More economic development in the 46th Ward means more employment opportunities for residents, and it keeps residents in the neighborhood to shop, making our community stronger. To expand economic opportunities for residents and business owners in the ward, it is necessary to make our commercial areas more vibrant.

As you know, I have been working with you and the Chicago Department of Transportation on a plan to renovate the Broadway commercial corridor between Wilson and Lawrence. Last month, we had a public meeting where you gave your input, including the values for this area that you want to uphold as this major work is underway.

The Chicago Dept. of Transportation has been hard at work with changes to the plan based on your feedback. Next Tuesday is your opportunity to see some of the surprises that they have come up with and for you to give additional feedback. Click here to view the materials that were shared at last month's meeting.

When: Tuesday, June 17 from 6pm - 8pm

Where: Former Border's Building, 4718 N. Broadway

Best,

Open Office Hours
Remember that no appointments are necessary to see Ald. Cappleman or his staff every Wednesday evening (5pm - 7pm and Saturday morning (9am - Noon). On the rare occasion that Ald. Cappleman is not available, a member of his staff can assist you.

New Building Going Up at 4027 N. Broadway

Last Monday, Buena Park Neighbors held a public meeting to discuss plans to replace the old Ace Furniture Store with a mixed-use development that will have retail on the ground floor and a 20-unit apartment building above. Since the entire cost of this project is under $10M, the area block club recommended this project and it does not need to be voted on by the 46th Ward Zoning and Development Committee. To view the most current plans, click here. If you live in the Buena Park Neighbor area and would like to receive their newsletters, click here.

Watching the World Cup

A great place to watch the World Cup is Crew Bar & Grill. USA Today named this establishment on 4804 N. Broadway one of the top ten sports bars in the City of Chicago. The series goes through July 13.

Protected Bike Lanes on 4400 - 4600 N. Broadway

Last year during participatory budgeting, we had overwhelming community support for a protected bike lane along Broadway from Leland to Montrose. A special thanks to the Chicago Dept. of Transportation for their extensive traffic studies to make sure the area could properly handle the reduced traffic lanes.

Studies show that bike lanes help increase economic activity in an area, so this project will encourage more people to shop in the area. Given that close to half of 46th Ward residents don't own a car, promoting alternative forms of transportation is very important to me. Additionally, this project supports the goals outlined in the 46th Ward Master Plan.

Garage Sale Benefiting Cornerstone

When: Saturday, June 14 from 7am - 3pm

Where: Everybody's Coffee at 935 W. Wilson

All kinds of items from electronics, clothing, furniture, books, and more! Proceeds will help benefit Cornerstone Community Outreach.

WFCW Neighborhood Yard Sale Sale

When: Saturday, June 14 from 9am - 4pm

Where: Between Broadway & Clark on Winona, Foster, Carmen, Winnemac, Glenwood.

This is their 4th annual sale that has neighbors coming together to offer all kinds of bargains. It's a lot of fun as well.

Carmen Winona Block Club Sidewalk Sale

When: Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15; 9am - 5pm

Where: Winona, Carmen, and north side of Argyle between Sheridan and Marine Drive.

Here's another great sidewalk sale with lots of great bargains.

Thousands of Free Events in our City's Parks
The City of Chicago offers literally thousands of events that include different movies, theater, music, and more. Click here to learn more about the world-class performances offered in neighborhood parks this summer as part of the Night Out in the Parks.

Senior Health Fair
When: Thursday, June 19 from Noon to 3pm
Where: Weiss Memorial Hospital at 4700 N. Marine Drive
State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz and Senate President John Cullerton are sponsoring a senior fair. There will be free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol as well as health living tips and refreshments.

Task Force to Hear $15 Minimum Wage Input
When: Thursday, June 19
Where: Truman College at 1145 W. Wilson
Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed a task force to research the pro and con of raising the minimum wage to $15. There will be 5 public meetings throughout the City. Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Cease Fire Open House

When: Thursday, June 19 from 6pm - 7:30pm

Where: 1207 W. Leland

In addition to CAPS, here's another avenue to address gang violence. Come to the open house for more information.

The Road to Homeownership

When: Saturday, June 28 from 10am - 3pm

Where: Truman College at 1145 W. Wilson, Room 1917

Find out what you need to get your mortgage approved, and the next steps on the part to homeownership. RSVP by calling 773-769-5800, ext. 224 or email workshops@northsidecu.org.

North Lake Shore Drive Public Meeting
When: Tuesday, July 8 from 1pm to 7pm
Where: The Drake Hotel; Gold Coast Ballroom: 140 E. Walton Place
The purpose of this meeting is to get more feedback for potential solutions for the traffic needs of Lake Shore Drive. Click here for more information. There will be short presentations throughout the day.

Positive Loitering for Beats 1914 and 2024
For the past several years, the Uptown Chicago Commission has been sponsoring a weekly positive loitering / neighborhood watch on Sheridan at locations north and south of Lawrence. The goal is to have a positive presence on the street in an effort to discourage criminal activity. Email uptownchicago@sbcglobal.net for more information.

911 & CAPS
911 is used to address an unlawful situation when police are needed quickly to the scene. Response is taken by priority, and in some cases, an unmarked car will go out. CAPS is used to address a chronic issue that concerns residents in any given area. For more information about CAPS and their meeting schedules, click here.

Curious Creatures (4131 N. Broadway)

This curious store got its start when its owners fell in love and brought home 2 different creatures (a tortoise and a python) on the very same day. When they encountered an extreme difficulty with obtaining both the expertise and supplies for their pets, they decided to create their own store.

Although they have healthy dog and cat food available at reasonable prices, here at Curious Creatures, it's snakes, reptiles and tortoises, along with nutritional feeder roaches, that remain their sole focus. They know them, love them, and look forward to sharing their knowledge and passion for these creatures with you.

For more information, click here. Be sure to "like them" on FaceBook!