Hi neighbors,


This week, the City Council’s Pedestrian Safety Committee passed an ordinance I introduced to help Chicagoans whose cars have been stolen. Victims shouldn't be on the hook for traffic and parking tickets for their stolen vehicle, but until now that's been the City’s policy. That's why I proposed automatically dismissing these tickets. I am glad this common-sense ordinance passed unanimously out of Committee, and I look forward to the full City Council passing it next week.


Thank you to everyone who joined the City’s Department of Transportation (CDOT), 46th Ward Ald. Angela Clay, and me on Tuesday to discuss proposed plans for pedestrian- and bike-safety improvements on Clark Street between Montrose and Winnemac and Montrose. We learned that 700 drivers go over the speed limit in one day; some as fast as 66mph; that nearly 60% of serious injury crashes along Clark involve people walking or biking; and that parking utilization is below 30% on an average weekday. You can submit feedback to CDOT on the Department’s plans at CompleteStreets@cityofchicago.org.


On Wednesday, I joined leaders from the Uptown United chamber of commerce and several of my aldermanic colleagues for the annual State of Uptown business luncheon. We had a lively discussion about opportunities for new housing development across the area, as well as the benefits that are forthcoming with the Red/Purple Line Modernization work wrapping up soon. I also met with Nadia Jimenez, the new executive director for the Friendship Center, a crucial food and social service nonprofit that supports thousands of neighbors across the Northside. 


Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of meeting with dozens of Amundsen High School students to discuss the CTA, as well as with Waters Elementary students and local nonprofit Pilot Light to discuss food, nutrition, and how food shapes local cultures and communities. Staying on the topic of education, several of our new CPS School Board members will be hosting Office Hours next week at our ward office. While there are no more appointments with Ellen Rosenfeld, there are slots with Karen Zaccor and Debby Pope. 


I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by the North Center Town Square tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm for an alphorn concert, or the Lincoln Roscoe Art & Craft Fair tomorrow and Sunday. 


With summer just around the corner, more and more farmers markets will be popping up around our community. The Ravenswood and Andersonville markets resumed this week (with the Andersonville location closer to our Ward, on Winona between Clark and Ashland).


And please note that this coming Monday, my office and the City’s Department of Water Management will be hosting a virtual meeting about upcoming water main work in our Ravenswood community (additional details in the Construction section below). 


Yours in service,

Alderman Matt Martin

 

47th Ward News

Meet Your School Board Member

May 19th and May 20th


Our office is teaming up with newly elected and appointed School Board Members to host office hours! This is an opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and advocate.


We still have appointments available to meet with Karen Zaccor (District 4A) and Debby Pope (District 2B). You can confirm your district, and sign up for an appointment below.

Call for Artists: Ravenswood Mural


The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is seeking proposals for a new mural at Leland and Damen Ave.


This opportunity is open to Artists with experience in mural design and installation and public art. Preference will be given to artists working and residing in Chicago.


Proposals are due on June 6th. Learn more about the requirements and proposal below.


Learn more
 

Upcoming Events

Coffee with Congressman Quigley

Saturday, May 17th


Join the Ravenswood Neighbors Association for a coffee chat with Congressman Mike Quigley. They'll be meeting at the Chase Park Fieldhouse on Saturday from 10 AM to 11 AM. Coffee and donuts will be provided.


RSVP

EcoFest

Saturday, June 7th


We are thrilled to announce the return of the 47th Ward EcoFest! This year's EcoFest is bigger than ever, bringing together over 50 vendors, including community groups, non-profits, elected officials, and businesses all focused on creating a more sustainable world. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn about sustainability, connect with like-minded neighbors, and shop from a variety of eco-friendly vendors.


Learn more
 

Lake View High Art Showcase

Friday, May 23rd


On Friday, May 23rd, join Lake View High School for an Art Showcase from 8 AM to 5 PM in Room 226. Participating art courses include Art 1, Illustration, Mixed Media, Digital Imaging, Photography, AP Photography, Drawing and Painting, and AP Drawing.

Neighborhood Services

Illinois Immigration Information Hub


Illinois is proud to launch a new website with centralized resources for immigrant families across the state.


The website includes up-to-date information on immigration and labor rights, how to access free and low-cost legal services, as well as several other resources on housing, discrimination, public benefits, and how to get an ID.


Learn more

Winnslie Parkway Garden Fundraiser


Winnslie Parkway Gardens recently received a grant for Parkway Expansion, but those funds cover design and construction only, not long-term maintenance. They're seeking community donations to cover the maintenance of the garden. Every gift helps sustain and grow Winnslie Parkway.


Donate

After School Matters Applications Open


Chicago nonprofit After School Matters (ASM) is now accepting Chicago teens for their Summer programs running June 23 - August 1. Teens aged 14-18 can choose from hundreds of programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM.


  • Chicago teens aged 14 and 15 can choose from programs offering stipends for participation
  • Chicago teens ages 16+ can choose from Internship programs, which will provide an hourly wage of $16.06 per hour.


Learn more

Environment

Call for Volunteers: EcoFest

Saturday, June 7th


We're seeking volunteers for EcoFest, our premiere local sustainability festival. Volunteers will help set up the event, take down tables and chairs, and assist vendors. There's a morning shift (8 AM to 10 AM) and an afternoon shift (2 PM to 4 PM).


Sign Up

Native Plant Sale

Wednesday, June 28th


Join Southport Neighbors for a native plant sale this June at the Low-Line Plaza. Over 25 species of native perennial wildflowers, plus ferns and grasses will be for sale. All proceeds benefit the Southport Neighbor's Association Native Corner Plot Initiative.


Learn more

Plant and Bake Sale

Saturday, May 17th


A plant and bake sale will take place in front of Luther Memorial Church (2500 W Wilson) from 9 AM to 12 PM. A variety of perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, herbs, vegetables, and native plants will be available for sale. A bake sale will be raising funds for the Friendship Center food pantry.

Small Business

The Great Bake Walk

Sunday, June 8th


This June, treat your taste buds to something special and stroll through Lincoln Square for a one-of-a-kind morning adventure: The Great Bake Walk!


This brand-new event invites you to explore our vibrant neighborhood while sampling delicious baked goods from a variety of local bakeries, served up inside our small business storefronts.


Learn more

Resources

Business

  • Clark and Montrose SBIF Applications, Applications Open June 1, Learn more
  • Women Leaders in Business, May 22nd, Learn more
  • Chicago Business Expo, May 31st, Learn more
  • State of the State with Greater Ravenswood Chamber, June 11, Learn more
  • Small Business Survey, Learn more


Workforce

  • Shipping and Receiving Training, May 27th, Learn more
  • Wood Products Manufacturing Training, June 23rd, Learn more
  • Cook County Assessor's Office Hiring, Learn more
 

Public Safety

20th District Safety Saturdays


The 20th Police District is offering free resources every Saturday through June 28th. You can get your car seat inspected or bicycle registered, register your camera, or pick up a steering wheel lock while supplies last.


Resources will be offered from 9 AM to 12 PM at 5400 N Lincoln Ave. For more information, call 312-742-8770.

Police District Strategic Plans

Wednesday, May 28th


Join the 19th District Council to discuss CPD's District Strategic Plans. District Strategic Plans are yearly outlines of a District's core crime reduction priorities and community engagement goals created in conjunction with the community.


RSVP

Upcoming Public Safety Meetings


  • Beats 1911/12, May 20th
  • Beat 1921, May 21st
  • Beat 2031, May 27th
  • Beat 2032, May 28th
  • Beat 1931, May 28th
  • Find your beat

Public Safety Data


 
 

Infrastructure

Public Transit Town Hall: Future of Western Ave

Thursday, May 26th


Learn more about transportation options and the Better Streets for Buses Plan, which aims to provide faster, safer, and more reliable bus service across Chicago. Make your voice heard and help decide where the Better Streets for Buses Plan's future investments should be made.


RSVP

Construction Updates


Find more information about ongoing projects on our website, including street resurfacings and the Clark Street pedestrian and bike safety project.

Ravenswood/Hermitage/Sunnyside Water Main Replacement


The Department of Water Management (DWM) has alerted our office to the fact that they plan on starting work shortly to replace the water main running below:


  • Hermitage from Sunnyside to Montrose
  • Sunnyside from Paulina to Ravenswood
  • Ravenswood (west leg) from Wilson to Lawrence


Construction is slated to begin on 5/26. Ahead of that work, our office is partnering with DWM to host a virtual pre-construction meeting to inform residents and businesses about the details of the upcoming project and to allow them to ask any questions. You are encouraged to register, even if you can't attend. Registrants' emails will be used to share updates throughout the construction project.

Western Brown Line Area Construction


Construction crews have reopened the 4700 block of N Lincoln to vehicles and completed and reopened the new sidewalks on the north side of Leland. They intend to complete and reopen the sidewalks on both sides of Lincoln by the end of May.


The 2200 block of Leland will be partially closed to vehicle traffic soon. An expected start date will be announced soon as crews continue to work through logistics involving a water connection.
Community Board

This Weekend

This Week

Upcoming 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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