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Reminder: 45th Ward News and Community Updates

Relevance: 2/10

Summary

Alderman Jim Gardiner’s Ward 45 newsletter focuses on Earth Day outreach in the community and urging residents to file 311 service requests for basement flooding so the city can target sewer infrastructure improvements. It also highlights that registration for Chicago Park District summer programs will open next week and provides Ward 45 resources, including contact info for infrastructure assistance and links to the city’s project/permit map. Other major items include calls to take part in CPS’s capital planning survey for the FY27 capital plan, a schedule of Beat Meetings for Ward 45, and general city/business resources such as Community Development Grants and BACP small-business webinars.

Email from Alderman Jim Gardiner

MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER

The 45th Ward would like to express our appreciation to Wayne Schimpff, a long-time resident of Edgebrook since 1941, who selflessly volunteered his expertise on Earth Day to share creative ideas on leveraging green space to promote outdoor activities for the community.


As a distinguished alumnus of Hitch Elementary School (1955) and Taft High School (1959), Wayne was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his remarkable 78 years of service to Boy Scout Troop #957, sponsored by Edgebrook Lutheran Church.


Additionally, Wayne has been honored with a Gold Medal Conservation Award for his unwavering commitment to providing conservation activities to the youth of America and worldwide over the past 20 years.

Proudly Serving,

Alderman Jim Gardiner

TOP STORIES

EARTH DAY IN THE 45TH WARD

If you experience water in your basement during storms, please file a service request with 311 Chicago.


These reports allow the Chicago Department of Water Management to inspect sewer infrastructure and help the City track flooding locations. This data is important for prioritizing improvements and may support assistance through (FEMA)

Federal Emergency Management Agency if a disaster is declared.

Happy Birthday to Wrigley Field, the second-oldest baseball stadium in MLB.

Chicago Park District summer program registration to open next week


FULL STORY HERE

Lawmakers sweeten pot to keep Bears in Illinois, with stadium bill linked to statewide property tax relief


FULL STORY HERE

Former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley suffers stroke, family says


FULL STORY HERE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Located in the heart of Jefferson Park, Sunnyside Plants is more than just a houseplant and gift shop, it’s a welcoming neighborhood space where community and creativity grow side by side. Sunnyside Plants brings neighbors together through a shared love of greenery, offering one of the city’s largest selections of high-quality houseplants, planters, and accessories. Beyond its thoughtfully curated collection of plants and gifts, including locally made greeting cards, candles, and jewelry, the shop is rooted in connection. The knowledgeable, plant-loving team is always ready to offer personalized care tips and recommendations, helping both new and experienced plant owners feel confident and inspired. Services like pot drilling, repotting, large plant delivery, and in-home consultations make it easier for residents to create thriving indoor gardens that reflect their unique spaces and lifestyles. Stop in to find the perfect plant, pick up a meaningful gift, or simply chat with fellow plant enthusiasts, Sunnyside Plants continues to grow as a vibrant part of the Jefferson Park community.


4800 N. Milwaukee Ave.

(773) 336-2558   

Home | Sunnyside Plants


Proudly owned and operated by the Habetler family, Habetler Bowl has been a part of the Jefferson Park community for over 50 years.


Their facility features an award-winning lounge, snack bar, 32 synthetic lanes, state-of-the-art Qubica automatic scoring, and automated bumpers throughout, making it a fun destination for bowlers of all ages and skill levels.


At Habetler Bowl, league bowling is a great way to improve your game while enjoying time with friends and neighbors. They also offer year-round tournaments for families, individuals, and mixed competition, all designed to be both fun and competitive.


Looking for a place to celebrate? Bowling parties are a fun and affordable way to mark any special occasion.


5250 Northwest Hwy 

773-774-0500

www.Habetlerbowl.com


CHICAGO POLITICS

CPS parents threaten legal action as confusion abounds over May Day plans


FULL STORY HERE

CPS to restore special education services for Catholic school students after backlash

FULL STORY HERE

Ex-Mayor Lori Lightfoot's chief operating officer is at the center of City Hall intern, contracting scandal


FULL STORY HERE

A 69-hour workday? City of Chicago paid head-scratching legal bills.


FULL STORY HERE

Chicago alderman says police are 'handcuffed' from stopping teen takeovers under mayor


FULL STORY HERE

Chicago mayor warns of teen takeovers on city's

South Side


CLICK HERE FOR REEL

Chicago owed $8B in debt, city workers owe $9M


FULL STORY HERE

Chicago alders fail to override mayor's veto on tipped wage ordinance


FULL STORY HERE

Chicago IG Witzburg's last report reveals city employees drinking on job, falsifying work hours


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Commuters report being robbed, attacked in separate incidents on CTA platforms on Chicago’s NW Side


FULL STORY HERE

New task force aggressively prosecuting CTA crimes with hopes to prevent future ones: O'Neill Burke


FULL STORY HERE

Ex-Chicago official’s emails accuse mayor’s staff of ‘lies’ and ‘hostile work environment’


FULL STORY HERE

Chicago Park District promises ‘reforms' to summer camp registration, addressing parent frustrations


FULL STORY HERE

THRIVING IN WARD 45

Residents of the 45th Ward who need assistance with infrastructure-related concerns are encouraged to contact our office at (773) 853-0799 or ward45@cityofchicago.org.


Click here to see how Alderman Gardiner is addressing

infrastructure concerns in the 45th Ward.

Curious about what's happening in the community?

Check out ChiStreetWork, the City of Chicago’s interactive map portal that provides up-to-date information on infrastructure projects and permits. It compiles data from city agencies and private utilities.

Just enter an address or intersection into the search bar to see a clickable map with detailed information about active projects in that area. From sewer work to resurfacing, you’ll get a clear picture of what’s going on and when.



CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS

CONTACT INFORMATION

Visit our 45th Ward Office

5460 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Tel: 773-853-0799

Office Hours: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri.-8:30-4:30PM,

Thurs. 9:30-4:30PM Email: ward45@cityofchicago.org

Click the link-www.aldermangardiner.com

Thank you for being part of the 45th Ward community. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and remain dedicated to providing exceptional constituent services.

Looking for a “SLOW DOWN” or “CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG” sign?

Stop by the 45th Ward Office to pick one up.

VETS IN 45

The Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission visits our office each month to assist veterans in our community. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support or has questions, please feel free to stop in.

MATURING RESIDENTS IN THE 45TH WARD

Chicago Seniors Connected


The City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Senior Services Division offers a wide range of programs and supports for residents age 60 and better, helping older adults stay healthy, active, and engaged.


The newest edition of the Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure is now available and includes virtual and in-person activities, as well as upcoming special events and meal opportunities taking place across the city.


👉 View the Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure

WARD 45 RESOURCES

The Express Permit Program is a web-based interface for homeowners, businesses, and other building owners/tenants (and the contractors that work with them) to obtain building permits needed to repair or replace existing features of a building or undertake specific small improvement projects, such as adding residential solar panels. The web interface allows permit applicants to check application status, pay fees, and view inspection results online 24/7.

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

The Department of Family and Support Services provides programs and support to older adults aged 60 and better. DFSS offers a range of programs and services throughout the year to keep older adults healthy, active, and engaged. 

Click here for additional information 


SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.


CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND REGISTER FOR UPCOMING BACP WEBINARS

The City of Chicago is now accepting applications for its Community Development Grants (CDG) program, which supports local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations with funding for projects that create jobs and strengthen our neighborhoods.


Small and Medium grant applications are open now, with a deadline of August 14, while Large grants are accepted on a rolling basis. Small grants can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, with awards up to $250,000.


Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar or review available resources before applying.



Click here for more information and to apply.

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free and optional program available to attendees of the free BACP business education webinar series. The program is designed to give entrepreneurs the essential information they need to start and grow a business in Chicago. The program’s curriculum covers essentials in business planning, financing, marketing, legal topics, technology, and more. Click here for additional information

Local Chambers of Commerce



Our neighborhood Chambers of Commerce support local businesses through advocacy, networking, marketing, and community events. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to connect and get involved.

Gladstone Park Chamber Of Commerce 6150 N. Milwaukee (773) 756-6206

Click here for additional information

Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 46311 (773) 545-9300

Click here for additional information

Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.5 (773) 736-6697

Click here for additional information

Polish American Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.1 (773) 205-1998 

Click here for additional information

Six Corners Chamber of Commerce 4054 N Milwaukee Ave (773) 685-4955 

Click here for additional information

Portage Park Chamber of Commerce 4946 W. Irving Park Rd. (773) 777-2020

Click here for additional information

WARD 45 SAFETY NEWS

Beat Meetings are a great opportunity to meet your local officers, learn about public safety in your area, and share concerns. We encourage residents to attend and stay involved.

2026 BEAT MEETING SCHEDULE

Beat 1621

Edgebrook Library

5331 W. Devon

May 6th

Beat 1622

Dunham Park

4638 N. Melvina

May 13th

Beat 1623

16th District Police Station

5151 N. Milwaukee

April 29th

Beat 1731

Kilbourn Park

3501 N. Kilbourn

May 7th

Beat 1624

Portage Park

4100 N. Long

May 27th

CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR BEAT

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Capital Planning Survey


Take the Survey


Please complete by April 30, 2026.


As part of our commitment to engaging families around the district’s budgeting process, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is seeking feedback as we prepare our FY27 Capital Plan by collecting your input to help the district understand what investments would have the most positive impact on CPS children. Your input is key to achieving the district’s commitment to community engagement and equity during the budgeting process.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Beaubien Elementary School

5025 N. Laramie Ave., (773) 534-3500

Click here for additional information


   Edgebrook Elementary School      

6525 N. Hiawatha Ave., (773) 534-1194

Click here for additional information


Edgebrook Early Learning Branch

6407 N. Minnehaha Ave., (773) 534-0720

Click here for additional information


Farnsworth Elementary School

5414 N. Linder Ave., (773) 534-3535

Click here for additional information


Hitch Elementary School

5625 N. McVicker Ave.,  (773) 534-1189

Click here for additional information


William J. Onahan School

6634 W. Raven St., (773) 534-1180

Click here for additional information


Prussing Elementary School

4650 N. Menard Ave., (773) 534-3460

Click here for additional information


Catalpa Early Childhood Center

5252 N. Long Ave., (773) 534-8380

Click here for additional information


St. Constance School

5841 W. Strong St., (773)-283-2311  

Click here for additional information


St. Elizabeth of the Trinity School

6040 W. Ardmore Ave., (773)-763-7080

Click here for additional information


St. John's Lutheran School

4939 W. Montrose Ave., (773) 736-1196

Click here for additional information


St. Roberts Bellarmine School

6036 W. Eastwood Ave., (773) 725-5133

Click here for additional information


St. Mary of the Woods

6955 N. Hiawatha Ave., (773)-763-4968

Click here for additional information


Wildwood Elementary School

    6950 N. Hiawatha Ave. (773) 534-1188

Click here for additional information

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS

Disney II Magnet School (7th-12th)

 3900 N Lawndale Ave., (773) 534-5010

Click here for additional information




Horizon Science Academy Belmont (7th-10th)

4434 N. Laramie Ave., (708) 667-0941

Click here for more information



Vaughn Occupational High School

4355 N. Linder (773)-534-3600

Click here for additional information

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

Supporting Our Neighbors in Need

New Hope Community Food Pantry

Address: 6125 W Foster

Phone:773-775-1215

Hours:Tuesday:

9:30- 11:30 AM


Joined Hands Food Pantry / Our Lady of Victory

Address: 5212 W Agatite

Phone: (312)972-1164 

Hours: Wednesday:

5:00 - 7:00 PM

jhfoodpantry@gmail.com

Harvest Christian Center Chicago Food Pantry

Address: 4020 N. Tripp Ave.

Phone:  773-685-4222

office@hccChicago.org

Hours:  Last Friday of the month:

1:30 -2:30 PM

Volunteer Opportunities

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering as a Gardiner Angel in the Ward office providing clerical assistance, research, communications assistance, etc. or would like to provide on the ground help cleaning up the ward, please reach out to us at ward45@cityofchicago.org