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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for September 4, 2026
In This Edition:
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City Offices Closed Monday In Observance of Labor Day
Note: Due to the upcoming Labor Day Holiday, this newsletter is being sent today, Friday, September 4, instead of Monday, September 7.
 All City of Chicago offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Please note that garbage and recycling pickup is likely to be delayed by up to 24 hours for the remainder of the week. My office will reopen with our normal business hours of 9:00 am - 5:00 pm on Tuesday, September 8. If you need to file a service request, please respond to this email with your request for my office to action on Tuesday. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.
Additionally, my Mobile Ward office will not be at the Division St Farmer's Market tomorrow, September 5, due to the Labor Day holiday. My team will return to the market the following Saturday, September 12.
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Ordinance to Remove Cortland Bridge Landmark Status
In response to widespread community demand that city government take steps to mitigate the severe traffic congestion on the North Side, I am leading legislation to repeal the landmark status of the Cortland Bridge, along with the support of my colleagues, 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack and 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen. The ordinance will be introduced during the City Council Meeting on September 23.
In past newsletters, I spoke about the Chicago Department of Transportation's responsibility to maintain vital infrastructure while addressing the consequences its projects have on residents and surrounding communities. However, the landmark designation presents preservation requirements that are difficult to maintain given its significant structural issues.
I am pursuing this removal to encourage profound revisions to the bridge construction, timeline, and traffic plan that have affected residents without a clear rationale. Historical preservation should be, and is, possible without negatively impacting residents' lives, local commerce, or the city’s progress. Residents deserve a clear plan, a realistic timeline, and a safe bridge at this critical river crossing. While this ordinance would not necessarily provide the department staff the latitude they need to move this project forward faster (due to state and federal historical preservation protections that are also in place), it is important to me that the level of government for which I am responsible not stand in the way of proper upkeep and improvements to this bridge.
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Evening on Astor: Wednesday, September 9
 Time is running out to reserve a table for Evening on Astor! I am proud to be a premium sponsor of this year's edition of "The World's Most Elegant Block Party." Attendees will be treated to a performance from The Redhead Piano Bar, courtesy of the Lodge Management Group; food and refreshments from local food trucks; and, for an additional $30, you can visit the Private Wine and Spirits Tasting Tent. Do not forget about the presentation of table awards, based on theme, decor, and cuisine, that attendees can view throughout the evening.
Evening on Astor will take place on Wednesday, September 9, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, on Astor St between Goethe and Division. Find out more information and reserve your table by September 5 at this link. I am excited to join the Gold Coast community and celebrate this annual tradition that brings the neighborhood together.
Please be aware that there will be a street closure to accommodate Evening on Astor along N Astor St from Division to Goethe, and along E Scott St from State to Stone. This street closure will be in effect from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.
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Bike The Drive Lake Shore Dr Closure: Sunday, September 6
 Bike the Drive returns to Chicago on Sunday, September 6. Join thousands of cyclists to complete this 30-mile loop along Chicago's iconic Lake Shore Drive. Click here for more information and to register to attend.
DuSable Lake Shore Dr will be closed from Hollywood to 57th to accommodate cyclists from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm on September 6. Please plan your travel accordingly during this event.
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Street Sweeping
The Department of Streets and Sanitation continues to operate its regular street sweeping schedule. Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.
"Sweep Around Us" — a third-party email reminder service used for street sweeping alerts — has rebranded as "We The Sweeple." Click here for more information.
Click here to find the Street Sweeping section of my website. An interactive map of all seven street-sweeping sections is included, along with the full schedule of 2026 sweeping dates. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for respective sweeping dates in the event that they have visitors or are out of town.
Scheduled for cleaning on Tuesday, September 8: Section 1 (Olive), Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, September 9: Section 1 (Olive), Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, September 10: Section 2 (Blue)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, September 11: Section 2 (Blue)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, September 14: Section 3 (Purple)
Please note that due to the Labor Day city holiday on Monday, September 7, there will be no street sweeping or garbage pickup. City services will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
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CCPSA Superintendent Search Meeting: Thursday, September 10
Following the retirement of Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has begun the process of identifying candidates to serve as Chicago’s next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
Public participation is an essential part of the Superintendent search. The Municipal Code requires the Commission to hold at least four public hearings to gather recommendations from Chicagoans before selecting candidates for Superintendent, including at least one hearing each on the North Side, South Side, and West Side of the city.
The final meeting takes place Thursday, September 10, on Zoom at 6:30 pm. Click here to participate.
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, September 22
Join the 18th Police District Council for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 22, at 12:30 pm at the 18th Police District Station, located at 1160 N Larrabee St. Street Parking is available in the adjacent parking lot south of the station. Please park in visitor spots only.
Commander Christopher Bielfeldt (or his representative) and the 18th District CAPS team will be in attendance to discuss public safety matters.
Click here to RSVP in person or here for the Zoom option.
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18th District CompStat Report
The Computer Statistics report (CompStat) is a weekly report of incidents that occurred in the respective police district. Each district compiles a statistical summary of the week's crime complaints, arrests, and data analysis.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
Community Alerts:
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
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Updated 2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Beat community meetings are a key part of the Chicago Police Department's strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person, with the option to participate remotely, and are an excellent way to communicate with the officers who patrol your beat and to engage with and meet your neighbors.
The entirety of the 2nd Ward falls inside the 18th District. Click here to find which beat you reside in. You may also call 312-742-5778 or email [email protected] for more information about the 18th District CAPS office.
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General 2nd Ward Infrastructure Updates
Construction season continues as crews are busy resurfacing streets and alleys, building pedestrian safety improvements, and replacing street lighting. Here are some highlights of ongoing or upcoming infrastructure improvements in our ward. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. My office always stands ready to answer questions about these or any other infrastructure projects in our ward and to receive your suggestions for future consideration.
- Inner Lake Shore Drive resurfacing from E Lake Shore Dr to Ohio
Status: Lane markings were recently added, finishing touches are expected to be completed in specific locations in coming 1-2 weeks
- Will include some pedestrian safety improvements for crossing perpendicular east-west streets
- Southport/Belden intersection reconstruction
Status: Most work complete. Aesthetic additions such as bollards will be added soon.
- Raised intersection installed to calm traffic and increase pedestrian visibility in all directions.
- Curb bump-outs will also be added to shorten pedestrian distance when crossing in all directions.
- Aesthetic improvements are included (protective bollards and stamped concrete accents).
- Clover Playlot Improvements*
(*For the safety of parkgoers, the park is closed while major renovations take place)
- Status: Paver work commenced this week and expected to last two weeks. Entire project expected to be complete by early October 2026.
- Removal of dead trees
- Installation of artificial turf in areas prone to flooding
- Refreshed decorative hardscaping along the existing walking path (new pavers and decomposed granite finishes).
- Construction of a brand-new Gaga Ball court
- Pearson St parkway improvements (completed)
- Restoration of existing pavers and sidewalk replacement in select areas adjacent to Seneca Park
- Installation of brand-new paver-style stamped concrete along south parkway adjacent to Lake Shore Park (replacing existing sandstone gravel)
- Southport Ave resurfacing from Webster to Fullerton
- Status: During the resurfacing, one of the paving machines caught fire due to overheating and became inoperative prior to the project being completed. The malfunction was thankfully quickly identified and handled on site. While Webster to Belden as well as the west portion of Belden to Fullerton on Southport has been completed, the east side of Southport from Belden to Fullerton remains incomplete. CDOT is procuring replacement parts to repair the damaged paver and expects the resurfacing project to be completed next week. The paving machine, which is still on-site, cannot be moved until repaired and is currently obstructing the completion of the project, so different equipment cannot be used.
- Chestnut St complete lighting replacement from Mies van der Rohe to Lake Shore Dr
- Status: CDOT has announced another delay in the installation of the custom anchor rods for this project, which will delay concrete restoration another week. Work is expected to begin the week of September 14. I find this additional delay to be extremely frustrating and am working to hold those responsible accountable. The City approved the new foundations 4 weeks ago.
- The delay in restoration was due to the contractor's identification of vaults underneath several locations that required a special spread footing foundation before concrete could be repoured. While the city approved the new foundation three weeks ago, the custom anchor rods needed for the foundation were delayed. They have now arrived and are expected to be installed shortly, with final concrete to be poured soon thereafter.
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Scott to Schiller
Status: Project start is pending on spot curb and gutter replacement on the 1300 block of State Pkwy
- Dickens Avenue resurfacing from Clifton to Racine
Status: Requested early in 2026 but on hold while fiber optics (Lumen) project is completed
- If still necessary after fiber optics restoration, will be done in 2027
- Huron St resurfacing from St. Clair to Fairbanks
Status: Scheduled to be milled in the next 1-2 weeks
- E. Chicago sidewalk replacement (completed)
- Sidewalk alongside Chicago Avenue pumping station, which was not draining, has been replaced and looks great
- Wells St replacement of lighting fixtures on existing poles from Division to North Ave (completed)
- Magnolia Ave resurfacing from Webster to Belden (completed)
- Wabash Ave resurfacing from Huron to Superior (completed)
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Schiller to Burton (completed)
- McClurg Ct resurfacing from Ohio to Ontario (completed)
- Delaware Pl resurfacing from Clark to LaSalle (completed)
- Blackhawk St resurfacing from Sedgwick to Larrabee (completed)
- Magnolia/Belden detached pedestrian bump-outs (completed)
- Schiller between LaSalle and Clark: center line striping (completed)
- Alley apron and sidewalk replacement on North Ave from LaSalle to the western alley (completed)
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Update on the Division Street Streetscape
Phase 1 work is underway (center lane work).
These streetscape improvements have been designed by the Chicago Department of Transportation in close cooperation with community representatives and my team. Highlights include:
• Roadway geometry improvements
• Full-width roadway resurfacing
• New wider paver sidewalks
• New curb and gutter
• New street lighting
• ADA ramps and crosswalks
• New pavement markings and signs
• Tree plantings and landscaping
• Site furnishings
Throughout construction, Division Street will remain open to motorists and pedestrians, and access to businesses and residences will be maintained. During the final stage of construction, westbound traffic will be temporarily detoured. Please watch out for parking restrictions for equipment staging on nearby streets.
The outbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will be detoured during specific stages of construction. The inbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will not be affected. Individual bus stops may be temporarily closed or relocated to accommodate construction. For more information, please call the CTA information hotline at 773-836-7000.
Hardscape work is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving, with some landscaping work happening in the spring. Construction review meetings will be held weekly by CDOT when construction is underway. These meetings are open to the public and provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to ask questions and coordinate concerns regarding construction.
For additional information, please call the Department of Transportation at (312) 744-5900 or visit the project website here.
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Near North Library Temporarily Closed: September 7 - September 26
 Please be advised that the Near North Library branch, located at 310 W Division St, will be temporarily closed from September 7 to September 26 for building maintenance. Book Drop will remain closed until its reopening, and holds for this location will be re-routed to the Lincoln Park Branch, located at 1150 W Fullerton, for pickup.
Click here to find your closest Chicago Public Library branch.
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League of Women Voters at SOAR Market Next Tuesday
 I am excited to share that I am again hosting voter registration in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Chicago at our SOAR Farmers Market tent on Tuesday, September 8, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
You are encouraged to stop by and check if your registration is up to date. See you there!
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Stress-Buster Program Now Available
If you are a family member or caregiver of someone with dementia, you are invited to participate in the "Stress-Buster" program through the Department of Family and Support Services. Participants will learn stress management techniques, receive peer support, learn enhanced problem-solving skills, and more.
You can register to attend these virtual classes here.
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C3 Fall Conservation Corps Training
 The Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) collaborates with partners across the city to inspire and fund lasting change through grassroots community organization and climate action. C3 is planning and beginning info sessions for its Fall 2026 Sustainability Leadership Training, which is virtual and focused on the food systems in Chicagoland.
Classes are pay-what-you-can (including $0) and are weekly for 8 weeks. You can learn more and register here.
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Chicago Jazz Festival: September 3-6
 The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. The festival showcases Chicago's local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.
Click here for more details.
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Last Movie in the Park: La Vie en Rose: TONIGHT, September 4
 The Lake Shore Park and Seneca Park Advisory Council is proud to present the final edition of Movies in the Park in 2026: La Vie en Rose. Come see this award-winning film about the extraordinary life of Edith Piaf TONIGHT, September 4, at 8:30 pm in Lake Shore Park, located at 808 N Lake Shore Dr.
The film is free for all and will be shown in French with English subtitles. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
Thank you to the hardworking members of the Lake Shore Park and Seneca Park Advisory Council for a wonderful season of Movies in the Park. I am proud to be a sponsor of this annual program and was delighted to see great community turnout at each movie this year.
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Destigmatizing Dementia: A Community Conversation: Wednesday, September 9
 Join Skyline Village Chicago and the Center for Life and Learning at Fourth Presbyterian Church for a free community event exploring ways to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia. The program features a keynote presentation by TimeSlips, an internationally recognized nonprofit that uses creativity and storytelling to strengthen connections with people living with dementia, followed by a panel discussion on the Dementia Friends movement and the GUIDE program. The program will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm at Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E. Chestnut St). The event is open to caregivers, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, people living with dementia and their care partners, and anyone interested in creating a more dementia-friendly community.
Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. To register, visit CLL: Destigmatizing Dementia – Fourth Presbyterian Church.
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Sounds Good! Choir Chicago River Sing-Along: Wednesday, September 9
 Join the Sounds Good Choir community for a fun and special evening on Chicago's Riverwalk, complete with socializing, hearing Handel's Water Music performed by the Music of the Baroque chorus and orchestra, and joining in a city-wide sing-along of Handel's Messiah.
This FREE event will take place along the Chicago Riverwalk between Clark and LaSalle from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, September 9. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get the best seats.
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Little Sisters of the Poor Chez Ste Marie Fundraiser: Thursday, September 17
 Join the Little Sisters of the Poor for Chez Ste. Marie–A Taste of France. This popular wine tasting event will take place on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in St. Mary’s Garden (2325 N Lakewood Ave).
Sample select fine French wines, taste handcrafted hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy the dulcet sounds of the guest string quartet. All proceeds go to support St. Mary’s Home and Jugan Terrace.
Click here for more information.
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2nd Annual Old Town Oktoberfest On Wells: September 18-20
 Old Town raises a stein to Fall as Old Town Oktoberfest returns this September 18–20, 2026! Celebrating the neighborhood's rich German heritage, this three-day street festival transforms Wells Street into a lively Bavarian-inspired destination filled with authentic food, live music, local artisans, and festive traditions.
Festivalgoers can enjoy authentic German favorites including bratwurst and sauerkraut, giant pretzels, and ice-cold beer while dancing to German-inspired performers and popular Midwest bands throughout the weekend. Guests can browse curated arts-and-crafts vendors and compete in crowd-favorite Masskrugstemmen (stein-holding competitions). Sports fans won't miss a moment thanks to the festival's giant LED viewing area.
You can find details such as hours, music lineup, Masskrugstemmen schedule, and more HERE on the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association's website.
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Opa! At The Cathedral: September 18-20
 Join the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral from September 18-20 for Opa! At The Cathedral. This three-day festival, located at 1017 N LaSalle Dr, is a celebration of Greek culture and will feature live music, food, and community. Admission is free, and the festival will run from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm Friday, and 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Come hungry, leave saying Opa!
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St. Josaphat JosaFEST 2026: September 19-20
 Join St. Josaphat for their annual parish festival, JosaFEST 2026, September 19-20.
JosaFEST 2026 will feature live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, games, and fun for the entire family. Learn more about St Josephat School and don't forget about JosaFEST's famous cake walk!
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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