Hi neighbors,

The weather certainly is looking sunny and warm for our Berenice Bash this Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm! We just added a drawing for tickets to the Chicago Red Stars at the North Center Neighbors Association booth. And there are still spots available for fitness classes, as well as a family friendly improv class. Finally, participating vendors will be giving away items including Cubs quarter zips, Topps baseball cards for kids, Brookfield Zoo tickets, and bowling passes while supplies last.

Earlier this week, the City Council narrowly passed a proposal to empower the Chicago Police Department to impose a snap curfew. I voted “no” on the proposal for a number of reasons: Just last week, Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told a federal judge that it's "not something that (he) asked for or that (he) need(s)," and that he would "never use" it. At best, this proposal is ineffective, and at worst, it invites civil rights violations and lawsuits. Indeed, multiple civil rights organizations raised legitimate legal concerns about the existing proposal, and without changes, the City will almost certainly be sued. We should focus on collective energy on more effective solutions, like restoring violence prevention funding and completing the long-awaited staffing analysis for CPD. 

During the same meeting, the City Council gave final approval to legislation I introduced that will loosen cumbersome regulations around sidewalk cafes, pool tables, and arcade games. In addition, the Council voted to advance an ordinance I introduced around strengthening watchdog investigations by limiting the ability of the Mayor’s Law Department to exert undue influence. I’m disappointed—though not surprised—that Mayor Johnson again used procedural shenanigans in an attempt to stall this important legislation. 

Thank you to all of the neighbors who joined me for our monthly Ward Night Out at The Getaway on Lincoln Ave. It was a pleasure spotlighting the work that the City Council’s Ethics Committee has been doing over the last two years, including working to pass a Fair Elections package to allow more people to participate in local elections, require disclosures for lobbyists at large non-profits like hospitals and universities, and ban extremists who participate in organizations that seek to overthrow the government from City employment.

I hope you all have a restful weekend. If you or someone you know is in need of a place to cool down, consider visiting a Chicago Public Library branch location like Sulzer or Bezazian, or one of the City’s cooling centers (the closest such center to our immediate community is Truman College, 845 W. Wilson Ave). 

And please see our Infrastructure section below for information about a multi-week closure of a portion of Lincoln Ave due south of Leland as construction work at the Western Plaza kicks into a higher gear.

Yours in service,

Alderman Matt Martin

Argyle Red Line Station Reopening

Four CTA stations, including the Argyle Red Line, will re-open on July 20th. As part of a modernization plan, century old stations were rebuilt to be fully accessible including escalators and elevators.

Other improvements include wider platforms, increased weather protection for riders, and a new signal system that will provide more reliable train service.

Learn more

Street Closure: Construction Near Western Brown Line

Starting on Tuesday, June 24th, Lincoln Ave will be closed to vehicle traffic between Leland and Eastwood Ave. Vehicles can still access the businesses on the 4700 block of Lincoln Ave. The closure is estimated to last 6 weeks.

This phase of the project will complete the work impacting the Leland and Lincoln intersection. Work on the parking lot will also begin on Monday, including removing fencing and pavement.

Learn more

Berenice Bash

Sunday, June 22nd

Berenice Bash is almost here! On Sunday, we're turning a public parking lot (Lincoln and Berenice) into a fun, vibrant space for everyone.

Our first pop-up of the season is designed to get you moving, including a full day of free fitness classes, a ninja obstacle course, and bounce house.

The Chicago Cubs will be giving away hoodies (one size fits call), Chicago Fire will be leading soccer drills, and the Red Stars will be giving away four tickets to an upcoming game, available to win via a drawing.

RSVP

Lakeview Coffee Stroll

Sunday, June 22nd

Grab your friends and join the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber for a fun morning of shopping and coffee tasting! Shop exclusive discounts at your favorite Lakeview retail locations while sampling coffee from different neighborhood cafes.

Learn more

Ravenswood Puzzle Swap

Monday, June 23rd

Neighbors are invited to bring new or gently-used puzzles (500+ pieces) to exchange for another. Make connections with like-minded hobbyists and receive a $5 mimosa special from Platform 47.

Learn more

Support Local Immigrants

Our office continues to hear from neighbors who are very concerned about the Trump administration's aggressive expansion of immigration enforcement.

There are a number of ways you can take action, including court watching, hosting a donation drive, driving people to appointments, and more. You can sign up to let us know about your interest, and we'll connect you with a local opportunity.

Volunteer

Pools Open Saturday at Park District

Outdoor pools at the Chicago Park District will open on Saturday, including the Chase Park Pool. This year, pools will be open 7 days a week until August 17th. Please note that the Welles Park water features are currently under repair, and will open after needed maintenance.

Learn more

CPS Seeks Artists for Future Projects

Chicago Public Schools is looking for talented artists and arts organizations to shape the visual landscape of 520+ schools. They're building a list of pre-qualified pool of creatives with experience in permanent art. Those selected will have the opportunity to be considered for future CPS arts projects across the city.

Learn more

Discounted Pet Adoption Fees

A local non-profit, no-kill shelter, One Tail at a Time, is providing 50% off the adoption fee of any pet until the end of July. This initiative is designed to reduce the burden on Chicago Animal Care and Control and getting more at-risk animals into living homes

Learn more

Proposed Zoning Changes

The following developments were submitted to our office's Zoning Advisory Council (ZAC), which meets monthly to hear about these developments and advise the Alderman on how to move forward. You can submit feedback for ZAC and the Alderman online.

1801 W Byron

The Black Bear Academy has submitted a zoning change request to add a school program for disabled children. The applicant will seek ISBE accreditation for the 1st and 2nd grade program, which will add approximately 10 children to the approximately 60 now participating in the Black Bear therapeutic preschool program.

4943 N Damen

The applicant is seeking a zoning change to allow for the construction of a five-story mixed-use building containing retail space at grade and 16 residential condo units above. Three of the 16 units would be designated as affordable.

Recent Zoning Decisions

3664 N Lincoln Ave - Approved



Alderman Martin has decided to approve a transit-oriented development zoning change request 170ft from the Addison Brown Line CTA station that will allow for the construction of a mixed-use development containing 16 residential units and ground-floor restaurant-ready commercial space. Of the 16 units, 12 will be two-bedroom units and four will be three-bedroom units. Three of these new homes will be designated as affordable. The applicant has committed to providing two electric vehicle chargers on-site and will be removing the curb cut and diagonal parking on Waveland to allow for the planting of parkway trees and planters.

This proposal is supported by the North Center Neighbors Association and Northcenter Chamber of Commerce.

4103 N Lincoln Ave - Withdrawn

The applicant has withdrawn their application for a zoning change request that would have allowed them to apply for a Packaged Liquor License. Instead of seeking a zoning change, the applicant will apply for an incidental packaged liquor license, which will allow them to sell some packaged liquor with their existing zoning classification.

Where Does Your Recycling Go?

Ever wonder where your city recycling goes? After its sorted, materials are sent to one of ten states or Ontario.

Plastics are sent to seven different states, including Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. Glass and paper stay in the Midwest or is sent to Ontario. Metal is sent to Illinois Kentucky, and Ontario.

Learn more

Tree Prunings in Lincoln Square

Saturday, June 21st

The 47th Ward TreeKeepers Chapter will be pruning parkway trees just east of Lincoln Square (bordered by Lincoln, Sunnyside, Hermitage, and Winnemac). Pruning removes dead or obstructive branches, and lifts the crown of smaller trees to optimize the tree canopy. No power tools are used, and larger branches are not touched. The next pruning will be July 8th. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Honda at marylhonda@gmail.com.

Northcenter Neighbors Garden Walk

Sunday, June 29th

Get ready for a cherished neighborhood tradition. As you explore, enjoy live music and sip ice cold lemonade from kid-run stands. This year, we welcome back the trolley with an expanded route, so you can enjoy even more beautiful gardens in the neighborhood. Stop by one of the check-in tables at Bell Elementary or the Town Square to pick up a map and schedule for the day.

Learn more

Ravenswood Pride Month Business Guide

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce compiled a list of special events and sales in celebrate of Pride Month, including:

• Pride Pilates benefiting Center on Halsted
• Pride Run benefiting Equality Illinois
• Pride BBQ at Ravenswood Tavern

Learn more

Resources

Business

• Free Legal Resources for New Entrepreneurs, Learn more
• Prepare for a Small Business Loan with Wintrust Bank, June 26th, Learn more
• Lawrence Broadway SBIF, July 2nd Webinar, Learn more

Workforce

• Wood Products Manufacturing Training, June 23rd, Learn more
• Mid and Entry Level Positions in Chicago Law Department, Learn more
• Jobs with the Chicago Inspector General, Learn more

19th District Council Monthly Meeting

Saturday, June 28th

CPD is currently developing a plan for community focused policing and is seeking public input to guide the process. Share feedback to help define how officers engage with residents, listen to concerns, and follow through on community solutions.

Learn more

Upcoming Public Safety Meetings

• Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, June 26th, Learn more
• 19th District Council, June 28th
• 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

Construction Updates

Find more information about ongoing projects on our website, including the Damen street resurfacing, the Clark Street pedestrian and bike safety project, water main projects, and work near the Western Brown Line.

Western Brown Line Area Construction

Next week, city crews will begin a new, important phase of the project, which involves the completion of the work impacting the intersection of Lincoln & Leland. This will require a 6-week closure of a portion of that intersection, as described below. The 4700 block of Lincoln will remain accessible, as well businesses on Leland. At the same time, crews will begin work in earnest on the parking lot itself on Monday, starting with the removal of the perimeter fence and parking lot pavement. They will also be installing electrical conduits at the Plaza.

Closure of Leland at Lincoln

• Start date: Tuesday 6/24
• Duration: 6 weeks (weather dependent).
• Lincoln: closed to traffic between Leland and Eastwood.
• Leland: closed at Lincoln.
• Leland Ave between Western and Lincoln: one way westbound only.
• Only CTA buses allowed to turn eastbound on Leland from Western

This Weekend

• 312 River Run, June 21st, Learn more
• Andersonville (WFCW) Neighborhood Sidewalk Sale, June 21st, Learn more
• Berenice Bash, June 22nd, Learn more
• Chi City Bakes Community Bake Sale for LGBTQ Youth, June 22nd, Learn more
• Lakeview Coffee Stroll, June 22nd, Learn more
• Jazz Brunch on the Terrace at DANK Haus, June 22nd, Learn more
• Ravenswood Puzzle Swap, June 22nd, Learn more

This Coming Week

• Malt Row on Damen, June 25th, Learn more
• Save our Street Fests, June 25th, Learn more
• Lincoln Square Summer Concert Series, June 26th, Learn more
• Common Pantry's Summer Wine Social, June 27th, Learn more
• Burger Night at Tattler Post, June 27th, Learn more

Next Weekend

• Third Coast Percussion Presents Rhythm Festival, June 28th, Learn more
• Northcenter Neighbors Annual Garden Walk, June 29th, Learn more
• Rosehill Cemetery Tour, June 29th, Learn more

Upcoming Weeks

• Concert at Welles Park Gazebo, July 1st, Learn more
• Argyle Night Market, July 3rd, Learn more
• Lincoln Square Summer Concert Series, July 3rd, Learn more
• Concert at Welles Park Gazebo, July 8th, Learn more
• Square Roots Festival, July 11th-13th, Learn more
• Southport Art Festival, July 12th-13th, Learn more
• Live on Lincoln, July 27th, Learn more