32nd Ward Newsletter: February 7, 2025

Dear Scott,

Chicago and the Midwest may be hit by some winter storms this weekend so please be sure to salt your sidewalk. What could gutting the NOAA (NOAA, oversees US fisheries, ocean, weather and climate agencies) do for the forecasts that our local media and OEMC rely on for alerts?

For those of you who live near Wrigley Field, the annual Wrigley Field Community Meeting is taking place February 27th at 6:00pm at the Inter-American Magnet School (851 W Waveland). These annual meetings are open to the public to discuss plans for the upcoming Cubs season and address any community concerns.

Read below for information on a new condo bill proposed by the General Assembly and how it may affect you, info from CPD for our local districts, among other items.

As many of you know, Chicago’s transit agencies are facing a $750+ million cliff for FY2026 that is threatening the health and vitality of public transportation in our region. Along with the serious mismanagement we’ve seen at CTA, this crisis has prompted state lawmakers to begin action to reform and fund the CTA (as well as Metra and Pace). The main proposal we saw last year was to consolidate these agencies into one entity that would oversee all of the region’s transit operations. However, a new proposal has emerged that would strengthen the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), establish a new regional police force to patrol CTA buses and trains, give the RTA additional oversight over CTA’s finances and planning, give suburban municipalities more say in CTA operations, lower the amount of fare revenue required for CTA’s budget, and give the RTA more options to raise revenues and cut spending, all at an yet unknown cost.

At this time, the CTA is being run by the chief of staff to former CTA President Dorval Carter, who resigned his post last month. Mayor Johnson has not conducted a search yet, nor provided any information about how the next President will be chosen. I will keep you updated as we learn more about this transit proposal and state of the CTA leadership.

Our office will be closed Wednesday, February 12 in honor of Lincoln's Birthday, and will also 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 these holidays.

Have a good weekend,

Alderman Scott Waguespack

Public Safety Section

Community Policing Engagement Survey 

The Chicago Police Department and the Mayor’s Office recently announced initiatives to gather community input on policing efforts as well as the expansion of alternate response models that are aimed at strengthening safety citywide.

Listening to the voices of community organizations and members will provide critical insight to inform the City’s next steps in community policing and alternative response. You can take the survey here.

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

I attended the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting where our panel of aldermen discussed business issues in the LPCC community area. 

The aldermen panel (2nd, 32nd and 43rd Wards) was moderated by Elliot Richardson, our friend from the Small Business Advocacy Council. SBAC-IL advocates and represents small businesses throughout Illinois. We have worked with them on small business legislation including streamlining permitting processes, and business signage rules, among other advocacy. The panel discussed issues and solutions ranging from small business permitting, to crime to city taxes and everything in between. 

The LPCC also presented their Neighborhood Champion Awards to Gilaad Matar (Morgan Stanley) and to Wrightwood Neighbors Association (WNA). This year, the WNA is also expanding their boundaries west to Ashland Avenue. After extensive discussions with the WNA, and outreach to the community west to Ashland, the WNA board decided to expand their reach west to help represent a larger swath of Lincoln Park, and pick up the West DePaul community. The WNA is all-volunteer community group for businesses and all people living in the area bounded by Halsted to Ashland, and Fullerton to Diversey.

Visit LPCC to learn more about how they support our local businesses and their business legislative agenda.

Condominium Owners Proposed State Legislation

Condo owners- legislation drafted by Illinois Senator Cunningham may have an impact on your condo association funds. HB220 (103rd), requires a reserve study on condominium buildings that could impact your mandatory reserve. 

A recent survey of local contractors found that the average estimated cost of a reserve study for a 4-unit condominium building would be $3,500. I would encourage your association leadership to review the legislation and contact your Illinois senator to see how this legislation may impact your association. Senator Feigenholtz has made us aware of this legislation and is working with local aldermen to get the word out about the possible impact to our residents. 

Lincoln Park Sewer Main Project #7158

Weekly Update

Status: (In progress, sewer side only: 64%)

• 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.

• Crews will work 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.

Traffic Control: Lakewood will remain closed from Schubert to Wrightwood. No parking signs will be posted on the 2600 block of Lakewood. There could possibly be nightly closures during the week.

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.

APPLY FOR SSA 27's COMMUNITY EVENTS & PLACEMAKING GRANT BY MARCH 1ST

The Community Events & Placemaking Grant Program funded by Lakeview Special Service Area 27 is now accepting applicants for 2025! The goal of the Program is to support the development of more events and public programming serving our community while creating memorable experiences. By doing so, SSA 27 is able to promote the neighborhood and provide support and funding for special events, ongoing public programming, and creative placemaking activities. You could receive up to $5k to help fund and assist with your programming.

SSA 27 encourages individuals, businesses and organizations to apply. CLICK HERE to apply, learn more, and view past recipients.

APPLY NOW!

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.

Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce's

Winter Wine Walk:

Early Bird Tickets on Sale

Shake off your Winter Blues by strolling down Roscoe St, sampling amazing wines, enjoying tasty bites, and scoring exclusive deals from local businesses just for attendees. Think bright, complex, and zesty—much like the Winter Wine Walk itself. After this event, you'll be sipping like a pro and flaunting your new finds from our local shops. Early Bird Tickets are LIMITED and going FAST! Get yours before they’re gone. Buy Your Tickets Here!

Every guest will receive a Winter Wine Walk Tasting Glass to use during the event and take home as a keepsake. Plus, you'll get to enjoy a variety of delicious bites along the way. There are also alcohol-free options at select stops on the route! 

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. 

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