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48th WARD NEWS: APRIL 29, 2026
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SUPPORTING OUR SMALL BUSINESSES
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Thriving small businesses are essential to a healthy and sustainable 48th ward. Since serving as your Alderwoman, Leni has made $12,319,314 available for 48th ward small businesses through the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF). She has personally visited hundreds of 48th ward businesses on her Door to Door Business Tour to promote this funding opportunity and encourage business owners to apply.
Since 2023, twenty-eight different businesses from across the 48th ward have been awarded SBIF funding including Soundoff, Honeymoon Cafe, Sun Wah BBQ, Raven Theatre, Blowfish, Immm, Diana’s Daycare, Herb, Mella Cafe, Little Corner Snack Shop, Edgewater Candles, Phlour, Edgewater Playhouse, Rakkan Ramen, Exposition Flooring, Andy’s Antiques, Chicago Lunchbox, World Music Foundation, Lau Medical, Loaves & Witches, and more. We recently interviewed the owners of Mella Cafe and Jenny’s Tofu to learn more about what the Small Business Improvement Fund means to them and their businesses. Watch the videos here and here.
As a small business owner herself, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth understands intimately the challenges that our small business owners face. She has run a small business in Edgewater since 2003, and served on numerous Chamber of Commerce committees as a champion for small business. In 2022, Leni was awarded the Kurt Mathiasson Award for community service from the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and Alderman Harry Osterman.
On Friday, May 1st, the SBIF application opens for the properties and businesses within the Bryn Mawr and Broadway TIF district. We encourage small businesses interested in SBIF to join us at Fried Egg Cafe on May 6th for a Lunch and Learn hosted by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. Register here for the event.
In addition to SBIF, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth has been a champion of the Community Development Grant, a funding opportunity open to business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers, and entrepreneurs. Recent 48th ward Community Development Grant awardees include Redtwist Theatre, Great Lake, Qideas, Rivers and Roads Cafe, 88 Plates LLC, Hooked on Fish, and the Swedish American Museum. Applications for this grant are open now through August 14th. Join us for a virtual info session on May 13th at 10am to learn more.
This work wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our three Chambers of Commerce: Uptown Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, and Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to the hard-working teams at each chamber who work tirelessly to support our small businesses everyday. Want to get involved? Support our 48th Ward small business community by shopping local!
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Small Business Lunch & Learn: SBIF Financing
- When: Wednesday, May 6 from 12:30-2pm
- Where: Fried Egg Cafe (1039 W Bryn Mawr)
- Register online.
Join our office and the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce for an informational session about the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF). During this session, attendees will learn about SBIF and discuss financing opportunities.
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This week, Leni joined GoodKidsMadCity and other activists at the signing of the Peace Book Ordinance. This ordinance establishes a year-round youth peacekeeping program here in Chicago. The idea for this ordinance was first developed by the youth-led group GoodKidsMadCity in 2019 as an antithesis to Chicago's "gang book."
Before taking office as your Alderwoman, Leni was a community organizer, and her local organization met with GoodKidsMadCity and endorsed this ordinance in 2020. Since taking office, passing the Peace Book Ordinance has remained a top priority and part of our Safe 48 Health & Safety Plan. This week, we celebrate this major milestone in our city’s public safety work, and congratulate the youth activists at GoodKidsMadCity who had the vision, audacity, and grit to make our city safer for all residents.
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Elise Malary Plaza Update
A construction contract has been awarded for Elise Malary Plaza! Elise Malary Plaza is a brand-new pedestrian plaza set to replace Catalpa Street between Clark and Ashland. Construction is estimated to begin this summer and CDOT will be holding weekly construction meetings open to the public. Dates for these meetings are currently being finalized. Stay tuned to our newsletter to receive updates about this exciting beautification project!
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Ashland Resurfacing Update
Last year, CDOT began an arterial resurfacing project on Ashland including pedestrian safety measures, a new traffic signal, street resurfacing, and more. Please review the following updates:
- Traffic signal at Ashland & Berwyn: COMPLETE
- Landscaping between Peterson and Foster: ONGOING
- Sewer work and saw cutting between Foster and Montrose: ONGOING
- Curb and gutter work at Winnemac and Carmen: ONGOING
We’re thrilled to see this project completed in advance of the completion of Elise Malary Plaza. While this project includes no full road closures, single lane closures are expected as needed; please plan your commute accordingly.
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48th Ward alleys before and after resurfacing
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Alley Resurfacing
The following alley resurfacing projects are expected to take place this month. Dates are estimates and subject to change. During the Participatory Budgeting, 48th ward neighbors voted to allocate $200,000 annually to general repairs. Our team has identified the worst alleys in the 48th ward and is allocating this funding towards alley resurfacing.
Alley resurfacing is minimally invasive. It’s a rolling process for both milling and paving. Grinding takes half a day and paving takes a full day. During alley resurfacing, the crews are not in front of any one garage for more than 20 minutes. The crews will move garbage cans as needed.
May 4
- McCutcheon Terrace/ Margate Terrace/ Ainslie/ Marine
- Marine/Sheridan/Winona/Foster
- Winona/Argyle/Kenmore/Sheridan
- Winona/Argyle/Winthrop/Kenmore
May 5
- Broadway/Magnolia/Thorndale/Elmdale
- Highland/Greenview/Clark/Rosemont
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Glenwood between Hood and Glenlake during and after resurfacing
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Street Resurfacing
The following street resurfacing projects are projected to take place this month. Dates are estimates and subject to change. Look for posted “No Parking” signs.
- May 4 - Balmoral from Wayne to Lakewood
- May 5 - Ardmore from Sheridan to Winthrop
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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POSTPONED: 5602 N Winthrop Development Community Meeting
The community meeting scheduled for April 29 is postponed. Stay tuned to the newsletter for further updates. We will reschedule the meeting as soon as possible.
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Emanuel / Fern Hill Proposed Development: Congregation Progress Update Meeting
- When: Thursday, April 30 at 6:30pm
- Where: Emanuel Congregation (5959 N Sheridan) & Zoom
- Register online.
Emanuel Congregation will be hosting a meeting for their congregation members regarding progress on revisions to proposed development plans for 5959 N Sheridan. The meeting is in person for congregation members only. For transparency, members of the public are welcome to observe the meeting virtually via Zoom. A recording of the meeting will be made available upon request.
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SAVE THE DATE: DWM Community Meeting
- When: Tuesday, May 12 at 6pm
- Where: Edgewater Beach Apartments - Pool Terrace (5555 N Sheridan)
- Register online.
The Department of Water Management is expected to replace water mains at Sheridan & Bryn Mawr this year. Join us on May 12th at 6pm to hear from the DWM Staff about the project details and traffic plan. The project will take place on Sheridan (Bryn Mawr to Foster) and Bryn Mawr (Sheridan to Kenmore) and is expected to start this summer.
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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Loyola University Move-Out Parking Restrictions
As the spring semester draws to a close, Loyola University Chicago is preparing for a total of 5,000 students to move out! They recently sent a courtesy email to alert the neighborhood of related upcoming parking restrictions:
Dates: Wednesday, April 29 - Monday, May 4
Time: 8am - 6pm
Restricted Parking:
- 1000-1150 W Loyola Avenue from Sheridan to the lake (note: restricted from 8am - 8pm)
- 1201-1220 W Northshore from Sheridan to the alley
- 6200-6259 N Kenmore from Rosemont to Granville
- 6200-6359 N Winthrop from Granville to Sheridan
Be conscious of "No Parking" signs provided by the City in these areas to avoid towing.
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Flooding Prevention & Spring Storm Reminders
April showers are officially here! Visit our blog to learn about overflow action days, flooding prevention, and 311 reporting for water on street and emergency trees.
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Ward Night Update
Thanks to everyone who came out to our April 21 Ward Night. Please note that our first May Ward Night, previously scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, has been cancelled. Register here for our May 19 Ward Night meeting.
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Chicago Seniors Connected Spring Brochure
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Senior Services Division provides social services and support programs to adults 60 years of age and older. They serve a diverse population of older adults including those that are vulnerable, homebound, active, and fit. See the Spring 2026 edition of the DFSS Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure here to learn about upcoming virtual and in-person programming.
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Free Brookfield Zoo Passes Available at Ward Office
Drop by the ward office at 1129 W Bryn Mawr anytime we're open to pick up a pass for the Brookfield Zoo, courtesy of Cook County Commissioner Gainer's office. Tickets for free entry and free parking will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis while supplies last.
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Tree Trimming Reminders
The City’s Bureau of Forestry (BoF) follows a grid-based tree trimming system to ensure efficient and equitable maintenance of Chicago’s urban tree canopy. Crews trim all trees within a 16-block area on a designated day. Once trimmed, trees should not require additional maintenance for at least five years. View our blog here to see which portion of the grid is currently being trimmed.
For immediate hazards (e.g., a tree blocking a street, sidewalk, or impacting property), call 311 or contact our office. If your tree trim is an emergency, send us photos, and we will escalate the request to BoF.
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Senn Arts Production of Urinetown the Musical
- When: May 6 and 7 at 5:30pm & May 8 at 3:30pm
- Where: Senn High School (5900 N Glenwood)
- Purchase tickets at door
Senn High School students invite you to their spring production of the Tony Award Winning Urinetown: The Musical; partnered with After School Matters. This production is about “a dystopian future suffering from a severe water shortage, a hero leads a ragtag revolution against a corrupt corporation that forces citizens to pay for the privilege to pee”. Senn actors, directors, and stage crew have worked incredibly hard on making this production a masterpiece and would be so hap-pee if you could come!
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CSBG Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible Chicago residents pursuing higher education. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and may be applied toward tuition and institutional fees for the Fall 2026 semester/quarter. In 2026 the city is investing in the whole student by providing additional resources such as financial education and personal development. Learn more and apply online by May 6.
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Request Bike Parking Through CDOT
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) installs bike racks annually. Please use this form to request new racks, report damaged racks, or report abandoned bikes.
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CCPSA Special Meeting: Victim Services
- When: Thursday, April 30 a 6:30pm
- Where: DePaul College Prep (3300 N Campbell)
- Register to attend virtually.
Join the CCPSA to discuss the current landscape of victim services across the city, including existing programs and resources, where gaps or barriers persist, and how government agencies and community organizations can better work together to support those impacted by violence. Attendees will hear directly from practitioners, advocates, and leaders in the field, and gain a clearer understanding of how Chicago can strengthen a more coordinated, victim-centered approach to public safety.
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Screens & Ed Tech Town Hall
- When: Tuesday, May 5 from 6-7:30pm
- Where: Greeley Elementary (832 W Sheridan)
- Register online.
You’re invited to attend Board Member Karen Zaccor's Town Hall, Screens & Ed Tech PreK-8. The purpose of this event is to provide a platform for parents of young children to learn from experts about the developmental impacts of screen time, facilitate a feedback loop between families and the district, and empower parents with actionable next steps for school-level advocacy. This event is open to the public. Karen Zaccor represents District 4A, which includes the 48th ward east of Broadway and south of Balmoral, and the east side of Sheridan road between Balmoral and Granville.
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Thresholds Mobile Crisis Response Team Expands Services in the 48th Ward and Across the City
Earlier this month, our office met with Matt Christensen, Assistant Program Director for Thresholds Mobile Crisis – North, to learn more about Thresholds’ expanded mobile crisis response services now available to residents in both of our ward's zip codes. Our office was proud to support funding for this expansion from both the City and the State, and we are grateful for the emergency mental health resources Thresholds provides to our community.
Thresholds’ Mobile Crisis Response Team offers support for people experiencing a mental health crisis and can serve as an alternative to hospitalization or police response in some situations. We encourage neighbors to learn more about these services and access emergency mental health resources here.
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24th District DUI Saturation Patrol Results
Earlier this month, the Chicago Police Department 24th District conducted a DUI Saturation Patrol. According to CPD, the purpose of a DUI Saturation Patrol is to "saturate a pre-designated area with roving police officers that continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place emphasis on speed, alcohol-related and safety belt violations." The results of the DUI Saturation Patrol are below:
- 0 Driving Under the Influence
- 0 Unsafe Vehicle Violations
- 0 Open Liquor
- 2 Insurance Violations
- 3 Seat Belt Violations
- 0 Child Seat Violations
- 1 Suspended/Revoked
- 2 No Driver's License
- 0 Driver's License Violations
- 3 Speed Violations
- 4 Distracted Driving Violations
- 10 Stop Sign Violations
- 25 Traffic Violations (Other)
- 50 Total Citations
- 0 Other Arrests
- 0 Vehicles Towed
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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We had a great turnout at our Love Our Lakefront Earth Day celebration with the Edgewater Environmental Coalition! This jam-packed event included a nature walk, a tree tour, beach stewardship volunteer opportunities, and a resource & craft fair. Thanks to all the incredible 48th Ward leaders and organizations who worked together to make it happen!
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Over the weekend, Leni joined the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) for their 4th annual Earth Day celebration at Buttercup Park. Despite the cold, plenty of neighbors came through to enjoy the music and check out the resource tables.
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Thank you to the neighbors at Judge Fisher, Selfhelp Home, Edgewater Beach Apartments, and Admiral at the Lake for the kind hospitality! At these fireside chats, we discussed construction, public safety, social service resources, and more! Click here to invite Leni to present at your building, block club meeting, or HOA meeting. We’ll see you soon at ETNA, Breakers, and Hollywood Towers!
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