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48th WARD NEWS: SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
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APPLY FOR PROPERTY TAX SAVINGS
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The Second Installment Property Tax Bill is due to the Cook County Treasurer's Office on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Visit the Cook County Treasurer's website to view your bill, look for missing exemptions, and make a payment.
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Property Tax Assistance Office Hours
- When: Wednesday, September 23 from 10am-2pm
- Where: 48th Ward Office (1129 W Bryn Mawr)
- No RSVP reqiured.
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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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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Apply for Missing Property Tax Savings
If you notice your Second Installment Property Tax Bill is missing savings, you can submit a Certificate of Error to the Cook County Assessor's office. Below are some of the most common exemptions you may be eligible for:
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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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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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Grant Park Participatory Budgeting
The Chicago Park District Participatory Budgeting (PB) program is an opportunity for YOU — community members, park users, and neighbors — to have a direct say in how money is invested in your park. Earlier this year, neighbors voted on citywide parks improvements. Now, the district is launching a voting session specific to Grant Park. Click here to learn more and share your priorities for suggested improvements including bathrooms, benches, and a dog-friendly area.
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Chicago Park District 2027 Budget Forum
- When: Thursday, September 17 from 6-8pm
- Where: VIRTUAL
- Register online.
The Chicago Park District is inviting patrons to lend their voice to the FY2027 Budget at an open forum. Join virtually to share your priorities.
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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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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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Three Week Outlook
The following grinding and paving work is scheduled for the next few weeks in the ward.
Paving
- The paving of Glenwood (Balmoral to Berwyn) was delayed due to a mid-block cave-in. The Department of Water Management has made the necessary repairs and has cleared the project for paving. We anticipate this project to be on the pave schedule for September. Look for No Parking signs.
Grinding
- Hood/Glenlake/Clark/Greenview (alley)
- Granville/Hood/Glenwood/Lakewood (alley)
Visit our blog for more 2026 construction information.
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Emergency Water Main Repair - Bryn Mawr (Magnolia to Lakewood)
The Department of Water Management (DWM) is actively working on an emergency water main repair on Bryn Mawr between Magnolia and Lakewood. The street is currently closed to traffic in both directions and will re-open when work is completed. Water is currently shut-off to adjacent buildings until the repair is done. Restoration work will follow. For questions, contact our office at info@the48thward.org or 773-784-5277, or ask for the on-site foreman.
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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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Friends of Bezazian Library Book Sale
- When: Saturday, September 19 from 1-3:30pm
- Where: Bezazian Library (1226 W Ainslie)
- Sign up here to volunteer.
The Friends of Bezazian annual book sale is coming up! Support library programming while shopping thousands of titles for as low as $1 a piece. Proceeds from the book sale go to the Friends of Bezazian organization so that they can continue to support library programming and services all year long. Thanks to everyone who dropped off books, CDs, and DVDs at our office over the past few weeks. Your donations make this event possible!
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Lane Beach Cleanup
- When: Saturday, September 19 from 10am-12pm
- Where: 5915 N Sheridan
- Register online.
Join in cleaning up Lane Beach for a Great Lakes day of action. If you can, please bring your own bucket & reusable gloves to the cleanup to avoid additional waste. Come solo or bring a friend, and don't forget sun protection & water!
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Annual Lakewood Balmoral Yard Sale
- When: Saturday, September 19 from 9am-4pm
- Where: Magnolia, Lakewood, and Wayne from Foster-Bryn Mawr
- No RSVP required
Join neighbors for 12 blocks of yard sales in the historic Lakewood Balmoral neighborhood!
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Delivery Protection Act
On Tuesday, Leni stood with Amazon teamsters and allies as they called on the License and Consumer Protection & Workforce Development committees to vote on the Delivery Protection Act. Currently, many delivery companies like Amazon use third-party subcontracting to hire personnel for the final few miles of a delivery. This allows the companies to suppress unionizing among these workers and protects amazon facilities from liability in the case of accidents.
If passed, the Delivery Protection Act would ban these subcontracting practices and require delivery companies operating in Chicago to license their last-mile delivery facilities with the city. This is common sense legislation that protects our neighborhoods from delivery vehicle accidents while ensuring that convenience doesn't come at the cost of workers' safety.
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Prescription Bottle and Tote Bag Recycling
Thanks to everyone who dropped off prescription medication bottles and tote bags during our recycling drive last week! We collected hundreds of each of these items which will now be diverted from landfills and reused instead! The bottles will go to Matthew 25 Ministries who will use them to pack medications for overseas aid. The tote bags will stay a little closer to home, going to Care for Real for their clients to use to carry groceries and other pantry items. Special shout out to Sherry at Reduce Waste Chicago (pictured above) for helping our office coordinate the collection!
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Support for Unhoused Neighbors
In recent years, we have seen more of our neighbors living in tents along the lakefront than at any other time in recent memory. This cannot become our new normal. Our office is committed to an approach that supports our unhoused neighbors while ensuring our parks, beaches, and other public spaces remain safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.
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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Older Adults Food Pantry
- When: Monday, September 21 at 12pm
- Where: NE Levy Senior Center (2019 W Lawrence)
- No RSVP required.
Meals on Wheels and Nourish Chicago are hosting a food pantry to distribute free, fresh food to older adults! Each box will be packed with 12-15 pounds of produce and protein. Please note that you must be an older adult to receive a package.
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Vaccine Clinics
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.
Southeast Asia Center
- When: Friday, September 18 from 9am-1pm
- Where: 5120 N Broadway
Broadway Armory
- When: Monday, September 29 from 9am-1pm
- Where: 5917 N Broadway
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District Council Election Info Session
- When: Sept. 19 at 11am and Sept. 23 at 6pm
- Where: Virtual
- Register at the links above.
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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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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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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We had a full house at our most recent Ward Night meeting including our youngest and oldest meeting attendees ever! Happy 4 months to Teddy and 92 years to Ray! It's never too soon or too late to get involved with your community!
Read a recap of what we discussed at Ward Night here. Sign up to attend our October 6 meeting here.
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Jennifer and friends recently used the 48th Ward Museum Pass to visit the Museum of Science and Industry - thanks for sharing your photos!
The pass grants free access to museums and cultural institutions across the city for you and up to three other people! Request it online here.
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Over the weekend, Leni joined Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin at Truman College for the first session of Home Stretch: a two-part HUD-certified homebuyer education program. The program aims to help Chicagoans build generational wealth by preparing them for homeownership and connecting them with down payment assistance/mortgage programs.
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Congrats to Women and Children First co-owner Lynn Mooney on your retirement and to Raven Stubbs for taking over! Leni attended Lynn's retirement tea party to celebrate her 12 years of service to the community.
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