Bennett Lawson

Alderman Bennett Lawson (44th Ward) announced that the City Council unanimously passed a new ordinance expanding Accessory Dwelling Units citywide—adding parking flexibility, apprenticeship incentives, and a 700‑sq‑ft. cap removal—while also moving the Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance forward to protect communities from pollution. The ward is also seeing street‑safety improvements, with Halsted Arterial resurfacing underway and rainbow crosswalks slated for repainting, and CTA track work between Addison and Grace will temporarily restrict access to certain parking areas. Other highlights include the 25th Annual East Lakeview Neighbors Oktoberfest raising $46,000, a Bank of America Chicago Marathon street‑closure schedule, and upcoming back‑to‑school fundraisers and a free shredding event on October 25.

On September 24, Alderman Bennett Lawson of the 44th Ward will host the 19th District Council meeting to discuss a new parking‑enforcement pilot program that shifts 911 calls from police to civilian staff, a policy change aimed at freeing officers for other duties. The ward also celebrated the ribbon cutting of Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center’s $645 million expansion—a major development approval—and announced ongoing infrastructure spending on CTA track work from Addison to Grace and Halsted Arterial resurfacing. Meanwhile, residents should note temporary street closures for the 47th annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon, CTA construction, and the 336 W Wellington crane, and can look forward to Cubs postseason games, the 20th Annual Race to Wrigley 5K, and the neighborhood Oktoberfest festivities.

Alderman Bennett Lawson of the 44th Ward will host a City Council hearing on September 25 to vote on an ordinance legalizing accessory dwelling units citywide, a key housing policy change, while the ward also participates in upcoming city budget town‑halls. Street‑safety work on Halsted Arterial—including temporary removal of rainbow crosswalks and planned repainting—along with CTA track work from Addison to Grace that will affect local transit access, are the main infrastructure updates. Other highlights include the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts, a gun‑turn‑in event that collected 111 firearms, and community events such as block parties and The Barry Centennial Picnic.