32nd Ward Newsletter: February 14, 2025

Dear Scott,

We're expected to get more snow this weekend on top of this week's earlier snowfall. Please remember to shovel your sidewalk. Clearing your sidewalk is not only the law in Chicago, but it is the responsible thing to do to help others. Please clear a wide path through snow and ice, especially for seniors and people with disabilities to walk more easily. If you can, lend a hand to a neighbor in need. See below for more winter information.

Our office will be closed on Monday, February 17th in honor of Presidents' Day. Please make sure to keep your garbage and recycling carts out all week since pickup can be affected by this. Garbage pickup can also be affected by the snow, as clearing the streets takes precedence and it is the same trucks/crews doing both jobs.

Have a good weekend,

Alderman Scott Waguespack

Weather Warning: Freezing Temperatures This Weekend

Another winter warning has been issues for the Chicago area beginning late today, Friday, February 14 and into Saturday, February 15 with a chance for accumulating snow followed by bitter cold. Extreme cold temperatures will settle in on Sunday, February 16 and last through the next week. Please be prepared for travel hazards and delays. If you know of anyone in need over the next few days, please contact 3-1-1. If you know of someone looking for a warming center or if you need after hours care or overnight shelter, 311 operators can provide assistance.

Warming Centers

The City coordinates a network of more than 200 public facilities available for warming. This includes participating Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Park District, Chicago Police Department, and City Colleges of Chicago facilities during business or designated hours.

The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services activates warming areas at the City’s six community service centers when temps are 32˚F or below. The warming areas are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with reduced locations on holidays. Some locations will be closed on Monday, February 17 for President’s Day, but the Garfield Community Service Center will remain open from 9am-5pm on Monday and will also be open on Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16 from 9am-5pm. Click here for details on where to find a warming center and their hours or use this map to find the nearest one.

You can also download the OEMC Chicago App for Weather Preparedness and Forecasts. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, DSS Snowplow Tracker and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar and public safety information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Cold-Weather Tips:

• Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic and others or requiring emergency services.
• Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. For Winter preparation information visit, gov/OEMC for details and links to other local, state, and federal resources.
• Avoid unnecessary trips outside if you must go out, limit the time you stay outside.
• Wear several layers of loose, warm cloth.
• Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors.
• Stay dry because moisture can damage the insulation effectiveness of clothing.
• Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Don’t forget your pets, bring them inside during bitter cold and numbing wetness, to stay safe and warm.
• In extremely cold weather, the Chicago Fire Department does not recommend using space heaters; however, if used, be sure they are Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certified and at least three feet from anything that can ignite. Use of a space heater in children’s rooms should be monitored closely as children sometimes move them close to or into the bed with tragic results. If extension cords are used, they should be rated at a minimum of 15 amps. Never put cords under carpet. The CFD also reminds residents that they are required by ordinance to have working carbon monoxide detectors to protect against carbon monoxide leaks from a heating system. 

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).

Snow Reminders

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) will have salt spreaders and plows out on City streets, monitoring conditions on arterial routes, Lake Shore Drive, as well as city bridges and overpasses, to ensure roads are safe and passable for emergency vehicles, public transportation, and other travelers. Drivers are advised to slow down, use caution while traveling, and yield to snowplows and emergency vehicles. Make sure you have a full tank of gas as well as an emergency kit in your vehicle with a cell phone charger, flashlight, food, and water and allow extra time to get to your destination.  For up-to-date snowplow activity, visit the plow tracker at Shovels.Chicago.gov.

As a reminder, the Overnight Winter Parking Ban is in effect through April on major streets. The ban helps ensure public safety by allowing emergency vehicles, public transportation, and other travelers to move freely during snowy and icy weather. Please follow posted signage restrictions.



Just a reminder to all residents and businesses, per the Municipal Code of Chicago, property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Many people rely on walking and transit as their primary way to get around, and without a wide, clear path through snow and ice, it is difficult for pedestrians, especially for people with disabilities, seniors, and children, to walk safely. Property owners responsible for a corner lot must remove snow and ice from sidewalks on all sides of the building as well as from the corner sidewalk ramps to the crosswalk. Snow should not be shoveled into the right-of-way, which includes transit stops and bus pads, parking spaces, bike lanes, bike racks, Divvy stations, and any other space where snow impedes traffic of any kind. If you have a neighbor who you know cannot shovel due to age or disability, please be neighborly and assist them. The public can report uncleared sidewalks and bike lanes by calling 3-1-1, visiting 311.Chicago.gov, or by using the CHI 311 app.

If you use a private plow company for clearing snow, please make sure they DO NOT plow the snow in front of other neighbor’s garages, on sidewalks, crosswalks, fire hydrants, or back into the street.  For more information on the Chicago snow program, please click here. As a reminder, "dibs" are not allowed for shoveled parking spaces.

Garbage/recycling pickup may be delayed due to the snow; many of the same plow drivers will be back on City recycling and garbage pickup service a day or two after the storm. Please make sure not to blow or shovel snow in front of garbage or recycling bins. Workers picking up garbage and recycling can have a very difficult or impossible time moving or emptying bins that are shoveled in. If possible, clear out a path to and around your carts to make garbage pickup easier and faster for everyone.

The City Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) sends out alerts ahead of storms; you can receive these notifications by signing up for the NotifyChicago alert system- the City's tool for providing residents and businesses with direct emergency and non-emergency information. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, DSS Snowplow Tracker, and more in the palm of your hand.

It’s important to be prepared and take safety precautions. Residents are reminded to make your family, home, and vehicles are prepared for winter conditions. Severe cold temperatures, strong winds and snow can cause additional hazards, whether home or traveling, so it’s important to stay informed. If you need information on a warming shelter, please click here.

Public Safety Section

Community Meeting With State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke Recap

Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke attended an event in Bucktown this past week where she spoke to a group of neighbors about the changes and reforms taking place in the Cook County State's Attorney office after she took over from Kim Foxx.

She gave some background on her experiences, and spoke about having been on both sides of the system, serving as a defense attorney as well as prosecutor and a judge. She spoke of several of the policy changes her office is implementing including the changes pertaining to assault weapons. From now on, the office will ask for detention in cases including a firearm that has an extended magazine, switch, etc. rather than the slap on the wrist by the previous administration. She also spoke of properly enforcing crimes including retail theft, going back to prosecuting thefts above $300 as a felony rather than the $1,000 limit that the previous admiration was doing. Stores were having to increase security due to criminal behavior having been accelerated due to the law not being enforced. The plan is to deter crime by enforcing the law. She also spoke of the office having been understaffed; she is implementing staff training, focusing on courtroom skills, making it a training ground for trial attorneys.

The floor was then opened up to questions from the audience. It was asked how she will improve transparency. She mentioned the dashboard on the State’s Attorney’s website- the previous one was outdated; she wants to make sure it’s accurate and is bringing in data analysts to upgrade/update the dashboard properly. She also wants better communication with different branches of government and to get out in the community at events like this to get info to residents.

Domestic violence was brought up. She related that 4 out of 10 murders are related to domestic violence. Different governmental offices have not coordinated well in the past and she wants to make sure agencies like the State’s Attorney office and the Sheriff’s office communicate better to provide better services. She is planning on having stakeholder meetings to address this.

She was asked about police policy especially pertaining to pursuits. Chicago’s pursuit policy is determined by the consent decree, but there are workarounds that the department has looked at. Helicopters aiding in pursuits, Cook County Sheriff patrols and suburban patrols are not under the consent decree and have provided assistance to the CPD. She mentioned the State’s Attorney’s office needing to have a trusting working relationship with the police, which hasn’t always existed in the past. Meetings will be held with executive staff and police command staff to build trust between the police, State’s Attorney, and the community.

Regarding restorative justice vs. incarceration- Violent crimes vs. nonviolent crimes need to be looked at differently. There will be specific programs for low level, nonviolent offenses such as retail theft, damage to property, etc focusing on why this person doing this- if recidivism is less using these programs, then the plan is to double down on them. For violent crime, alternative programs are not appropriate. The previous administration was considering gun crimes to be low level- this administration will properly prosecute gun cases and does not consider them to be low level.

It was asked how success will be measured/how will her office be held accountable. The safety act was mentioned- you cannot buy yourself out of jail- if you are a danger to the public, her office will ask for detention; if you are not a danger, you will not be incarcerated before you are tried. A petition to detain a person will be based on their crime and history- is there a history of this person not showing up to court, were they armed, was injury caused, etc- her office will ask for detention.

Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in violent crimes committed by juveniles. All juvenile crimes except murder and sexual assault are prosecuted in juvenile court. There is a pilot program- Choose to Change- that will place juveniles who would have otherwise been detained. Most crimes committed by juveniles tend to occur between 3:30pm-10pm- this is when juveniles enrolled in this program will be attending. As part of this program, juveniles will take part in cognitive behavioral therapy and will receive wraparound services pertaining to mental health. The goal is to solve the problem before they become an adult offender. The program is being piloted in Lawndale- if it shows to be successful (ie participants are not arrested again, lowered absenteeism rates, etc)- the program will be expanded.

It was asked what she will do for Bucktown and what citizens can do. Her office wants to be partners with the community, including attending events and speaking about new policies and practices. Citizens can promote a change in the perception of Chicago as a violent city; this perception makes businesses and tourists less likely to come here. But this requires community participation.

A basic function of government is providing safety to its citizens. The State’s Attorney’s office is working on policies for approaching crime including working on prosecuting public corruption and cybercrimes that the federal government doesn’t. Her office will be meeting with the FBI, ATF, etc to work with them.

The meeting was fruitful and provided us with a look into how the new State's Attorney is already making changes to the agency, while taking steps to transform it into an office that works for our communities. Thanks to Pulaski Elementary for hosting the space , and to Jim Zouras, Tim Kincaid and Jeff Kulwin (moderator) for hosting the event.

Lincoln Park Sewer Main Project #7158

Weekly Update

Status: (In progress, sewer side only: 65%)

• Schubert from Southport to Lakewood: mainline sewer installed, installation of catch basins completed.

• Lakewood from Schubert to Wrightwood: mainline sewer installed; installation of catch basins and PDs still in progress.

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

• The CDWM sewer crew 1 will start with the demobilization of equipment and materials to start the second phase of the project located at Altgeld from Greenview to Janssen, Janssen from Altgeld to 40 feet south, Greenview from alley north of Altgeld to Lill. The excavation process will most likely begin on 2/14 on Greenview going north to Lill from Altgeld.

• The CDWM sewer crew 2 will keep on working on individual house drains on the 2600 block of Lakewood. There won't be any anticipated shutdowns for water or gas services unless there is an emergency.

• The Lead Service Line Replacement Program (water crew) is scheduled to start next week on the 1300 block of Schubert.

Traffic Control:

• Lakewood will remain closed from Schubert to Wrightwood during working hours. No parking signs have been posted on the 2600 block of Lakewood. There could possibly be nightly closures during the week.

• No parking signs have been posted on Altgeld from Greenview to Janssen, Janssen from Altgeld to 40 feet south, Greenview from alley north of Altgeld to Lill.

• Greenview from alley north of Altgeld to Lill will remain closed during the week.

• No parking signs have been posted on the 1300 block of Schubert; it will remain closed during working hours and possibly during the night.

Earth Day Site Captain Signup

2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Friends of the Parks’ citywide Earth Day cleanups! For four decades, Friends of the Park has partnered with the Chicago Park District to gather Chicagoans all over the city each spring to restore and beautify our beloved parks. On Saturday, April 26, we are aiming to make this the biggest Earth Day yet, reaching more parks than ever before.

To make this possible, they are recruiting Site Captains to organize and lead cleanup efforts in local parks. Click here to sign up! (For a list of parks that already have captains, click here.)

Engraved Brick Fundraising Campaign for Trebes Park

A quick update from Trebes Park Advisory Council:

Renovations are underway! The work is on track to be completed this Spring, but the finishing touches are somewhat weather dependent (e.g. planting the new garden in the southeast corner). In preparation for the newly renovated park, The Trebes Park Advisory Council is kicking off a campaign to raise funds to support various initiatives, including more programming and supplemental maintenance not covered by the Park District.

This campaign is seeking donations of $500 or $1,000. All contributors will receive an engraved brick in the new walkway leading through the garden.

Donations of $500 will receive a standard 4” x 8” brick (three lines of engraving), and donations of $1,000 will receive an 8” x 8” brick (six lines of engraving). All inscriptions must be approved by the Chicago Park District. They recommend simple inscriptions, such as “The Jones Family” or “In Honor of John and Linda Jones.” Prose, messages, and commentary are likely not to be approved.

You can make your donation via credit card and provide your desired inscription here - https://trebespark.com/donate/ - by March 1st. The reason for the deadline is to install bricks before the grand opening.

If you have any questions or would like to contribute more, please reach out to TPAC at trebespark@gmail.com. Of course, please feel free to pass this email along to others who might be excited to help support Trebes Park.

Community Wellness & Resource Fair

Our office will be at Commissioner Degnen and the Lakeview YMCA Wellness event to help answer questions and/or take service requests. You can also always call our office at 773-248-1330 or email us at info@ward32.org for service requests as well.

After School Matters

This spring, After School Matters (ASM) is offering hundreds of programs across the city between the weeks of February 24 through May 10. Programs are available to Chicago high school teens ages 14-18. Every program encourages teens to pursue a new passion, build community, and earn money at the same time.   

Last year, ASM provided opportunities for teens to explore their interests, develop their skills, and find their futures in programs that are tailored to their unique social and emotional needs. We’ve partnered with hundreds of schools and community-based organizations, creating a citywide network of support for our young people. 

Teens can apply here: www.afterschoolmatters.org/teens/apply. 

City News

• Johnson Warns of City Hall Housecleaning Triggered by Disloyalty: ‘If You Ain’t With Us, You Gotta Go'
• Proposal to Pay Dexter Reed’s Family $1.25M to Settle Lawsuit Fails to Advance 
• Watchdog Urges City Council to Tighten Rules to Stop Mayor’s Office From Obstructing Probes
• Ethics Board ‘Revokes’ Informal Agreement That Allowed Mayor to Accept Pricey Gifts
• Video of City Hall Gift Room Raises ‘More Questions Than Answers’: Watchdog
• For 2 Years, 211 Helpline Has Connected Cook County Residents to Social Services
• 3 Top City Leaders Step Down Days After Mayor Promised Staffing Shakeup

Some local options for the weekend:

• Chicago’s Best Affordable Date Night Options
• Chicago’s Best Dive Bars