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July 27, 2025
Dear neighbors,
I had a great time at this year’s Chinatown Summer Fair, despite the extreme heat and humidity (and a little rain), we had a great turnout for the 46th Annual event. Thank you to everyone who has put the hard work into making that happen for many years, and to George and Celia Cheung who started the fest as “Taste of Chinatown” way back in the 1970s. There is an honorary portion of Wentworth named for Mr. Cheung.
I was thrilled to attend the grand opening of a new bakery which opened on Archer Avenue–welcome Paola’s Delights to the neighborhood! Paola’s Delights is an Italian-American, family-owned bakery, and they are on the north side of Archer.
Congrats to Chicago Gourmet and Chef Kevin Hickey for a successful first event at Rate Field as part of their annual series. While the Sox got off to a good start, as of the writing of this newsletter the Sox lost the series 2-1 with a 5-4 loss today to the north siders.
The City’s Vehicle Violation Debt Relief Program has been extended until July 31, 2025–check here to see if you’re eligible to pay tickets minus any penalties and fees.
Last week we saw the hateful defacement of State Senator Celina Villanueva’s office, a public mural and additional locations with graffiti which included swastika symbols and the words “ICE RULES.” These kinds of acts have no place in our communities. Police have released a photo of the suspect, and I hope he is apprehended quickly. If you have any relevant information, please contact CPD.
This Week In City Council
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. Committee meetings are also on recess for August, but on Monday, I’ll join the Committee on Education and Child Development for an important conversation about the impacts of the Trump administration’s education policies on Chicago’s colleges, trades programs and post-high school institutions.
This Wednesday is the CTA Quarterly Hearing, which will take place during the Committee on Transportation and Public Way on Wednesday at 10:30AM.
Public Safety
There have been reports of cellphone robberies at the CTA 35th St. station, so please be extra aware of your surroundings and secure your valuables.
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.
Stay cool! Please check on your neighbors during these heat advisory events.
Nicole
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