Dear Neighbors,
It was a busy week in the 43rd Ward Office - a few highlights included a ‘meet and greet’ at Lincoln Common, a Q&A with our spectacular 4th-grade Girl Scouts at Lincoln Elementary, and meetings with several new businesses interested in moving to our community.
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Alderman Knudsen with Lincoln Elementary's 5th Grade Girl Scout Troop
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Delicious bagels from 'The Bagelers' and good conversation with Lincoln Common Residents
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This week at City Council, I again voted in favor of an ordinance intended to maintain the “ShotSpotter” technology with the company SoundThinking. In May, the vote was to limit the Mayor’s ability to end the existing contract with SoundThinking, and this week, the vote was to direct CPD Superintendent Snelling to enter into a contract to extend the ShotSpotter contract which is set to expire this weekend. This week’s vote to maintain ShotSpotter passed City Council 33-13 (one vote short of being “veto-proof”); however, the Mayor pledged to veto the ordinance shortly thereafter. As a reminder, Shotspotter is an acoustic detection tool that automatically alerts the police of a gunshot, better equipping them to show up quickly to a crime scene (as opposed to waiting for a 9-1-1 call). During my time as 43rd Ward Alderperson, I have maintained an “and” instead of an “or” perspective towards tech advancements that help fill human gaps within CPD.
Be it in regards to safety, constituent services or general livability - I believe that innovation is key to the future of Chicago, and safety tech advancements can cut down on police response time while also providing retroactive evidence of what occurred in a given criminal incident.
Taking to heart the opinions of my colleagues who represent parts of the City that have benefitted from ShotSpotter technology, I am in support of Chicago’s continuing its investment in ShotSpotter. Many residents have reached out about this ongoing debate. Although this week’s ordinance was vetoed, I will continue to advocate for ShotSpotter and other pro-safety technologies.
My office joined neighbors and family of Richard Hunt in unveiling the ‘Honorary Richard Hunt Place’ Placard last week. Hunt inspired generations of artists and creatives during his time with us, and the impact his art had on Chicago & the world will ignite generations to come. This Block Club article commemorates his life well, and be sure to embark on a sculptural tour around the city to see his sculptures in person.
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Our 43rd Ward business corridors continue to thrive more each day. This week, Sushi Nova opened at 1935 N Lincoln Park West. With an ‘all you can eat’ set price that is less expensive during the weekdays, and signature rolls and cocktails, this new restaurant has something for everyone. Also this past few weeks, Damas Grill opened at 2221 N Lincoln Ave. This Mediterranean diner is already becoming a staple for the Lincoln Ave business corridor. Earlier this summer in June, Americano opened on the corner of Lincoln and Clark, attached to Hotel Lincoln, Featuring a brass-rail cocktail lounge, marble bar, a textured dining room, and an expansive dog-friendly patio.
Join us for our next Community Meet and Greet on October 1st. These events serve as a way for the community to meet the Alderman and representatives from other City of Chicago Departments. At this event we will have representatives from Treasurer Michael Frerich’s office. The Treasurer’s Office can help your family sign up for college savings accounts, claim lost property the office is safekeeping, and help connect people with low-interest loans and families with affordable mortgages. Meet us at the Lincoln Park Library from 6 pm-7 pm.
After months of preparation, the Premier League Fan Fest is occurring in Lincoln Park this weekend. As soccer (known basically everywhere else as “football”) grows in popularity throughout the United States, and as Chicago continues to strengthen our ties with our “partner city” of London, I am honored that our community was chosen to host this event. As fans worldwide tune in to watch the matches being played in London, they will also be treated to beautiful views of our community as the international broadcast pans to the Fan Fest. Registrations for the event are now full; however, If you are not attending the festival in person, don’t worry, you can watch the game and action on NBC Sports!
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Lake Shore Drive Paving Update
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As part of CDOT’s ongoing resurfacing of North DuSable Lake Shore Drive, crews will be closing all southbound lanes between Belmont Ave. and LaSalle Dr. from 9 PM Saturday, 9/21/24 to 9 AM Sunday, 9/22/24. Following pavement milling operations, the roadway base was found to be in poorer condition than anticipated, resulting potholes on the milled surface. This additional closure will improve the condition of the pavement and progress the work ahead of next week's forecasted rain storms.
Additionally, a single lane closure of Southbound DuSable Lake Shore Dr. will be in place from noon on Friday, 9/20/24 to 9 AM Sunday, 9/22/24.
We remind drivers that the area is a milled surface and to drive with caution and observe the posted reduced speeds during construction.
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Community Meet and Greet with The State Treasurer's Office
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Shred Event on October 20th
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As our city government and safety leadership transition into the next Administration, crime, and safety remain top of mind for our community. Each week, the 18th and 19th District post Compstat numbers that reflect changes in indexes for key crimes. In an effort to keep residents informed on these trends, we will publish those weekly updates in the newsletter’s public safety section. As a reminder, these statistics represent 100% of the 18th and 19th Police Districts; accordingly, they represent an area much larger than our ward.
For 18th District (south of Fullerton) Compstat, Click Here
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Compstat, Click Here
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We work closely with the 43rd Ward’s local CAPS districts, which include the 18th (Near North) and 19th (Town Hall) Police Districts.
Our office is in frequent contact with officers from both of these districts and their local CAPS officers, who host a variety of community forums and events including beat meetings, informational settings, and expert panel discussions, as well as sending out community alerts when a pattern of crime is detected.
Beat Meetings are part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy and an excellent way to hear directly from CPD about your neighborhood. Meetings are held in the evenings every two months. Click here and find out your Police District and Beat number.
2024 43rd Ward CAPS Meetings
Beat 1811 (5 PM) & 1813 (6 PM): November 5.
Beats 1811 and 1813 meet at St. James Lutheran Church located at 2050 N Fremont St. They are in the basement of the Church and you should enter through the northernmost door on Fremont St. There is residential parking on the street with applicable zone parking restrictions.
Beat 1812 (5 PM) & 1814 (6 PM): November 7.
Beat 1812 and 1814 are hosted at Wintrust Bank located at 100 W. North Ave. There is very little parking on site but it is near the North and Clybourn Red Line stop and the Sedgwick Brown Line. It is also en route to the Clark St Bus. The meetings are hosted on the 2nd Floor of the bank. Elevators are on site.
Beat 1824 (6 PM): November 14.
Beat 1824 meets at 1201 N Clark St in the Clark St Apartments. It is very close to the Clark and Division Red Line Stop.
Beat 1932 (6:30 PM): October 1, December 3.
Beat 1932 is hosted in the sanctuary at New Life Church located at 1110 W Lill Ave. There is street parking with applicable zone parking restrictions. New Life Church is within walking distance of the Fullerton Red and Brown Line and the Diversey Brown Line.
Beat 1935 (6:30 PM): October 16, December 18.
Beat 1935 is hosted at Chabad East Lakeview located at 615 W Wellington Ave.
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18th District Council Meeting
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Our guest speaker is Rich Guidice, former Chief of Staff to Mayor Brandon Johnson and former Executive Director of City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC). In his role as Executive Director of OEMC, Mr. Guidice oversaw Chicago's dispatch operations including the 911 Center, 311 City Services, Emergency Management and Traffic Management. Mr. Guidice was a trusted advisor to four Chicago mayors and will share his unique observations of our city.
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19th District Council Meeting
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It is Budget Season in Chicago, and the 19th District Council want to hear from you! They will share an overview of the CPD budget, and allow plenty of time for community discussion to share what priorities you would like to see reflected in the budget. Share update on Workforce Allocation Study, give public comment and hear other important
District Council updates.
RSVP Optional but appreciated.
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Looking to register to vote? Did you recently move or change your name and need to update your registration? Check out one of the options below!
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Early Voting in Chicago will start on Thursday, October 3 at 9:00am at the Voting Supersite (191 N. Clark) and Board Offices (69 W. Washington St. - 6th Floor).
Early Voting in all 50 Wards of Chicago begins Monday, October 21 at 9:00am.
Ward 43: Lincoln Park Library located at 1150 W. Fullerton Ave.
Any voter in Chicago can vote at any Early Voting site, no matter where they live in the city, & voters can choose whatever voting site is most convenient for them, including on Election Day. All Early Voting locations are ADA-compliant and fully accessible to voters with disabilities.
Chicago 50 Ward Early Voting Times:
Weekdays: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Voting on Election Day (NOV. 5th) - Locate your precinct polling place or closest vote center.
Election Day (Nov. 5): 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
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Below is a list of Mental Health resources that are available locally here in the City of Chicago.
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The Chicago Department of Transportation has released pamphlets featuring a comprehensive map of bike infrastructure throughout the city, detailing locations of protected bike lanes, neighborhood greenways, off-street trails, bike shops, Divvy stations, and more. You can pick up a pamphlet from our office or view the full digital map here.
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Lincoln Park Salon & Spa Week!
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Indulge in some well-deserved self-care during Lincoln Park Salon & Spa Week! Receive 25% off select treatments from September 16 – 27 at participating salons, day spas, wellness providers and medical spas. Services vary from hair care, facials, massage, manicures, medical-grade cosmetic treatments and more.
All appointments must occur between September 16 – 27, 2024. Limited number of appointments are available.
Make appointments and see participating businesses here!
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Explore More Illinois: Digital
Museum Passes through Chicago
Public Libraries
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Chicago Public Library's museum passes are now digital and expanded across Illinois! New attractions include a wide range of museums, historical societies, zoos and more. This pass program is accessible online 24/7, with no need to visit a CPL location to check out or return a pass.
To reserve digital passes, visit CPL's website here, log in with your library card number and PIN to see all the amazing offers from familiar and new attractions, and make your reservation online. Remember to bring confirmation of your reservation to your destination.
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Fire Safety Trainings & Fire Risk Assessments
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The Chicago Fire Department is offering free fire safety trainings for children at their public education center at 1010 S Clinton Ave. They are able to reimburse school transportation costs up to $250, and host sessions of up to 50 students. In these sessions, they simulate fire conditions in a model home and teach effective response techniques. See more details here.
CFD is also providing free fire risk assessments for seniors living in single-family homes. To request a senior fire safety assessment or for more information on either of these programs, please call CFD's public education department at (312) 747-6691.
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Greater West Town Project (GWTP) Vocational Skills Training
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Greater West Town Project (GWTP) are recruiting folks for our Vocational Skills Training in woodworking and shipping & receiving. We are especially working to get folks who are unemployed into our programs so we can get folks trained and back to work.
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Picosa just finished up 10 years and are looking forward to the next 10 years. This concert celebration includes the staples of our repertoire and a World Premiere! We'll be premiering Shawn Okpebholo's Redlin[ing] with Peter Ferry on percussion as a result of winning the Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Grant in 2022. Please join us for a reception following the concert!
Students are always free! Additionally for 43rd ward residents we are also offering a discount code. The code is LiveMusic and is $5 off a regular ticket.
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LaSalle Language Academy's New Instagram!
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One of our Ward's wonderful elementary schools, LaSalle Language Academy, is on Instagram! Follow them here!
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Nature on Tap: Critters of the Night
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Kick off Spooky Season by becoming one with the darkness at this 21+ after-hours event! Thursday, October 3 from 7-10pm, Meet and greet the Nature Museum's resident snakes, turtles, and other assorted critters. Plus enjoy all of the Museum's exhibits from the Butterfly Haven to the Sustainability Center and beyond, all while refreshing yourself with tasty snacks and great drinks! This adults-only night at the museum will feature spine-tingling invertebrates*, chilling exothermic entities**, and all manner of lurking nocturnal critters.
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Design For The Movement at The Chicago History Museum
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The power of art and cultural organizing can no longer be underestimated in shaping the narrative and galvanizing action.
This upcoming panel and activation brings together a diverse group of visionary artists and leaders to explore how art can be a potent force against authoritarianism and a catalyst for democratic engagement. This event aims to illuminate the critical role that creative expression and cultural mobilization play in both reflecting and shaping our collective future.
Thursday, Sep 26th, 6pm - 9pm
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Supporting transit is a key priority of our office, and we encourage everyone to take the CTA's Bus Vision Survey here. The Bus Vision Project is focused on reimagining and improving Chicago’s bus network.
As CTA works to restore pre-pandemic service levels, this initiative will help them understand what riders value and prioritize when it comes to bus service improvements.
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Serve as a Poll Worker For The 2024 Election!
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The Chicago Board of Election
Commissioners is seeking poll workers for the Presidential General Election coming up on November 5th. For more information, please visit the Chicago Board of Elections' website here.
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Join Old Town Triangle Association for a diaper drive. They are accepting new diapers and baby-safe hygiene products. They will be collecting donations until September 29th at 1763 N North Park Ave.
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Medicare 101: What You Need to Know
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Get up to speed on what Medicare covers, what it doesn’t and your potential out of pocket cost. David Tucci, from Premier Medicare Benefits, will review Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription coverage, and cost saving strategies for the years ahead.
Register here.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
11:00AM – 12:00PM
Lincoln Park Library
1150 W. Fullerton Avenue
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St. James Lutheran Church's Oktoberfest!
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Wear your lederhosen and dirndls for St. James Lutheran Church's Oktoberfest! Come join in for a fun-filled day of delicious food, lively music, and exciting games. Indulge in traditional German cuisine, sip on refreshing beverages, and dance to the tunes of a live band. Join them on September 27th and 7pm! Whether you're a beer connoisseur or simply looking for a good time, Oktoberfest has something for everyone. Grab your friends and family (ages 21+) and make this year's celebration one to remember!
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Little Dolphins Tot Program
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The Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Tot Program offers the ideal setting for toddlers to begin to transition from a home-concentrated environment to a school-based setting. Our program allows parents (or caregivers) the opportunity to shepherd their child through their first structured classroom experience. Tot classes meet twice weekly over the course of four 7 or 8 week sessions at the ICSJ North Park Campus in one of our self-contained and NAEYC accredited preschool classrooms. Tots and caregivers partake in circle time, play time, snack, story time, music, gross motor exploration, dancing, and Spanish language learning! They'll also have the opportunity to play outside in our early childhood playground when weather permits. Our tots learn and grow through the perfect balance of organized activities and self-directed play, all in a warm, welcoming, and safe environment prepared especially for them by our dedicated and fun loving Tot Program teacher, Laura Diab. Students must be 2 years old at the start of the session for which they are registered.
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Genesis at the Crossroads Celebrated Their 25th Anniversary
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Genesis at the Crossroads celebrated the 25th Anniversary of our non-profit organization’s founding on August 18, 2024.
Working at an intersection of social justice, education, the arts, and social impact business development, Genesis builds peaceful communities which foster healing. Cross-cultural collaboration forms the foundation of all our initiatives to share personal and cultural identity, mindfully break down barriers through understanding, and allow for bridges to be built between people.
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Immaculate Conception – St. Joseph School
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Are you looking for an outstanding Chicago school in the heart of it all that partners with parents to raise up kind, well-rounded, and academically prepared students? With test scores in the top 15% statewide, Immaculate Conception – St. Joseph School offers PreK through 8th grade students not only an academic curriculum geared toward success at the best high schools in Chicago, but also a values-based foundation which will carry them through life. Join us for an upcoming group admissions tour to learn more. RSVP and learn more here.
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Belmont Village 5 year Anniversary Gala
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Join Belmont Village Lincoln Park for their 5 year Anniversary Gala and Celebration! On September 20th, from 5pm-7pm at 700 W Fullerton Ave.
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U.S. Commercial Service Chicago - ILDEC Export Compliance Roadshow 2024 in Chicago
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Learn about export compliance regulations, connect with industry experts, and help your business succeed globally!
Wednesday, October 16 · 8:30am - 4pm
Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building - Morrison Conference Center
77 West Jackson Boulevard
Register here.
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Chicago Park District's New Strategic Plan
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Over the past year, the Chicago Park District has been diligently working on developing a new 5-year strategic plan to inform our vision, mission, values and goals and our path forward. The Park District engaged in hundreds of hours of meetings with community members and staff. This included participating in community meetings, creating employee working and focus groups, hosting 11 in-person and virtual town halls, holding teen and senior focus groups, and soliciting thousands of responses on our community, volunteer, and staff surveys. As a result of this feedback, our new plan includes a refreshed vision, mission, values, and goals. More details about our values, goals, and corresponding strategies for each goal can be found plan on our website.
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The Nature Museum presents a series of events running September 20-29th, in partnership with the debut of Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago. Sustainable Fashion Week is the only global fashion week of its kind. Working with the community, SFW helps to make sustainable fashion accessible. Taking a creative, grassroots approach, hubs —locations around the world— empower people with skills and resources to help drive a positive shift in their relationship with clothes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Parking Enforcement via 311
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The Department of Finance (DOF) announced that City residents now have the option of reporting the following parking enforcement violations on the 311 app or online:
- Bus Lane Parking
- Commercial Loading Zone
- Commercial Vehicle Parked on a Residential Street
- Disabled Parking
- Fire Hydrant Parking
- Residential Parking
- Rush Hour Zones
- School Safety Zones
- Vehicle Parked in Bike Lane
- Other (Semi-trucks parked on streets, etc.)
Where previously only bike lane violations could be reported on 311, the DOF has now expanded the ability to report parking violations, to drive more community-based enforcement.
Neighbors can report parking violations by calling 311, using the CHI311 app, or through the 311 website. The request type is “Finance Parking Code Enforcement Review.”
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Have questions about street work happening in your area? The Department of Transportation has a wonderful tool to look up street work in your area called the Chi Street Work Portal. Here you can input an address and see all surrounding permits for projects on that street.
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I want to keep spreading the good word of how powerful a tool CHI 311 is to address non-emergency services in our Ward. Via the CHI 311 website and mobile app, you can:
- Create new service requests and check the status of existing requests (such as on timing and completion).
- Snap a photo of an issue to submit it with a request to improve location accuracy.
- Get local and relevant information/tips regarding the 43rd Ward including visibility into what other requests are being made in your neighborhood. The free CHI 311 mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and may be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
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