Hi neighbors,


For the majority of students in our Ward, the end of the school year is either fast approaching or already here! I had the pleasure of joining dozens of young cyclists from Ravenswood Elementary for their last “bike bus” of the school year on Tuesday morning. It was so fun seeing them close out the year on a beautiful summer morning alongside their family members and volunteer leaders from Bike Grid Now.


Recently, I was alarmed to learn that Chicago home prices are rising five times faster than the national average. And with Chicago rents having increased over 50% over the past decade, it remains critical that City leaders act quickly and creatively in preserving and building homes that our neighbors can afford. With that goal in mind, I met with affordable housing advocates earlier this week to review near-final plans for making down payments more affordable for working class Chicagoans. (More on that in a future newsletter!)


I also led a hearing at City Hall about ways we can revise the Chicago building code to build more family-sized apartments and condos in mid-sized buildings. Large cities across the U.S. including New York, Seattle, Austin, Baltimore, and Nashville are allowing modest, multi-story developments to move forward with a single internal staircase (rather than the two staircases that Chicago currently requires) if the new building have only several units on each floor, top-notch sprinkler systems, self-closing doors, and 2-hour fire-rated corridors.


This “single stair” layout means more room for large, family sized homes, as opposed to just studio and one-bedroom apartments. In addition, the Pew Charitable Trusts and the State of Minnesota recently released separate reports concluding that these small, single-stair buildings can be just as safe as (if not safer than) dual-stair alternatives. 


I also met with leaders from Compass Health Center at their Bradley Place location. For children and adults alike, Compass offers a range of full day, part-day, and outpatient services for neighbors seeking mental health services for challenges including trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, and OCD. I was particularly heartened to hear how they support school leaders at several schools in our Ward, as well as our Police and Fire Departments. 


I hope you all have a relaxing weekend! If you’re looking for something to do, there’s no shortage of dynamic options. Consider swinging through the annual Ribfest Chicago street festival on Lincoln today (Friday) through Sunday. There’s also the Ravenswood Free Cycle tomorrow and the Lincoln Square Community Yard Sale on Sunday.


And take note that Lincoln Square's Summer concert series returns to Giddings Plaza next Thursday June 11th!


Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin
 

47th Ward News

Meet with Alderman

Thursday, June 18th


Join us at an upcoming Ward Night! Each month, the Alderman hosts a ward night as an opportunity to meet with him face-to-face.


In June, we are hosting office hours at our ward office (4243 N Lincoln Ave) which includes scheduled, private meetings with the Alderman.


Please note that the Alderman will not meet with applicants for zoning changes during Ward Night.


Sign up

Development Proposal: 3642 N Ashland


Our office receive a proposal for the construction of a 4-story, 3-unit residential building on a lot that currently houses a single story commercial property.


Our office's Zoning Advisory Committee will be considering the proposal this month. Please submit your feedback online for their consideration.


Learn more
 

Upcoming Events

Ribfest

June 5th - June 7th


Ribfest Chicago invites all Chicagoland restaurant BBQ masters to compete for the title of “Best Ribs” and “People’s Choice.” While ribs reign supreme, Ribfest Chicago is also a music festival and includes a “Kids Zone” allowing children to slide, climb, jump, ride, dance and enjoy live entertainment all weekend long.


Keep in mind, there will be street closures in the area over the weekend.


Learn more

Community Yard Sales and Free-Cycles

June 6th - June 7th


Hunt for hidden treasures all across the neighborhood this weekend! On Saturday, Ravenswood is hosting its annual free cycle. Everything will be free! And then on Sunday, there will be hundreds of yard sales across Lincoln Square. Use the links to check the maps.


  • Ravenswood Free Cycle, June 6th, Learn more
  • Lincoln Square Community Yard Sale, June 7th, Learn more
  • Greater Rockwell Community Yard Sale, June 7th, Learn more

World Cup Watch Parties

Starting next week


The World Cup kicks off next week. While Chicago isn't hosting a match, there are plenty of ways to root for your favorite team. From local soccer bars to parties at the Chicago Fire pitch, there's an event for everyone.
 

Neighborhood Services

Family Volunteer Day: Loose Parts Palooza

Saturday, June 27th


Families with kids 8 and older are invited to help make the Welles Park Nature Play Space even more fun at the annual Loose Parts Palooza. The Park District will provide all tools necessary to convert branches into seesaws, balance beams, hot lava stepping stones, magic wands, and more. Meet near the east entrance of the Nature Play Space.


Reach out to wellesparkgreening@gmail.com with questions.

Mayor's Budget Town Hall

Saturday, June 6th


The Mayor will be hosting a Budget Roundtable at Truman College on Saturday, June 6th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. This event will be an opportunity to share your feedback on investments and revenue in the upcoming city budget.


RSVP

Grace Greenway Bike Ride

Thursday, June 18th


Join Lakeview Urbanists for a Grace Greenway Bike Ride. The group will meet at the corner of Waveland and ILSD at 6 PM and roll out at 6:30pm. It will be a family friendly pace ending at Revere Park.


Learn more

Apply: Home Buying Financial Assistance

Applications Open June 8th


Chicago launched a new program to provide financial assistance to eligible homebuyers and assist with down payment and closing costs. Applicants must meet income requirements, complete homebuyer education counseling, and meet other requirements. Be sure to check if you qualify before applications open on June 8th.


Learn more

Small Business

Barleby's 2nd Birthday!

Sunday, June 28th


Celebrate Bartleby’s Homemade Ice Cream–they’re turning 2! Come by Bartleby’s on Sunday, June 28th from 1:00–10:00 PM for live music by Lisa Love, BYO t-shirt printing, menu specials, craft projects, and more fun!


You can even vote for your favorite flavor and participate in our name our ice cream machine contest.


Learn more

Malt Row on Damen Beer Tasting Crawl

Wednesday, June 24th


Malt Row on Damen is a rare opportunity to sample a variety of our neighborhood’s breweries, distilleries and wineries at one event. It’s also a unique way to explore and support the eclectic mix of entrepreneurs doing business on Damen. First, you’ll check-in to get your wristband, map, punch card, tasting glass and coozie, and tote bag. Then, you’re off to sample some cold brews and check out some cool local businesses!


Learn more

Resources


Business


Workforce


  • Japanese American Service Committee Seeks Interns, Learn more
  • Pilgrim Lutheran School Athletic Director, Learn more
  • Social Services Career Trainee, Learn more
  • Cook County Assessor Hiring, Learn more
 

Sustainability

Urban Flooding Workshop

Thursday, June 18th


Curious where your clean drinking water comes from, or why your street floods during heavy rain?


Join us at Sulzer Library on June 18th at 6pm to learn more about Chicago's water infrastructure and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. In partnership with MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis' office, come learn the basic ins-and-outs of storm and waste water management here in Chicago. 


Learn more

Construction

Western Brown Line Construction


CDOT continues addressing their final touches required for project completion in the plaza and surrounding area.


The CTA Western Brown Line modernization work continues as scheduled. To install new flooring, the station will be closed next weekend from June 12th at 10pm to June 15th at 4am. Free shuttle busses will run between the Western and Damen Brown Line stops. See the flyer from CTA for more information.


Sign up for Updates

Ashland Resurfacing


The Ashland Arterial Resurfacing project is progressing as scheduled. Repaving has begun from Foster to Montrose. Repaving includes two layers of asphalt, with the first being completed early next week. Once the first layer is done, CDOT will remove all parking signs that are not around utility structures, which will undergo repairs and adjustments. After the work on the utility structure has concluded, work on the second layer of asphalt will begin. Repaving is expected to be completed by early July.


Sign up for Updates

This Year: Upcoming Projects


  • Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
  • People's Gas Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace
 
Community Board

This Week

Next Week

Future Weeks


  • Paint, Bouquets, and Sip at Nobody's Darling, June 17th, Learn more
  • Live Music at Giddings Plaza, June 18th, Learn more
  • USA v Australia Watch Party, June 19th, Learn more
  • Fat Gay Jokes at Carol's Pub, June 21st, Learn more
  • Under the Lights Screening at Davis Theater, June 23rd, Learn more
  • Malt Row on Damen Beer Stroll, June 24th, Learn more
  • USA v Turkey Watch Party, June 25th, Learn more
  • Common Pantry Summer Wine Social, June 25th, Learn more
  • Porchfest Roscoe Village, June 28th, Learn more
  • Chicago Pride Parade, June 28th, Learn more

Community Job Boards


Looking to work locally? Many of our local chambers of commerce offer job boards to help highlight openings at local businesses. Find more information at the following links:


 
47th Ward Ald. Matt Martin
4243 N Lincoln Ave | 773-868-4747
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
 
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47th Ward | 4243 N Lincoln Ave | Chicago, IL 60618 US

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