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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for August 31, 2026
In This Edition:
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Whole Foods Market Signs Lease at Former Treasure Island in Old Town
I am pleased to announce that Whole Foods Market has signed a lease to become the grocery tenant at the former Treasure Island location at 1639 N Wells Street in Old Town. This is a welcome addition to the Old Town neighborhood and represents an important step toward restoring a full-service grocery option at a site that has been without one since Treasure Island closed in 2018.
Whole Foods Market and the property owner will now advance the design, permitting, and construction-planning process. Further details, including an anticipated opening timeline, will be announced as those plans are finalized.
Click here to read the press release.
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Regulations on E-Bikes
 Last week, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3484, which establishes regulations on micromobility transportation that include age requirements, speed limits, and rules on where they can be operated. The bill creates new statewide standards for high-speed electric bikes (pedal-assist) and scooters, electric motorbikes, and electric unicycles and skateboards. I am pleased that Governor Pritzker, with the strong-hearted support of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, has enacted this common-sense legislation to regulate these devices and protect pedestrians, drivers, and non-electric bikers.
In 2025, I secured a commitment from Lime, one of the city's scooter rental vendors, to install technology in all new devices to detect riding on sidewalks. Additionally, I have drafted legislation that requires the registration of Class 3 electric bikes (capable of 28 mph+) in the City of Chicago. The ordinance was introduced in the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, and you can view it here.
Strict and strong enforcement is necessary to address this issue. Enacting the Class 3 electric bike classification will make enforcement easier for the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Park District. I will also continue to advocate for designating CPD officers to patrol and stop e-bikes and motors in critical areas, such as along the Lakefront Trail.
Reckless e-scooter riding puts pedestrians in harm's way and turns the public way into an unsafe environment. Together, with this new legislation, I am optimistic that city and state officials can work together to put an end to this irresponsible behavior and protect pedestrians from the unchecked danger that micromobility transportation can pose when left unregulated.
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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 & Spirits Tasting Tent. Don't 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 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.
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League of Women Voters at SOAR Market Tuesday
 I am excited to share that I am hosting voter registration in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Chicago at our SOAR Farmers Market tent tomorrow, September 1, 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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2nd Ward Shred Event This Past Weekend
 We had another successful shred event this past Sunday. Thank you to everyone who attended our Gold Coast Shred Event at the My Parking lot. We had a great turnout, and it was nice speaking with many of you. I want to thank our partners: My Parking Inc., Midway Moving and Storage, Newtech E-Scrap Recycling, staff from Sen. Sara Feigenholtz and Rep. Margaret Croke, and the Cook County Sheriff's Office.
Join me at my upcoming 2nd Ward Document Shredding and Electronic Recycling Events:
Streeterville: Sunday, September 13 | 9 am to 12 pm - 382 E Huron St - Northwestern University Lot (from Superior to Huron)
Lincoln Park: Sunday, September 20 | 9 am to 12 pm - 2121 N Clybourn - SPF Chicago
Additional information on each event will be published in upcoming newsletters.
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18th Police District Council Meeting Recap
 I was honored to be a featured guest at the 18th Police District Council meeting last week. Thank you to Wintrust - Old Town for hosting and to the 18th Police District Council members for organizing the event. As Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, I was able to speak about several public safety initiatives that I have been working on, such as the Noise Monitoring Pilot, Domestic Violence Against Women Task Force, and my latest ordinance that would protect residents from illegal motorized devices and scooters on streets. I would also like to thank 18th District Commander Christopher Bielfeldt and Sergeant Christopher Schenk for providing current police statistics and updates.
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I-CASH PAWS Event
 On Wednesday, August 26, I was proud to present a check for over $27,000 to PAWS Chicago, alongside State Treasurer Michael Freirichs, through Illinois’ unclaimed property funds.
In celebration of National Dog Day, we returned these valuable funds to PAWS Chicago in support of its lifesaving work to build a No Kill community, address animal homelessness, and set a higher standard for animal welfare. I was grateful to speak with Founder and Executive Chair Paula Fasseas about PAWS' contributions to the 2nd Ward and communities across the city.
Thank you to PAWS Chicago and State Treasurer Michael Freirichs' Office for inviting me to this special 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 1: Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow), Section 6 (Green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, September 2: Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow), Section 6 (Green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, September 3: Section 7 (Brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, September 4: Section 7 (Brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Tuesday, September 8: Section 1 (Olive), Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow)
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: Wednesday, September 2
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 North Side meeting takes place Wednesday, September 2 at DePaul College Prep (3300 N Campbell Ave) at 6:30 pm. Click here to participate via Zoom.
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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 Drive to Ohio
Status: Top layer of asphalt resurfacing began this week
- 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. Asphalt patch added to rough seam between milled street and concrete intersection.
- 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: 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
Status: Finishing touches to select areas near utility covers are imminent.
- 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: Crews were onsite today but were unable to proceed due to weather. Rescheduled for later this week.
- Chestnut St complete lighting replacement from Mies van der Rohe to Lake Shore Drive
- Status: Concrete restoration will begin this week.
- 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 this week, 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
- 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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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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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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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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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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