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Dear Neighbors,
While the result on the field wasn’t what we had hoped for, it was still great to see a successful Opening Day at Wrigley Field yesterday and the neighborhood come alive with Cubs fans once again. Baseball season is back in full swing—and we’re looking forward to another exciting season ahead here in Lakeview.
We were also glad to donate our first round of instruments as part of our ongoing instrument drive, thanks to the generosity of neighbors who contributed a guitar, tambourine, glockenspiel, drums, and more. The drive is still ongoing, so if you have any working or repairable instruments, please consider donating them at our office. These will be refurbished and distributed to children and music programs in need across the city in partnership with nonprofits Spirit of Harmony and Hungry for Music.
As spring arrives, so does street sweeping season. As is our office’s annual tradition, my staff and I will be out each morning in April helping clean our streets. If you see us on your block, please feel free to stop by and say hello. We ask that residents be sure to move their cars ahead of posted sweeping dates so crews can fully clear leaves and debris and keep our drains and curbs functioning properly. You can visit our street sweeping page on our website here to view the full schedule, section maps, live sweeper locations, sign up for alerts, and more.
 
In public safety news, the 19th District Police Department is launching a district-wide Court Advocacy Program to support victims of crime and strengthen community partnerships. Many of our residents have been involved in similar efforts through our 44th Ward court advocacy efforts over the past several years, and we’re grateful for their continued commitment to standing with victims. Whether this would be your first time volunteering, or you are an experienced court advocate looking to do more on a broader, district-wide level, we encourage you to explore this new program. It will offer opportunities to receive training, and work directly with CPD and the State's Attorney's Office—see their flyer here for more details on how to participate.
As we head into spring and summer, now is the time to start planning your block parties for the season! Our office is currently accepting block party applications on a first-come, first-served basis, and we’re happy to help both returning and first-time hosts bring neighbors together. Be sure to submit your application at least 30 days in advance, and see instructions on our website here. The City’s Jumping Jack Program also opens April 15th at 9:00am, offering free bounce houses for block parties on weekends throughout the summer, so keep an eye out for that opportunity as well. See the flyer here and program page here for more information.
 
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to our 44th Ward Superintendent, Tommy “Tommy K” Kostrzeski (left, below) on a well-deserved promotion within Streets and Sanitation, where he will now oversee operations across several wards. Tommy has been an incredible partner to our office and a tireless advocate for residents—always responsive, often the first in and last out, and truly a “jack of all trades” who has gone above and beyond to keep our ward clean, safe, and cared for. From addressing graffiti (including rapid removal of hateful graffiti), to helping with alley cleanups, vacant buildings, abandoned vehicles, and even outreach connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with services, Tommy’s impact on our community has been profound. While we will miss him greatly, we are excited to see him take on this expanded leadership role in City service.
At the same time, we are pleased to welcome our new Ward Superintendent, Joe Brogdon (right, below), back to the 44th Ward! Joe brings over 21 years of experience with the City of Chicago across Streets and Sanitation, CDOT, Aviation, and the Department of Water Management—and his career actually began right here in our ward. A husband and father of two, Joe is eager to get to work and reconnect with the community as he helps move the ward forward alongside our office. We look forward to introducing him to residents and working together in the months ahead.
 
In legislative news, I’m proud to share that starting Wednesday, April 1st, my expanded Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance officially goes into effect—legalizing basement units, attic units, and coach houses citywide for the first time since 1957. The ordinance allows ADUs in all multi-unit, business, and commercial zoning districts, and they will also be allowed in more than 30 of 50 wards' single-family home areas. I believe this will be an important step toward addressing Chicago’s housing affordability challenges, creating new housing options with minimal impact on neighborhood character, helping homeowners generate additional income, and allowing seniors to age in place with dignity. Beginning April 1st, residents can visit Chicago.gov/ADU to explore what they are eligible to build, apply, view an interactive map, and access additional resources.
Two “No Kings” protests are planned in our ward tomorrow. One will take place on Sheridan between Oakdale and Wellington from 12:00-2:00pm and another at Broadway and Melrose from 1:30-2:30pm. These are both the same locations where neighbors gathered last year. The right to peacefully protest is a vital part of our democracy, and we encourage anyone interested to take part and make their voices heard alongside fellow community members.
The Department of Water Management continues ongoing infrastructure work across several streets in our ward focused on improving drainage conditions. Crews are actively working along Greenview, Southport, and Lakewood. This current work is tentatively expected to be completed the week of April 13th, with additional work planned on nearby streets including Cornelia, Newport, Melrose, and School. Please note that portions of Lakewood (School to Henderson) and Greenview (Roscoe to Addison) will be closed during working hours, with No Parking restrictions in place from 7:00am-3:30pm each working day, or later if deemed necessary. We appreciate your patience as these important projects move forward to improve our neighborhood’s infrastructure.
If you live between Grace and Wolfram, and Racine to Ravenswood, applications are now open to participate in PorchFest Lakeview on Sunday, May 31st. This neighborhood tradition features local musicians performing live sets right from front porches across Lakeview and Roscoe Village. Residents can sign up here to host on their porch, and artist registration is also open here for bands and performers interested in participating.
Congratulations to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy on an incredible achievement at the Oakton College Regional Science Olympiad! Their varsity team earned a 1st-place overall finish, medaling in 22 of 23 events and securing a spot at the Illinois State Tournament this April. Their JV team also earned 16 medals, including 5 gold medals. We are proud to see such outstanding teamwork, dedication, and academic excellence from these students and wish them luck as they prepare to represent our community on the statewide stage.
To all who celebrate, we wish you a meaningful and joyful Passover and a happy Easter this season. Whether you are gathering with family, attending services, or taking part in community traditions, we hope these holidays bring reflection, renewal, and time with loved ones. You can find details on Passover services with the Chabad of East Lakeview here, explore a citywide guide to celebrating both holidays from Choose Chicago here, and view the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce’s Easter guide here for local events, brunches, and festivities.
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Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson
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LAKEVIEW DOG PARK - DONATION PAGE
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44th WARD INSTRUMENTS DRIVE
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ST ANDREW'S FISH FRY - TODAY
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NAVY PIER TEEN BASH - TOMORROW
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LAKEVIEW EAST CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING - APR 2nd
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LAKEVIEW ROSCOE VILLAGE EASTER CELEBRATION - APR 4th
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SNAP & MEDICAID UPDATES WEBINAR - APR 6th
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INTERNSHIPS SEMINAR FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES - APR 7th
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CENTRAL LAKEVIEW NEIGHBORS WINE TASTING - APR 19th
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OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL OPEN HOUSE - APR 24th
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MERLO LIBRARY - MARCH PROGRAMS
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- Film Screening: Elio - 3/28, 11:00am-1:00pm (PG)
- Teen Fort Building - 3/30, 4:00-6:00pm (13-19 years)
- Tummy Time - 3/31, 10:30-11:00am (0-18 months)
- Preschool Story Time - 3/31, 11:30am-12:00pm (18-36 months, 3-5 years)
- LEGO Club - 3/31, 3:30-4:30pm (3-13 years)
- Click for all program details
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FREE VIRTUAL LEGAL SEMINARS (NEXT ON APR 15th)
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OLMCA PLAYGROUP - NOW THRU APR 24th
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ST ANDREW'S SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION
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To submit a small business for our weekly shoutout, please complete the form here.
City Public Safety Vendor Fair - March 31st, 10:00am-12:00pm
City Inspections Q&A - April 1st, 3:00pm-4:15pm
Doing Business with the City of Chicago - April 3rd, 9:30am-11:00am
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PUBLIC SAFETY & 19th DISTRICT WEEKLY REPORT:
March 16th - March 22nd
Local Public Safety Statistics:
My office is in regular contact with the 19th Police District about crimes that have occurred recently in our area and that are reflected in the statistics below. The majority of 19th District crimes have occurred outside of our ward. The 19th District also includes the surrounding neighborhoods of Uptown, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Bricktown, Ravenswood, and Lincoln Square.
Please view our website's public safety page here for both proactive measures to stay safe before crimes occur, and also how to respond in the event of a crime.
In order to stay safe, please find the most relevant key safety tips below, and the full list of CPD's safety tips here:
-General
-Personal
-Robbery-specific
-Vehicle-specific
Below you'll find Week 12's CompStat breakdown of crime in the 19th District.
Please note, these statistics are a reflection of the entire 19th District. The boundaries are from Lawrence Ave to Fullerton Ave, from the Chicago River to the Lake.
Here are the key points:
- Year to Date, Robberies are down 29%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 are down 55%
- Year to Date, Aggravated Battery is up 13%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 is up 29%
- Year to Date, Burglaries are down 41%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 they're down 9%
- Year to Date, Thefts are up 3%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 they're up 21%
- Year to Date, Motor Vehicle Thefts are up 15%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 they're up 92%
For a list of crime definitions, please see CPD's website here.
See full report below:
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MENTAL HEALTH RESPONSE RESOURCES
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SCOOTER REPORTING
Please click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request.
Please contact our office directly if you see illegal/dangerous activities on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc). We are able to work with Lime to potentially administer fines, suspensions, or bans if you can include a photo/video of the behavior, and a time and location.
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See below for ongoing construction and infrastructure projects in our neighborhood and on our website here!
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DEPT OF WATER MANAGEMENT WORK
The Department of Water Management (DWM) is conducting work on pipes and drains that will take place in the street/public way. There will be up to 4 crews working simultaneously throughout Greenview, Lakewood, and Southport. Crews have been instructed to limit construction during home games in Southport. This work should take approximately 5-6 weeks to complete. See maps of the work areas here and here, and a full range of affected addresses here.
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UPCOMING ALLEY RESURFACINGS
NS alley between Janssen, Addison, Southport, Cornelia: Grind date (3/27)
NS alley between Lakewood, Henderson, Racine, School: Grind date (3/27)
NS alley between Lakewood, Melrose, Racine, School: Grind date (3/30)
EW alley between Clark Buckingham, Halsted, Aldine: Grind date (3/30)
EW alley between Commonwealth, Oakdale, Sheridan, Surf: Grind date (3/30)
All start dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather and crew availability.
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REPORTING POTHOLES
Please report any potholes you see by entering in all requests through the 311.Chicago.Gov website for those in the street or alley. If possible, be sure to upload images as well so crews are able to identify the exact location.
For more severe potholes that may need immediate attention, please reach out to my ward office either by email ([email protected]) and include the location and images of the pothole or by calling the office at (773-525-6034).
If your vehicle was damaged due to a pothole, you may be entitled to a financial claim here.
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WHAT DO YOU KNOW, JOE? - MARCH
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GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Recycling pick-ups for the 44th Ward are occurring the week of March 30th. You can find your full garbage and recycling pickup schedule here.
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See below for a list of job fairs, networking events, and more!
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THE CITY IS HIRING
Looking for a job? Try working for the City! Click here to see the full list of job openings currently seeking applicants.
Local government employment opportunities:
- City
- City of Chicago
- Chicago Public Schools
- Chicago Transit Authority
- Park District
- County
- All - Cook County
- Cook County State's Attorney
- Cook County Sheriff's Office
- State/Other
- State of Illinois
- Secretary of State of Illinois
- PACE bus system
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44th WARD 2026 COMMUNITY MEETINGS
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