Hi neighbors,

Earlier this week, the Trump administration canceled $153M in grants to protect Illinoisans from infectious diseases. Chicago's own health budget includes significant federal grants, so we will see a direct impact from this decision. Outrageously, these cuts happen in the shadow worst US measles outbreak in decades, which continues to spread in nearby states. The Chicago Department of Public Health urges all Chicagoans to confirm their measles vaccination status.

Construction on the Lincoln Square Master Plan is fully underway near the Western Brown Line. Starting next week, the parking lot on the northeast corner of Lincoln and Leland will be closed for improvements to better facilitate events like the farmers market. If you're shopping in the area, you can utilize the newly opened parking garage at the Canvas at Lincoln Square.

Street sweeping resumes next week. Keep an eye out for orange signs posted on your block, and be sure to move your vehicle to improve the effectiveness of the sweeper. You can find your street sweeping dates for the season on our website.

Staying on the topic of parking restrictions, the LV2 Cubs parking restrictions will be in effect starting next week on Friday, April 4th. For your convenience, in advance of the deadline, our office will have extended office hours the day before on Thursday, April 3rd from 5 PM to 7 PM. You can check if you're in the LV2 zone online, and then fill out our quick application.

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, pick up a delicious pastry at Del Sur Bakery, right off the Damen Brown Line. The much-anticipated Filipino bakery's grand opening is this Saturday afternoon.

Yours in service,

Alderman Matt Martin

Del Sur Bakery Opens

4639 N Damen

This Saturday, stop by Del Sur Bakery for its grand opening. Right off the Damen Brown Line, Del Sur serves Filipino pastries like ube oatmeal sandwich cookies, turon danishes, and more.

You may already be familiar with Del Sur from their popular pop-up at Side Practice Coffee near Amundsen.

Read more from the Eater

Community Meeting: Winnslie Garden Expansion

Winnslie Parkway Gardens recently received over $300,000 in city funds to expand! Now, they're designing the expanded greenspace and want your feedback.

This greenspace will be located on Ravenswood Ave between Ainslie and Lawrence. The community meeting will be virtual on Monday, April 7th at 7 PM.

RSVP

47th Ward March Madness Bracket Challenge Standings 🏀

Men's

1. TC Picks
2. GuncleChris
3. Zashimer's picks

Women's

1. sanjuanverran
2. Traczy555
3. Beep Beep!

Youth Council Meeting with ACLU

Tuesday, April 1st

Are you a student in 8th-12th grade who lives in or goes to school in the 47th Ward? Join the 47th Ward Youth Council for a conversation with the ACLU about youth rights, civic engagement, and protecting communities.

They'll be meeting at 4:30 PM at the ward office at 4243 N Lincoln Ave.

Malt Row Presents: Cubs Opening Day Party

Tuesday, April 1st

Baseball is back! To celebrate the Chicago Cubs home opener, the breweries of Malt Row are teaming up for a party at Gman Tavern in Wrigleyville! Come out for a day of fresh local brews from Ravenswood breweries and a live performance from the legendary Waco Brothers. Participating breweries include Begyle Brewing, Dovetail Brewery, Forbidden Root, Half Ace, Hop Butcher for the World, and Spiteful Brewing.

Learn more

Ravenswood Clean Up Day

Saturday, April 5th

Join Alderman Martin for coffee and clean up on Ravenswood Ave! We'll be starting with a coffee hour at Spoken Cafe at 9 AM before heading out to pick up litter. All supplies will be provided thanks to Cleanup Club Chicago!

Learn more

City Sticker Amnesty Month

Forget to renew your city sticker? In April, the City Clerk's office is waiving late fees for city sticker renewals. Stop by their office downtown or on Gale Street to take advantage of this one month opportunity.

Learn more

Assistance with SNAP and Medicaid Applications

Legal Aid Chicago can provide free help to determine if you qualify for benefits like SNAP and Medicaid as well as provide assistance with completing benefits applications. You can apply for free help with benefits by calling 312-341-1070 or by visiting the North Area outreach site at 845 W Wilson Ave Fl 2 on Tuesdays and Thursday.

Learn more

Property Tax Exemption Workshop

Wednesday, April 16th

Staff from Commissioner Bridget Degnen's staff will be available at the 47th Ward Office (4243 N Lincoln Ave) on Wednesday, April 16th from 10 AM to 2 PM to assist residents with property tax exemptions. Please sign up for an appointment in advance, and note that these appointments are to assist with exemptions, not appeals.

Some exemptions are automatically renewed and do not require action, including existing homeowner exemptions, senior exemptions, and persons with disabilities exemptions. However, some exemptions like senior freeze and veterans with disabilities require annual filings.

Make an Appointment