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48th WARD NEWS: SEPTEMBER 23, 2026
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Photo Credit: Madison Savedra/Block Club Chicago
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CONSTRUCTION BEGINNING ON PEDESTRIAN HYBRID BEACON
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Dear Neighbors,
I am pleased to announce the start of construction on Chicago’s first-ever pedestrian-activated stoplight – known as a pedestrian hybrid beacon – here in the 48th Ward at Ridge/Hollywood/Wayne. Join us for a ceremonial ground-breaking on Monday, September 28 at 12pm.
With approximately 30,000 cars per day traveling down Ridge, it can seem nearly impossible to cross on foot to get to/from school, work, and home. Following a fatality at this intersection in 2021, neighbors have been calling for improvements.
My team and I have been working closely with CDOT, IDOT and neighbors on recommendations for this intersection, and last year, my office secured the funding for this $1.3 million project. The project will include a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB), full reconstruction of the intersection, and an expansion of the existing Peace Garden. PHBs help neighbors to cross high-speed roadways, and result in a 55% reduction in pedestrian crashes.
Construction is expected to start on Monday (weather permitting). Please note:
- During construction, expect traffic delays and lane shifts along Ridge. Northbound traffic will be reduced to one-lane; southbound traffic will remain two-lanes. Temporary pavement markings will be in place.
- The sidewalk on the west side of Ridge will be closed.
- Access to and from Ridge for both vehicles and pedestrians will be closed for the west leg of Hollywood and the south leg of Wayne
- The majority of the project will be completed in 2026, with resurfacing and landscaping expected to take place in spring 2027.
To read more about this project, see our blog. For any questions, contact the ward office at info@theward.org or 773-784-5277.
Yours in community,
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Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
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CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration (September 15 - October 15) of Hispanic and Latine history and culture. It's an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many contributions to the history and culture of the United States and the world by exploring the diverse art, film, music, dance, poetry (and more) of our Hispanic and Latine neighbors. This month, join our office in celebrating our Hispanic and Latine 48th Ward neighbors who make our community a vibrant and joyful place to live.
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Celebrate with the Chicago Public Library
Join the Chicago Public Library as they celebrate Latine Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. This year’s theme “¡Qué rico es ser latine!” celebrates the resiliency, creativity and legacy of Latine communities in Chicago. Experience the flavors, sounds and stories that have enriched this city's historical fabric and have brought collective joy to our neighborhoods. Visit the CPL site for events, reading lists, and more!
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Celebrate with the Chicago Park District
The Chicago Park District is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Join them at an upcoming event to celebrate the culture and history of Latin Americans. Many of the events will feature cultural exhibits, arts & crafts, music, and dance. Learn more online.
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Hispanic Heritage Month Chicago Highlights
During this month, the City of Chicago honors the diverse Latinx culture and heritage by highlighting significant achievements and contributions made by the Latinx community. Visit the City of Chicago website to read about local Hispanic and Latine community leaders.
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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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TODAY: Property Tax Assistance Office Hours
- When: Wednesday, September 23 from 10am-2pm
- Where: 48th Ward Office (1129 W Bryn Mawr)
- No RSVP required.
Come by the ward office for help filing property tax assessment appeals. Analysts from the Cook County Board of Review will be available on site to answer questions.
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TOMORROW: Property Tax Appeal Seminar - Lake View Township
- When: Thursday, September 24 from 5:30-7:30pm
- Where: Lincoln Park Library (1150 W Fullerton)
- Register online.
Join us at this in-person workshop and we'll help you file your property tax assessment appeals! Analysts can typically help you file an appeal in under 10 minutes — no attorney or expertise needed. Please bring your property tax bill or your Property Index Number (PIN) with you to this event.
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2026 Community Survey
It used to be that if you wanted your sidewalk repaired or tree trimmed in Chicago, you had to “know a guy” at City Hall. Now, services are just a click, phone call, or email away. Over the last three years, with your help, we have increased City Services 20% in the 48th Ward. Now, we want to hear from you! Fill out this survey to share your feedback and priorities.
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Debate: City Services Should Not Go Through Alderpersons' Offices
- When: Sunday, September 27 from 2-4pm
- Where: Sulzer Regional Library (4544 N Lincoln)
- Register online.
Providing access to city services through Alderpersons' offices is a recipe for unhealthy politics. Agree? Disagree? Air your opinion at a Local Community Debate! Listen to the speeches for or against the resolution — and then share your own, if you feel so moved. (And there's no pressure, but we hope you will!) You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of each speaker. A trained moderator will direct the discussion so it remains on topic and courteous. There is a good chance you will leave feeling informed and hopeful!
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Final Edgewater Monday Market of 2026
- When: Monday, September 28 from 3-7pm
- Where: Broadway & Thorndale
- Learn more online.
It's been a great season for the Edgewater Monday Market, and there's just one week left! Come by the Broadway Armory parking lot for Chicago’s ONLY Monday farmers market, featuring a diverse lineup of more than 40 vendors.
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LIHEAP Presentation
- When: Monday, September 28 at 10am
- Where: Edgewater Senior Center (5917 N Broadway)
- No RSVP required.
Join CEDA for a presentation about LIHEAP and how to lower your energy bills.
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Help Name Park 559!
Public comment is open for the proposed renaming of Park 559 to Edgewater Prairie Park. Park 559 is located just off Sheridan between Granville and Glenlake (6151 N Sheridan). To submit your feedback, fill out this form, email LCA@ChicagoParkDistrict.com, or call (312) 742-0067. Public comment closes on Sunday, October 25.
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Halloween 2026 Volunteer Opportunities
Mark your calendar for two Halloween activities on Saturday, October 31! Interested in volunteering? Fill out this form.
48th Ward Halloween Parade Marshalls
- Bromann Park, 5400 N. Broadway
- Parade begins at 10:30am
Families are invited to wear their costumes and join us for a neighborhood parade, followed by games, candy, and more. Parade marshals are needed from approximately 10-11am
Halloween Night Crossing Guards
- Various 48th Ward Intersections
- Volunteer shift: 4:30-8pm
Help families and trick-or-treaters travel safely throughout the neighborhood on Halloween night. Volunteer assignments and additional instructions will be provided closer to the event.
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Vaccine Clinic
- When: Monday, September 28 from 9am-1pm
- Where: Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway)
- No RSVP required.
Is it that time of year already? Come to one of two upcoming clinics in the ward to get your flu shot as well as free vaccinations against COVID, Pneumonia, RSV, Shingles, and Tetanus. Please bring your insurance card with you if you have one. See the schedule above for all upcoming vaccine clinics.
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Support for Unhoused Neighbors - Outreach and Tent Cleanups
Thank you to all of the neighbors who reach out to our office to report neighbors in need of services and unsafe activity in the parks. When you report a tent or neighbor in need of assistance to our office, we share the information with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and the Chicago Park District. From there, DFSS works to get our neighbors to help and resources they need including shelter while the Park District works on enforcement. Thanks to your help and concern, DFSS is out in our ward providing service 4-7 times a week on average. Over the last three years, our team alongside DFSS and providers, has helped nearly 200 neighbors transition from lakefront encampments into stable housing.
In addition to this direct support, we have regularly-scheduled cleanups, including four planned for the next month. This work is ongoing, and we remain committed to helping people move indoors while ensuring our parks and lakefront remain accessible to all who enjoy them. Visit our blog to learn more about how we're supporting neighbors experiencing homelessness and how you can help.
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District Council Election Info Session
- When: Wednesday, September 30 at 12:30pm
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
In February 2027, elections will be held to select 3 District Councilors (DCs) in each of Chicago's 22 police districts. District Councils bring community voices into policing and public safety at both the local and city level. Councilors serve as local elected leaders providing grassroots input to CPD oversight efforts. During this brief information session, you will learn about the upcoming elections, the responsibilities of the DCs, and about the requirements to run for this elected office. Learn more here.
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EZRA Emergency and Financial Services
Have you had a short-term documentable crisis that caused you to fall behind? Do you need financial support with rent or utilities? EZRA may be able to help! Assistance is available in the 60640 and 60660 area codes. Contact EZRA at 773-275-0866 or ezrainfo2@juf.org for more information.
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CLICK HERE to opt in to receive occasional crime alerts from our office. If you're having trouble with this link, you can also opt in by re-subscribing HERE and checking the box at the bottom of the form. Doing so will not alter or double your existing newsletter subscription.
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Berwyn Greenway Pavement Markings
New signage and pavement markings have been installed on the trail in the Meadows at Berwyn. These upgrades are designed to make the trail safer for all users and to complement the Berwyn Greenway project that connects the Lakefront Trail to the North Branch Trail. Funding for this project was secured with the Aldermanic Menu Fund.
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Green Alley Construction: Winthrop - Ardmore - Kenmore - Hollywood
We are pleased to announce the start of construction on a green alley bounded by Ardmore - Kenmore - Hollywood - Winthrop. Green alleys are alleys reconstructed to improve stormwater drainage, reduce heat, and conserve energy using techniques like permeable pavers, underground water detention, and recycled materials.
Once started, construction is expected to take approximately six (6) weeks, weather permitting. Please note:
- During construction, residential garbage will be curbside and we ask that homeowners relocate cans to the street.
- There will be no access to the alley for approximately six (6) weeks, depending on weather conditions.
- Barricades will block all entrances to the alley.
- Homeowners are advised to seek alternative parking.
This project will be managed by the Chicago Department of Transportation. For any additional information, please contact the ward office at info@the48thward.org or 773-784-5277.
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Green Alley Construction: Clark - Balmoral - Glenwood - Summerdale
We are pleased to announce the start of construction on a green alley bounded by Clark - Balmoral - Glenwood - Summerdale. Green alleys are alleys reconstructed to improve stormwater drainage, reduce heat, and conserve energy using techniques like permeable pavers, underground water detention, and recycled materials. This construction project will be completed in two phases.
PHASE 1: Six (6) Weeks
- Phase 1 includes the east-west leg of the alley and the north-south leg abutting Glenwood.
- On September 24 and 25, saw cutting and minor asphalt demolition begins. Garages will be accessible.
- Starting September 28, there will be no access to this portion of the alley for approximately six weeks. The north-south leg abutting Clark will remain open.
- Homeowners are advised to relocate vehicles and seek alternative parking.
- During construction, residential garbage cans will be curbside. We ask that homeowners relocate cans to the street.
PHASE 2: Three (3) Weeks
- Phase 2 includes the north-south leg of the alley abutting Clark.
- Starting in early November, there will be no access to this portion of the alley for approximately three weeks. The other legs of the alley will be open.
- Homeowners and business owners are advised to relocate vehicles and seek alternative parking.
- During construction, residential garbage cans will be curbside. We ask that homeowners relocate cans to the street.
- Businesses are advised to speak with their commercial waste and grease disposal companies about temporarily relocating services during the duration of construction. Businesses are advised to coordinate deliveries accordingly.
This project will be managed by the Public Building Commission of Chicago. For any questions, please contact my office at info@the48thward.org or 773-784-5277.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Bryn Mawr Landmarking Passes Zoning Committee
The proposed Bryn Mawr Ave Landmark District passed the Zoning Committee yesterday and will head to City Council next. The Bryn Mawr corridor from Broadway to Sheridan is the historic commercial core of Edgewater and is integral to the 48th ward community. The proposed Bryn Mawr Chicago Landmark District is expected to follow the same boundaries as the existing National Register Bryn Mawr Historic District. The Historic District includes some of the oldest buildings in Edgewater, dating back to the 1890s, and is significant for its pedestrian-oriented, dense, and diverse designs hosting retail on the ground floor and residences above. Buildings in the district reflect a variety of architectural styles including Tudor Revival, French Romanesque Revival, Late Gothic Revival, Italian Renaissance Revival, and Art Deco. Read more on our blog here.
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Development Feedback Opportunity: 1449 W Devon
The applicant is requesting a zoning change at 1449 W Devon to build a 5-story, mixed-use building with ground-floor commercial and 27 apartment units. The lot currently has a vacant, one-story commercial structure. Find more information here and give your feedback here. Feedback will close at 5pm on Friday, October 16.
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Participatory Budgeting 2027- Call for Facilitators
Help us spend $1 million! Participatory Budgeting is a process that invites YOU to decide how we should spend our annual infrastructure budget by proposing projects and voting on them. We need 2-4 volunteer facilitators to help us run community meetings and create the final ballot. Interested? Send an email to development@the48thward.org.
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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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Leni, CDOT, and the 48th Ward Team have been canvassing residents and businesses adjacent to our two green alley projects. These projects are exciting and also highly disruptive, as neighbors lose access to their garages for a period of time and garbage pick-up is moved out of the alley onto the street. We are out and about connecting with as many neighbors as possible to ensure that there aren’t any surprises during construction.
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Angel Rubi Navarijo, 48th Ward Director of Neighborhood Services, celebrated Latino Heritage Month in DC at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) 2026 Annual Leadership Conference. As President of the CHCI Chicago Alumni Chapter, Angel represented Chicago at the conference that brought together Latino leaders from across the country in a powerful reminder of the pride, leadership, and excellence our Latino community brings to public service and every sector in our nation.
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I hope all of our Jewish neighbors had a meaningful fast. Wishing you a wonderful and peaceful year ahead.
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