Chicago’s 50th Ward Newsletter

February 20, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Indian Boundary Park Virtual Meeting - Feb. 24

This is a reminder that you are invited to a virtual meeting to view the new plans for the updated Indian Boundary Playground! This will be our third public meeting to discuss this project and the agenda will focus on the design of the playground and the community feedback we have received so far.

Join us online on Tuesday, February 24, from 6–7 PM for the community discussion. Click here to participate.

As I announced previously, our community will soon build a brand new playground at Indian Boundary Park. We are looking to build a new structure that will delight local families for decades to come, and we want your input. I hope to see you all at this important meeting!

Beat 1711 Police CAPS Meeting

The 17th District Police will hold a CAPS meeting this week for Beat 1711, which encompasses Peterson Park in the 50th Ward. The meeting will be held at Mayfair Church, 5020 N. Pulaski Road, on Wednesday, February 25 at 6:30 PM.

This event is a great opportunity to meet the officers who patrol your community and discuss safety concerns directly with the police and your neighbors. For more information, please contact the 17th District CAPS Office at (312) 742-4588 or CAPS.017District@chicagopolice.org. Find all the upcoming local CAPS meetings at 50thward.org/police.

Request a Free Tree on Your Parkway

With spring on its way, I want to remind everyone that you can request a tree be planted in a public parkway, free of charge. Simply call my office or submit a Tree Planting Request online.

Planting trees improves air quality, prevents flooding, provides shade and cool air, and reduces pollution. The benefits of trees are numerous and of increasing importance in this age of climate change. More trees mean healthier communities and healthier lives.

Tree planting service requests are handled in the order in which they are received. Once your request is submitted, your planting site will be investigated by Forestry staff to confirm its suitability for a tree to grow. For the health of the trees, planting is typically only done in the spring and fall, with the exact timing of each season varying based on weather and ground temperatures.

Learn more about the benefits of planting trees and find answers to frequently asked questions at chicago.gov/OurRoots.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Debra L. Silverstein

Alderman, 50th Ward

Ramadan Mubarak

Black History Month

February is Black History Month. This important annual commemoration spotlights the often overlooked achievements and contributions of black Americans in every area of our society.

Click here to find local celebrations, and make sure to support your favorite black-owned businesses! Learn more about this important commemoration at www.blackhistorymonth.gov.

Primary Election Update

A Midterm Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, March 17. Voter registration for the election is currently open, and Vote By Mail applications are now being accepted.

There are a few important updates that residents should know as we get closer to Election Day:

Early Voting officially started downtown at the Board of Elections offices (69 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor) and the new supersite at 137 South State Street. On Monday, March 2, Early Voting will expand to all 50 Wards, including at the Northtown Library, 6800 N. Western Ave. Click here for complete Early Voting hours and details.

The Board of Elections has started mailing Vote By Mail ballots for those who registered. Please remember, in order to be counted, your vote by mail ballot must be postmarked by Election Day. The United States Postal Service will not guarantee that ballots will be postmarked the same day you mail them, so USPS now recommends voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before Election Day.

If you plan on returning your ballot by mail, make sure to put it in the mailbox no later than Tuesday, March 10. If you want to return your vote by mail ballot closer to Election Day, use one of the secure drop boxes in place at the Northtown Library and other Early Voting sites or go directly to the post office counter and request a manual postmark.

For more information about the upcoming election and how you can participate, visit chicagoelections.gov.

Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral Program

Applications for the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program for tax year 2025 are now available on the Cook County Treasurer’s Office website. The deferral program allows income-eligible property owners aged 65 or older to "borrow" money from the state to cover their property taxes. This program operates as a loan with a simple annual interest rate of 3%, providing financial relief to eligible seniors. Applications must be submitted before March 1.

The program allows deferring up to $7,500 annually in property taxes. If the bill is greater, the homeowner is responsible for paying the difference. Deferred taxes are paid when the property is sold, or upon the death of the participant.

Find more information about the program at the Cook County Treasurer’s website here. The Treasurer's Office has also created a video to explain the program.

Museum Free Days

Chicago has some of the world’s greatest museums. You can see the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found, moon rocks, dolphins and more – all without breaking the bank. Most of Chicago’s museums offer free days to Illinois residents, and now is the season when all the fun begins!

During this coming week, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, and more great museums all have free days! Click here for all the details.

Emergency Heating Repair Program

The Emergency Heating Repair Program is now open to new applicants. This program provides direct assistance to income-eligible Chicago homeowners to repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating system. Limited funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Enrollment will be accepted from November 1, 2025, through April 1, 2026, or until all funds have been exhausted. To apply, visit chicago.gov/ehrp, call 311, or use the CHI311 app.

The Emergency Heating Repair Program is open to Chicagoans who own and occupy a one-to-four unit residential building. Households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible to participate in the program.

If approved for the program, qualified contractors will perform the work at no cost to the homeowner, with funding provided through the Department of Housing. For more information, visit chicago.gov/ehrp. For any questions, call (312) 744-3653 or email DOH@cityofchicago.org.

Dance Classes at Indian Boundary

Join Khecari for movement classes at Indian Boundary Cultural Center (2500 W Lunt Ave) during the new session (January 6 - June 4). Classes include Contemporary Modern Dance, Somatics, and Creative Movement for Kids.

To learn more and register, visit khecari.org/ibcc-classes.

50th Ward Know Your Rights Portal

CACC Fee-Waived Adoptions

Find Veterans Assistance

Green Homes Chicago