Hi neighbors,

At our monthly meeting this week, City Council approved several legal settlements, two of which involved CPD vehicle pursuits that ended in the deaths of two Chicagoans. These two settlements cost the City $2.5 million; however, the City has paid nearly $102 million since 2019 to resolve lawsuits involving CPD vehicle pursuits. In an effort to help reduce both the risk of harm to officers and the public as well as legal liability for the City, CPD has procured two additional helicopters and installed additional pod cameras and license plate readers on major streets across Chicago over the last year.

Moving forward, City Council must give more attention to risk mitigation involving police misconduct lawsuits. On Monday, a jury awarded $120 million to two men who were wrongfully convicted of a 2003 murder and spent a combined 32 years in prison. And there are dozens of pending wrongful-conviction cases tied to disgraced former Sergeant Ronald Watts and Detective Reynaldo Guevara. Taking a different approach now to comprehensively reviewing and (when appropriate) settling lawsuits could save the City millions in the future. 

With the prospect of a destabilizing tariff war growing more likely, many of our local businesses may be caught in the crosshairs. This issue was discussed heavily during a State of the Neighborhood event hosted by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce this week, as well as during a business canvass I led along our Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Notably, Begyle Brewing, Dovetail Brewery, and other businesses can ill-afford to shoulder high tariffs on aluminum and other products imported from Canada and Mexico. Please do what you can to support our terrific small businesses as they work to weather this economic uncertainty.

My thanks to the North Center Neighbors Association for inviting me to participate in their annual meeting this week! We’re lucky to have such an active neighbors association in our ward, and I look forward to continued collaboration on many issues including building more housing and activating underutilized public spaces like the parking lot at Lincoln and Berenice.

Various St. Patrick's Day celebrations will be happening across our Ward and beyond throughout the weekend. If you need some ideas, consider swinging by Gene's Sausage Shop for corned beef and cabbage, the Green Post for Irish-themed dancing, the Wild Goose for live bagpiping (Saturday only), and Platform 47 for green-colored beer.

Yours in service,

Alderman Matt Martin

47th Ward March Madness Bracket Challenge

With Selection Sunday quickly approaching, join our first ever 47th Ward bracket challenge! See how your picks stack against the Alderman's, and compete against neighbors while rooting for your favorite teams and predicting upsets.

You can join by clicking the links below, or by searching the names "47th Ward Chicago - Men's" and "47th Ward Chicago -Women's."

• Join the Men's Tournament group
• Join the Women's Tournament group

Survey: Rename Metra Lines

Metra is seeking your feedback! As they take over operation of Union Pacific Railroad lines, they are looking to potentially change how the names and colors associated with their lines to make them easier to understand.

Take the survey

St Patrick's Day Celebration at Begyle

Saturday, March 15th

Join Begyle for a full day of St Paddy's day celebrations, starting with a 9:15 AM rugby match between Ireland and Italy. All day, you can join $5 pints of Irish-style red ale, Dicey Ricey. In the afternoon, Old Town School of Folk will play traditional folk music in the taproom, and you can enjoy corned beef sandwiches from Zelda's Sandwich Joint.

Learn more

Gloves Off Garden Talks: Live Workshops

Tuesday, March 25th

Join Vivant Gardening Services for a monthly series of live gardening workshops focused on eco-sustainable practices, designed to inspire and educate gardeners of all levels. Whether you're a beginner, homeowner, community garden volunteer, or a horticulturist, their expert-led sessions offer practical advice you can use right away.

Learn more

Lakeview Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 19th

The brand new Easter-themed Lakeview Egg Hunt is perfect for families and small children. Located at Lincoln and Wellington, enjoy a 100% free Easter Bunny photo opportunity, giveaways, a small-scale Egg Hunt with eggs including candy for kids and small gift cards and coupons from Lakeview businesses for parents.

Learn more

47th Ward Night: Volunteer at Common Pantry

Thursday, April 10th

Let's all support our local food pantries! On Saturday, April 10th, join neighbors for a volunteer day at Common Pantry (3908 N Lincoln Ave). Volunteers may help around the garden, clean the pantry, or assist with other projects.

This event is organized by the 47th Ward Youth Council, and is open to all ages. This is an especially great opportunity for school aged children and groups.

Volunteer

Scholarships Available: World Summer Camp

Chicago Public Schools students grades 3-8 are eligible to apply for a scholarship to attend a three week language immersion camp this summer. The camp will take place at Lycee Francais de Chicago (1929 W Wilson).

World Camp is offered in Arabic, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese. Speakers of all fluency are welcoming, including beginners.

Learn more

Park District Summer Jobs: Special Recreation Leaders

The Park District is hiring Special Recreation Leaders to serve people with disabilities aged 3 and up providing unique recreation opportunities throughout the summer during Summer Day Camps. These positions earn $17.02 per hour, and the deadline to apply is April 4th.

Learn more

Join Chicago Conservation Corps

Chicago's Conservation Corps Sustainability Leadership Training is a way to spark change in your community. You will receive training from experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. After completing the training, you will receive funds and staff support for sustainability projects in your community.

Learn more

Free Documentary Screening at Davis Theater

Thursday, March 27th

The Citizen's Climate Chicago Chapter is hosting a free screening of "Join or Die," a documentary about Bob Pullman's research (including his book Bowling Alone) about how important community involvement is to our democracy. After the screening, there will be a talk-back hosted by Citizen's Climate when you're welcome to stay and discuss the movie.

RSVP

Help Keep Crucial SSA Services in West Lakeview

West Lakeview Special Service Area (SSA) 27’s 15 year term ends 12/31/2025, and must go through a renewal process throughout 2025 in order for West Lakeview to keep crucial SSA services such as Litter Pickup, Landscaping, Holiday Decor, Outdoor Furniture Maintenance, Community Events (such as Lincoln Brunch Fest and the Lakeview Tree Lighting Ceremony, Public Art, and more.

This requires 20% of signatures representing all Property Index Numbers (PIN) within the SSA 27 boundaries by August 1st, and you can help. Check to see if you live in the boundaries and how to sign.

Learn more

Early Bird Tickets: Toast of Uptown Wine Walk

Sunday, May 4th

Join the 7th annual Toast of Uptown Wine Walk, an afternoon of strolling and sipping in the Buena Park and Sheridan Park neighborhoods in Uptown. All attendees will receive a wristband and wine tasting glass, simply present these at each stop along your chosen route for delicious wine samples. Small bites from local eateries will also be provided at some stops. In honor of May the Fourth, wear your festive Star Wars gear for a chance to win prizes!

Learn more

Resources

Business

• Book Keeping 101 Basics for Business Owners, March 26th, Learn more
• Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant, Learn more
• West Lakeview Security Rebate, Learn more
• Lincoln Square Security Rebate, Learn more

Workforce

• Women in Trades: Empowering the Future, Learn more
• Common Pantry Bilingual Operations Coordinator, Learn more

Listening Session: Community- Police Mediation Program

Tuesday, March 25th

The Community Mediation program is transitioning into the third phase of the pilot, and COPA wants your input on policy, operations, and staffing. Participants will be invited to co-author a community mediation program that meets the needs of residents.

One of their meetings will be happening right in the 47th Ward at Sulzer Library.

RSVP

Safety Tips for Saint Patrick's Day Celebrations

If you're planning to stay out late or go out to the bars for St Patrick's Day, consider taking extra steps to avoid robberies. The 19th District Police offer the following tips:

• Stay on main streets and avoid alleys
• Stay off your cellphone and keep valuables hidden
• Be aware of your surroundings and don't leave drinks unattended
• Don't over drink and do not drink and drive

Upcoming Public Safety Meetings

• Beats 1911/1912, March 18th
• Beat 1921, March 19th
• 19th District Council, March 19th
• Find your beat

Public Safety Data



• Inspector General Public Safety Data
• Chicago Violence Reduction Dashboard
• Civilian Office of Police Accountability Data
• Town Hall with UChicago Crime Labs

Western Brown Line Area Construction

Work is starting up again on the renovation of the area around the Western Brown Line station. To that end, crews have implemented a traffic reroute converting Leland into a one-way eastbound between Western and Lincoln and Lincoln into a one-way southbound between Leland and Eastwood.

Crews are working on sidewalks and curbs. They intend to frame and pour new curbs next week.

Please note that the northbound #49 and #X49 bus stop serving the El stop is being temporarily relocated to the southeast corner of Western & Eastwood. The Divvy station is also being relocated from the Western station to the north side of Eastwood west of Western.

Arterial Resurfacing: Western Ave

Crews are working on outstanding concrete work. They are installing concrete bus pads: a layer of concrete in the street at bus stops that will better withstand the impact of buses than asphalt. They are completing that work on the northbound and starting the southbound side. Crews are also starting to install new and improved pedestrian refuge islands and medians.

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 Street, as well as providing recommendations to improve the built environment and streetscape. One of the study's recommendations, based on feedback from hundreds of neighbors, was for improving safety for all users, 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 the details about CDOT's proposals on their website and provide feedback to CompleteStreets@cityofchicago.org.

This Weekend

• St Patrick's Day Celebrations in Lincoln Square, all weekend, Learn more

This Week

• Seed Starting Basics, March 18th, Learn more
• Malt Row Happy Hour, March 20th, Learn more

Upcoming Weeks

• Cornelia Arts Building Open Studios, March 21st-22nd, Learn more
• Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club Shamrock Shuffle, March 23rd, Learn more
• Join or Die Documentary Screening, March 27th, Learn more
• Free Induction Cooking Class, March 31st, Learn more
• Andersonville InSidewalk Sale, March 28th-30th, Learn more
• Malt Row Presents: Cubs Opening Day Party with Waco Brothers, April 4th, Learn more

Get Involved

• Support 19th District Mutual Aid for New Neighbors
• Lincoln Square Ravenswood Solidarity Network
• Edgewater Mutual Aid