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August 3, 2025
Dear neighbors,
This week, we remember the closure of the Union Stockyards, on Friday, July 31, 1971 at midnight. Some of us trace our family’s history back to those famous packing houses, and it was a sad day to see them close, especially for those with direct memories and history tied to them. I’m proud to say we still have active wholesale meat-adjacent businesses in the ward, South Chicago Packing, Kaminski Meats, Guarino Wholesale Meats, Great Western Beef—alongside new manufacturing and wholesale businesses that continue the story of the yards as a national and global center for innovation. The story of the stockyards, and our story today, is tied to being the center of innovation Chicago has always been. I strive to create a supportive environment for many types of businesses to enter the ward and create the industries of tomorrow, which are sometimes transformed versions of the past!
It’s getting closer to a new school year for Chicago Public Schools—it’s hard to believe that we are only a couple weeks from the start of the school year. My oldest will be going off to college this year so this year will be a little different for me, one at college and one left at home. If you’ve sent a child off to college, maybe you have some advice for me, though I’m sure I will be a weepy mess when the time comes to drive away from his dorm. I still have a couple weeks, so I’m going to try not to think about it.
I had a good time stopping by the Lakeside Bank Summer party, which featured a reptile handler! Many thanks to Lakeside for hosting such a great event that was enjoyed by so many in our community, and the cheeseburgers from Ferro’s were delicious!
Did you make it to the 14th Annual Ville-A-Palooza benefitting Canaryville Little League on Saturday? This annual event brings the neighborhood together for a great cause and to enjoy some incredible bands. No need to fight the crowds downtown when there was a full line-up in our own backyard!
This Tuesday, August 5th, is going to be a busy day in the ward. Commissioner Daley and I are partnering with other local elected officials for our Back to School Back Pack giveaway event from 2-5PM at Bosley Park. Then, we’ll head out for our CPD 9th District’s National Night Out Event at McKinley Park at 6PM. Come out and join us—there will be food, a resource fair, a face painter for the kids and more.
Summer isn’t over yet, and it’s definitely not complete without some signature 11th Ward events!
August 15 is Velika Gospa. Mention the word Croatian to anyone in Chicago, and the next thing they'll say is Velika Gospa. Truly, Velika Gospa and being Croatian go hand and hand. Velika Gospa is to Croatians what St. Patrick's Day is to the Irish. Come join the celebration at St. Jerome Croatian Catholic Church at 28th and Princeton. The parade will step off at 10:00am and the celebration will go well into the evening.
August 17 is the Feast of Saint Rocco. Join the patrons of Saint Rocco and the parishioners of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish as they celebrate the 105th Feast of Saint Rocco. The procession will start at St. Therese Church in Chinatown and weave its way through the neighborhood into Armour Square.
These festivities and so many others celebrate the rich histories and cultures that make up the 11th Ward and it’s what makes me so proud to represent all of us.
This Week In City Council
The Committee on Education met last week for a subject matter hearing on City Colleges of Chicago. We received updates on overall performance of each of the city colleges, which have all seen increases in enrollment, as well as overall increases in matriculation to four-year colleges by graduates. We also heard about the impact of the Republican budget cuts, which currently stand at approximately $1M with the cancellation of 5 of 7 grants. The biggest impact of federal cuts isn’t direct cuts to funding for city colleges, but rather the impact of cuts to other programs that benefit city college students such as funding for food banks. City Colleges of Chicago is preparing to meet the anticipated challenges of federal funding cuts to ensure students can be successful.
The Committee on Transportation held a quarterly update by the Chicago Transit Authority. The hearing covered several subjects: A resolution Alderman Bill Conway (34), myself and several other alders, introduced a resolution urging the CTA to bolster enforcement of the no‑smoking policy on trains and buses. The resolution passed the committee and is headed to the full council. Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen, warned of the looming $770M+ fiscal cliff the Regional Transportation Authority faces and the potential impact on CTA service if no action is taken. A recording of the hearing can be found here.
Upcoming in City Council
The City Council takes a recess for the month of August every year. The next full meeting of the City Council will be September 25, 2025 at 10AM.
Around the Ward
Graffiti and Sign Issues
Graffiti and bent signs continue to pop up around the ward. Please help keep our community clean and safe by reporting graffiti and bent street signs. You can do so through the 311 app, emailing our office or calling us at 773-254-6677. Please provide our office with the location of the graffiti (an address is best) and what it’s on (building, fence, sign, etc).
Farmers Market Season
Farmers market season is underway. More info can be found here. Although we don’t have a Bridgeport farmer’s market right now, we do have the monthly Ramova Theater Community Market.
Attention residents on 30th–31st Union Ave
If you haven’t already, please sign up for the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement program. This is a valuable opportunity to remove lead pipes at no cost to you while the city is already doing related work nearby. Reach out to the ward office with any questions.
Infrastructure updates
A new sewer improvement project will begin on July 28 to upgrade critical infrastructure in our community. Work will take place in the following areas:
- S Canal St: from W 31st St to W 33rd St
- W 33rd St: from S Canal St to S Normal Ave
- S Normal Ave: from W 33rd St to 50 feet south of W 33rd St
- W 33rd St: from S Emerald Ave to S Wallace St
Construction is expected to be completed by November 2025. Please note: No parking or through traffic will be allowed during working hours (7:00 AM-4:00 PM). Once the sewer main installation is complete, Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) work will follow in the same areas.
Housekeeping
35th Street Parking Changes
Time restrictions have been removed to now allow residents to park along 35th Street throughout the day between Ashland and Western.
White Sox and Event Residential Parking decals and passes
Decals and passes are available for pickup at the ward office.
Signs Available in Office
We have “We Call Police” signs available in the office, as part of a CAPS strategy for community engagement.
Summer Hours
We are operating with Summer Hours until August 29, 2025. On Fridays during the summer we are open 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Have a great weekend,
Nicole
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