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48th WARD NEWS: APRIL 16, 2026
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48th WARD ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS
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Dear 48th Ward Neighbors,
We heard you, and we made it happen. In 2026, we are doubling the number of accessible pedestrian signals (APS) in the 48th Ward! My office recently secured $1,080,000 for six new accessible pedestrian signals.
APS communicate information about pedestrian signal timing through audible tones, speech messages, and vibrating surfaces. These devices assist blind, low-vision, and deafblind pedestrians, as well as anyone who may find visual signals difficult to interpret due to lighting, weather, or other environmental conditions. This is part of my commitment to Vision Zero, the city-wide initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities in Chicago through safer street design, education, and policy. We are proud to have had zero pedestrian fatalities in the 48th ward in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The new APS will be installed by the end of 2026 at the following locations:
- Sheridan & Balmoral
- Sheridan & Glenlake
- Sheridan & Argyle
- Broadway & Balmoral
- Broadway & Argyle
- Broadway & Ainslie
Existing APS are located at:
- Sheridan & Thorndale
- Clark & Bryn Mawr
- Devon and Glenwood (NEW in 2025)
- Sheridan/Devon/Broadway
- Ashland/Clark/Devon
- Ainslie and Sheridan
See a map of all 48th ward APS here. This work is driven by your feedback and designed for you. Thank you for your engagement and partnership.
Yours in community,
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Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
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CELEBRATE EARTH MONTH 2026
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Earth Day Clean Up at Lane Beach
- When: Saturday, April 18 from 10am-12pm
- Where: Lane Beach (5915 N Sheridan)
- Learn more online.
Lane Beach is one of many 48th Ward Earth Day Clean & Green sites! Come together with neighbors to clean and beautify this piece of the lakefront, and enjoy a free Metropolis cold brew! Read more about the Clean & Green program below.
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Annual Citywide Clean & Green
- When: Saturday, April 18
- Where: Various locations across the city, including Buttercup Park (4901 N Sheridan), Margate Park (4921 N. Marine), Lincoln Simmonds Playground (4850 N Simonds), Lane Beach (see above), Park No. 559 (5161 N Sheridan), and Berger Park (6205 N Sheridan)
- Register for an existing cleanup here.
Join neighbors at a park near you for the annual citywide Clean & Green where school groups, local organizations, and neighborhood associations team up to clean and beautify areas in their communities in celebration of Earth Day! Check out the link above to find a cleanup near you, or register your own by calling 311.
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Vedgewater Volunteer Days!
Leni joined the Edgewater Environmental Coalition (EEC) for the first volunteer day of the Vedgewater 2026 gardening season! Vedgewater is a collaborative community garden with individual and community beds. Plots include edibles, many of which are donated to the Edgewater Mutual Aid Network, and commons areas are maintained by volunteers. Click here to learn more about how to get involved with Vedgewater and other EEC volunteer initiatives this spring and summer!
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New Trash Bins!
Have you noticed additional trash bins in the 48th ward? Uptown’s SSA 34 has expanded their trash bin program by adding new bins and increasing pick-up frequency. All 12 bins are emptied four times a week. Andersonville’s SSA22 has 37 new trash bins thanks to a $115,200 investment from our office along with the 40th and 47th wards. If you have questions, concerns, or compliments about these trash bins contact [email protected] or [email protected].
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Water is Life - Peirce & Senn Collaborative Dance Showcase
In this performance, Peirce & Senn dance students collaborated with each other to create movement with the purpose of working to raise awareness within the school and neighborhood communities about the main issues Lake Michigan faces to remain a healthy source of life & sustainability. Students accomplished this through inquiry (investigating issues), collaboration (across schools & grade levels), and creation (their final product being a dance film showcasing student choreography as a means of educating the community and advocating for Lake Michigan as one of Chicago's greatest resources).
Our office helped to secure $2,000 in funding for this project from the Dorothy Crystal Elementary Education Fund. Dottie's family encourages more CPS teachers to apply for funding their project ideas here. Watch the full video featuring an interview with Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth here.
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How to Power a City Film Screening
- When: Friday, April 24 at 6pm
- Where: ICA GreenRise (4750 N Sheridan)
- Register online.
The Institute of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the One Earth Film Festival and Illinois Clinicians for Climate Action, is hosting a screening of How to Power a City, an award-winning documentary film followed by a panel discussion. The film follows the transformative renewable energy initiatives of six different communities throughout the continental US.
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ICA 4th Annual Earth Day Celebration
- When: Saturday, April 25 from 11am-2pm
- Where: Buttercup Park (4901 N Sheridan)
- Register online.
Join us at Buttercup Park for an Earth Day celebration featuring music, food, activities for kids, and resource tables from community organizations!
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Ainslie Winmore Community Cleanup
- When: Saturday, April 25 at 10am
- Where: Buttercup Park (4901 N Sheridan)
- Register online.
Join Ainslie Winmore neighbors for the first Uptown Action cleanup of the year! Pick up litter in and around Buttercup Park then stick around for a neighborhood social.
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Love Our Lakefront
- When: Sunday, April 26 from 9am-1:30pm
- Where: 5800 N Marine
- Learn more and register online.
Join the EEC and other local environmental organizations for Love Our Lakefront, a celebration of nature in the city! Activities include a nature walk, a tree tour, beach stewardship, resource & craft fair, and more!
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Please Pick Up After Your Pet Yard Signs Available at Ward Office
Spring has sprung in the 48th Ward! With the weather beginning to turn, there's no better time to put up one of these new "Please pick up after your pet" yard signs in your yard or parkway. They are available for free at the 48th Ward office while supplies last! Come by 1129 W Bryn Mawr whenever we're open to claim yours.
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2026 Construction
It's construction season! See the image above or visit our blog here to review construction projects planned for the 48th Ward in 2026. Note that dates are subject to change. Have a question about one of the projects listed? Call us at 773-784-5277 or send an email to [email protected]. You can also search for and track the progress of local projects via ChiStreetWork.
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48th Ward alleys before and after resurfacing
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Alley Resurfacing
The following alley resurfacing projects are expected to take place this month. Dates are estimates and subject to change. During the Participatory Budgeting, 48th ward neighbors voted to allocate $200,000 annually to general repairs. Our team has identified the worst alleys in the 48th ward and is allocating this funding towards alley resurfacing.
Alley resurfacing is minimally invasive. It’s a rolling process for both milling and paving. Grinding takes half a day and paving takes a full day. During alley resurfacing, the crews are not in front of any one garage for more than 20 minutes. The crews will move garbage cans as needed.
April 23
- Margate Terrace / Ainslie / McCutcheon Terrace / Marine
April 24
- Winona / Foster / Sheridan / Marine
- Sheridan / Winona / Argyle / Kenmore
- Winthrop / Winona / Argyle / Kenmore
- Elmdale / Thorndale / Magnolia / Broadway
April 27
- Highland / Rosemont / Clark / Greenview
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Glenwood between Hood and Glenlake during and after resurfacing
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Street Resurfacing
The following street resurfacing projects are projected to take place this month. Dates are estimates and subject to change. Look for posted “No Parking” signs.
- Balmoral (Wayne to Lakewood) - April 24
- Ardmore (Sheridan to Winthrop) - April 27
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SAVE THE DATE: DWM Community Meeting
- When: Tuesday, May 12 at 6pm
- Where: TBD
- Registration information coming soon
The Department of Water Management is expected to replace water mains at Sheridan & Bryn Mawr this year. Join us on May 12th at 6pm to hear from the DWM Staff about the project details and traffic plan. The project will take place on Sheridan (Bryn Mawr to Foster) and Bryn Mawr (Sheridan to Kenmore) and is expected to start this summer.
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Senn Nature Play Space
Construction on the Senn Park Nature Play Space is expected to begin as soon as this week. This Nature Play Space was one of our 2024 Participatory Budgeting winners. Read more about it here.
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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Property Tax Exemptions Applications Due
Property tax exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. The most common is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves a Cook County property owner an average of approximately $950 dollars each year. Read about each exemption online here. Apply by Wednesday, April 21.
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Shop Local on Record Store Day
This Saturday, April 18 is record store day! We're proud to have TWO incredible record stores right here in the 48th Ward. Stop by Rattleback Records at 5405 N Clark to peruse new and used vinyls and CDs. Then, make your way over to Transistor Chicago at 1058 W Bryn Mawr to find the perfect vintage records and eclectic gifts to complete your collections!
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Chicago Public Schools Capital Plan Community Meetings
- When: April 21 & 28
- Where: 4655 S Dearborn & Virtual (respectively)
- Register online.
Building on the District’s commitment to community engagement and equity during the budgeting process, Chicago Public Schools is holding public meetings to engage communities across Chicago on capital priorities as the district works to develop its FY27 Capital Plan. The meetings are intended to provide communities with an understanding of the district’s capital planning process and collect public input to help the district prioritize critical capital needs. The meetings will be held in English with Spanish interpretation available.
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Loyola University Move-Out Parking Restrictions
As the spring semester draws to a close, Loyola University Chicago is preparing for a total of 5,000 students to move out! They recently sent a courtesy email to alert the neighborhood of related upcoming parking restrictions:
Dates: Wednesday, April 29 - Monday, May 4
Time: 8am - 6pm
Restricted Parking:
- 1000-1150 W Loyola Avenue from Sheridan to the lake (note: restricted from 8am - 8pm)
- 1201-1220 W Northshore from Sheridan to the alley
- 6200-6259 N Kenmore from Rosemont to Granville
- 6200-6359 N Winthrop from Granville to Sheridan
Be conscious of "no parking" signs provided by the City in these areas to avoid towing.
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Jumping Jack Registration & Block Party Permits
Block party season is right around the corner! It's time to apply for block party permits and secure the free inflatable Jumping Jack! Use this form on our website to apply for block party permits and click here to register for the city's Jumping Jack program.
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Apply for the CSBG Scholarship
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible Chicago residents pursuing higher education. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and may be applied toward tuition and institutional fees for the Fall 2026 semester/quarter. In 2026 the city is investing in the whole student by providing additional resources such as financial education and personal development. Learn more and apply online by May 6.
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North Area Community Service Center April Programs
The North Area Community Service Center at 845 W Wilson has a variety of upcoming workshops and opportunities. These FREE programs are also listed on our community calendar.
- Nutrition Assistance: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 8am-4pm | Tuesday & Thursday from 9am-5pm
- Public Benefits Support: Tuesday & Thursday from 9am-5pm
- Mental Health Services: Wednesday, April 15 from 11am-12pm
- And much more: Call 312-744-2580 for more information about emergency rental assistance, domestic violence advocacy, and other programs
See the above schedule in PDF form here.
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SAVE THE DATE: Edgewater Music Fest
- When: August 28-30
- Where: Broadway & Thorndale
- Learn more online.
The North Side’s coolest street fest returns this year, August 28-30! Join the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and neighbors for three days of music and street vendors. See you there!
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Apply to be a 2026 Taste of Chicago Vendor
This July, Taste of Chicago returns to the iconic Grant Park for five full days of unforgettable food, music, and community celebration. As one of the nation’s premier food festivals, Taste of Chicago brings together an incredible variety of culinary experiences, unique beverage offerings, exciting live musical performances, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Joining Taste of Chicago means more than just serving great food—it’s a chance to introduce new customers to your business, build brand recognition, and be part of one of Chicago’s most celebrated summer traditions. Click here to learn more and apply! Applications are due at the end of the business day on Monday, April 20.
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Edgewater SSA #26 Renewal Community Meeting
- When: Thursday, April 16 at 1pm
- Where: Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
- Register online.
Special Service Area (SSA) #26 Broadway Commercial District is undergoing its SSA renewal process this year. Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is hosting two community meeting options (one virtual and one in-person) for residents, businesses, and property owners to learn more about the renewal process and ask questions. See a map of the boundaries for SSA #26.
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Andersonville SSA #22 Renewal Community Meetings
- In-Person: April 20 from 4-6 PM (5211 N Clark)
- Virtual: April 30 from 9-11am
- Register online.
SSA #22 Andersonville is currently in a renewal process of the Special Service Area (SSA) called Reconstitution. During this phase, the Reconstitution Committee has planned two public meetings to share information about the proposed SSA for the next 15 years. The public is invited to attend and learn more about SSA #22 Andersonville Reconstitution.
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5602 N Winthrop Development Community Meeting
- When: Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30pm
- Where: Edgewater Presbyterian (1020 W Bryn Mawr)
- Register online.
Developer Harlem Irving Companies is moving forward with a proposed mixed-use, multi-family development at 5602 N Winthrop. This project will be six stories (ground-floor retail plus five residential floors) with 95 apartment units and 28 parking spaces. The developer bought this site in 2020, proposed a residential project in late 2024, and was granted zoning variations approval in February 2025 for front and rear setbacks.
5602 N Winthrop is the site of three one-story commercial buildings in the Bryn Mawr Historic District, which received preliminary landmark status on April 2nd from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Harlem Irving, alongside OKW Architects, will present development plans and an estimated timeline.
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Emanuel / Fern Hill Proposed Development: Congregation Progress Update Meeting
- When: Thursday, April 30 at 6:30pm
- Where: Emanuel Congregation (5959 N Sheridan) & Zoom
- Register online.
Emanuel Congregation will be hosting a meeting for their congregation members regarding progress on revisions to proposed development plans for 5959 N Sheridan. The meeting is in person for congregation members only. For transparency, members of the public are welcome to observe the meeting virtually via Zoom. A recording of the meeting will be made available upon request.
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SSA 26 Sidewalk Cafe & Patio Permit Rebate
Patio season is right around the corner! Did you know that Special Service Area (SSA) #26 has rebates to cover the cost of Sidewalk Café and/or Patio permits for the City of Chicago? If your restaurant or café is located within SSA 26 (Broadway + parts of Devon, Bryn Mawr, Granville) and you have an outdoor eatery on a public sidewalk, this rebate is for you! See a map of SSA 26 here. Apply online here.
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Bryn Mawr/Broadway SBIF Opens May 1
Starting May 1, the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) will be accepting applications for grants of up to $150,000 for commercial properties in the Bryn Mawr/Broadway TIF District. The TIF boundaries include parts of Bryn Mawr, Broadway, Berwyn, and Ridge. See the full map here.
The Small Business Improvement Fund is one tool that we use to invest in 48th ward small businesses. Leni is a champion for the SBIF program and has made over $3.3 million available to 48th ward small businesses through the SBIF program. Over the past year, she's canvassed over 100 businesses on her Door to Door Business Tour to spread the word about the program.
Past SBIF grant recipients in the 48th ward have included Mella Café (5418 N Broadway) and Jenny's Tofu (5426 N Broadway). Click the links to see these 48th Ward entrepreneurs talk about the impact that SBIF had on their businesses
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Support for Unhoused Neighbors - Housing & Clean Up Updates
Our office continues to take a coordinated and compassionate approach to supporting unhoused neighbors by combining intensive outreach, connection to services, and on-the-ground response. Through our continuum of care efforts and sustained outreach to enroll unhoused neighbors in the CES Coordinated Entry System, 7 individuals have been housed year-to-date. Alongside this work, litter abatement and debris cleanups were completed in the lakefront area between Foster Avenue and Lawrence Avenue on both the east and west sides of DuSable Lake Shore Drive lakefront parks, including at 4600 N Lake Shore Drive on April 15 and 16 and in the East and West Meadows on April 10. This work reflects our commitment to addressing immediate site conditions while continuing to connect residents with housing resources and long-term support.
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Dine Out for Life
- When: Thursday, April 23
- Where: participating restaurants
- Learn more online.
Join Chicago’s restaurant community to ensure people affected by HIV can access essential services. Dine at a participating restaurant on April 23 and a portion of your bill will be donated to Vivent Health + TPAN. If you can’t go out to eat, you can also order takeout, purchase a gift card, or make a donation to Vivent Health + TPAN! See a list of participating restaurants here.
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DFSS Senior Services Food Box Program
- When: Thursday, April 23 at 12:30pm
- Where: Northeast Regional Senior Center (2019 W Lawrence)
- No RSVP required
In partnership with Top Box Foods, The Department of Family and Support Services Food Box Program provides fresh produce, frozen meats, and pantry staples to older adults ages 60+.
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IAC Public Hearings: Operation Midway Blitz
- When: April 27 & 28 from 12-3pm
- Where: 160 N LaSalle Street (6th floor - room C600)
- Learn more and access livestream links here.
The Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC) will host two public hearings this month to reveal results from the Commission's ongoing investigations surrounding the actions of federal agents during Operation Midway Blitz. The hearings will feature new, never-before-seen video footage and witness testimony from specific incidents targeting Illinoisians.
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City of Chicago Five-Year Blueprint on Homelessness
The Mayor’s Office of Homelessness (MOH) is committed to making homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. In partnership with city agencies, people with lived experience, and community stakeholders, we work to ensure all residents have access to safe, stable and affordable housing. Together with local, state and federal partners, Chicago is advancing solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and housing instability.
The city worked with residents, service providers and partners to develop a Five-Year Blueprint on Homelessness—a citywide plan grounded in data, community input and lived experience. Now, we are moving into implementation, aligning agencies and partners to carry out this work across Chicago. Read the blueprint here.
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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A big shout out to the Illinois Air Team, Ismaili Civic, and the 48th Ward staff for hosting the second annual 48th Ward Emissions Testing Event! Vehicles are required to get a smog check every two years, but the nearest permanent sites are miles away! That's why we are bringing the testing site to you. Last week, we serviced nearly 50 cars, helping to keep our air clean. Leni and the team are pictured here setting up for the event.
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Leni joined the EARC Block Club for their first board game night! Dozens of neighbors came out to build community and have fun at the beautiful Bramble Arts Loft. The EARC Block Club boundaries are Bryn Mawr, Foster, Glenwood, and Clark. Email [email protected] to join. Click here to invite Leni to attend your next community event.
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Thank you to the Sheridan Point Condo Association for hosting us at your recent board meeting to discuss public safety, development, infrastructure and other ward initiatives! Click here to invite Leni to present at your next event.
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