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Hi neighbors,
Beginning this Monday, April 21st, Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Leland will be temporarily closed to car traffic for one week for construction. To support our many wonderful local businesses, the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is hosting a weeklong, pedestrian-friendly Sidewalk Sale. Over two-dozen small businesses will be participating, offering in-store promotions, pop-up tables, grab-and-go treats.
At Wednesday’s meeting of the full City Council, I had the pleasure of celebrating ward resident Sherry Skalko Hood for her tremendous environmental activism. Notably, Sherry founded Reduce Waste Chicago, a nonprofit that collects recyclable materials that don’t belong in blue bins. This year alone, Reduce Waste has diverted nearly 10,000 pounds from Chicago landfills! My colleagues and I also approved a proposal to crack down on rogue tow-truck operators, as well as a $32 million legal settlement connected to a 2022 police car chase on Michigan Avenue that resulted in a man having both of his legs amputated.
The Chicago Tribune recently spotlighted efforts to reform campaign finance laws, strengthen internal investigations, and combat violent extremism that the Office of Inspector General and I are leading. It remains deeply frustrating to fight the Johnson administration simply to preserve the status quo, when we have the opportunity to craft ambitious reforms that can help restore the public’s trust in City Hall.
Earlier this week, the offices of Cook County Assessor Kaegi and Commissioner Gainer used our ward office to help residents sign-up for senior and homeowner exemptions. My thanks to their teams for helping our community save money at a time when many are struggling to make ends meet.
I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider visiting Handbag Productions on Western Ave to attend their newest show Scary Town, which will be running through May 11th..
Finally, many of you have contacted my office in recent months with concerns about federal budget cuts, civil rights, and the health of our democratic institutions. That’s why we’re hosting a community conversation next Thursday at 6pm at DANK Haus (4740 N Western) that will feature experts including the ACLU of Illinois, Reform for Illinois, Common Cause Illinois, and more. You can RSVP for the event and submit questions in advance.
Yours in service,
Alderman Matt Martin
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Meet the Alderman at Ward Night Out
Wednesday, April 30th
Come meet the Alderman and check out the new Eco Cafe (4750 N Rockwell)!
In celebration of Earth Month, this month's Ward Night Out is environmentally-themed. Learn how to adopt a corner garden with the Greater Rockwell Organization, get information on free water lead testing, and discover a sustainable approach to shopping with The Eco Flamingo.
RSVP
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4700 N Lincoln Closed to Vehicle Traffic
Beginning on April 21st, the 4700 block of N Lincoln Ave will be closed to vehicle traffic. The closure is expected to last approximately one week, in order to rebuild the street underneath the arch.
During the street closure, businesses will remain open. In fact, you can visit the Spring Sidewalk Sale and enjoy shopping around the plaza without traffic!
Learn more
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Lincoln Square Sidewalk Sale
Monday, April 21st - Sunday, April 27th
Come stroll the block, soak up the fresh spring air, and discover unique deals from your favorite local shops. Whether you're hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift, updating your wardrobe, or just looking to check out the picturesque center of Lincoln Square. There's something for everyone. Let's come together to support our merchants and keep the heart of our community thriving.
Learn more
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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
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Community Conversation: Democracy in Practice
Thursday, April 24th
Concerned about federal budget cuts? Civil rights? Democratic institutions? Join us for a community conversation moderated by Alderman Martin, including experts in civil rights, democracy reforms, law and labor. We'll be meeting at the DANK Haus (4740 N Western) and the conversation will start at 6 PM. There's an opportunity to submit questions in advance and ask live, in-person. RSVPs highly encouraged.
RSVP
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First 2025 Street Resurfacings
The first street resurfacings of 2025 will begin late next week. Please be on the look out for no parking signs for the following streets:
- Winnemac from Broadway to Glenwood
- Wolcott from Argyle to Ainslie
- Warner from Greenview to Southport
Every year, our staff surveys every street in the ward to determine which most need resurfacing.
Learn more
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Low-Cost Citizenship and Immigration Services
The Chinese Mutual Aid Association (1016 W Argyle) offers free or low cost assistance for individuals looking for citizenship, green card renewal, USCIS fee waivers, and citizenship classes to prepare for your citizenship test.
You can schedule a free consultation by calling them at 773-784-2900.
Learn more
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Clothing Giveaway
Saturday, May 10th
Concordia Place (3300 N Whipple) is hosting a clothing, toy, and book giveaway on May 10th from 10 AM to 12 PM. Come take items or just browse their Family Share Fair.
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Earth Day at Waters Elementary
Wednesday, April 23rd
Join neighbors at Waters Elementary for a day of service and learning in honor of Earth Day! They'll be doing trash pick up, mulching, and a flower scavenger hunt in the school garden. Additionally, sustainability organizations and elected officials will be on-site to provide helpful resources!
Learn more
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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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Andersonville Spring Wine Walk
Sunday, May 4th
Welcome back the Andersonville Spring Wine Walk, an afternoon of sipping, strolling, and shopping through Andersonville's beautiful northside historic history. This year's event includes three wine routes generously curated by In Fine Spirits. Attendees will receive a commemorative wine tasting glass and route card highlighting each wine before embarking on a tour of local businesses transformed into tasting destinations.
Learn more
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Lincoln Square Pottery Sale
Saturday, April 26th
Join the Lincoln Square Pottery Studio (4150 N Lincoln) for their annual sale and show featuring original artwork, live pottery competitions, and an overall evening of fun. More than thirty shelf spaces, as well as tables and wall spots, will feature cups, bowls, vases, menorahs, keepsake boxes, candle holders, figures and animals.
Learn more
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Resources
Business
Workforce
- Chicago Law Department Hiring, Learn more
- Airport Expo and Job Fair, May 1st, Learn more
- Illinois Department of Transportation Hiring, Learn more
- Summer Jobs Expo for Young Adults with Disabilities, April 26th, Learn more
- Chicago Poet Laureate Info Session, April 24th, Learn more
- Cook County Assessor's Office Hiring, Learn more
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Robberies at Historic Low in Early 2025
According to reporting from WBEZ, a three year upswing in robberies ended last summer. The first quarter of 2025 had the fewest robberies of any quarter in decades.
Learn more
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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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Transportation Town Hall
Thursday, April 24th
Join State Senator Mike Simmons for a transportation town hall. Discuss your ideas for reforms and big improvements to our current transit system; learn about State proposals to address the $770M transit fiscal cliff as federal COVID-19 dollars run out; and share your experience riding CTA, Metra, or Pace.
Learn more
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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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Western Ave Resurfacing
Crews on Western will start next week on the final stage of the Western Ave resurfacing project: installing red stamped crosswalks. This work is expected to last roughly a month.
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Western Brown Line Area Construction
Work continues for the renovation project involving the Western Brown Line Plaza and adjacent areas. Work is progressing as expected and crews expect to have Lincoln and Leland sidewalks completed in the next month.
Starting this week, the 4700 block of Lincoln will be closed to vehicle traffic for 5-7 days. Businesses will remaining open. Beginning on April 28th, the 2200 block of Leland will be closed to vehicles for approximately 10 days.
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This Weekend
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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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Wrestlemania at Begyle, April 19th, Learn more
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This Week
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19th District Council Meeting, April 23rd, Learn more
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Creating Sustainable Food Systems Panel, April 24th, Learn more
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Transportation Townhall with Senator Simmons, April 24th, Learn more
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Community Conversation: Democracy in Practice, April 24th, Learn more
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Lincoln Square Sidewalk Sale, April 21st-April 27th, Learn more
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Upcoming Weeks
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Fair Elections Town Hall, April 26th, Learn more
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Earth Week in Graceland West, April 26th, Learn more
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Ravenswood Makers Market, April 26th, Learn more
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Earth Day Recycling Event at Blaine Elementary, April 27th, Learn more
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Ravenswood Run, April 27th, Learn more
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Valborg in Andersonville, April 30th, Learn more
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Ward Night Out at Eco Cafe, 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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