Dear Neighbors,
Last week’s severe storms caused significant damage across Chicago, and recovery efforts are ongoing and will take time as crews work through the backlog and prioritize the most urgent safety hazards. I want to recognize our Ward Superintendent, John, who spent much of the week coordinating response efforts across the ward while helping ensure regular Streets and Sanitation operations continued running smoothly. For a deeper understanding of the backlog, the DSS commissioner told Aldermanic offices on Friday that they were dealing with over 10,000 tree related emergencies from the storms, more than the commissioner had ever seen.
Public Safety Update on Shooting on Belden
Last week, our community was shaken by a shooting near Lincoln and Belden. As the investigation continues with Area 3 Detectives, my office has remained in close contact with the Chicago Police Department and city departments. CPD has informed us that this was an isolated incident stemming from an altercation between a group of individuals who left a nearby establishment and later encountered one another on Belden Avenue.
Our office has consistently advocated to CPD, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) related to concerns about noise, cleanliness, and late-night activity at several establishments on this stretch of Lincoln. With the safety of 43rd Ward residents as our first priority, we are actively urging City departments to work with us on additional tools that will help ensure nothing like this happens again. Later this month, I will join the 18th District Police Council at its monthly meeting to discuss safety efforts in the ward.
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State Funding Secured for 43rd Ward Public Safety & Public School Infrastructure
I am thrilled to share that Representative Croke and Senator Feigenholtz have announced $850,000 in investments in the 43rd Ward. Our State officials secured significant state investments to enhance public safety and support local public schools through the latest round of state capital funding.
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$100,000 to support Police Observation Device (POD) cameras, helping strengthen public safety infrastructure and provide additional tools for crime prevention and investigations.
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$250,000 for capital improvements and infrastructure upgrades at LaSalle Elementary Language Academy, including improvements to the school's turf field.
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$500,000 for capital improvements at Lincoln Park High School, supporting improvements to the school's auditorium and other facility needs.
All year we communicate with our state and county partners on public needs in the ward, and I am grateful to have such steadfast partners.
Division Street Underpass Flooding
Our office has been working with CDOT to address persistent flooding in the Division Street Underpass. CDOT has determined that new pumps are needed and is currently securing the equipment and installation required. At the same time, we are continuing broader efforts to make underpasses across the ward cleaner, safer, and more welcoming public spaces.
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Crews cleaning sewer lines and installing new pumps this week
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Remembering Riley O'Neil and Recommitting to Safer Streets
Last week, Chicago lost a dedicated public servant when CDOT employee Riley O'Neil tragically passed away following a bicycle crash. As a planner on CDOT’s Complete Streets team, Riley devoted his career to making our city safer and more accessible for people who walk, bike, and take transit. This loss is felt especially in the 43rd Ward community as Riley earned his master's from DePaul University before dedicating his talents to serving all Chicagoans through city service. As we mourn Riley's passing, we must also honor the mission that guided his work. One of the most meaningful ways we can do that is by recommitting ourselves to Chicago's Vision Zero goals and the belief that traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable, not inevitable. My thoughts are with Riley's family, friends, and colleagues at CDOT.
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Alderperson Timmy Knudsen
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P.S. In observance of Juneteenth, our office will be closed on Friday, June 19. We will also not hold Saturday Office Hours on Saturday, June 20. Our team will return to the office and resume normal operations on Monday, June 22 at 9:00 a.m. As we commemorate Juneteenth, we encourage residents to take time to reflect on the significance of this important holiday and celebrate the enduring contributions of Black Americans to our city and country.
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Community Meeting Regarding ComEd's Substation Proposal
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Modernizing The 43rd Ward Office
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This month, our office was proud to be highlighted nationally in a new Indigov and Granicus case study recognizing the 43rd Ward as a model for tech-forward constituent services and responsive local government. The report highlights how our office integrates Chicago’s 311 system directly into our internal workflow, allowing us to respond faster, track issues more efficiently, and proactively communicate with residents at scale. I’m incredibly proud of our small but mighty team for continuing to help set a new standard for modern local government as we believe local government should be as responsive, transparent, and modern as the people it serves. I encourage you to check out the full report here.
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ADU Ordinance Now in Effect
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As of April 1, the City’s ordinance to legalize Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), led by Alderman Bennett Lawson and supported by my office, is officially in effect. In just the first two days, the City received 88 applications, an encouraging early sign that residents are ready to take advantage of this long-awaited change. Expanding access to ADUs is an important step toward addressing Chicago’s housing shortage and creating more flexible, affordable living options in our neighborhoods.
If you have ever considered adding an ADU, whether to create additional income or keep family members close, now is a great time to explore your options. You can enter basic information about your property to see how many units you may be eligible for and learn how to get started. The site also includes an interactive map that allows you to look up eligibility by address. I was proud to support this effort, and I encourage you to learn more, share this opportunity with neighbors, and explore how this program can help expand housing options across our city.
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The Recycle Coach app is a simple, all-in-one tool to help you manage trash, recycling, and waste services in your neighborhood. It helps residents stay organized, recycle correctly, and keep up with local services. With Recycle Coach, you can:
- Get personalized trash and recycling pickup reminders
- Look up how to properly dispose of items with the “What Goes Where” tool
- Find drop-off locations for hard-to-recycle materials
- Stay updated on service changes and holiday schedules
- Learn about local recycling events and programs
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Crime, and safety remain top of mind for our community. Each week, the 18th and 19th District post Compstat numbers that reflect changes in indexes for key crimes. As a reminder, these statistics represent 100% of the 18th & 19th Police Districts; accordingly, they represent an area much larger than our ward.
For 18th District (south of Fullerton) Week 23 Compstat.
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Week 23 Compstat.
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We work closely with the 43rd Ward’s local CAPS districts, which include the 18th (Near North) and 19th (Town Hall) Police Districts. Our office is in frequent contact with officers from both of these districts and their local CAPS officers, who host a variety of community forums and events including beat meetings, informational settings, and expert panel discussions, as well as sending out community alerts when a pattern of crime is detected.
Beat Meetings are part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy and an excellent way to hear directly from CPD about your neighborhood. Meetings are held in the evenings every two months. Click here and find out your Police District and Beat number, and click here for a larger and printable version of the graphic.
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Summer safety strategies along our beach front are in full swing and I remain in constant communication with our 18th and 19th Chicago Police District (CPD) commanders advocating for heightened safety measures. As many more neighbors and Chicagoans take to the beaches to enjoy the warmer weather, CPD has confirmed the following actions:
Thank you to our police officers and our ward’s CPD leadership for keeping our beaches and lakefront safe. Through strong communication, partnership, and the above actions, the 43rd Ward will continue to be a welcoming and safe place to enjoy the summer season. Also, every summer I like to refamiliarize myself with CPD’s summer safety tips which are a great way to keep you and others in our community safe. To read the full list, click here.
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Ald. Knudsen Urges Johnson & CDOT to Prioritize Bridge Closures and Offer Alternative Traffic Congestion Plans
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"The ongoing closure of river bridges (especially the Cortland Bridge) has created major traffic strain and frustration for residents and businesses alike. Alongside seven other aldermen, I sent a letter to Mayor Johnson urging his administration and CDOT to prioritize this bridge issue. My office will continue pushing for clearer communication, smarter coordination, and the fastest safe timeline possible to get these bridges reopened." -Ald. Timmy Knudsen
Alderman Knudsen supported a proposal from 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins requiring the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to present a detailed traffic plan before closing any bridge for more than 30 days. The plan must outline how congestion will be reduced — including detours, parking adjustments, and other mitigation strategies. Our office also received a letter back from CDOT, outlining steps they are taking to help reduce traffic congestion and delays for 43rd Ward residents. You can read it here.
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Interactive Ward 43 Parking Zone Map
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Our office has created a parking zone map to help residents better understand where residential parking zones are located throughout the ward. For several streets, a Residential Parking Permit may not be required. Some areas may instead be free parking, pay-to-park, school zones, or tow and loading zones that restrict parking during certain hours.
While the map can be helpful for general reference, posted signage is always the most reliable indicator of parking rules. We encourage residents and visitors to carefully check street signs when parking to confirm the applicable restrictions.
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Tree planting season is upon us, which means your block or home may get a new tree planted in your parkway, or plant on yourself. The Urban Forestry Advisory Board Education Working Group created a helpful guide with care tips for new trees. If you get a new city tree and have questions, please reach out to the 43rd Ward Office.
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Annual Summer Roll
Lincoln Common - 2345 N Lincoln Ave
Thursday, June 18th
5:00 - 8:00pm
Enjoy Live Tunes by The DJ Firm, Wines by the glass from Verve Wine, Lemonade + Sweet Tea sampling from Raising Cane's Juice + Food sampling from Pure Green
Caricature Artists, Roller skates are provided at no cost. Summer Roll is free and open to the public. Food and drinks are for purchase.
Event is weather permitting. *Roller skates will be provided at no cost. Event is free and open to the public.
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Sunday mornings, 11am-1pm
6/14, 7/12, 8/2 & 8/23
Meet Jennie in the LPHS parking lot
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📅 Sunday, June 21
🕞 3:30 – 5:00 PM
📍 Ella Jenkins Park
This annual event honors the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year — and brings communities across Chicago together through the joy and magic of live music.
This year’s entertainment will feature The Fifth Star Band, including several musicians who grew up right here in our neighborhood. Their sound is a modern take on classic American rock, blending funky old-school grooves with dance-worthy energy.
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On June 26th, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce hosts Cravings on Clark, a neighborhood food crawl featuring samples, specials, and experiences from dozens of local restaurants and businesses. Participants can explore Lincoln Park's vibrant dining scene while supporting small businesses that help make our neighborhood one of Chicago's premier destinations. Learn more & purchase tickets here.
Use the promotional code SUMMER10 to receive $5 off tickets!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Have questions about street work happening in your area? The Department of Transportation has a wonderful tool to look up street work in your area called the Chi Street Work Portal. Here you can input an address and see all surrounding permits for projects on that street. The map is also interactive, allowing residents to view the real permits, view projects in other areas of the City, and see which type of work is being done on your street.
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Parking Enforcement via 311
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The Department of Finance (DOF) announced that City residents now have the option of reporting the following parking enforcement violations: Bus Lane Parking, Commercial Loading Zone, Commercial Vehicle Parked on a Residential Street, Disabled Parking, Fire Hydrant Parking, Residential Parking, Rush Hour Zones, School Safety Zones, Vehicle Parked in Bike Lane, Other (Semi-trucks parked on streets, etc.) Neighbors can report parking violations by calling 311, using the CHI311 app, or through the 311 website. The request type is “Finance Parking Code Enforcement Review.”
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E-Scooters and E-Bikes Policy Updates
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Please click here for updated guidance and rules from CDOT on Scooter and E-Bike rides.
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I want to keep spreading the good word of how powerful a tool CHI 311 is to address non-emergency services in our Ward. Via the CHI 311 website and mobile app, you can:
- Create new service requests and check the status of existing requests (such as on timing and completion).
- Snap a photo of an issue to submit it with a request to improve location accuracy.
- Get local and relevant information/tips regarding the 43rd Ward including visibility into what other requests are being made in your neighborhood. The free CHI 311 mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and may be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
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