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Hi neighbors,
On Wednesday, we endured some of the most severe storms Chicago has seen in years. I extend my sincere gratitude to the scores of City foresters who have been working diligently — most with little-to-no sleep — to remove large limbs from City streets and parkways to make them safe and passable.
Our office recently bid farewell to 4 spring interns who performed critical work responding to services requests, while also researching impactful policies regarding consumer protection and housing. Although my team and I will miss them, we’re also looking forward to working with the new group of summer interns who started earlier this week. If you’re near our Ward services office on Lincoln Ave in the coming weeks, please stop in and welcome them to the neighborhood!
Earlier this week, our City’s new Inspector General joined the Ethics Committee that I lead to discuss ways to improve his Office’s audit reports. The Inspector General’s Office is already on track to complete more audits this year than any prior year. But audits can take up to two years to complete, which is often too long. I and other Committee members also stressed the importance of continuing to focus on the issues that are most important to neighbors — expanded street sweeping, filling vacancies more quickly, and clear guidance on the appropriate use of artificial intelligence, to name just a few.
I also toured the City’s vehicle repair facility in Englewood to see firsthand how the City’s growing fleet of electric vehicles is taking shape. Currently, we have over 120 light-duty vans criss-crossing Chicago regularly, as well as 18 Ford F-150s. In addition, the City just started using a handful of electric garbage trucks and will closely monitor how long their batteries will remain charged — a factor that will help determine how many additional electric trucks the City will purchase in the coming years.
Last Friday, Riley O’Neil, a dedicated CDOT employee who worked tirelessly to make biking safer across Chicago, was tragically killed while biking after a driver opened a car door into the bike lane, throwing Riley into oncoming traffic. Riley’s loss is heartbreaking. And a painful reminder that tragedies like this are preventable when we have the political will to stand for safer streets and make safety a priority.
I hope you all have a restful weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by Andersonville’s annual Midsommarfest today (Friday) through Sunday. The annual 312 RiverRun 5K will also be kicking off tomorrow at 10am. If you plan to be at Clark, Horner, or California Parks in the late morning, cheer on the participating runners!
Finally, if you plan to watch the Men’s World Cup, there are plenty of taverns and bars across our Ward that would love to host you. Here’s hoping Team USA has a strong showing against Paraguay tonight!
Yours in service,
Ald Matt Martin
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Next Week: Street Resurfacing
Our local street repaving projects are projected to begin next week! CDOT will start with Waveland from Ashland to Bosworth, and Hamilton from Waveland to Addison beginning late next week.
In advance of the repaving, CDOT will post No Parking signs that restrict street parking during weekday working hours to allow the crews to grind away the existing asphalt. Grinding will take a few days, and the No Parking signs will come down when grinding is done.
Following grinding, utility structures will be inspected and repaired. No Parking signs will then be reposted for the final repaving and new asphalt. Please note that this timeline is weather dependent.
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Post-Storm Resources
Chicago experienced a powerful storm this week, causing fallen branches and power outages. Crews are working quickly to address issues, although given the volume of requests, it make take a little longer than usual to respond.
You can submit requests to address large fallen branches to 3-1-1 as a tree emergency. Please indicate whether the branch is blocking the sidewalk or street.
Or submit requests to pick up smaller piles of branches to 3-1-1 as a tree debris request. Please note whether the debris is larger or smaller than a desk. Tree debris requests will take 1-2 weeks to respond to.
Submit requests
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Midsommarfest
June 12th-14th
Midsommarfest returns to Andersonville for its 60th year, offering an open invitation to celebrate in the streets and kick off Pride season with joy, visibility, and community.
Expect closures on Clark Street between Foster and Catalpa from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Learn more
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Porchfest Roscoe Village
Sunday, June 28th
Porchfest Roscoe Village, a neighborhood music festivals featuring local musical acts performing across front porches, is approaching. Enjoy an intimate live music experience while connecting with neighbors and supporting local musicians.
Learn more
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World Cup Watch Parties
Various Dates
The World Cup is underway! 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.
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Northcenter Farmers Market Opens
Saturday, June 13th
The Northcenter Farmers Market returns this Saturday, June 13th! Swing by every Saturday from 8am-1pm for fresh produce, local goods, and fun times in the Northcenter Town Square.
To celebrate our first market day, there will be a bounce house, plus kids' entertainment from Mr. Ray's Music Adventure (10-11am) and LYRIQ Music School (11-12pm).
Additionally, the North Center Neighborhood Association will be collecting clothing and other necessities for migrant families and unhoused Chicagoans in need.
Learn more
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Teen Pride Space
June 20th - 21st
Center On Halsted's Q+ Council is organizing a Teen Pride Space at Pride Fest on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st from 11am-5pm each day. Pride Fest is a large street event celebrating all things queer and the Teen Pride Space aims to include young people in this festival while having a safe space specifically for teens.
Learn more
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Volunteer Tutors Needed
Saturday, June 27th
Do you have a passion for learning? Jane Addams Resource Corporation is seeking volunteers in subjects including ESL, writing, math, and digital literacy. No need to be an expert! Training is free and available online. You can tutor on your own schedule -- in-person or online. The next information session is Saturday, June 27th at 10 AM.
Please email jeremymc@jane-addams.org to RSVP.
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Now 2x Month: Saint Vincent DePaul Community Meal
You and your friends are invited to share a community meal twice per month. Meet at Queen of Angels Church (2330 W Sunnyside) from 6 PM to 7 PM on June 14th and 28th. You'll also be able to pick up a bag of sandwiches and food to eat the next day.
Please call 773-539-7510 with any questions.
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Ravenswood Pride Month Guide
Celebrate Pride Month in Ravenswood!
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce prepared a guide on local Pride events and ways to support LGBTQ+ owned businesses and non-profits.
Learn more
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Local Gift Guide: Father's Day
Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift? Look no further. The Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce has prepared a local gift guide, so you find something special for dad right here in the neighborhood.
Learn more
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Resources
Business
Workforce
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Riverbank Neighbors Tree Identification Workshop
Saturday, June 27th
The Riverbank Neighbors are hosting an upcoming tree identification workshop on June 27th from from 10 AM to 12 PM led by Pete Leki.
Field journals and colored pencils will be provided. Please contact Pete at petelekisan@gmail.com to register.
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Repair Cafe
Saturday, June 13th
Repair Cafe will be at Sulzer Library this Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM. In this program, volunteers can sew clothes and repair general stuff depending on the item. Volunteers are unable to repair watches nor properly hem garments. This month, they'll not be able to repair jewelry.
Learn more
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Over 3K Pounds Recycled at EcoFest
Thank you to everyone who attended EcoFest. Together, we diverted over 3,000 pounds from landfills by reusing and recycling electronics, clothing, and household items. To put that in perspective, it's about the weight of a small SUV. We're looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!
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Feedback: CPD Policy Review
The Chicago Police Department is currently accepting public feedback on several policies, and they want to hear from residents across the city.
If you have a few minutes, please take a look at the policies below, share your thoughts.
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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 this 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
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Ashland Resurfacing
The Ashland Arterial Resurfacing project is progressing as scheduled. No Parking signs will be gradually removed as patching and median work is completed. No Parking signs will be reposted in early July for the 2nd layer of pavement and will last for a few weeks while street resurfacing and new lane markings are being completed.
Sign up for Updates
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This Year: Upcoming Projects
- Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
- People's Gas Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace
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This Week
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Midsommarfest, June 12th-14th, Learn more
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USA v Paraguay Watch Party, June 12th, Learn more
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312RiverRun, June 13th, Learn more
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Southport Neighbors Plant Sale, June 13th, Learn more
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Gigi's Playhouse 5K, June 13th, Learn more
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DANK Haus Watch Party, June 14th, Learn more
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Ravenswood Clean Up, June 14th, Learn more
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Next Week
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Paint, Bouquets, and Sip at Nobody's Darling, June 17th, Learn more
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Live Music at Giddings Plaza, June 18th, Learn more
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USA v Australia Watch Party, June 19th, Learn more
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Future Weeks
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Fat Gay Jokes at Carol's Pub, June 21st, Learn more
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Under the Lights Screening at Davis Theater, June 23rd, Learn more
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Malt Row on Damen Beer Stroll, June 24th, Learn more
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Levy Center Village Meeting, June 24th, Learn more
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USA v Turkey Watch Party, June 25th, Learn more
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Common Pantry Summer Wine Social, June 25th, Learn more
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Porchfest Roscoe Village, June 28th, Learn more
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Chicago Pride Parade, June 28th, Learn more
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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:
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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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