1st Ward Newsletter | February 3, 2026
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Dear neighbors,
We've been getting a lot of emails and calls related to public transit of late so I wanted to use this newsletter opening for a CTA rundown!
Smoking on the CTA: Many of you have commented on folks smoking on the CTA and the CTA has also recorded a strong uptick in reported smoking as well. Part of this is related to increased awareness of how to report through their website and part of it is in fact increased smoking. A long time problem doesn't have to be intractable though. Increased police presence, particularly at the Clark/Lake stop is working to deter smokers. In addition, the CTA is preparing to roll out new charcoal activated below-the-seat air filters to make sure that smoky smell doesn't linger.
Unhoused Chicagoans on the train: You've also commented on the number of Chicagoans sleeping on the train, thankfully from a place of compassion and sympathy. From a skills- and evidence-based perspective, this is not an issue for CPD or private security to address. Thankfully, the CTA has renewed contracts with social service agencies who are doing outreach to our unhoused neighbors with the goal of helping them accept shelter and supportive housing. Anyone who has participated in this kind of outreach knows that it takes time to build relationships and trust, I'm glad that the CTA and their partners are committed to that work.
North Avenue substation: The substation project at North and Damen that has been going on for more years than I care to count is finally completed! The substation itself is already functioning and providing the additional current supporting the newer faster Blue Line cars you may have traveled in. The plaza itself will be opening this spring, finally providing a comfortable place to sit for the many of you waiting for the 72/North bus in the morning. We're looking forward to celebrating that opening soon!
California Blue Line Station: The much needed project is finally pulling into the station! This pre-construction slow zone was not based on the CTA though: without going into the details, the federal government has been less than helpful with their part of the funding. That said, all road blocks are finally cleared and construction will begin this spring on a rehabilitation that will make the California station fully ADA-accessible! We'll have space for you to learn more about the design and timeline closer to the start of construction!
This is without even talking about Better Streets for Buses; ten-minute or less service; or the extension of the California/Dodge line! It's a genuinely exciting time for public transit in Chicago!
Lastly, I want to send my sincere thanks to the more than two hundred of you who came to our Rapid Response Training this past week! I am so proud to be your alderperson!
Have a great week,
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Alderman La Spata
P.S. Click here to open this newsletter in another tab!
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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Food Delivery Robots
Thanks to all who joined us yesterday to hear from Coco and Serve Robotics representatives on their food delivery robots. If you missed the meeting but would like to see each company's presentation and the Q&A, you can watch the recording here.
The 1st Ward Office is collecting feedback on Coco and Serve's business operations here.
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Seniors across the 1st Ward are invited to a special Valentine's Day Brunch in coordination with other Northwest Side Elected Officials. Join us for a fun-filled celebration of our golden agers on Friday, February 13th at 12:30pm. Attendees are asked to register if they plan to attend or to call our office at 872-206-2685 so that we can register you. We hope to see you there!
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Pedestrian & Traffic Safety
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Join the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety next Monday to hear from CDOT on how Complete Streets elements are being used in Chicago. We’ll be in Room 201A in City Hall at 1:00 PM.
What is Complete Streets? It's is an approach to designing and building our streets that considers everyone who uses them, regardless of age or ability. Hope to see you there!
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Community News and Events
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Join the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce this Saturday for Love You Lab, a vibrant health and wellness experience designed to inspire self-care, self-love, and holistic well-being.
Explore a curated marketplace featuring incredible wellness vendors, enjoy rejuvenating classes, and immerse yourself in hands-on experiences that nourish your whole self. Click here to view full event details and purchase tickets.
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Join Chicago Public Library in celebrating Black History Month! This year's theme is "From Archives to Innovation: The Power of Black Librarianship." Our featured events highlight the social, critical and cultural impact of Black librarians. Learn more here.
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Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards
A zoning map amendment for 1805 N. Campbell is currently at the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards, to establish a transit-served location four-story, 21 unit residence (4 affordable units) on a large lot that previously had one single unit residence. As soon as the City Council establishes a permanent Chair for the Committee and a meeting is called, it is expected this proposal will receive favorable recommendation to City Council.
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Community Zoning Update
The 1st Ward Office learned that the proposed restaurant at 1719 - 1725 W. Chicago Avenue, will not be built. Therefore, there is now blanket B3 zoning for this specific building on Chicago Avenue with no proposed uses imminent. Alderman La Spata will appear at a February East Village Association meeting, to discuss:
- Whether neighbors support blanket B3 zoning to permit a wider range of zoning uses on Chicago between Ashland and Wood, and to establish uniform business zoning.
- Whether neighbors support a potential tavern moratorium on Chicago between Ashland and Wood.
Legislation is not imminent for either proposal. This is to begin a feedback process for zoning and business development in this area of West Town. You can email [email protected] for questions, feedback, or concerns.
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Video Gambling and Zoning
Broader, long term questions about zoning include whether neighbors support video gambling in the 1st Ward, since the City Council-led "alternative" budget legalized video gambling for tavern and incidental liquor licensed establishments. The 1st Ward Office welcomes resident feedback on video gambling.
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Recent Zoning Inquiries
- 1046 North Ashland A zoning attorney reached out to request a zoning change for an existing vacant lot, to establish a four-story, mixed use building with 3 units and 3 parking spaces. As a Transit-Served Location, this lot is not suitable for 1:1 parking, so alternate proposals are under discussions with the attorney. (received November 2025; request renewed January 2026)
- 1481 West Erie: A real estate professional reached out to request a zoning analysis for potential commercial uses for an existing commercial space in a mixed use building within residential zoning district. 1st Ward Office referred to the City for a zoning analysis, and awaits further information. (received January 2026)
- 2831 - 2845 West Diversey: (Numerous inquiries) Numerous zoning attorneys and real estate professionals are reaching out regarding rezoning options for an existing vacant lot. 1st Ward Office is providing zoning intake packet and awaiting more information. (received January 2026)
- 1054 - 1056 North Ashland: Zoning attorney reached out regarding a proposal to rezone an existing zoning lot that contains two buildings, into two separate zoning lots, and separately establish a new cafe at 1054 N Ashland. The 1st Ward office is collecting information on the scope of the project to assess options to facilitate the fastest opening of the cafe. (received January 2026)
- 2455 North California: (Numerous inquiries) A zoning attorney reached out to propose a rezoning to construct a 2-flat on a vacant lot, which was improperly subdivided from the adjacent 3-flat at 2453 North California. A zoning map amendment is necessary to bring 2453 North California into conformance with the Municipal Code, otherwise 2455 North California is an unbuildable lot. The 1st Ward Office provided a zoning intake packet, and requested numerous concepts from the redevelopment team to assess the future of this lot. (received January 2026)
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