32nd Ward Newsletter: March 14, 2025

Dear Scott,

St. Patrick’s Day weekend is here and we have added information about the weekend events but also want to make sure we have a safe and enjoyable day for everyone. Our police districts will have an increased presence to ensure public safety during celebrations. If you are celebrating or are a business hosting any events, we encourage you to use public transportation and when patronizing a local bar please respect the neighbors in all of our communities. Please see below for full details from OEMC.

Street Sweeping starts in about two weeks. We've attached the map below so you can start plugging in the dates for your sweeping dates. Click on the map to go to the ward website link. From April 1 to mid-November, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation uses street sweepers to clear streets of debris and litter from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Removing heavy debris from curbs prior to the first sweeping of the year is helpful. Please bag all garbage and debris and throw it in the black garbage cans. Debris from the winter may contain chemicals, oils, and salt that we want to clean up and avoid putting into sewers that could end up in the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Please feel free to share the map with neighbors and friends.

Several of our Chicago parks (see Churchill Park below) have been fenced off to allow grass to grow again after taking a beating over the past year. Please keep off the fenced areas.

The Chicago Board of Elections and METRA submitted surveys for this week's newsletter. The CBOE is asking for input on upcoming elections, and METRA is looking into renaming lines. Also included are some notes on a joint request for a subcommittee proposed by City Clerk Valencia and I to tackle the issue of sister agencies funding and governing, as well as Cook County property tax assessment information.

Have a nice St. Patrick's Day weekend,

Alderman Scott Waguespack

Resolution Calling for Transparency and Review Process of Appointing Members of City of Chicago Boards and Sister Agencies

This week at the City Council, City Clerk Anna Valencia and I submitted a resolution for the creation of a subcommittee within the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight to analyze and improve the transparency and democratic processes involved in appointing members to various key boards and commissions in Chicago.

The resolution calls for the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight to establish a subcommittee to look at the process for appointing board members at sister agencies and establish best practices relating to transparency and the democratic process. Sister agencies receive millions of taxpayer funds through the City budget each year and are rarely required to account for all funds or testify before the Council as to the use of those funds. The subcommittee would establish periodic reporting requirements to the City Council for each sister agency outlining their work and financial status, as well as determining whether earlier notice should be required when board appointments are being considered. This falls in line with many years of efforts by our ward office to bring transparency and openness to the decades sister agency/City commingling of funds and borrowing.

Decision-making between sister agencies and City Hall requires full openness and transparency by appointed and elected government officials. This subcommittee would be another step toward making the governing process open to all Chicago taxpayers and I look forward to seeing it move forward. Clerk Valencia commented that “As the current landscape of our federal government raises questions about checks and balances, it’s important to revisit the processes our City follows and reinforce the public’s right to know what their government is doing.” 

Unfortunately, the resolution was immediately sent to the Rules Committee by Alderman Dowell using Rule 41 of the Council to block a hearing date for at least 60 days.

Public Safety Section

Mark your calendar for this month's 18th District Council Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 25th at 6:00PM.

The location for this month's meeting is St. James Church Lutheran Church at 2050 N. Fremont St. Meter parking is available on Armitage and Sheffield Avenues. Street parking is available with Parking Zone #143 stickers.

18th District Commander Michael Barz (or a representative from 18) will attend to comment on safety trends and answer questions.

RSVP

ZOOM Registration

Tax Exemptions

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced at a press conference that property tax–saving exemptions applications for the 2024 tax year are now available online. Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. The most common is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves a property owner an average of $950 dollars each year.

Here are some key things that homeowners should know when applying for exemptions.

The Homeowner, Senior, and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions are automatically renewed. Postcards will be mailed to households confirming that no action is needed.

Homeowners must reapply for the Veterans with Disabilities and the “Senior Freeze” Exemptions. Seniors and veterans that need to reapply will be mailed application booklets in the coming weeks.

New homeowners, first-time applicants, or those that need to reapply can now do so online at www.cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply online so there is a digital record of their application. This allows Assessor staff to easily locate the application, provide a status update, and notify the homeowner if missing documents are needed.

This year, homeowners reapplying online will have access to a streamlined application form, reducing the time it takes to apply.

If homeowners are unsure of their existing exemptions, they can review the “Exemptions History & Status” section of the “Property Details” page for their home. Exemptions forms are available in Spanish, Polish, and simplified Chinese languages. Applications can be downloaded at www.cookcountyassessor.com/exemptions.

As a reminder, exemptions are only reflected on the second installment tax bill.

Homeowners can join virtual exemptions workshops on Facebook and YouTube at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, in English and on Wednesday, March 19, in Spanish. For a list of upcoming in-person and virtual outreach events, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/event-list.

To receive news and updates from the Assessor’s Office, sign up here.

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 to view programs for people of all ages and abilities.

Churchill Park Update

Churchill Field is currently being aerated and receded. The Park District will fence off the field so that the grass can grow. 



Please don't allow your dog on the field; use the dog park next door. 

If you see anyone breaching the fence and ruining this community asset, please call 911.

Lincoln Park Sewer Main Project #7158

Weekly Update

Status: (In progress, sewer side only: 74%)

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

• 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 in progress.

• The CDWM crew will continue working on Altgeld going east from Greenview.

• The Lead Service Line Replacement Program (water crews) will keep working at the 1300 block of Schubert.

• The work at the 2600 block of Lakewood is almost completed, except for the reconnection of the last private drain that will be done in future days.

Traffic Control:

• The Greenview/Altgeld intersection will remain completely shut down during the weekend due to a fiber optic package located west of the intersection. It will most likely be open Tuesday morning 3/25.

• During next week, Altgeld will remain closed from Greenview going east to the alley.

• The 1300 block of Schubert will remain closed during working hours only.

• No parking signs are posted on all streets.

Brown Line Status March 21-24

Help Keep Crucial SSA Services in West Lakeview

West Lakeview Special Service Area (SSA) 27’s 15 year term ends 12/31/2025, and must go through a renewal process throughout 2025 in order for West Lakeview to keep crucial SSA services such as Litter Pickup, Landscaping, Holiday Decor, Outdoor Furniture Maintenance, Community Events (such as Lincoln Brunch Fest and the Lakeview Tree Lighting Ceremony), Public Art, and more.

To keep West Lakeview safe, beautiful, and fun, they will require 20% of signatures representing all Property Index Numbers (PIN) within the SSA 27 boundaries by August 1st, and you can help. 

SSA 27 Boundaries include:

• Southport: 3150 to 3880 (Byron to Belmont)
• Lincoln: 2800 to 3599 (Addison to Diversey)
• Ashland: 2800 to 3599 (Addison to Diversey)
• Belmont: 1200 to 1799 (Racine to Ravenswood)
• Any side-street intersecting the above-listed streets, up to the first alley or 100ft if no alley is present

For more info, please refer to lakeviewssa27.com/reconstitution and/or reach out to robert@lrvcc.org to inquire on how to sign for your PIN.

Chicago Board of Elections Survey

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!

Metra Seeking Public Feedback on Renaming Lines

Effort spurred by transition to three Union Pacific lines

Metra is launching a survey and scheduling public outreach events this month to ask riders what they think about potentially renaming lines to make the system easier to understand for new and occasional riders.

The survey can be found at metra.com/LineNames.

The effort is spurred in part by the coming transition to Metra of the operation of the Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West lines. Union Pacific Railroad owns those lines and has historically operated them with its own employees, but UP no longer wants to run passenger trains. Metra has been hiring many of UP’s workers and this spring will begin to directly run the service, and “Union Pacific” will be phased out of the line names.

Renaming the three UP lines presents Metra with an opportunity to reconsider all its line names, which follow no logical or consistent pattern. Many are named after freight railroads that used to or still operate the service, while some are named for directions, or how trains are powered, or their location in a historic corridor. On maps, signs, and timetables, each line uses a different color.

The result can be confusing for new users, and for those who have limited proficiency with English. For instance, two lines have “Milwaukee” in their names, because they were once part of the Milwaukee Road, but they do not go to that city.

The survey will ask riders to choose between three options:

• Retaining all the current names and colors except for the three UP lines;

• Using a single color for all lines and labeling all lines with an “M” for Metra

paired with a number. For instance, M1, M2, M3, etc.

• Using a single color for lines that share a downtown station, and labeling them

with a letter to indicate the direction they go from downtown paired with a

number. For instance, the three lines that use Ogilvie would be the same color,

and would be labeled N1 (for the UP North), N4 (for the UP Northwest) and W2

(for the UP West).

Metra believes developing clear and consistent line names may make the system

easier to understand and encourage infrequent and first-time riders to ride more often. Research indicates that 7 out of 10 customers ride once a month or less, while 4 out of 10 ride only once a year.

Metra is in the early stages of a larger systemwide signage and wayfinding project, which will replace a variety of wayfinding, identification, and informational signs that have been installed over the years with redesigned signs that have a common appearance and use common language. It makes practical and economic sense to also consider changing the line names as part of this effort.

The effort will be in the design stage this year into 2026, transitioning to the

manufacture/installation phase later in 2026. Metra hopes to complete the rollout of the new signs by early 2029.

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!

St. Patrick's Day Tips for Liquor Licensees

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, BACP and the Local Liquor Control Commission hope the holiday will be enjoyable for people who join in the festivities at venues throughout the city. As such, it is important that public safety and order be maintained along the streets and public ways adjacent to establishments, to ensure that all those attending and participating can do so safely. 



More: Top Tips for Liquor Licensees

Free Remote Chicago Small Business Expo

The Chicago Small Business Expo will be held on Thursday, March 27th from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The remote expo serves as a comprehensive resource for Chicago’s small business community, ultimately increasing chances of success and achieving business goals. The expo will feature a series of webinars led by industry experts and government officials offering insights into funding opportunities and growth strategies for current and future business owners. The keynote speaker will be Brenda Palms, President and CEO of the North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) and Sweet Beginnings, LLC. To learn more and register for the free remote Chicago Small Business Expo, visit Chicago.gov/BizExpo. 

The interactive remote expo will cover topics such as: 

• Accessing Capital: Funding options and financial resources available to entrepreneurs 
• Navigating Government Resources: Available programs, grants and regulatory support at the local, state and federal levels 

The keynote speaker will be Brenda Palms, President and CEO of the North Lawndale Employment Network and Sweet Beginnings, LLC. For 25 years, Brenda has led NLEN in the heart of the North Lawndale neighborhood, and Sweet Beginnings two social impact businesses beelove® and the beelove café. Through Sweet Beginnings model of providing transitional employment in beekeeping, honey production, packaging, and customer service, Palms has connected more than 800 job seekers with barriers to employment to good local jobs and a stepping stone to long term prosperity.  

To learn more about the expo, workshops, and schedule, click here!

The Chicago Park District is Hiring for the Summer!

Legal Aid Chicago

Legal Aid Chicago is a nonprofit law firm that provides free representation in civil legal matters for clients who lack the resources to hire an attorney on their own. If you need their assistance with any of the following issues, go to www.Legalaidchicago.org or call 312-341-1070

• Help you figure out what DHS benefits you qualify to receive

• Help you apply for benefits from DHS

• Provide free legal representation if DHS wrongly denies your application or fails to award you benefits you are entitled to receive

OEMC Information on Chicago St. Patrick's Day

Weekend Events

The City of Chicago reminds residents to celebrate responsibly, be alert and report suspicious packages or activity to event security or call 9-1-1

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations return this weekend bringing crowds and street closures. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) reminds the public of large crowds and security measures in place for the weekend events. OEMC stresses the importance of always being aware of surroundings and reporting suspicious activity to onsite event security or call

9-1-1.

High Wind Watch and Wind Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory in effect from 4 p.m. on Friday, March 14 until 1 a.m. on Saturday, March 15 and a High Wind Watch in effect Saturday morning until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. OEMC will continue to monitor conditions with the National Weather Service in Chicago and will alert the public if there are additional severe weather threats and impacts

Chicago OEMC App

Residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC app in order to have the latest information on weather conditions from the National Weather Service in Chicago, event information, street closures and more. To download the app, visit Chicago.gov/OEMC or the Apple or Google Play stores.

Chicago will have citywide deployments for the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend to ensure the safety and security of the public. OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments.

Similar to previous years, the Chicago Police Department will have an increased police presence at all St. Patrick’s Day events across the city, including at the Chicago River Dyeing, the downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Northwest Side Irish Parade and the South Side Irish Parade. CPD has also been working with fellow City agencies and public safety partners to ensure sufficient resources are in place during these celebrations.

Residents and motorists should be aware of the following large events:

River Dyeing and Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Saturday, March 15

The Chicago River will be dyed green beginning at 10 a.m. just west of the Columbus bridge to the east of Orleans before Wolf Point. During the dyeing of the river, bridges will be closed to spectators, however, the Columbus, LaSalle and Orleans bridges will remain open for vehicular/pedestrian traffic. The Chicago Riverwalk will be closed from 11 p.m. on Friday, March 15, through the day on Saturday, March 16 until 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 17. The river dyeing can be viewed along the river from Upper Wacker Drive.

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 12:15 p.m. at Balbo and Columbus Drive proceeding north to Monroe Street. The parade will be broadcast live by ABC 7 Chicago. Expect street closures as early as 8 a.m. including Columbus Drive from Roosevelt Road to Wacker Drive and east/west streets in those boundaries. Streets within the boundary of Monroe Street between Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed. DuSable Lake Shore Drive or State Street can be used as an alternate route. For additional details, visit chicagostpatricksdayparade.org.

Parade organizers and the city will be postured accordingly to ensure public safety to promote a family-friendly environment. Entry to the parade route along Columbus begins at 11 a.m. and will only be permitted at Jackson and Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly Congress Drive) and all entry points will have security checkpoints where all purses and bags will be checked. Coolers, alcoholic beverages, camelbacks, or personal water bottles will not be permitted along the parade route.

Grant Park and Lakefront Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, residents are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area and on DuSable Lake Shore Drive from 5700 North to 6600 South to help them reference their location along the lakefront and within the park if you call 9-1-1 in an emergency. OEMC call takers and dispatchers will be able to provide the location for first responders. They can also be used between friends and family members as meeting point if you become separated. For complete details click HERE.

Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Saturday, March 15

The Archer Avenue parade steps off at noon at Archer Avenue and South Oak Park and proceeds east from Oak Park to Archer Merrimac. The parade is expected to conclude at 2 p.m.

South Side Irish Parade, Sunday, March 16

The South Side Irish Parade steps off at noon at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western Avenue. Parking restrictions in the area begin at 8 a.m. and will remain until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, but anyone parking in the area that day should read signage before parking. Expect parking restrictions on both sides of the street from 103rd to 112th Streets along Western Avenue. The staging area is located on Western Avenue from 99th to 103rd Streets and Bell to Maplewood Avenues. Street closures along the parade route as well as the staging area may begin as early as 7 a.m. The parade is expected to end at 4 p.m., the disbanding area is located on Western Avenue from 115th to 119th Streets. For additional details, visit southsideirishparade.org.

Northwest Side Irish Parade, Sunday, March 16

The parade steps off at noon at Onahan School, at 6634 W. Raven St. proceeding south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway and north to Harlem Avenue in the Norwood Park neighborhood. Northwest Highway will be closed to vehicles at 9am. Parking restrictions are in effect along the route beginning at 7 a.m. Both sides of the street on Neola, Raven, Northwest Highway, Normandy Avenue, Imlay, Neva, Palatine and Natoma along the route will be affected. For additional details, visit northwestsideirish.com.

Motorists in the areas where events are happening should be prepared for increased traffic and possible reroutes. Street closures will be in effect for larger events to ensure public safety. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at events citywide to direct flow and impacts from traffic. Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit transitchicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR- CTA.

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something Say Something. The City reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. For public safety information and tips, visit Chicago.gov/OEMC.

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