Dear Scott,

Spring is here! There are many things to do this weekend, from fun family events like Easter egg hunts to neighborhood cleanups. CPS students are out of school today for teacher development so please be extra aware as you are out and about. This newsletter also has a few updates on infrastructure and public safety along with a few other announcements.

Have a nice Good Friday and Easter or Passover if you celebrate this weekend,

Alderman Scott Waguespack

2025 Street Cleaning Calendar

Next week, street sweeping will occur in sections 11, 12, and 13 (Lincoln Park). Click on the map above to see your section's schedule.

Please be on the lookout for signs and make sure to move your vehicle on your scheduled day (south and east sides of the street are normally done on the first day, north and west on the second; please watch for signs). Sweepers will do more than one pass on the block in their initial cleaning but will not come back to clean sections outside of their officially scheduled day.

Please take the time to help clear the curb in front of your property to keep the sewers flowing well. Any leftover landscaping debris from winter months should be bagged and put in the alley by your trash cans. Please do not sweep landscaping debris into the street. Piles of leaves and heavy garbage also clog the sweepers and will cause significant delays. Other large objects like branches and metal will also damage the sweepers, so please remove them from curbs.

Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool. 

Public Safety Section

CPD has issued the following charges against Chakib Mansour Khodja in connection with multiple sex crimes committed in 2022 through 2025. The 14th District held an outdoor rollcall last month and discussed the concern about the attacks in the media to draw attention to the incidents. Detectives were able to use recent video surveillance and DNA evidence to connect Khodja to the crimes.

19th Police District Council Monthly Meeting

Join the 19th Police District Council as they welcome a representative from the Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court (RJCC). A mission of the RJCC is to end the harmful cycle of revenge and recidivism. The courts resolve conflict using restorative practices in which the participant admits wrongdoing and commits to a series of actions to repair the harm their behavior caused. They are assisted by a team who provides accountability and support. If the participant successfully completes all the agreed upon tasks, the charges are dismissed and arrest and court records are expunged.

Come to learn more and get your questions answered. Click here to RSVP.

Wednesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m.

Athenaeum Center

2936 N. Southport Ave.

Spring 2025 Capital Plan Community Meeting for Chicago Public Schools

The CPS Capital team has been conducting community meetings throughout April as an opportunity to share information with families about the district's capital planning process and provide input to help inform the district's FY26 Capital Plan.  Parents/guardians, staff, and community members can register here. The Capital Planning Survey is available from April 1st until May 17th. With 2 additional community meetings remaining, we hope that you are able to join an upcoming session.

April 29: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Colman Office

4655 S. Dearborn St.

More information can be found on the website.  

Kennedy Expressway Bridge Rehabilitation Project

In 2023, IDOT began rehabilitating the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94), from the Edens Expressway (I-94) junction to Ohio Street.

The estimated $169 million project consists of rehabilitating 36 bridges and the Reversible Lane Access Control system, replacing overhead sign structures, installing new signage and modernized LED lights, pavement patching, and structural painting.

The work has taken place over three consecutive construction seasons. The project is now into its final stage.

The Kennedy Expressway officially opened in November 1960, with the last major rehabilitation completed in 1994. The project will improve safety, traffic flow, and reliability for the more than 275,000 motorists who use the expressway each day.

This link has all of the project information.

Lincoln Park Sewer Main Project #7158

Weekly Update

Status: (In progress, sewer side only: 99%)

• Schubert from Southport to Lakewood: mainline sewer installed, installation of catch basins completed, corrective work completed except for the final 2 houses.

• Lakewood from Schubert to Wrightwood: mainline sewer and catch basins installed; reconnection of last private drain in progress.

• Wayne from Schubert to 250 feet south: mainline sewer installed; installation of catch basins completed, corrective work completed.

• Greenview from alley north of Altgeld to Lill: installation of mainline sewer, PDs, and catch basins completed.

• Altgeld from Greenview to Janssen: installation of mainline sewer and catch basins completed; corrective work completed.

• Janssen from Altgeld to 40 feet south: mainline sewer installed.

• The CDWM sewer crew has demobilized from the working area.

• The CDWM water crews (LSLR) will most likely complete their scope of work on the 1500 block of Altgeld by tomorrow and will also demobilize from the jobsite.

• Both CDWM trailers, all portable restrooms and barricades will be picked up from the jobsite next week.

• Restoration is scheduled to start after completion of the whole project (100% sewer and water side).

Traffic Control:

• Altgeld will remain closed from Greenview to Janssen during working hours only. Starting next week, all streets will be open to traffic.

Wicker Bark Construction Update

Chicago Park District (CPD) has learned that the dog park water line needs to be relocated within the park (intention was to keep the water source in its original location to avoid additional unnecessary cost). Therefore, CPD is currently working to secure permitting to move and replace the water line in the dog park. 

The good news is that they will be replacing old lead lines. However, it does mean that the construction project just became a little longer. The estimate with wait time for permits/approval, plumbers could be working on the water line sometime in May/June with an estimated June completion for the water update. From there, phase two of the dog park construction begins with an estimated completion of 90-120 days. The dog park will be closed through both phases of construction. 

The WPAC will continue selling bricks and tiles for the new dog park and more updates to come. To learn more about this project, reach out to Kristin Drutchas - kdrutchas@gmail.com

Free Fentanyl Testing Strips and Naloxone (NARCAN®)

Did you know you can get FREE Fentanyl Testing Strips and Naloxone (NARCAN®) at all the City's libraries, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) clinics, and at the offices of select Aldermen? Our office currently has some Fentanyl Testing Strips and will get NARCAN in the next couple of weeks. We will update you when we have it.

CDPH also hosts monthly harm reduction online training. The training is held monthly on the last Friday of the month and is open to the public. The training is approximately 45 minutes, but could be more or less.

The next training will be held on Friday, April 25^th at 12:00 pm.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 210 387 482 079

Passcode: tZVXSw

Download Teams | Join on the web

Or call in (audio only)

+1 872-222-6918,,274442511#  United States, Chicago

Phone Conference ID: 274 442 511#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

Get your tickets now and join us for Give to Grow Night on Saturday, May 3rd from 7-10 PM at Pizzeria Serio – Adults only. Our parent-driven fundraiser is a great time to connect with parents, alumni, community supporters, faculty, and staff - all for the benefit of Jahn School of Fine Arts students and programs. Invite friends and family to an evening of food and refreshments, music and socializing, and an opportunity to give to Jahn through a live donation appeal. 

Tickets include $25-$75 food and drink packages to keep you fed and your drinks full all night. Purchase tickets at the link: https://G2G2025.givesmart.com.

Friends of Burr Elementary is throwing their annual spring gala on April 25th, and looking for donations for their auctions. There will be silent AND live auctions at the event, and an online auction that will run for a little over a week. They especially love offering awesome items from local Bucktown/Wicker Park businesses!

If you're interested in donating, please fill out this form.

Chicago Public Schools Opens Applications for Preschool 2025-26 Programs

Families are now welcome to start applying for the District’s free early learning opportunities

For Chicago Public School (CPS) families interested in exploring the District’s free full-day preschool program for four-year-olds and half-day preschool program for three-year-olds applications are open, on the Chicago Early Learning website and application portal. 

More than 90 percent of CPS preschools meet ExceleRate Illinois' Gold Circle of Quality, with the remaining earning the silver and bronze awards. All sites meet federal, state and local education standards. 

CPS offers families a choice of high-quality preschool programs for all four-year olds as well as a limited number of part-day programs for three year olds in 372 elementary schools, with the goal of improving educational options and social outcomes for all children, particularly those with the greatest needs. CPS partners with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) which provides childcare services at community-operated locations from birth to age 5.

Various schools across the District will be hosting open houses and reading nights the Week of April 8 to offer families the opportunity to learn more about preschool offerings. Community members can browse this calendar to explore events by date and choose which schools they would like to visit.

The District's preschool programs meet all federal, state and local education standards and all schools are engaged in continuous quality improvement. Preschool programs are awarded a Gold, Silver or Bronze Circle of Quality on an annual basis as determined by ExceleRate Illinois, which conducts an independent evaluation. Ninety-three percent of CPS preschool programs met the Gold Circle of Quality for instructional quality during the last evaluation cycle and the remainder earned the silver and bronze awards.

More information about CPS Preschool programs is available on the District’s website. Parents may also call the Chicago Early Learning Hotline at 312-229-1690 for application support in both English and Spanish.

Illinois Extension Need Your Input!

Illinois Extension serving Cook County invites you to take part in a countywide needs assessment survey. 

Illinois Extension is the public outreach effort of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Our mission is to develop educational programs, extend knowledge, and build partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state’s land-grant institution. 

They are interested in identifying the most important issues and opportunities in your community. Your responses will give Extension insight into the interests and educational needs of Cook County residents and guide the development of future programs, services, and partnerships. At the end, participants will have the option to enter a drawing for a chance to win a prize!

Wicker Park Plant Sale Fundraiser

Call to Artists for Wicker Park Fine Art

The Wicker Park Garden Club will present the 2025 Plant Sale Fundraiser on Saturday, May 10 at 10am-6pm in Wicker Park.

Help fund 10,000 sq. ft. of gardens in Wicker Park by shopping for plants! There will be GMO FREE herbs, vegetables, flowering annuals, hanging baskets, house plants, and perennial plants. All the plants offered at the sale will be personally hand-picked by Wicker Park Garden Club members to perform well in Chicago. Volunteers will assist you with finding the plants that will work best in your gardens, containers, or roof tops - and - help you find the perfect gift for your mother!

Click here to volunteer!

The Wicker Part Fine Art Fair will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 10-6 at the Wicker Park Community Gardens at 1425 N. Damen Ave. This event includes a curated group of fine artists displaying and selling their work, artworks installed in the gardens (The Garden As Gallery), performances of classical music, hands on family art workshops,

If you're a local artist interested in participating, the application deadline is May 15, 2025. Click here to apply!

Easter Celebrations!

The brand new Easter-themed Lakeview Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19th between 11am-12pm, is perfect for families and small children, located at Lincoln & Wellington. Enjoy a 100% free Easter Bunny photo opportunity, giveaways, a small-scale Egg Hunt with eggs including candy for kids, and small gift cards and coupons from Lakeview businesses for parents.

Indie Row Bucktown Egg Hunt

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19th, from 12pm to 5pm for an event you won’t want to miss. This is a perfect opportunity to explore your favorite businesses in the heart of Bucktown.

As you navigate through Indie Row, keep your eyes peeled for hidden Easter eggs. Each egg contains special promotions, discounts, and exciting prizes, making your experience even more rewarding. 

Click here for more info.

Vehicle Violation Debt Relief Program

April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025

This program allows all motorists, regardless of income, to resolve eligible violations at a reduced cost, by paying only the base fine—with penalties and fees fully waived—as long as full payment is made by June 30, 2025.

Eligible violations include:

• Non-meter parking tickets and standing violations.
• Compliance violations (e.g., expired registration, no City sticker, or missing license plate).
• Automated speed and red-light camera tickets.
• A Notice of Final Determination must have been issued on or before December 31, 2023.

Additional program features:

• Tickets currently enrolled in a payment plan are eligible, if paid in full by June 30, 2025.
• Seizure-related fees (towing, storage, booting, etc.) are also waived with limited exceptions.
• Exclusions include expired meter tickets and any violation where the City has filed a case in court or has initiated administrative proceedings to collect the debt.

No application is required—eligible tickets have been adjusted and will reflect the applicable waivers until June 30, 2025. To learn more about these programs and to search or pay for tickets, visit: www.Chicago.gov/VDR or call (312) 744-7275 (Monday – Friday, 7 AM–7 PM).

City Sticker Amnesty Program

The Office of the City Clerk is bringing back City Sticker Amnesty Month. This means the City Clerk's office is waiving City Sticker penalties to make it easier for Chicago drivers to come into compliance during the month of April. Visit one of the City Clerk or Department of Finance locations to purchase a City Sticker with no late and back fees from Tuesday, April 1 to Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Click here for more information.

Helpful Environmental Info

April is Earth Month. It also is a prime spring cleaning month. Here are some helpful links if you are looking to get rid of clutter around your house or are just looking to become more earth friendly.

Hard to recycle items and here

Items that can be reused

Reduce Chicago popup events

Charities that offer free pickups

The Wasteshed (art and school items to be donated)

Rebuilding Exchange (furniture donation)

Hazardous materials

Food scrap drop off

Community Clean Up Events

(click on images for details)

MWRD Rain Barrels

Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof and save it for later use. Rain barrels can help prevent basement backups, street flooding, and sewer overflows by keeping rainwater out of the sewer system.

You can use rain barrel water to:

•   Wash your car
•   Water your lawn or garden
•   Clean work boots, tools, and bikes

Rain barrel water is naturally free of chlorine, lime, and calcium and some gardeners swear their plants prefer it! 

Click here for more information.

City News

• Man Murdered on Lincoln Park Sidewalk, 2 Suspects Sought
• Chicago Mayor Johnson Sends Aldermen Letter Ahead of Earlier Budget Talks, Reluctant to Make Cuts
• Mayor Brandon Johnson’s New Approach to Building Affordable Housing in Chicago Faces Skeptical City Council
• With Sterling Bay Surrendering a Big Slice of Lincoln Yards, What Happens Next?
• City Council Targets Predatory Towing Companies That Still ‘Run Rampant’ in Chicago
• Aldermen Confirm Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Ally to the City Council
• City Council Set to Reconsider Proposal to Pay Dexter Reed’s Family $1.25M to Settle Lawsuit
• City Council Panel Advances Plan to Block Jan. 6 Rioters From City Jobs After Trump Pardons
• Lincoln Yards Lender 'As Patient as We Need to Be' on Stalled Megaproject