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48th WARD NEWS: JANUARY 23, 2026
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The National Weather Service and the City of Chicago have issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the end of this week; these are expected to be among the coldest days Chicago has seen in years.
Due to these dangerously low temperatures, the 48th Ward office will be closed for walk-ins today (Friday, January 23, 2026) for the safety of our team and to discourage unnecessary outdoor travel. Our team will be available via email (info@the48thward.org) and phone (773-784-5277) and standard walk-in hours will resume on Monday, January 22.
During extreme cold, it's important to be prepared with resources for staying safe. Remember that you can always contact 311 to find warming centers, file no-heat complaints and request wellbeing checks for yourself or others. Read on for more winter safety tips. Be sure to share this information with neighbors who may not otherwise be aware of it. Stay safe 48!
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CPS Classes Canceled Friday, January 23
CPS has canceled all classes for Friday, January 23. All after-school programming, including athletic practices and games, are also canceled for Friday. There will be no remote learning for students on Friday, January 23. We expect that classes will resume for all students on Monday, January 26. All activities, including athletic practices and games, will proceed as scheduled on Saturday, January 24.
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Cold Weather Tips from OEMC
Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has shared a list of tips for staying safe during extreme cold, including:
- winterizing vehicles
- avoiding unnecessary trips outside
- wearing several layers
- and more
Learn more at chicago.gov/OEMC.
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Chicago Heat Ordinance Reminder
The Chicago Heat Ordinance mandates that landlords supply heat to any unit in which residents do not have individual control of the thermostat during cold weather months. From September 15 - June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees from 8:30am - 10:30pm and at least 66 degrees from 10:30pm - 8:30am. Landlords face fines of up to $1000 per day, per violation, for each day they do not supply adequate heat.
If you are a renter and your landlord is not providing adequate heat, you may file a No Heat Complaint through 311. The Department of Buildings will inspect your home and will take action against delinquent owners. Learn more here.
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DFSS Warming Centers
All DFSS Community Service Centers and Senior Centers will be open for warming from Tuesday, January 20 through Friday, January 23, during standard hours. Click here for a full list of citywide warming center locations. For shelter placement, to find the nearest warming center, and for well-being checks for seniors and unhoused neighbors, contact 311. In the 48th ward, there are designated warming centers at the following locations:
- Margate Park (4921 N Marine)
- Bezazian Library (1226 W Ainslie)
- Senn Park (5887 N Ridge)
- Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway)
- Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
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Recognizing Frostbite and Hypothermia
According to the CDC, frostbite is characterized by redness/pain in exposed skin at first and then by white/gray skin that is unusually firm or waxy. A person can be unaware they have frostbite due to numbness. Hypothermia occurs in extremely cold weather but can also occur in temperatures over 40 degrees if a person is wet or not dressed properly. This condition is characterize by shivering, exhaustion, confusion, and slurred speech.
To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, cover all exposed skin and opt for water-proof coats and boots when possible. Dress in several layers and choose a scarf or hat that covers your mouth. Learn more online.
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48th Ward Shovel Squad
Remember: when it snows, it's the resident or building manager's responsibility to clear snow from the sidewalk. Snow that falls between 7am-7pm should be cleared by 10pm, and snow that falls between 7pm-7am should be cleared by 10am.
To report sidewalks that have not been cleared (shoveled or salted) within 15 hours of a snow or sleet event, you can file a Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk Complaint via 311.
If you need help clearing your own sidewalk, or you want to volunteer to help your neighbors, sign up here.
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For more winter and cold weather information, including reminders about no-parking signs, power outages, and fallen tree limbs, visit our blog.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Development Feedback Opportunity: 5959, 5948, & 5965 N Sheridan
Emanuel Congregation, in partnership with Fern Hill Company, has formally submitted a zoning change request to the 48th Ward Office. They are proposing the redevelopment of the Emanuel Congregation synagogue and two other adjoining land sites into a mixed-use Planned Development project at 5959 N Sheridan, 5948 N Sheridan, and 5965 N Sheridan. The proposed project includes complementary neighborhood uses including the synagogue, new residential, limited ground-floor commercial, and accessory parking. The synagogue and Fern Hill are requesting a zoning change from RS-1 and RM-5.5 to B3-5. For more information see the slides from the January 22 congregation meeting here.
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth will host a community meeting about this planned development in February. The online feedback period for this project is now open and will remain open for two weeks after the community meeting. To view project details and submit feedback, click here. Because of the project’s proximity to the lake, it will be subject to the Lakefront Protection Ordinance. In addition, all Planned Developments go through an extensive vetting process by city departments and agencies including the Chicago Plan Commission, Department of Planning & Development, CDOT, CFD, MOPD, CTA, ComEd, and others.
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Development Feedback Opportunity: 1527 W Edgewater
Feedback is open for a proposed zoning change from RS-3 to RM-4.5 at 1527 W Edgewater to build a four-unit residential building. The existing structure—a vacant, former house of worship—will be demolished. Learn more on our blog and submit feedback here.
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Liquor Moratorium Lifted for Hollywood Marketplace
Last week, Leni and Agnes joined small business owner Harry Patel at the Committee on License and Consumer Protection meeting to support lifting the package goods liquor moratorium affecting Patel's business, Hollywood Marketplace at 5701 N Sheridan Road. During the meeting, the committee voted in favor of lifting the moratorium. See the ordinance here.
The package goods liquor moratorium in question includes both sides of Sheridan from Thorndale to Hollywood. The applicant went through the 48th Ward engagement process and received overwhelming support from stakeholders including the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Sheridan Condominiums/Co-op Owners (ASCO), and the Hollywood Towers Condominium Association. The Alderwoman is committed to putting the moratorium back in place, as requested by the community, after a minimum of one year. Hollywood Marketplace will now apply for their liquor license.
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Apply Now to be a Vendor at Chicago Farmers Markets
Calling all local growers and artisans! Be a part of the 2026 Chicago Farmers Markets season, running May through October across the city. DCASE is looking for passionate producers and creators of handmade and natural goods to join a community of vendors. Showcase your craft, connect with your neighbors, and grow your business! Learn more and apply online. The deadline to apply for the 2026 season is January 30.
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New Bike Racks Installed on Kenmore
Thanks to CDOT for installing these new bike racks on the 5600 block of N Kenmore! Notice a place in the neighborhood that could use more bike parking? Request a new bike rack here. Organizing our streets is a top priority for our office, making commuting safer for all users whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist.
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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2025 Year-in-Review Town Hall
- When: Wednesday, January 28 from 5:30-6:30pm
- Where: VIRTUAL
- Register online.
It's that time of year again! Join us for our 2025 year-in-review town hall to reflect on everything we accomplished as a community this year. While we plan ot hold this presentation virtually and record it, we also want to take it on the road! If you'd like us to present in person at your building or org's next meeting, reach out to audrey@the48thward.org.
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Bike Chicago - Free Bicycles Through CDOT
Did you know that the Chicago Department of Transportation is giving away 5,000 free bikes with safety and maintenance equipment to age and income-eligible Chicagoans? This project is one part of CDOT's work to make cycling safe and affordable for more people in our city. Learn more online here or watch a video from the Bike Chicago Program Director here.
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REAL ID Saturday Services
Beginning February 1, TSA will charge a $45 fee for travelers without a REAL ID. To make it easier for Illinoisans to get a REAL ID, the Secretary of State’s office is:
- Offering new Saturday walk-in hours at the downtown REAL ID Supercenter (191 N Clark St.) – 8am-4pm
- Adding 500+ Saturday appointments at 15 Chicago and suburban DMV facilities that are already open on Saturdays – 7:30am-12pm
- Partnering with the Cook County Clerk’s office, which will open their downtown office (118 N Clark St.) on Saturdays to make it easier for residents to access vital record documents required to get a REAL ID – 9am-4pm
To learn more, visit realid.ilsos.gov. Note that a passport and various other forms of official ID will still be accepted in place of a REAL ID. See the full list of accepted documents here.
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Inspired Youth Virtual & In-Person Tutoring
Inspired Youth offers free tutoring in person at the Bezazian Library (1226 W Ainslie) on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30pm. Now, they'll also be providing free virtual tutoring on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays! Join for one-on-one tutoring, activities, and group work! Enroll your student online here.
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Drop Off Food Scraps at the Edgewater Library
The Edgewater Food Scrap Drop-Off site has moved! Please bring your food scraps to the Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway). If you had previously registered for the old Edgewater Food Scrap Drop Off site, your registration will automatically be switched to the new site. If you have not registered before, you can do so here. Having trouble finding the new bins? See a map of the site on our blog.
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Report Issues with Delivery Robots to 311
The 48th Ward south of Foster is in the pilot area for Serve delivery robots. The City’s 311 system now includes a dedicated service request category that allows residents to submit feedback, concerns, and issues related to PDD operations. Submit requests through the app, by phone (dial 3-1-1) or online. If you have a concern that needs to be addressed immediately, please contact the companies directly:
Coco
Serve
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SAVE THE DATE: Kids Activity Open House
- When: Saturday, February 28 from 10am-2pm
- Where: Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway)
- Sign Up Your Business/Organization online.
With summer 2026 just around the corner, Edgewater Chamber is hosting a free Kids Activity Open House to showcase the best activities, classes, camps, and programs for kids ages 0-17. The deadline to register your business to participate is Friday, February 13.
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Recycle Non-Working Holiday Lights at the 48th Ward Office
Drop off your non-working holiday lights at the 48th ward office (1129 W Bryn Mawr) whenever we're open. Reduce Waste Chicago will recycle them safely. Be sure to separate lights from other decorations before dropping them off. The last day to drop off lights is January 31, 2026.
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SAVE THE DATE: Older Adults Resource Fair
- When: Friday, May 15 from 11am-2pm
- Where: Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway)
- No RVSP is required for this event.
Join us in May for an older adults resource fair to get connected to healthcare services, legal aide, technology assistance, social services, educational workshops, and more!
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ICE Accountability - Report Misconduct to the IAC
The Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC) has launched a new submission portal for people who have witnessed or experienced potential misconduct by federal immigration agents. This portal allows individuals to submit videos or written accounts—even if they can’t attend a hearing—to help create a public record and support accountability efforts. Learn more online here.
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CCPSA Special Meeting on CPD and ICE - Next Steps
On January 8, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability held a special meeting to hear concerns from the public about collaboration between the Chicago Police Department and federal immigration agents.
In response to concerns that people voiced at this meeting, the CCPSA is taking the following steps:
- Formal Information Requests: The Commission will request information from CPD including policies, training materials, and documentation related to immigrations agents.
- Clarification of Investigative Authority: The Commission will seek clarification about who has the authority to investigate alleged violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance.
- Continued Public Engagment: The Commission will continue this discussion at their next public meeting and work to ensure participation from key stakeholders like the CPD Superintendant, COPA's Chief Administrator, and the Inspector General.
Read CCPSA's full statement about the January 8 meeting here. Join them at their next public meeting on Thursday, February 26 at Kennedy-King College (6301 S Halsted).
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48th Ward Foot Patrol
Last week a 20th district officer stopped into the office during her Bryn Mawr foot patrol! Thanks to our local commanders for working with our office to make this on-the-ground service possible and to our neighbors who have continued to advocate for increased safety along our business corridors.
Foot Patrols are a key part of our Safe 48 Health & Safety Plan. Read more here.
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Apply to Serve on the CCPSA
Applications are now open for three upcoming vacancies on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA). Commissioners serving on the CCPSA are nominated through the District Council’s Nominating Committee and appointed by the Mayor. Applications will close on Friday, February 6, 2026.
While any proven leader can apply and be selected, this year's process provides a unique opportunity for young people given that two of three vacancies must be filled by youth ages 18 to 24. Ideal applicants are those who:
- Have resided in the City of Chicago for at least the five years immediately preceding appointment;
- Have a reputation for integrity and a history of leadership and community involvement;
- Have a demonstrated ability to engage effectively with all who have a stake in public safety and policing;
- Have a demonstrated ability to work in groups in a collaborative manner that reflects sound judgment, independence, fairness, and objectivity.
Access the application and all relevant materials online here. Any inquiries or comments can be directed to CommissionNomination@cityofchicago.org.
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SNAP & Food Security Resources
The federal government passed a new law that makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Link in Illinois.
- Keep up with changes to the SNAP program here.
- Check to see if you are subject to, meeting, or exempt from SNAP work requirements here.
Visit our blog for local food security resources and ways to get involved.
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City of Chicago 2025 Crime Trends
According to Chicago Police Department's year-end data, the city saw a reducation in homicides, shootings, and shooting victims in 2025:
- There were 416 homicides in 2025. This is the lowest number we've seen since 1965 and a 29% decrease from 2024.
- From 2024 to 2025 there was a 35% drop in shooting incidents.
- From 2024 to 2025 there was a 34% drop in shooting victims.
These reductions are reflected in the 48th ward where we saw a 54% decrease in shooting victimizations and a 29% decrease in overall violent crime victimizations from 2024 to 2025. We also saw:
- a 40% decrease in robberies
- a 33% decrease in vehicular hijackings
- a 20% decrease in aggravated assault
For more crime statistics, visit the city's Violence Reduction Dashboard.
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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Last week, Leni and Angel attended the 40th Annual MLK Interfaith Breakfast. This year, the celebration brought community and faith leaders together around the common theme: "Defending our democracy, protecting our rights." Former Vice President Kamala Harris gave a speech about what local leaders can do to fight injustice and protect vulnerable communities, especially immigrants. And of course, she reminded all of us Chicagoans to "Bear down" for Sunday's game!
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We welcomed Governor Pritzker and Deputy Governor Grace Hou to the 48th Ward this week for a roundtable to hear from Illinoisans on how Trump policies are affecting their lives. Shout out to HAIBAYÔ for hosting the event. You can see more about the event here.
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Leni attended the inaugural Stir Friday Night show at HAIBAYÔ Cafe this weekend! Every other Friday at 7:30pm, Stir Friday Night will be hosting AAPI talent from all over Chicagoland right here in the ward! The show brings together music, storytelling, history lectures, and more, always ending with a Stir Friday Night set so you're sure to laugh! Learn more about Stir Friday Night here. Learn more about HAIBAYÔ here.
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We are working on adding more Divvy stations to the 48th Ward! This week, we did a walk through with CDOT and CTA to discuss potential station locations.
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Construction at the new TimeLine Theatre site is coming along! In case you missed it: the sidewalk in front of their 5035 N Broadway has reopened to pedestrians. Keep up with TimeLine's progress here.
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Over the holidays, Leni was visiting the Field Museum with her daughter when she ran into a 48th ward neighbor! Want to check out Chicago museums for free with your friends and family? Request our 48th ward pass!
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