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Hi neighbors,
I’m happy to report that on Wednesday, the City Council’s Workforce Committee approved a proposal, which I introduced with several colleagues, to bar January 6th insurrectionists from City employment. No one convicted of violently attacking our US Capitol and law enforcement should collect a government paycheck. Governor Pritzker implemented this common sense policy for the State of Illinois, and I’m glad that City Council is doing the same here in Chicago.
Earlier this week, I met with Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen to discuss the growing problem of CTA trains running well below their typical speeds. Notably, Brown Line “slow zones” have increased from 6% to 30% of the line over the past five years. One such slow zone will go away once the work at the Western Brown Line station concludes later this year; however, deteriorating track conditions on other parts of the Line may be contributing to the slower speeds. I’ve asked CTA for more information regarding what the Agency can do to improve these remaining slow zones and will keep you posted.
Earlier this week, my office hosted a community meeting with the City’s Department of Water Management to discuss the upcoming water main replacement on the 1400 block of Hutchinson and the 4200 block of Greenview. My thanks to Lake View High School for hosting us, and to the neighbors who joined us and asked important questions about process, timeline, and lead service line replacement.
Staying on the topic of infrastructure, the Department of Transportation released a Framework Plan that outlines the City’s strategy to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure, support e-mobility services and reduce transportation-related emissions. You can provide feedback on this EV framework by submitting a comment by May 18th.
I hope you all have a restful weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by the new Chicago Waffles restaurant on Lincoln Ave as they celebrate their grand opening. And thank you to all the neighbors who continue to support Crystal Cleaners and Mint Home as they recover from an awful fire on Damen Ave.
Chag Pesach Sameach to all of our neighbors who are celebrating Passover. And congrats to TC Picks 1 who won our Men's Bracket Group and was in the top 300 ESPN brackets in the entire country with 99.9% correct picks! And to Winner Raher who came in first for our Women’s Bracket Group.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones and colleagues of Officer Malissa Torres, who tragically died at the 18th District Police Station early yesterday morning. Although CPD’s death investigation remains open, media has reported that the officer died by suicide. If you or someone you would benefit from wellness resources, please don’t hesitate to call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org/chat.
Yours in service,
Alderman Matt Martin
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New Pickleball Courts at Revere Park
Sunday, April 27th
Join Chicago Park District Officials and Alderman Martin to cut the ribbon and celebrate the 2 new pickleball courts and 4 new tennis courts at Revere Park.
This project was funded by TIF, and the result of neighbor's advocacy.
Learn more
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Two Golden Apple Finalists at Lake View High
Lake View High is the only school in Chicago to have two Golden Apple finalists! Dr. Joshi has been at LVHS since 2004 and is the department science chair. Ms. Mahoney is a passionate advocate for student voice and a special education civics teacher.
Learn more about their incredible work in the profile below!
Learn more
| | 47th Ward March Madness Bracket Challenge Results 🏀 | | |
Men's
- TC Picks
- ChatBkt
- lucas frola's picks
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Women's
- Winner Raher
- cpmcjessy
- Leenie
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Welles Park Bunny Hop
Wednesday, April 16th
Stop by Welles Park for a Bunny Hop on Wednesday! There will be fun games, a bounce house, a craft project, an egg hunt, and special photo opp with The Bunny.
Ages 0-5 are welcome. Cost is $10 per child.
Learn more
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Ravenswood Run
Sunday, April 27th
The 29th annual Ravenswood Run will happen later this month. Residents should note parking restrictions will be in place that morning. Local businesses and schools are offering some alternative parking options to residents impacted by the race. You can still sign up to participate on the event's website!
Learn more
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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.
Make an Appointment
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Western Brown Line-Area Construction Updates
Crews closed the Farmers Market parking lot to begin renovations. This parking lot will be closed until the end of July. Plenty of public parking is available, including the public parking at the Canvas at Leland building.
Starting on April 21st, the 4700 block of N Lincoln will be closed to vehicle traffic. The closure is expected to last about a week. Business will be open during this closure.
Learn more
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Survey: Inspector General Listening Tour
As the city watchdog, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) works to make Chicago government better and to hold City actors accountable when they break rules. As they plan and prioritize their work, they need to know what Chicagoans think. Join them for an upcoming listening session or take their online survey, and let them know what Chicago can do to improve your quality of life.
Take the survey
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CPS Preschool Applications Open
Many Chicago Public Schools are opening their doors for families interested in exploring the District's free full-day preschool program for four-year-olds and half-day preschool program for three-year-olds. The 2025-2026 school year application opened this week.
Learn more
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Hearing on Plastic Pollution
Wednesday, April 23rd
More than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution end up in the Great Lakes every year, polluting drinking water for up to 40 million people. The City Council Committee on Environment will host a public hearing to discuss the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution. Join Organizing for Plastic Alternatives to pack the Chambers.
Learn more
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Panel on Sustainable Food Systems
Thursday, April 24th
Join Common Pantry and WasteNot Compost for a panel discussion and hear from local leaders on the efforts being made in Chicago to make our food systems more sustainable. It's free for community to attend with a suggested donations benefitting Common Pantry. Seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP.
RSVP
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Celebrate Earth Week in Graceland West
Saturday, April 26th
Join the Graceland West Community Association for a community cycling event focused on sustainability and fun. You can give unused bikes a new home with The Recyclery on-site, participate in a kids' bike obstacle course, or decorate your bike for the bike parade!
Learn more
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Documentary Film Festival at Davis Theater
April 25th-May 4th
Doc10 is Chicago's only all-documentary film festival, and it happens right in the neighborhood at the Davis Theater! Catch some of the best documentaries from Sundance, Tribeca, and top tier festivals from across the nation. On opening night, you can watch a film focused on Chicago's House Music History, and on closing night, enjoy a panel discussion with the former Prime Minister of New Zealand as she discusses leading during the pandemic.
Learn more
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Pollo Express Opens in Ravenswood
1967 W Lawrence
Welcome Pollo Express to Ravenswood! This Pilsen restaurant is known for its pollo al carbon, and just opened a second location right here in Ravenswood. Stop by for some delicious grilled chicken.
Learn more
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Resources
Business
Workforce
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Help Shape Traffic Stop Policy
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is hosting a series of listening sessions across Chicago to hear directly from the community about traffic stops.
You're invited to attend an upcoming meeting at Truman College to share your experiences, concerns, and suggestions for potential changes to CPD's practices and what should be included in a traffic stop policy.
Learn more
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Chicago Police Department Camera Program
The Chicago Police Department has a free and voluntary camera program open to Chicago residents and business owners. If you have a private security camera that captures the public way, you can register your camera to allow police to contact you in the event of a crime in the area.
The Police Department will not have direct access to to your camera system and cannot access camera footage without your consent. This program allows officers to more quickly canvass the area after a crime.
Register
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19th District Council Meeting
Wednesday, April 23rd
This month, the 19th District Council will hear from a representative of the Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court (RJCC) about their community-based approach to reducing recidivism. A representative from the State's Attorney's Office will also share about their First Time Weapon Offenders Probation Program, changes to low-level gun possession charges, and their vision for the future of RJCCs.
RSVP
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Upcoming Public Safety Meetings
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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.
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Arterial Resurfacing: Western Ave
Crews on Western will soon start working on the final stage of the Western Ave resurfacing project: installing red stamped crosswalks. This work will be begin during the week of 4/21 and will last roughly a month.
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Clark Street Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
In 2023, the Department of Planning and Development completed the Clark Street Crossroads, seeking to better define the identity of a portion of Clark St, as well as providing recommendations to improve the built environment and streetscape along it. One of the study's primary recommendations, based on feedback from hundreds of neighbors, was for improving safety of all users of the road, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Based on this study and a lot of 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.
CDOT is working with the 46th and 47th Wards to gather outreach from businesses, chambers of commerce, neighborhood associations, and neighbors to inform CDOT's design work. You can view details about CDOT's proposals on their website and provide feedback to CompleteStreets@cityofchicago.org.
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This Week
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Screening with Filmmaker: Anxious Nation, April 15th, Learn more
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Welles Park Bunny Hop, April 16th, Learn more
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Property Tax Exemption Workshop, April 16th, Learn more
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Argentine Tango Social Dancing, April 16th, Learn more
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Painted Realities Art Reception at Haitian American Museum, April 17th, Learn more
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Upcoming Weeks
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Ravenswood Clean Up Day, April 19th, Learn more
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Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club Egg Hunt, April 19th, Learn more
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Earth Day at Waters Elementary, April 19th, Learn more
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Lakeview Egg Hunt, April 19th, Learn more
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Hop n Stop in North Center, April 19th, Learn more
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Creating Sustainable Food Systems Panel, April 24th, Learn more
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Lincoln Square Sidewalk Sale, April 21st-April 27th, Learn more
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Fair Elections Town Hall, April 26th, Learn more
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Earth Day Recycling Event at Blaine Elementary, April 27th, Learn more
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Valborg in Andersonville, April 30th, 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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