32nd Ward Newsletter: March 1, 2025

Dear Scott,

Our office will be closed on Monday, March 3 in honor of Pulaski Day. Please make sure to keep your garbage and recycling carts out all week since pickup will be affected by this City holiday.

In the newsletter, an update on the latest bond deal by Mayor Johnson, thanks to several women leaders leaving city government, a YMCA Wellness and Community Fair with Commissioner Degnen and others, a book drive for Share Our Spare, and more.

Have a good weekend,

Alderman Scott Waguespack

Community Wellness and Resource Fair

My office participated in Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen's Community Wellness and Resource Fair at the Lakeview YMCA. The fair provided direct contact to a variety of government offices and local representatives sharing resources with residents. We were happy to see a number of familiar faces at the event and meet many new neighbors and organizations. Sheriff Tom Dart offered self defense classes for seniors, and brought along a hero canine named Samantha (and plenty of extra wipes).

Several levels of government were represented and it was a fun event!

Thank you to Executive Director of the YMCA Mary Stonor Saunders and Commissioner Degnen and her team for a great afternoon!

Public Safety Section

To speak before the Court, please register here:

https://cpdmonitoringteam.com/register-speak-upcoming-hearing/.

More instructions can be found in the Court’s Order: 

https://cpdmonitoringteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025.02.18-Order-Setting-Virtual-Public-Hearing-and-Written-Comment-Period-regarding-the-Consent-Decree.pdf.

All members of the public may join the virtual public hearing without registration: https://afslaw.zoom.us/j/96173711584; phone: 13126266799,96173711584#.

Please email contact@cpdmonitoringteam.com with any questions.

Chicago Park District Spring Programming

Spring into healthy habits and new hobbies! The Chicago Park District Spring Program session will be available to view on Monday, March 3, 2025. Online registration will open on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. for parks west of California Ave. and, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., for parks east of California Ave. In-person registration will begin at most parks on Saturday, March 15, 2025, or Monday, March 17, 2025; in-person registration times and dates vary by park. Visit this page to view the registration checklist, and visit this page on March 3, 2025 to view programs for people of all ages and abilities.

Thank You to North Branch Works!

Thanks to North Branch Works for hosting last week's webinar on infrastructure in the North Branch area. Along with staff from the city, Related Midwest, and the North Branch works staff, we covered several topics on new developments on infrastructure, new affordable housing that Lathrop homes, new Bridges, and quick notes about Lincoln Yards.

While I know there is a lot of negativity about good urban planning, it is important to make sure that any projects that we plan are sustainable and have all of the needs of our communities covered. Including affordable housing in projects, public transit availability, and voices of the community will continue to be included in discussions. As we move forward with projects, I will continue to take input from different perspectives with a focus on urban planning.

SBIF to open on Goose Island & in Addison South - learn more about small biz grants from the City.

Sign up for webinars and information sessions like the recent Infrastructure & development projects webinar on Feb. 20th.

Hamlin Park Reseeding and Construction

The Chicago Park District is reseeding the lawn at Hamlin Park. Starting this week, you'll see fences around areas in the park to protect the grass as it regrows. They hope that the fences can come down after several weeks, but that could change. Please DO NOT allow your dog to run or pay on the grass during the seeding or after. Hamlin, like many of the children playlots, requires dogs to be on leash per Park District safety rules. There is a separate dog park for your dog to run.

Also this spring Hamlin Park will be undergoing a new construction project for renovations and improvements. See the map below for some of the upcoming projects including resurfacings, new equipment, and dog park renovation. There will also be repairs to the field house gym. The Chicago Park District is actively working on this now.

You can follow the progress on Hamlin Park's Advisory Council's Facebook page and if you'd like to make a donation click here.

Lincoln Park Sewer Main Project #7158

Weekly Update

Status: (In progress, sewer side only: 72%)

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

• 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, corrective work completed.

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

• The CDWM sewer crew 1 will continue working on Greenview going north to Lill from Altgeld; this phase should be completed by Tuesday 3/4.

• 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) will keep working on the 1300 block of Schubert.

• The last phase of the installation of the sewer mainline could possibly start on Altgeld and Greenview on Wednesday 3/5. There will be a water service shut down (working hours only) scheduled on Wednesday 3/5 to complete a cut/cap on the 6” water main of Greenview from Altgeld to Montana. Homeowners will be notified at least 24 hrs before the shut down.

• Starting Thursday 3/6, the CDWM sewer crew will continue with the installation of the sewer mainline on Altgeld and Greenview going east.

Traffic Control: 

• Greenview from alley north of Altgeld to Lill will remain closed during working hours. The intersection Greenview/Altgeld could be possibly shut down by the end of next week. 

• The 1300 blocks of Schubert and 2600 block of Lakewood will remain closed during working hours. There could possibly be nightly closures during the week.

• No parking signs are posted on all streets.

Thanks to Several Women Leaders in the City

Over the past week, we had several city leaders resign from city government, taking years of institutional knowledge with them. I wanted to say thank you to each of the three women mentioned here as the impact of their resignations will be felt throughout the City. 

Earlier this month, Jadine Chou left Chicago Public Schools (CPS) as Chief of Safety and Security. Over the last decade and a half, she worked to change CPS' culture of safety within our schools. She was very responsive to our CPS safety needs, and proactive in working with our office to improve our schools. Prior to her work at CPS, Jadine worked at the Chicago Housing Authority system and transformed some of their practices as well. 

Jamie Rhee retires as the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), overseeing O’Hare and Midway International Airports. She was the City’s Chief of Procurement and started efforts to include diversity, equity, and inclusion in city contracting. She was appointed the head of Aviation in 2018 and fostered through several major improvements at our airports. We often spoke about the simple and complex challenges of maintaining and improving our airports for workers who keep the airports running, residents who bear the noise issues, travelers, and our airlines that provide jobs and the planes. 

Yesterday, Chicago Park District Superintendent Rosa Escareño resigned from her post as the head of our park system. Rosa was appointed by Mayor Lightfoot in the midst of the lifeguard scandal to help overhaul the parks' lifeguard service among other policies and practices. Rosa also led the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection prior to this appointment. She worked with our office over many years to expand and improve the needs of our small business community and parks, especially during the difficult period of the pandemic. 

It was a pleasure to work with each of them throughout their time at the City, as each is dedicated to making our hometown better each day. Each of them, like thousands of other city workers, help us each day in doing our jobs while providing services to our residents and businesses. Our team at the 32nd ward office thanks them and we wish all of them the best in their new endeavors. 

I’ve been saddened to see so many great leaders and public servants with the institutional knowledge leave or be forced out of local government amidst the ongoing fiscal mismanagement and vacuum of effective leadership during Mayor Johnson’s term.  

As you may have seen earlier in the day, there was a Chicago Park District board emergency meeting where Mayor Johnson filled the empty Superintendent seat with my colleague on the City Council, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. The board voted to approve that appointment today with four of the seven members of the Chicago Park District Board. 

Wednesday City Council Bond Vote

On Wednesday, Mayor Johnson called a special meeting to push through his $830 million bond deal. Even after significant evidence showed that the repayment schedule was seriously flawed, the majority of the Council ended up passing this new Bond deal 26-23. I voted No with many of my colleagues.

We received quite a few letters from residents There were a couple of procedural motions as we made an attempt to substitute the original Bond deal with different terms. That vote failed in a 25 to 25 vote, with Mayor Johnson immediately casting the tie breaking vote to push through to the main Bond vote. 

After a few minutes of parliamentary wrangling, we were able to get the Mayor to agree to allow for discussion about the bond deal before the main vote. The end vote was 26 to 23, with one alderman taking a walk. The consequences of this passage of the bond deal are pretty severe. This deal will cost the city close to 2 billion dollars by the time it is repaid. The interest payments on this deal will not kick in until 1/1/2028. The principal on the deal will also not kick in until 1/1/2045. Forgoing the principles on payment for 20 years and some of the interest for 3 years simply means that they are kicking the can down the road. When the bill comes due in 2045, the first payment will be about $137 million dollars.

No one was arguing that the city shouldn't invest in our infrastructure. What some of us are angry about is the saddling of our children and grandchildren with over a billion dollars in interest payments because Mayor Johnson and his team refused to make amendments to the bond deal. 

One of my colleagues pointed out the meter deal as being indicative of what this Bond deal was like. As many of you recall, my office did the research to counter the horrible finances and practical consequences of the meter deal in 2008. We only had a couple days to pull together an analysis that showed the consequences of the 75 year deal. Like that deal, valuable information was initially withheld and not made available to all aldermen. 

There are many lessons learned from the meter deal, including the need for transparency, and looking out not just for the wants of today, but for the needs of future generations. There are issues ward by ward or across the city that we are tasked with reviewing and trying to create a balanced approach. Fear-mongering often plays a part in the push to sign off on deals. With transparency, honesty, and with straightforward facts we can craft decent deals that benefit the taxpaying public, versus sending us into financial distress. 

Chicago, like municipalities across the United States, regularly fund infrastructure and asset purchases through bond deals. Matching deals to the useful life of assets is important in these deals as is the repayment of the funds for the assets. For instance, a bridge may last forty years, while a police vehicle may last just a few years. As these assets depreciate (much like depreciation when taking a new car off the dealer's lot), the bond deal repayment schedule should try to match the useful life of those assets.  

The lack of any principal payments and foregoing the interest until after the next mayoral election would leave a future Mayor, Council, and our kids on the hook for a massive payment in 2045. We are otherwise just starting to pay for stuff in 2045 that is already sitting in a recycling center.

As I stated during council, this deal is putting all of the responsibility for today’s expenses on a future generation, “kicking the can down the road for future generations, for a future mayor, and for future City Council members to take on a responsibility after we have used up the assets and the funding that we’re voting on today…I don’t have an argument against borrowing. The problem is the lack of transparency, the lack of honesty, and the lack of trust” of the Johnson Administration. 

Another financial issue to keep your eyes on is the $175 million payment for CPS workers that the Mayor says could be paid from our city reserves. The $175 million are funds CPS was supposed to pay back to the City, but is now entangled in CPS finances tied to the teachers contract. The new hybrid school board (with 11 of 21 appointed by the Mayor) has a choice to make, 1) CPS borrow to make the $175 million payment or 2) have the Mayor dip into the City reserves. This action must be taken by the end of March when the city must close its books on the year. 

If the funds are taken from our City reserves, we will likely be hit with another ratings downgrade after S&P downgraded the city due to the Mayor’s 2025 budget.

We will continue to keep an eye on the CPS payment and other developments at City Hall and share them with you.

In recognition of #NationalReadingMonth, we will be collecting new & gently used books, appropriate for 0-8 year olds, to donate to @Shareourspare. 

In particular, they're hoping to grow their inventory of books that include some or all of the following-

• Highlight BIPOC and AAPI characters.
• Feature content about topics of diversity and social emotional learning.
• Are written in Spanish, Arabic, French, or Ukrainian.

ShareOurSpare ensures every Chicago area child, ages 0-5, has the essential items they need to support their health and development to equip them for a strong start.

ALL BOOKS MUST BE APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN UP TO AGE 8. Please do not bring books for older readers, as they have no place to donate or store them at this time.

Thank you!

APPLICATIONS DUE TOMORROW! 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. CLICK HERE to apply! DUE TOMORROW! MARCH 1st!

Mimosas and Momentum

Kick off International Women’s Day with Mimosas & Momentum, a morning of inspiration, connection, and celebration! This exclusive networking event is designed for women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals looking to expand their networks in a welcoming and empowering environment.

Learn more and register here!

The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber is thrilled to present the "Spring Wine Wobble - Bucktown Edition" Choose from two distinct routes, "Unscrewed-North Damen" or "Uncorked-South Damen."

Explore fantastic specials, exclusive promotions, and incredible deals at participating small local businesses, including spas, art galleries, jewelry stores, and more.

Light bites and wine tastings will be served at participating businesses, and each guest will receive a commemorative tasting wine glass at check-in!

Thursday, March 20, 6-9 PM

Early Bird - $30, buy by March 3

Regular - $35

Event Day - $40

Get your ticket here!

Your Real ID Can Wait!

There is a federally mandated REAL ID initiative that is set to take place beginning May 7th, 2025. Currently, there is a bit of confusion regarding the deadline and what it means for you. Here is helpful information to help you develop a better understanding of who needs a REAL ID and how you may be impacted by the May 7th, 2025 deadline.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a driver’s license or ID card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. REAL ID cards have a star in the upper-right hand corner-right corner. Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require every person 18 years and older to present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license or ID card or another acceptable form of identification — like a valid U.S. passport — to board a flight within the U.S. or enter a secure federal building.

You DO NOT need a REAL ID to:

1. Vote or prove citizenship status

2. Operate a vehicle (if you have a Standard Driver’s License)

3. Open a bank account or apply for/receive federal benefits

3. Board a flight if you are under 18 years of age

4. Board a domestic flight if you have a valid passport

What do I need to obtain a REAL ID?

1. Proof of your identity, date of birth, and U.S Citizenship or lawful status

2. Proof of your full Social Security Number (SSN)

3. Two forms of proof of residency

4. Verification of your written signature

Note: attached to this email is a checklist of formally acceptable documents.

What happens once the REAL ID Act is enforced?

Starting May 7th, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID OR VALID PASSPORT to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities such as courthouses, military bases and prisons.

Can you get a REAL ID after the May 7th Deadline?

Yes, you can still get a REAL ID after the May 7th Deadline. If you are planning to fly later in the year, and you do not have a valid passport, you can still obtain one after May 7th so there definitely is time and no need to rush if this applies to you.

Are any other documents be accepted to fly domestically after the deadline?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport or passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry), U.S. military ID, permanent resident card, or a foreign government passport are alternative documents that may be used to fly. A full list of alternative documents can be found at Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint | Transportation Security Administration.

For additional information, you can always visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website https://realid.ilsos.gov.

Mental Health Treatment for Military Veterans

and Their Families

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