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Dear Neighbors,
The March 17th Primary Election is now less than a month away! Early voting is open downtown at the 137 S State supersite and the Board of Elections offices at 69 W Washington, 6th Floor. Early voting in all 50 wards begins March 2nd, and this year our 44th Ward site is moving from Merlo Library to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (814 W Nelson) to accommodate more voting machines and help prevent long lines. Same Day Registration is available at all early voting sites. Be sure to visit the Chicago Board of Elections website for ID requirements, site schedules, and Vote By Mail information—applications are due March 12th at 5:00pm. Click here to check your registration or view a sample ballot.
This past week, it was heartwarming to see members of East Lake View Neighbors come together to award their first round of community grants to several deserving local organizations. This year’s recipients include Horace Greeley Elementary School ($2,500), AIDS Garden Chicago ($2,500), Nettelhorst School ($2,000), Space Park on Roscoe ($2,000), and the Sheridan Triangle Garden ($500). This was a wonderful example of neighbors investing directly in the schools, green spaces, and community institutions that make Lakeview special.
 
In public safety news, there has been a recent series of vehicle break-ins primarily across several streets in central and west Lakeview. As we noted in our January 30th newsletter, this is part of a broader citywide pattern in which Honda Civics and Accords are being specifically targeted for theft of their airbags, which are then resold on the black market. We are actively coordinating with the 19th District of the Chicago Police Department regarding these incidents. If you were a victim, please file a police report at the 19th District station at 850 W Addison. If you have doorbell or security camera footage, please also contact CPD or share with our office so we can provide it to the detectives working these cases. You can read the full community alert from CPD here and their guide to reduce the risk of vehicle thefts and break-ins here.
We recently partnered with Congressman Mike Quigley to secure $500,000 in federal Community Project Funding for much-needed upgrades at the Belmont CTA station. These improvements will support elevator and escalator system updates, awning renovations, and security door enhancements, while also addressing ongoing water intrusion and pigeon sanitation issues that impact the station experience. This investment will help ensure Belmont remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for the thousands of riders who rely on it every day. You can learn more about this and other projects funded across the district on Representative Quigley’s website here as part of this year’s federal Community Project Funding awards.
The hotel project at 3257 N Halsted—approved last year—has undergone an aesthetic redesign, and the operators are excited to unveil its updated look, which you can see below. While the renderings highlight the refreshed facade and rooftop, and more open first floor design, they don’t show one unique feature. The building’s three glass columns will now be capable of being backlit in various rainbow colors, adding a dynamic architectural element to the corridor. Read more about the project on our website here.
Last September, my Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance legalized basement, attic, and coach house units citywide in multi-unit residential zones and in business/commercial corridors. It also created an opt-in program for wards to allow these units in single family home zones, which I have been working to expand ward-by-ward in the months since. Last week in City Council, I unanimously passed an additional amendment to our ADU ordinance to bring four more wards into this program. With this latest expansion, this brings us to 30 of 50 wards where ADUs will now be permitted in single-family-home zones—and in all 50 wards in multi-unit and business/commercial districts—expanding housing options across the city beginning April 1st.
A reminder to please share your feedback on two proposals from the Chicago Cubs to add two new signs on their properties near Wrigley Field, and to expand parking at the Camry Lot following their acquisition of the former House of the Good Shepherd property. You can read more about the signage proposal here and Camry Lot proposal here on our website. We welcome your thoughts and encourage neighbors to comment.
As we approach spring, now is the time to start planning any block parties you’d like to host this year. Whether it's a long-standing annual block party or you're hoping to start a new tradition on your block, we’re glad to help make it happen. Please be sure to review and complete our 2026 Block Party Packet and follow the steps outlined on our website here, including submitting your application at least 30 days in advance. We look forward to another great season of neighbors coming together across the 44th Ward!
Local schools are encouraged to take advantage of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s SAFE Ambassadors program, which offers free walking and biking safety presentations for students. These engaging sessions are available for 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 10th graders, as well as parents, and help schools meet the requirements of the Bike Walk Education in Schools Act. With in-person, virtual, and hybrid options available, the program helps students travel safely and confidently to and from school. Schools can submit a request here to secure a visit this year.
In truly inspiring neighborhood news, we saw an incredible example of neighbors stepping up for one another at Belmont Harbor this week. After a sudden gust of wind blew a child’s stroller into the lake near Belmont Harbor, bystanders sprang into action. Lio Cundiff jumped into the freezing water to reach the child, while Luis Kapost and others worked together from shore—tossing a jacket and life ring and calling 911 to help bring them safely back. Thanks to their courage and selflessness, the child is safe. You can read more about this story in the Sun-Times here.
Ramadan began earlier this week, marking a sacred month of reflection, fasting, prayer, and community for our Muslim neighbors. For those observing, you can find a daily prayer schedule and Ramadan calendar through Masjid Abu Bakr at 1017 N Kenmore here. Ramadan Mubarak to all who are celebrating this meaningful and spiritual time.
Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, March 2nd for Pulaski Day.
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Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson
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LAKEVIEW DOG PARK - DONATION PAGE
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PURE GREEN FUNDRAISER FOR NETTELHORST - TODAY
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ST ANDREW FISH FRY - TONIGHT
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ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL ADOPTION EVENT - FEB 21st
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ANNUAL WRIGLEY FIELD COMMUNITY MEETING - FEB 24th
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PEOPLE'S GAS WEBINAR - FEB 25th
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GREEN HOMES ENERGY UPGRADES PROGRAM - CLOSES FEB 27th
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GIRL SCOUT COOKIES SALE - FEB 28th
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S NIGHT OUT IN LAKEVIEW - MAR 2nd
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INTER AMERICAN 50th ANNIVERSARY GALA - MAR 7th
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ART INSTITUTE FREE ADMISSION - WEEKDAYS THRU FEB 27th
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MERLO LIBRARY - FEBRUARY PROGRAMS, ALL AGES
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- Baby Time - Thursdays 1/8-2/26, 10:30am & 11:30am (6-23 months)
- Lego Club - Tuesdays 1/6-2/24, 3:30-4:30pm (4-13 years)
- Monthly Book Club - 2/21, 3:00pm
- Painting - 2/24, 11:00am
- Click for all program details
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LAKEVIEW EAST DIVE BAR CLASSIC - THRU MAR 1st
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ST ANDREW EARLY LEARNERS PROGRAM - THRU MAR 13th
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FREE VIRTUAL LEGAL SEMINARS (NEXT ON MAR 18th)
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OLMCA PLAYGROUP - NOW THRU APR 24th
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To submit a small business for our weekly shoutout, please complete the form here.
City Webinar: How to Apply for a Business License | 2/25 3:00pm-4:30pm
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PUBLIC SAFETY & 19th DISTRICT WEEKLY REPORT:
February 9th - February 15th
Local Public Safety Statistics:
My office is in regular contact with the 19th Police District about crimes that have occurred recently in our area and that are reflected in the statistics below. The majority of 19th District crimes have occurred outside of our ward. The 19th District also includes the surrounding neighborhoods of Uptown, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Bricktown, Ravenswood, and Lincoln Square.
Please view our website's public safety page here for both proactive measures to stay safe before crimes occur, and also how to respond in the event of a crime.
In order to stay safe, please find the most relevant key safety tips below, and the full list of CPD's safety tips here:
-General
-Personal
-Robbery-specific
-Vehicle-specific
Below you'll find Week 7's CompStat breakdown of crime in the 19th District.
Please note, these statistics are a reflection of the entire 19th District. The boundaries are from Lawrence Ave to Fullerton Ave, from the Chicago River to the Lake.
Here are the key points:
- Year to Date, Robberies are up 8%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 are up 100%
- Year to Date, Aggravated Battery is down 11%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 is flat
- Year to Date, Burglaries are down 62%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 they're down 70%
- Year to Date, Thefts are down 22%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 they're down 18%
- Year to Date, Motor Vehicle Thefts are down 4%, and compared to the same 28-day time period in 2025 they're down 26%
For a list of crime definitions, please see CPD's website here.
See full report below:
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19th POLICE DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING - FEB 23rd
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MENTAL HEALTH RESPONSE RESOURCES
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SCOOTER REPORTING
Please click here to submit a scooter removal request and here for Divvy bike removal. We appreciate your assistance in helping keep our neighborhood clean. By contract, shared bike and scooter companies must remove their property within two hours of a 311 removal request.
Please contact our office directly if you see illegal/dangerous activities on green Lime scooters (riding on the sidewalk, two people sharing one scooter, etc). We are able to work with Lime to potentially administer fines, suspensions, or bans if you can include a photo/video of the behavior, and a time and location.
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See below for ongoing construction and infrastructure projects in our neighborhood and on our website here!
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REPORTING POTHOLES
Please report any potholes you see by entering in all requests through the 311.Chicago.Gov website for those in the street or alley. If possible, be sure to upload images as well so crews are able to identify the exact location.
For more severe potholes that may need immediate attention, please reach out to my ward office either by email (ward44@cityofchicago.org) and include the location and images of the pothole or by calling the office at (773-525-6034).
If your vehicle was damaged due to a pothole, you may be entitled to a financial claim here.
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400-527 W BRIAR TRAFFIC CLOSURE 2/24 FOR CRANE
400-527 W Briar - Westbound traffic closed between Sheridan and Cambridge on Tuesday, February 24th between 9am-4pm for a crane lift.
This project will occur on Wednesday if weather prevents it on Tuesday. No parking will be enforced during 9am-4pm on both sides. See a notice here and map here.
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TIPS FROM TOMMY K - FEBRUARY
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GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Recycling pick-ups for the 44th Ward are occurring the week of March 2nd. You can find your full garbage and recycling pickup schedule here.
Please note that pickups will be a day behind due to the Pulaski Day holiday on Monday, March 2nd.
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TREE TRIMMING
Area Grid Tree Trimming – Wednesday, February 25th
Weather and staff permitting, the Bureau of Forestry will be conducting tree trimming in the 44th Ward. The below grid and addresses will have their parkway trees trimmed:
2900, 3000 & 3100 N Seminary
2918 N Mildred
1100 W Oakdale
1300 & 1500 W Henderson
3400 & 3500 N Lakewood
1200 W Addison
3200 & 3300 N Greenview
Please be alert of no parking signs posted on the above blocks as the equipment will occupy the public way.
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See below for a list of job fairs, networking events, and more!
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THE CITY IS HIRING
Looking for a job? Try working for the City! Click here to see the full list of job openings currently seeking applicants.
Local government employment opportunities:
- City
- City of Chicago
- Chicago Public Schools
- Chicago Transit Authority
- Park District
- County
- All - Cook County
- Cook County State's Attorney
- Cook County Sheriff's Office
- State/Other
- State of Illinois
- Secretary of State of Illinois
- PACE bus system
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44th WARD 2026 COMMUNITY MEETINGS
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