Hi neighbors,

Thank you to the dozens of neighbors who joined our Democracy in Practice town hall yesterday evening at the DANK Haus! We had a wide-ranging conversation about the assault on the rule of law, attempts to degrade voting rights, tariffs that have eaten into college and retirement savings, and cuts to critical federal programs. A big thank you to our panelists from Roosevelt University, Reform for Illinois, Common Cause, the ACLU, and the Chicago Federation of Labor for their insights about these critical issues and the steps that we can take in response.

Construction crews are continuing their work around the Leland/Lincoln intersection. A few days ago, they unexpectedly found a degrading brick structure surrounding ComEd electrical equipment. In order to repair this critical infrastructure with concrete, the temporary closure of Lincoln Ave between Lawrence and Leland will unfortunately need to be extended by another week. We recognize that our local businesses have been struggling amidst this work and will continue pushing construction crews to move as quickly as possible.

Earlier this week, the City Council’s Environmental Protection Committee met to discuss legislation I introduced about the biological and environmental impacts of single-use plastics and how we can reduce them. My thanks to 47th Ward residents Tim Hoellien from Loyola University and John Schmidt and Ann Ridge from Organizing for Plastics Alternatives for participating in the hearing.

Lower down in the newsletter, you can find more information about this hearing, as well as Sunday morning’s annual Ravenswood Run and next Thursday's Ward Night Out at The Eco Flamingo Cafe.

I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by the 4700 block of Lincoln to support our local businesses during construction. The Book Cellar will be participating in Independent Book Store Day tomorrow (Saturday), and businesses along the block will be selling goods and hosting activities outside while Lincoln remains closed temporarily to car traffic.

Tomorrow at 11:30am, I’ll be participating in a town hall about our Fair Elections proposal, which seeks to reduce the corrosive influence of big money in Chicago elections. Supported by two dozen organizations including Reform for Illinois, the People’s Lobby, and the League of Women Voters, the proposal aims to elevate the voices of everyday Chicago and fight corruption by increasing the power of small donors.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of David Meyer, a Chicago Fire Department captain who tragically died while combating a fire in our city’s Austin neighborhood. City officials are conducting a criminal investigation into the cause of the fire and have a person of interest in custody.

Finally, we will be bidding farewell to Coleman McJessy, our wonderful Director of Constituent Services and Policy who is leaving our office next week as he prepares to start law school in the Fall. Our community is a better place because of his tireless and compassionate work. Thank you, Coleman.

Yours in service,

Alderman Matt Martin

Thank You Coleman!

Coleman McJessy will depart our office next week. Starting as an intern six years ago and now as our Director of Neighborhood Services and Policy, Coleman helped thousands of neighbors access city services.

Next, Coleman plans to attend Stanford Law School in the Fall. As a lifelong 47th Ward resident, he plans to be back! You can send Coleman well wishes or a thank you during his last week by emailing coleman@aldermanmartin.com.

Extended Street Closure on 4700 N Lincoln

Emergency repair work is extending the closure of the 4700 block of N Lincoln for about 10 days. Our office continues to work with Com-Ed to expedite necessary repairs, already having shaved weeks off their design schedule.

In the meantime, be sure to support local businesses, many of which have seen fewer customers during the closure so far.

• Take a Neighborhood Survey
• Learn more from Block Club

Earth Week in Graceland West

Saturday, April 26th

Join Graceland West Community Association for a community cycling event focused on sustainability and fun.

This Saturday, in the Lake View High School parking lot, you can donate used bikes and swipe bike parts, take part in a kids' bike obstacle course, or participate in the bike parade.

Learn more

Meet the Alderman at Eco Cafe

Wednesday, April 30th

Join Alderman Martin, Greater Rockwell Organization, and Riverbank Neighbors at The Eco Flamingo Cafe (4754 N Rockwell) for a Ward Night Out. This is an opportunity to meet the Alderman, discuss environmental issues and the ways our community is tackling them, and to get connected with other neighbors.

We will share ways to get involved and highlight work being done by ward residents, including Riverbank Neighbors which tends to the gardens along the River, and the Greater Rockwell Organization which maintains corner gardens.

Learn more

Lincoln Square Farmers Market Returns

Thursday, May 1st

The Lincoln Square Farmers Market returns on Thursday, May 1st! Shop from local vendors from 3 PM to 7 PM at the parking lot at 4513 N Lincoln Ave.

Learn more

Ravenswood Run Parking Restrictions

Please remember parking restrictions will be in place on Sunday for the annual Ravenswood Run. Organizers identified alternative parking locations for residents who are impacted by restrictions. You can find the restrictions on their website below.

Please also note that the race route adjusted slightly in response to the street closure on the 4700 block of N Lincoln Ave. Newly impacted blocks include:

• Leland from Leavitt to Lincoln
• Leavitt from Giddings to Leland 
• Giddings from Leavitt to Damen
• Paulina from Berteau to Belle Plaine
• Belle Plaine from Hermitage to Paulina
• Hermitage from Berteau to Belle Plaine

Most streets will reopen by 9:30 AM.

Learn more

Community Meeting: Clark Street Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

Tuesday, May 13th

Join us at the Chase Park Fieldhouse for a community meeting with CDOT and the 46th Ward to present preliminary plans for improvements and gather community feedback.

In 2023, the Department of Planning and Development completed the Clark Street Crossroads. One of the study's primary recommendations, based on feedback from hundreds of neighbors, was for improving safety for all users of the road, including pedestrians and cyclists. Based on this study and subsequent technical analysis, the Department of Transportation is proposing to install pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements - including a protected bike lane - running from Winnemac to Montrose.

Learn more

Donations for Homeless Veterans

The Lake View High School JROTC is collecting food and clothing donations for homeless veterans. Accepted donations include pillows, blankets, hygiene products, winter items, clean clothes, and canned goods. They cannot accept undergarments or microwaveable foods. Please drop off donations with the receptionist at Lake View High School, entering on Irving Park Door 7

Learn more

Spring into Love Pet Adoption Event

Saturday, April 26th

Spring into Love and find wonderful, lovable animals a home! During this event at Chicago Animal Care and Control, adoption fees will be waived. Whether you're looking for a playful pup, a cuddly cat, or a new adventure buddy, there are hundreds of pets ready to meet you.

Learn more

Apply to be an Eco Fest Vendor

Save the Date: June 7th

On its fourth year, Eco Fest is our office's premiere sustainability festival and resource fair. Currently, we're accepting applications to perform at the gazebo or become a vendor.

Whether you're organizing on environmental issues, providing sustainability resources, or have a eco-focused small business, we welcome your applications!

• Apply to be a vendor
• Apply to perform at the gazebo

City Council Hosts Hearing on Micro-Plastics

This week, the Environment Committee hosted a hearing to discuss the health and environmental impact of microplastics. Scientists have found microplastics in Great Lakes fish, drinking water, bottled water, and even beer.

Its estimated that we ingest about a credit card sized amount of plastic each week. The City Council talked about actions local government can take to encourage plastic alternatives. If you want to help, you can get involved with Organizing for Plastic Alternatives, led by local residents.

Learn more

News: Chicago Air Ranked Among Most Polluted in America

In new rankings released by the American Lung Association, Chicago air ranked among the most polluted in America. We can't afford to backslide on air quality. We need to take bold action to confront the realities of climate change, including expanding bus lines, rehabbing aging El infrastructure, more public EV chargers, and safer streets for pedestrians and bikers.

Learn more

Cornelia Arts Building Open Studios

May 9th - May 10th

See the work by talented local artist and artisans at one of the largest artist studio buildings on Chicago's North Side. Cornelia Arts Building will open its doors to the public. You can visit two floors of over two dozen working art studios to shop art and crafts directly from their makers.

Learn more

New Business: Madame Puffs and Thai Bistro

4825 N Western Ave

Welcome the newest business to Lincoln Square! Near the Western Brown Line, Madame Puffs and Thai Bistro serves up authentic Thai food. Stop by for a delicious pastry puff filled with pineapple, chicken basil, black sesame, and other flavors. Or grab a classic favorite like curry or pad thai.

Learn more

Resources

Business

• Riverwalk Concession Opportunities, May 14th, Learn more
• Small Business Survey, Learn more

Workforce

• Chicago Law Department Hiring, Learn more
• Airport Expo and Job Fair, May 1st, Learn more
• Illinois Department of Transportation Hiring, Learn more
• Summer Jobs Expo for Young Adults with Disabilities, April 26th, Learn more
• Cook County Assessor's Office Hiring, Learn more

New Report and Recommendations on Traffic Stop Policy

After a robust community engagement process, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) released a report and recommendations for an updated traffic stop policy in Chicago. Next, the policy will be reviewed by the consent decree monitoring team, including the Illinois Attorney General's office.

Learn more

Upcoming Public Safety Meetings

• Beat 1922, May 7th
• Beats 1911/12, May 20th
• Beat 1921, May 21st
• Beat 2031, May 27th
• Beat 2032, May 28th
• Beat 1931, May 28th
• Find your beat

Public Safety Data



• Inspector General Public Safety Data
• Chicago Violence Reduction Dashboard
• Civilian Office of Police Accountability Data
• Town Hall with UChicago Crime Labs

Greenview/Hutchinson Water Main Replacement

The Department of Water Management is starting work replacing 1,300 of water main beneath Hutchinson (Greenview to Clark) and Greenview (Berteau to Cullom). The water main is the large pipe that runs along the street and brings water to each building's individual service line. The existing main dates back to the 1890s. This project will be an opportunity for DWM to replace the water main, replace any existing lead service lines, and fully repave all three blocks once the project is complete. The project is expected to last approximately 3 months. Impacted residents must abide by the parking restrictions and be on the lookout for direct phone outreach from the Water Department regarding their personal lead line.

Western Ave Resurfacing

Crews on Western have started the final stage of the Western Ave resurfacing project: installing red stamped crosswalks. This work is expected to last roughly a month.

This Weekend

• Lincoln Square Sidewalk Sale, April 21st-April 27th, Learn more
• Fair Elections Town Hall, April 26th, Learn more
• Earth Week in Graceland West, April 26th, Learn more
• Ravenswood Makers Market, April 26th, Learn more
• Earth Day Recycling Event at Blaine Elementary, April 27th, Learn more
• Ravenswood Run, April 27th, Learn more

This Week

• Ward Night Out at Eco Cafe, April 30th, Learn more
• Lincoln Square Farmers Market Opening Day, May 1st, Learn more
• Not All There's Sober Soiree Ravenswood, May 2nd, Learn more
• Doc10 Documentary Festival at Davis Theater, April 30 - May 4th, Learn more
• Gorgeous Opening Night at Raven Theatre, May 1st, Learn more

Upcoming Weeks

• Roscoe Village Kidical Mass, May 4th, Learn more
• St Andrew Garage Sale, May 10th, 8 AM to 12 PM
• Chicago River Day, May 10th, Learn more
• Music Film Festival at Music Box Theatre, May 15th-18th, Learn more
• Lincoln Roscoe Art + Craft Fair, May 17-18th, Learn more
• Mayfestiversary, May 24-25th, Learn more