1st Ward Newsletter | April 28, 2026
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Dear neighbors,
This is Iris reporting from the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, where we've been holding our regular monthly committee meetings chaired by Vice Chair Alderwoman Cruz and working on a number of policy items while the Alderman has been out. Here's a non-exhaustive summary of some of our current projects:
- At the February City Council meeting, Ald. La Spata introduced a City Council order to mandate the City to create an ADA transition plan. Municipalities with 50+ employees were mandated to create transition plans in the early 90s, but the City of Chicago never did. Among other things, the plans require a complete inventory of public amenities, including infrastructure like sidewalks. Having this inventory is the first step in being able to maintain our sidewalk network to ensure Chicago is the most accessible city it can be. We've been discussing this order with aldermanic offices to get more co-sponsors.
- Last August, the committee published a Report of Recommendations from the Equitable Enforcement Working Group. One of the major recommendations from that working group was that revenue from speed cameras be transparent in the budget and allocated to traffic safety improvements around the speed cameras themselves. We've been working on an ordinance that would realize those goals and have been discussing these proposals with other aldermanic offices.
- You may have seen our bike lane flooding survey–we'll be collecting responses until the end of day this Friday, May 1st, after which we'll be looking closely at the data and developing next steps.
Sincerely,
Iris
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P.S. Click here to open this newsletter in another tab!
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In this week's newsletter, you'll find:
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Due to the potential of rain this weekend, this Saturday's Yoga in the Park event with LoSAH and Intuit Healing has been postponed. Stay tuned for a new date!
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Join the 1st Ward Office for our annual Clean & Green on Saturday, May 16! Rakes, shovels, garbage bags, and latex gloves will be provided, and all ages are welcome to participate. This year’s starting points will be: The 1st Ward Office, Haas Park, and the Polish Triangle. Please register in advance so that we know how many tools to provide at each location.
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On Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., the CCPSA will hold its monthly public meeting at DePaul College Prep (3300 N. Campbell Avenue). This month, the Commission will bring together a panel of experts to examine how Chicago supports survivors of violent crime–and where improvements are needed.
For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be available via Zoom. Register here.
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Do you or anyone you know need assistance with the citizenship process? Join Rep. Delia Ramirez for a Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, May 2nd, where organizations will be available to help navigate the process! Call 773-384-4370 to schedule your appointment.
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Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos is hosting a virtual Know Your Rights town hall next Tuesday, May 5 at noon. Register here.
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Applications for Low Income Discount Rate Programs (LIDRs) are now being accepted. LIDRs can help families and communities avoid disconnection and stay cool this summer by helping them save up to 83% on their energy bill. Eligible households who already receive LIHEAP will automatically receive LIDR.
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Community Review Update
- 1315 W Ohio: This week, the 1st Ward Office was notified of a demolition permit application for the former Santa Maria Addolorata building. The Alderman is seeking a meeting to learn more about potential plans and any alternatives. Last year, the 1st Ward Office received a zoning request to demolish the church and establish single unit residences, but since this lot is transit-served to the Chicago Blue Line L, zoning density bonuses exist to redevelop the lot by adaptively reusing the church building. Ald. La Spata previously recommended a zoning change to preserve the church building and received positive community feedback to preserve the church (including, Eckhart Park Community Council; East Village Association; Preservation Chicago; Preservation Futures).
- Congress Theater HUD 108: The city has now officially filed the Section 108 Loan Application with HUD for the redevelopment of the landmark Congress Theater building. It is available for viewing on the 1st Ward zoning website.
- Zoning Board of Appeals – 2346 N Western: Following feedback from neighbors in opposition to a public notice of a special use permit and variations to establish a gas station at 2346 N Western, the 1st Ward Office requested a continuance at zoning board of appeals to further review this case. The proposal includes variations to allow for curb cuts and transparency reduction for the storefront within a Transit-Served Location. The case is continued to the 9 a.m. call for June 12, 2026. Please email zoning@the1stward.com if you wish for more information on this case, or to provide feedback.
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