leadership they want to see in the next Superintendent. Visit bit.ly/SupSearch26 to share your feedback! |
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| District Council Election Info SessionsIn February 2027, elections will be held to select 3 District Councilors (DCs) in each of Chicago's 22 police districts. District Councils provide community oversight over policing and public safety. Councilors serve as local elected leaders providing input from the community on police oversight and other city public safety efforts. If you’re interested in becoming a District Councilor, attend one of the upcoming info sessions! You will learn about the upcoming elections, the responsibilities of the DCs, and about the requirements to run for this elected office. |
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| 20th District Council MeetingOn August 10 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, join the 20th District Council for their monthly meeting at Swedish Hospital's Anderson Pavilion (2751 W Winona St). Share your ideas and concerns about public safety and policing in the 20th District Learn from Tobara Richardson, Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety, about the Office of the Inspector General's 2025 Public Safety Annual Report, and the role of the OIG in police accountability and public safety. Provide feedback to the CCPSA on their ongoing search for a new CPD superintendent.
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| | Public Safety TrendsOverall, violent crime is down 7.9% in the 40th Ward for the year so far compared to last year. Citywide, violent crime is down 9.2%. 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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| | Our team got a chance to tour the new Phoenix Bean tofu center this week! |
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| | Great to see neighbors out at the 24th District National Night Out! |
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