Dear Neighbors,
Last week, in a historic 50-0 vote, Chicago City Council denied the Mayor’s proposed $300 million property tax levy within the 2025 Budget. As explained in our newsletters over the past few weeks, several colleagues and myself advocated aggressively against this property tax levy. Had it been made, the proposed increase would have put too heavy a burden on Chicagoans, homeowners, and renters alike. For convenience in the short term, it would have damaged growth and livability in Chicago going forward. In many ways, removing the increase puts us in a better place to have good faith negotiations on the whole budget, as we are now discussing a proposal more near reality. That being said, as I described on WGN this weekend, we have a long way to go before we reach terms on a balanced budget.
As we updated in the Special Newsletter on November 7th, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) is actively investigating the hate crime that occurred on DePaul’s campus against Jewish students. The CPD’ “Hate Crime Unit” has determined that this was a targeted hate crime and will be treating it with the severity that is required. Below is the Community Alert the Area 3 Detectives issued asking for assistance in identifying the attackers. Any information you may have can be directed to Area 3 Detectives at 312-744-8261 or CPDTIP.com.
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Our office, DePaul University, and the Chicago Police will continue to work together to ensure that the 43rd Ward is a community where all voices are heard and respected without fear of physical violence or hate.
Furthermore, another Community Alert was issued for four armed robberies in retail businesses within the 43rd Ward. In these incidents, unknown offenders enter a retail business, displaying firearms. The offenders then take merchandise and U.S. currency before fleeing in a gray 2020 Dodge Durango.
The locations and times include:
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2600 block of N. Lincoln on November 1, 2024, at 2:33 a.m.
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1300 block of W. Fullerton on November 1, 2024, at 2:43 a.m.
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1300 block of W. Fullerton on November 1, 2024, at 2:44 a.m.
Come by to the 43rd Ward Office to receive a free smoke alarm courtesy of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD). These smoke alarms come equipped with a 10-year battery and can be installed easily in your home. We have a limited number of alarms in our office, and have a limit of one alarm per household that will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. You can learn more about fire prevention and safety here.
The 43rd Ward is mourning the loss of Ella Jenkins, international music icon and great friend of the community. In August, I joined Chicagoans at Ella Jenkins Park in Old Town Triangle to celebrate the music legend and park’s namesake on her 100th Birthday. Throughout her career, Ella produced over 40 albums, including hits such as "Miss Mary Mack,”“Wade in the Water,” “Pretty Trees Around the World,” and more. Ellas’s discography includes the 1995 album “Multicultural Children's Songs,” which is the most popular Smithsonian Folkways release to date. Ella performed her songs on all seven continents, including Antarctica, solidifying her role as a worldwide inspiration. “Grateful” understates how I feel about Ella’s contributions to society and children around the world. Ella's music and legacy of joy will live on in the 43rd Ward, and across the world.
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Alderman Knudsen at 'Ella Jenkins Park' for her 100th birthday, presenting Ella Jenkins with a City Council Resolution honoring her.
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On Wednesday, I joined law enforcement officers and neighbors for the one year memorial of Andrew “Drew” Price where a new statue in his honor was presented. Drew, a Chicago hero and beloved firefighter of the 43rd Ward’s Engine 55 Truck 44, passed away on duty while responding to a fire in Lincoln Park a year ago on November 13th. The statue is a replica of Drew’s firefighter jacket that is draped over his surfboard, with his helmet at the base. The bronze surfboard is identical to Drew’s, down to the stickers and sand he got on his last ride in Costa Rica.
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Alderman Knudsen and Alderman Hopkins (2nd) with the memorial statue.
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Last month, I was honored to join Drew’s wife Lara, family, best friend Dustin, and the firehouse family at Engine 55 to unveil Andrew Price Way, at the corner of Lincoln & Fullerton, in his memory.
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Thanks to the hard work of Drew's wife Lara and his fire family, Drew's legacy will live on through impactful legislation. Last month, Chicago honored Fire Safety Week. In City Council we passed the Drew Price Ordinance, requiring new buildings to add safety thresholds around their skylights, making sure firefighters would be a little bit safer while they are saving lives. We also passed a Firefighter Bereavement Policy, making sure that if a firefighter passes on duty, his engine family will receive the bereavement that they need, no questions asked. These new laws are just the beginning, and many other legislators and I are committed to that.
I know that we will continue to work together to make sure that our first responders in this City are made safer through specific policies so that lives can be saved of those who have dedicated their careers to saving lives. In Chicago, our first responders - our firefighters, our EMTs, and our police officers - are our foundation.
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Alderperson Bennett Lawson (44th) and Alderman Knudsen with legendary veteran activist Jim Darby and Bruce Inman. Photo by Tracy Baim
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P.P.S. Lincoln Park ZooLights returned this weekend, lighting up the zoo with more than three million lights and family-friendly activities through January 5th. In addition to seeing the lights, there will be a 65-foot Ferris wheel with grand views of the Chicago skyline and Lincoln Park. Learn more, grab tickets, and see a full list of attractions and events through the hyperlinks.
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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,
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Compstat,
We encourage residents to check out the Chicago Police Department's citywide September year-to-date recap, which outlines their key initiatives and statistical trends on high-priority violent crimes. You can view the full report 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): Meetings have concluded for the year. Beat 1811 looks forward to working with residents in 2025.
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): Meetings have concluded for the year. Beat 1812 looks forward to working with residents in 2025.
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): Meetings have concluded for the year. Beat 1824 looks forward to working with residents in 2025.
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): 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): December 18.
Beat 1935 is hosted at Chabad East Lakeview located at 615 W Wellington Ave.
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18th Police District Council Meeting
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19th Police District Council Meetings
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The Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) announces the launch of its newest data dashboard, City Services by Address. This dashboard is a one-stop shop to see City services and service area designations as they apply to any Chicago address, and the dashboard retrieves valuable information related to that location, including ward, community area, zoning information, schedules for City services, police district and beat in which a specified address falls, trash and recycling pick-up days for that address, voting precinct, and whether a specified address is part of an Industrial Corridor or historic district, among other data points.
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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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South Lincoln Park Improvements Feedback
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Gold Coast Neighbors Association, along with the Lincoln Park Conservancy and the Chicago Park District, are requesting public input to the project. The attached slide will be converted to signs to be posted around the park. This link connects to a questionnaire for participants who wish to offer their ideas and provides a description of the project.
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Wrightwood Neighbors Proposed Expansion Meeting
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Join Wrightwood Neighbors Association for a community meeting regarding the proposed extended boundaries. The meeting will be held from 6-8pm on November 19th.
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Chamber group Picosa has another concert coming up on November 18 at DePaul (2330 North Halsted St) and is a beautiful program that might make people in our ward feel better. Engaging music. Encouraging Community. Enriching Lives.
As always, students are free! Additionally for 43rd ward residents we are also offering a discount code. The code is LiveMusic and is $5 off a regular ticket. Get tickets here.
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Help Stop Hate provides support and resources to people and communities affected by hate. The service is free, confidential, and not affiliated with law enforcement. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (877) 458-4283, or (877) 458-HATE, Monday to Friday from 12-9 PM or online at any time by visiting ILStopHate.org. Online reports can be made in seven languages. Callers can report in the language of their preference and receive assistance from call specialists trained in trauma-informed care. Help Stop Hate is a project of the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
Check out this story in Chicago Sun Times or watch the press conference here.
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Community Connections team is excited about welcoming volunteers into our work. These dedicated individuals truly help extend our capacity to serve the neighbors in and around your Ward in increasingly more comprehensive ways.
To learn more about all of the volunteer opportunities currently available, including ways for organization to support our through their work places or civic groups, please visit our website: Marillac St. Vincent Volunteer Action .
There is a Volunteer Inquiry Form, which serves as an official application for anyone who is interested in getting involved.
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Immaculate Conception St. Joseph School
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Are you looking for an outstanding Chicago elementary 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% nationwide, 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 the school for an upcoming group admissions tour to learn more. RSVP and learn more here.
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Fall Programs at Park West Co-op
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Check out the great activities for your toddler / preschooler at Park West Co-op this fall. Classes include a Saturday Tots class, kids fitness classes, music and drama classes and a new Little Book Club offering, all in the Lincoln Park neighborhood!
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On Thursday, November 28th - join neighbors for a turkey trot! Check-in is at 1950 N Kenmore Ave.
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Join Immaculate Conception St. Joseph School with your little ones for a weekly music and movement class with guitar-led song and dance. They meet every Thursday morning when school is in session. You may sign up for the next 5-week session for $100 or do one-off classes for $25 each. The next session begins on November 7! Please visit our website to register here.
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Chicago Lights is a separate 401C non profit associated with Fourth Presbyterian Church. Founded in 1964, Chicago Lights is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The program tutors and/or mentors hundreds of inner city Chicago students every year depending upon how many volunteers sign up. Students are from all grade levels. Tutoring can be done in person or virtually. Tutors come from all faith backgrounds and do not need to be a Math or English genius! The relationships built make all the difference to many of these students. For more info, contact us chicagolights@fourthchurch.org.
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Making a difference in the lives of children in foster care
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There is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in making a difference in the lives of children in foster care. CASA of Cook County is currently accepting applications for our upcoming virtual classes to train new CASA Advocates.
December Class:
Dates: December 3 - December 17
Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM
Format: Virtual sessions via Zoom
January/February Class:
Dates: January 9 - February 6
Schedule: Thursday evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM
Format: Virtual sessions via Zoom
To apply or learn more, individuals can visit: CASA of Cook County Volunteer Application.
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St. James Job Opportunites
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St. James is a Lutheran Elementary School (grades PreK - 8th grade) located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. We are seeking a full-time employee (12 months) to be the Director of Admissions/Enrollment. Applicants must be physically and emotionally healthy, poised, punctual and enthusiastic. They must communicate effectively and work well with others. In addition, they should demonstrate an ability to articulate the mission, vision and spiritual beliefs of St. James as well as adhere to all policies and procedures. Click here for more information.
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Come see our classrooms in action and learn how our child-led, play-based curriculum helps create a solid foundation for children’s future education!
Can’t make it on November 19? We’re offering Pop-In tours and evening Open Houses over the next several months!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Scooter and E-Bike 311 Removal
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Our office has noticed many scooters and bikes scattered throughout the neighborhood. By contract, these shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request. 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.
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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.)
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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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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