Alderman Matt Martin of the 47th Ward met with state lawmakers to discuss Chicago’s fiscal challenges and with city infrastructure heads to review capital improvements—including street light upgrades, sewer main replacements, and resurfacing projects—while also meeting with the Green Council on flood mitigation for parkways. He approved zoning changes for three projects: a 4‑story, 8‑unit condo at 4447 N Ashland, a rehab of a vacant 2‑story building into an 8‑unit rental at 3639 N Ashland, and a coach‑house addition at 2103 W Eastwood that creates an extra rental unit. Other announcements include the final weekend to vote on the 2026 Participatory Budget, the transfer of the North Center Senior Satellite Center to Catholic Charities, and a children’s book drive through March 31.
The 47th Ward Alderman invites residents to vote in the annual Participatory Budgeting process, allocating $200,000 to local infrastructure projects. Eligible voters—those living in or attending school in the ward and aged 14 or older—can choose from improvements such as accessibility upgrades at Welles Park, pedestrian safety near schools, decorative crosswalks near Old Town, and new fitness equipment at Clark Park.
On February 13, Ald. Matt Martin of the 47th Ward announced the start of the Participatory Budgeting process, with a ballot that includes a flashing pedestrian signal on Western Ave, playground upgrades at Welles Park, a music‑themed crosswalk near the Old Town School of Folk Music, and fitness equipment at Clark Park. The City Council’s Finance Committee, which Martin attended, approved over $29 million in police misconduct settlements and held a hearing on mortgage‑lending practices of the city’s largest banks, noting a 25 % increase in lending to majority Black and Latino communities. Other updates include a temporary closure of the Western Brown Line northbound platform for stair repairs and a series of community events such as Valentine’s Day celebrations, a Lunar New Year parade, and a Women’s March Madness viewing.
Ald. Matt Martin of the 47th Ward reported that he participated in the City Council’s Environmental Protection Committee to review a rodent‑control pilot, supported a water‑system reclamation study by the Army Corps of Engineers, and met with senior residents to discuss the North Center Senior Satellite Center. He also joined the Public Safety Committee to review the Office of Reentry and met with the Small Business Advisory Center to explore legislation that would streamline business applications. The newsletter also announced upcoming community events such as EcoFest 2026 vendor applications, the Andersonville Puzzle Exchange, and the Lunar New Year Parade, along with other local cultural and health‑related activities.
Alderman Matt Martin of the 47th Ward announced that the Zoning Advisory Council will review two development proposals—3639 N Ashland (C1‑2 to B2‑5 conversion to an 8‑unit rental building) and 4614 N Seeley/2103 W Eastwood (RS‑3 to RM‑4.5 change adding a bedroom to a coach house)—providing an opportunity for community feedback. He also highlighted a forthcoming pilot program with the Department of Finance to deploy parking aides for illegally parked vehicles, a policy change aimed at freeing police resources, and confirmed that Catholic Charities will continue operating the North Center Senior Center for many years. Additionally, the alderman welcomed new staff member Ryan McCray, held a town hall on utility billing concerns, and listed several community events and resources for residents.
The 47th Ward Alderman invites residents to a town hall on the cost of power on Thursday, January 29 at Sulzer Library, where rising electricity bills, clean‑energy policy, and income‑based relief programs will be discussed with speakers from the Citizens Utility Board, CEDA, clean‑energy companies, and State Rep. Ann Williams. No zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes were mentioned. No other major announcements were included.
Al. Matt Martin of the 47th Ward reports no zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes this month. He highlights that Catholic Charities will keep the North Center Senior Center open, the city council approved $23 million in police‑misconduct settlements and new hemp‑product regulations, and he will hold a town‑hall on rising utility costs next Thursday. Other events include a chief‑of‑staff farewell, Restaurant Week, and various community gatherings.