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48th WARD NEWS: JUNE 12, 2026
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CONGRATULATIONS 48TH WARD GRADUATES!
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A big congratulations to all of our 2026 48th Ward graduates and their families! Wishing you nothing but the best as you embark on this new journey. You make us proud and are just getting started!
The City of Chicago is offering an abundance of opportunities for our young people this summer:
- Chicago Youth Works is providing nearly 30,000 internships to young people age 14 to 24. We will be hosting four interns in our office this summer!
- June 8 through the end of August 2026, Chicago teens ages 12-18 can access seven participating YMCA locations free of charge.
- Night Out in the Parks is coming back this year! The Park District is administering a brief Teens in the Park Survey to help plan future programs.
- Celebrate Summer Reading at Chicago Public Library from June 6 through August 2 with summer reading lists, events, and activities for all ages. Chicago students pre-K through grade 12 have access to resources at the Chicago Public Library using their student ID.
- Families can find more information on summer programs with CPS here and with the Chicago Park District here.
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth was honored to be the keynote speaker at Goudy Technology Academy! She encouraged the graduates to try new things, build their community, and make memories. Goudy was recently named a Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America; only one of four CPS schools to receive this honor. Congratulations to Principal Yeh, the incredible staff, and all of our Goudy students! We wish the graduates all the best on their journey to high school!
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE & SUSTAINABILITY
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In the 48th Ward, we believe that everyone has the right to live in a sustainable and healthy environment with access to green spaces and outdoor recreation. Sustainability isn’t just a one-off clean-up event or an occasional reminder about how to recycle. It has to be part of everything we do from development, to infrastructure, to health & safety and beyond. In 2024, we established a 48th Ward Green Council, a group of neighbors committed to environmental justice who advise the alderwoman on policy. Last year, Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth was proud to receive a 100% rating on her voting record from the Illinois Environmental Coalition. We will continue to build upon this trust, demonstrating our commitment to the environment through policy and collective action. Visit our blog to learn more about our work on sustainable development, waste & recycling, open spaces, transit, and infrastructure.
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New and Improved! Priorities for Sustainable Development
Over the past month, the 48th Ward Green Council has been hard at work clarifying and strengthening the language on our website about sustainable development priorities. These include green infrastructure, equitable transit oriented development, preservation and adaptive reuse, and much more. The goal of publishing these priorities is to help people who are interested in building in our ward understand our values so that we can work together to create the community we want to see. Read them online here.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Public Hearing for Bryn Mawr Landmark Designation and 1114 W Bryn Mawr Permit Application
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks (CCL) is hosting a public hearing on the proposed landmark designation for the Bryn Mawr Avenue District and on the preliminary disapproval of the permit application for demolition of 1114 W Bryn Mawr. The preliminary disapproval of the permit application triggers an expedited 90-day landmark designation process for the proposed Bryn Mawr Ave District.
The purpose of the public hearing is: 1) to gather relevant facts and information to assist the Commission on Chicago Landmarks in deciding whether the proposed Bryn Mawr Avenue District meets the legal criteria for landmark designation, and 2) to determine whether the proposed demolition of the building at 1114 W Bryn Mawr will adversely affect any significant historical or architectural feature of the proposed landmark district. Please see our blog for a recap of the May 7 CCL meeting regarding the permit application for 1114 W Bryn Mawr and the landmark designation process.
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Mural Community Engagement - Participatory Budgeting
- When: Tuesday, June 23 from 6:30-7:30pm
- Where: 48th Ward Office (1129 W Bryn Mawr)
- Register online.
In the previous two Participatory Budgeting cycles, 48th Ward neighbors voted to fund public art in the ward! Join us at this meeting to share your vision for art at the following locations: Margate Underpass Entrance, Thorndale / Granville / Bryn Mawr Utility Boxes, Lane Beach Seawall, and 5750 N Sheridan.
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Foster Trees - Participatory Budgeting Update
Noticed any new trees in the neighborhood? One of our Participatory Budgeting 2025 winners was funding for landscaping along Foster between Broadway and Marine. Last month, 48th Ward Neighborhood Services Manager Conor and Communications Manager Audrey surveyed the project area with City Forester Jeff Brink to determine next steps. We're thrilled to report that the team identified both sites for new trees and dead/dying trees in need of replacement, not just on Foster but also along other major 48th Ward streets including Broadway, Lawrence, Sheridan, Clark, and Devon. Read more on our blog.
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Emanuel Congregation/Fern Hill - Feedback Closing + Save the Date!
A second community meeting was hosted on May 28th to give neighbors the opportunity to hear directly from Emanuel Congregation and Fern Hill regarding revisions to the proposed redevelopment of the synagogue at 5948, 5965, and 5959 N Sheridan. Proposed plans can be viewed here, and feedback may be submitted via our online feedback form until Friday, June 12 at 5pm.
Please save the date for a follow-up community meeting on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30pm via Zoom.
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Development Feedback Last Chance: 4940-42 N Sheridan
Feedback closes soon for a proposed zoning change from B3-2 to B2-3 at 4940-42 N Sheridan to allow for the conversion of this 2-story building’s ground-floor retail space into 6 residential units. The building has 7 existing residential units on the second floor. The ground-floor retail space has sat vacant for several years. Learn more on our blog and submit feedback here. Feedback for this project will close on Friday, June 12 at 5pm.
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Devon/Sheridan SBIF Open Until June 30
The Devon/Sheridan Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) is currently accepting applications for grants for businesses and properties in the Devon/Sheridan TIF District. $690,000 is available in reimbursable grants! Applications will be accepted up until 5:00pm on June 30. Since serving as your Alderwoman, Leni has made over $12 million available for 48th Ward small businesses through the SBIF. In addition to SBIF, the Community Development Grant (CDG) is accepting applications for grants up to $5 million now through August 14th. Applications for CDG grants for above $5 million are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Recent 48th Ward CDG or SBIF awardees include Redtwist Theatre, Great Lake, Qideas, Rivers and Roads Cafe, 88 Plates LLC, Hooked on Fish, the Swedish American Museum, 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, and Rakkan Ramen. Watch the videos from Mella Cafe and Jenny’s Tofu to learn more about what SBIF means to them and their business.
A previous version of this message listed additional businesses that are currently in the process of applying for SBIF grants, and have not yet been awarded funding. The list is corrected above, and we look forward to seeing more businesses get approved for funding soon!
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Senn High School Pedestrian Safety Investments
Reconstruction began this week on the raised intersection at Thorndale and Glenwood. Construction is expected to take 12 weeks, weather permitting. It will be constructed in phases. A detour will be set up as the intersections will need to be closed for reconstruction. Leading up to the start of construction, our team was out in the neighborhood distributing 350+ flyers to people who live near the project. See the tentative schedules of the phases on our blog.
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Elise Malary Plaza Groundbreaking
- When: Thursday, June 18 at 12pm
- Where: Catalpa & Ashland
- Learn more online.
Join us for the groundbreaking of Elise Malary Plaza, Andersonville's first pedestrian plaza. This exciting project will transform Catalpa Avenue into a welcoming public space where neighbors can gather, community events can flourish, and the Andersonville Farmers Market can continue to grow and thrive. Catalpa between Clark and Ashland is expected to close as early as June 15.
Named in honor of activist, artist, and community leader Elise Malary, the plaza serves as both a tribute to her legacy and a reflection of her commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen, connected, and celebrated. Community members have played an important role in shaping this project from the very beginning, and we are thrilled to see this long-awaited vision become a reality.
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Bryn Mawr / Sheridan Water Main Construction
The Department of Water Management (DWM) is constructing a new water main along Bryn Mawr from Kenmore to Sheridan and along Sheridan from Bryn Mawr to Foster. This $2.8 million critical infrastructure project will replace water main pipes that are over 120 years old.
DWM-authorized contractor Pan-Oceanic Engineering Co. will install approximately 2,511 feet of 8-inch and 325 feet of 12-inch water main-line with complete service connections. Upon completion of the water main installation, the contractor will begin the replacement of all lead service lines for residents within the limits of the newly installed water main. Restoration will follow, including full-width street resurfacing and the repair of any impacted parkways and sidewalks. Read more on our blog.
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CTA Construction Activity Notices
Please review the following construction notices from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). To sign up for alerts near you, click here.
ALLEY CLOSURES
Alley east of 5657 N Broadway from Hollywood - Bryn Mawr
- Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12
- Work Activity: Alley Reconstruction
West side of the tracks from Bryn Mawr - Hollywood
- Friday, June 12 - Wednesday June 24
- Work Activity: Mountable Curb Install
SIDEWALK CLOSURES
South side of Bryn Mawr from CTA station - Winthrop
- Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12
- Work Activity: Alley Apron & Sidewalk Reconstruction
LANE CLOSURES & SHIFTS
Winona from Broadway - Winthrop
- Friday, June 5 - Wednesday, June 10
- Work Activity: Speed Hump Reconstruction
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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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Join Us at Midsommarfest 2026!
Midsommarfest is an annual celebration of Swedish tradition in Chicago that takes place in the Andersonville neighborhood. It began as a parade in the 1960's and is now one of the most beloved street festivals in the city. This year, it returns to Clark between Foster and Gregory on June 12-14. Find tickets and more information online here. While you're there, come visit our team at the 48th Ward table.
Please note that the following streets will be closed Thursday, June 11 at 10am until Monday, June 15 at 6am:
- Catalpa West from Clark to Ashland
- Balmoral West from Clark to to alley
The following streets will be closed Thursday, June 11 at 11:59pm until Monday, June 15 at 6am:
- Clark Street from Foster to Gregory
- East side of Farragut from Clark to alley
- Berwyn East and West from Clark to alley
- Summerdale East and West from Clark to alley
- Balmoral East from Clark to alley
- Rascher East from Clark to alley
- Catalpa East from Clark to alley
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School of Rock Andersonville Friday Night Jam
- When: Friday, June 12 from 5-7:30pm
- Where: 5600 N Ridge
- No RSVP required
Support School of Rock Andersonville students and enjoy some live music! The school's house band will be playing a free show outside their Andersonville storefront this Friday evening.
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Loyola University Parking Restrictions
Please be aware of the upcoming parking restrictions on Loyola University's campus. For more information, contact the Loyola Office of Neighborhood Initiatives at (773) 508-7450.
Thursday, June 18 from 8am-5pm
- 6300-6359 N Winthrop Ave (both sides)
- 1013-1130 W Rosemont Ave (north side)
Sunday, June 21 from 8am-5pm
- 6300-6359 N Winthrop Ave (both sides)
- 1013-1130 W Rosemont Ave (north side)
Thursday, July 9 from 8am-5pm
- 6300-6359 N Winthrop Ave (both sides)
Sunday, July 12 from 8am-5pm
- 6300-6359 N Winthrop Ave (both sides)
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Join Us for Ward Night
- When: Tuesday, June 16 from 6:30-7:30pm
- Where: HYBRID - 1129 W Bryn Mawr & Zoom
- Register online.
Ward Night is an opportunity for neighbors to come together to ask questions and share concerns with the alderwoman. Join us in person or virtually any time during the hour. We aim to host these meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Please note that going forward, Ward Night meetings will begin at 6:30pm
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Pride Month 2026
The 48th Ward is rich in LGBTQ+ history and culture. As the first queer Filipina to serve on the Chicago City Council, I'm honored to continue this proud tradition of queer joy and celebration, especially during June. We are a ward that loves and respects our neighbors, and rejects hate in all its many forms. Pick up a "no hate in 48" sign for your business or residence for free at the 48th Ward office while supplies last. Find more events and resources on our blog.
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48th Ward Office Closed Friday, June 19
The 48th Ward office will be closed on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth. While we are away, please contact 311 for non-emergency requests. In the case of an emergency, contact 911. See the full list of City of Chicago holidays here. We also include these closures on our community calendar.
Garbage Collection Schedule
During the holidays, garbage collection schedules may shift by 24-48 hours. During weeks with city holidays, put your bins out 24 hours ahead of your scheduled pick up day to avoid delays.
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Storm and Flooding Reminders
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to our office during this week's heavy rainfall to report tree emergencies and flooding hazards. Crews from the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), Transportation (CDOT) and Water Management (DWM) are out in the ward restoring power and removing tree debris. As of Thursday morning, the city had fielded the following reports:
- Flooded Viaduct: 5
- Water on Street: 214
- Water in Basement: 47
- Traffic Signal Out: 323
- Tree Emergency: 4,114
- Tree Debris: 1,496
- Wire Down: 188
Due to the volume of calls, please allow our city departments extra response time.
Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is monitoring weather conditions with the National Weather Service in Chicago. Visit our blog to learn more about how to prevent flooding during summer storms.
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24th District Council Monthly Meeting
- When: Wednesday, June 17 at 6PM
- Where: TBD
- Learn more online.
Are you interested in public safety? Looking for a way to get involved in community safety initiatives? Attend your next local district council meeting and join the conversation! Each district council is made up of three people elected by their community to build stronger relationships with police. The more people who participate in this vital community policing process, the more effective it can be. Thank you for working with us to build a safe and healthy neighborhood where we can all thrive.
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Train the Trainer: Emergency Family Planning
- When: Wednesday, June 17 at 12pm
- Where: VIRTUAL
- Register online.
Join the Immigrant and Refugee Rights Committee for the Train The Trainer: Family Emergency Plan along with Indo American Center. This training on the Family Emergency Plan is designed to empower City Alder staff, organizations, and other advocates to help immigrant families develop emergency care plans for their children. The session will provide best practices for how to help families create and implement emergency plans in case of detention or deportation. Please note that this presentation will be held entirely in Spanish.
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CLICK HERE to opt in to receive occasional crime alerts from our office. If you're having trouble with this link, you can also opt in by re-subscribing HERE and checking the box at the bottom of the form. Doing so will not alter or double your existing newsletter subscription.
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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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Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth and Alderwoman Clay welcomed the Office of Budget and Management, Department of Streets & Sanitation, Animal Care and Control, Procurement Office, Board of Elections, Mayor Brandon Johnson, ONE Northside, Northside Action for Justice, Centro Romero, and more for a Budget Townhall at Truman College. Thanks to all of the 48th Ward neighbors who came out to engage with us on the city’s budget creation process!
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Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth welcomed the new Commissioner of the Department of Transportation (CDOT), William Cheaks, Jr., to the 48th Ward this week. The Alderwoman gave Commissioner Cheaks a tour of Edgewater including the new Broadway refuge island project.
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Leni enjoyed meeting with neighbors and shopping at the Edgewater Yard Sale! Congratulations to the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, BARGE Neighbors, East Andersonville Residents Council (EARC), Edgewater Beach Neighbors Association (EBNA), Edgewater Glen Association (EGA), Edgewater North Neighbors (ENN), EPIC Block Club, Edgewater Triangle Neighborhood Association (ETNA), and all the participating organizations for another great year! All proceeds from the event went to Care for Real, Edgewater’s food pantry.
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Leni toured the Thresholds Living Room at 4423 N Ravenswood. The Living Room is a peer-led mental health crisis respite center, a safe and quiet place for those experiencing a mental health crisis. The program is run by those in recovery by those in recovery. The Living Room is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact 773-537-3601 or stop by to learn more.
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We were thrilled to be invited to the 2nd Edgewater Monday Market of the season! Despite the smattering rain, neighbors enjoyed market favorites like steaming tamales and empanadas, and sipped on refreshing tea samples. Neighbors were welcomed over to our 48th Ward table for free “Pick Up After Your Pet” and “No Hate in 48” signs, plus more resources and goodies. Huge shoutout to the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and their new summer interns for facilitating this rich community event. Farmer’s market season in Chicago is officially live, don’t miss the next Monday Market at the Broadway Armory!
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