Hi neighbors,


I’d like to lead off with a note of gratitude to the 47th Ward Youth Council, which hosted a housing-themed potluck this Monday. One of the concerns neighbors raise with my office most frequently is inadequate access to housing that they can afford. The Youth Council did a wonderful job not only guiding policy discussions involving me and Dordie Hester from ONE Northside, but also collecting public health items for neighbors in-need. 


Our ward office was also fortunate to host a showcase featuring artwork from students at Coonley and McPherson elementary schools. A special shout out to art teachers Rachel Fenker and Ashley Mays, both of whom were instrumental in helping organize the showcase. The artwork will remain on display at our office through May 29th, so feel free to swing through to take in some heartwarming pieces! 


I also met with leaders at Coonley to review the conditions of the school’s playground and identify opportunities to replace equipment to improve accessibility—especially for students with mobility challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as we work to find funds for these critical improvements.


Earlier this week, I joined leaders from Chicago Votes, Reform for Illinois, and two dozen other Chicago nonprofits to strategize how we can better encourage Chicagoans to vote in the upcoming elections in November and February. In the last City elections, voter turnout barely cracked 30%—an abysmal rate when compared to municipal elections from the 1980s and early 90s. Whether it’s combatting cynicism about the corrupting influence of money in politics or addressing concerns about ICE interference, we have a lot to do to improve voter participation.


I hope you all have a restful weekend. Tomorrow (Saturday) is National Independent Bookstore Day! Over 80 bookstores across Chicago will be celebrating, including the Book Cellar, Time and a Half Books, RoscoeBooks, Uncharted Books, and Partners in Crime Bookshop. And if you’re looking for more opportunities to celebrate Earth Day, consider swinging by the Roscoe Village Clean & Green Day on Sunday from 8am to 10:30am. 


The annual Ravenswood 5K is taking place this Sunday morning. Neighbors are invited to cheer on participants! But please be mindful of parking restrictions that will be in effect in the early and mid morning hours on Sunday. 


Finally, on a more somber note, it’s important for us all to remember that ICE and Border Patrol have remained active in our community, even if their presence is less visible day-to-day. Recently, an 18-year-old Mather High School student, and his mom were detained outside of the Chicago Immigration Court. They were responding to an email asking them to come to court to sign a document for their case. When they showed up, they were immediately detained. 


My office and I will keep you posted regarding ways to help Liliana and Ricardo. For now, if you’re able, please consider donating to their GoFundMe. 


Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

 

47th Ward News

Granny Flat and Coach House Legalization


Chicago recently expanded a program to allow granny flats, coach houses, and accessory dwelling units by-right.


More than 130 47th Ward homeowners have taken advantage of this program, as ADUs have been allowed in the 47th Ward for years. Alderman Martin passed a pilot program that's now being expanded across the city.


The new program has updated rules, so if you're considering building an ADU, make to update yourself on the newest rules!


Learn more

Save the Date: EcoFest

Saturday, May 30th


Save the date for EcoFest, our annual, free environmental festival where we come together to take action, reduce waste and celebrate our planet!


This family friendly event includes something for everyone, including:


  • Native seed giveaways
  • Hands-on crafts
  • Bring items to recycle
  • Live music
  • and much more!


Learn more
 

Upcoming Events

Ravenswood 5K

Sunday, April 26th


The 30th annual Ravenswood 5K is taking place this weekend. The race supports Ravenswood Community Services food pantry and community kitchen.


There is still time to sign up to race, or if cheering is more up your speed, neighbors are encouraged to line the race route.


If you live in the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood area, check to see the route and keep in mind additional parking restrictions.


Roscoe Village Clean Up

Saturday, April 25th


Let the spring cleaning begin! Our annual Clean and Green Day is coming up on April 25th and we need volunteers. Meet us outside of Commonwealth Tavern between 8AM and 10:30AM to help clean up the neighborhood! All volunteers will be provided with tools, clean-up bags and gloves. Volunteers can choose their own areas of the neighborhood or we can assign one to you. This can also count as community service hours for students who need them. Can’t wait to see you all there!


Learn more

Valborg in Andersonville

Thursday, April 30th


Valborg is a Swedish tradition that marks the arrival of spring. One of the central elements of Valborg celebrations in Sweden is the lighting of large bonfires. These bonfires are typically lit in public spaces and people gather around them to socialize, sing songs, and enjoy the warmth of the fire.


The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce invite the community to come gather around the fire for our third Valborg in Andersonville! In addition to the festivities and in celebration of Earth Month, we will have eco-friendly and sustainability resources available.


Learn more
 

Neighborhood Services

Borrow a Litter Pick Up Kit


Our office has free litter cleanup kits you can borrow, including grabbers, buckets, gloves, and more. These are perfect for scout troops, high schoolers earning service hours, or anyone who just wants to keep the neighborhood looking clean. Checking one out is simple: just go online, fill out the request form, and check availability. Big thanks to the Friends of the Chicago River for making these kits available to our community. 


Learn more

Amnesty Week: Moving Traffic Violation Fees


Do you have an overdue traffic moving violation? Have fines and late fees kept you from paying? Next week, you can take advantage of the Cook County Circuit Clerk Amnesty Week. From April 27th to May 1st, people without outstanding court fines can make payments without extra collection fees. Note: parking tickets and red light tickets are not included.


Learn more

Free Pre-Natal, Doula, and Home Visiting Services


Advocate Illinois provides a free home visiting program for expecting parents and families with children in early childhood. They provide services include:


  • Free home visiting services during pregnancy and after birth
  • Free doula support for expecting parents
  • Prenatal education, birth support, and postpartum guidance
  • Referrals to community resources and family support services


These services are at no cost to families, regardless of insurance status, and are provided through Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.


Learn more

Small Business

Dine-In Solidarity: Spotlight on Lawrence Ave

May 15th-17th


The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is spotlighting our Latin immigrant-owned restaurants! They believe this is a critical time to support these community members, so they’re inviting neighbors to “dine in solidarity.”


From May 15-17, spend at least $25 (pre-tax/tip) at one of these featured restaurants and submit your receipt for a chance to win $50 in gift cards to other excellent immigrant-owned restaurants around Ravenswood.


Learn more

Film Screening: The Librarians

Saturday, April 25th


The Davis Theater is hosting a screening of The Librarians on Saturday, April 25th and the film festival is hosting a ticket giveaway for young readers.


As an unprecedented wave of book banning largely addressing race and LGBTQ+ issues is sparked, librarians join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kim A. Snyder (Newtown) takes us to an unexpected front line where librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy, free access to information, and our First Amendment Rights.


Resources

Business




Workforce
 

Sustainability

Volunteer: Mulching at Parks

Saturday, May 2nd


We’re looking for volunteers to help care for some of our pocket parks this spring!


On the morning of Saturday, May 2nd, our office will be coordinating a mulch-spreading effort at several pocket parks across the ward, including Zatterberg Park, Filbert Park, and Merryman Park.


This is a great opportunity to get outside, meet neighbors, and support the upkeep of these important spaces. All tools and materials will be provided.


Sign up

Welles Park Bird Walk

Sunday, April 26th


Discover and learn about our fine feathered friends who share Welles Park. Sigrid Schmidt, member and past president of the Chicago Ornithological Society, hosts weekly bird walks in the spring and fall.


Bring your own binoculars, mask and comfy shoes. Walks are extremely casual, so if you are running late or need to leave early, that’s fine. Please dress for the weather. Welles Park can be muddy after a rainfall so leave your good shoes at home.


Learn more

Sew-a-Thon

Monday, May 18th


Join the 47th Ward for a Sew-a-Thon at Tailorbird Fabrics on Monday, May 18th from 5–8 PM! Help turn donated fabric into reusable drawstring bags to giveaway at EcoFest. Participants should have basic sewing experience so we can work assembly-line style to make lots of bags!


All materials are provided, and each volunteer will take home a finished bag. Light refreshments will be available. Space is limited!


RSVP

Safety

Meeting: Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability 

Wednesday, April 22nd


This month, the Commission will bring together a panel of experts to examine how Chicago supports survivors of violent crime-and where improvements are needed.


Attendees will hear directly from practitioners, advocates, and leaders in the field, and gain a clearer understanding of how Chicago can strengthen a more coordinated, victim-centered approach to public safety.


Learn more

Construction

Western Brown Line Construction


Work on the Western Plaza is continuing as scheduled. In the next 3 weeks, pavers, irrigation systems, shrubs and mulch, fencing, and pavement markings will be installed as the project wraps up.


Sign up for Updates

Ashland Resurfacing


CDOT's Ashland AR construction is continuing as expected. Sewer work on Carmen is expected to be completed next week, weather permitting. Crews will then focus on concrete work including curb extensions and sidewalk work north of Lawrence


Sewer work on Ashland between Montrose and Lawrence will begin in May. Sewer work south of Lawrence at the intersections of Wilson and Sunnyside will involve some parking restrictions. On Sunnyside west of Ashland, crews may need to temporarily close both lanes to complete the work. Temporary road closures are not anticipated to last more than a week. There are no temporary closures of both lanes expected on Sunnyside east of Ashland. 


Sign up for Updates

This Year: Upcoming Projects


  • Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
  • ComEd Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace
 
Community Board

This Week

Next Week


  • International Jazz Day with Horner Park Band, April 27th, Learn more
  • Lake View High Alumni Spaghetti Dinner, April 30th, Learn more
  • Historical Lecture: Ships that Made Chicago Headlines, April 30th, Learn more
  • Haitian Book Club, April 30th, Learn more
  • Valborg, April 30th, Learn more


Future Weeks

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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