32nd Ward Newsletter October 17, 2025

Greetings!

There is plenty to check out in this week's newsletter.

Coming up in a few days is a community meeting for the proposed Foundry Park development. The site includes the north portion of the former Lincoln Yards. JDL Development LLC is proposing a plan to redevelop the site with residential, commercial, open space, and various infrastructure upgrades. The meeting will have the developer presentation followed by discussion with community members. More details are below. 


The guest speaker at the next 18th District Council meeting on October 28th will be Yvette Loizon, Chief of Policy and member of the Executive Team at the Cook County State's Attorney Office. She will provide an overview of major changes implemented since State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke took office. Please RSVP to save your spot!

The City of Chicago is expanding the Food Scrap Drop-Off Program to more locations citywide including the Lincoln-Belmont Library at 1659 W. Melrose.

See details below.

CDOT is launching a new Scooter Safety Education campaign to promote safe and responsible riding, prevent sidewalk riding, and keep the public right of way clear for pedestrians. The proliferation of scooters and abuse of the rules of the road has led to significant increases in serious injuries to riders. We appreciate CDOT taking on this issue and are still looking to have a hearing that will allow health care providers to speak to the issue as well.

Thanks to those who attended the know your rights discussion last night at Jahn Elementary. The event was to inform people of what their legal rights are when interacting with federal immigration agents. Because of the misinformation and confusion about what is legal and what is not, lawyers well trained in US Constitutional law provided this legal information as it exists in our US Constitution. Thanks to all of our local officials for speaking on what their jurisdiction is doing on these issues, including Congressman Quigley, State Senators Feigenholtz and Guzman, State Reps Andrade and Williams and our Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen. Thank you also to the trainers from The Resurrection Project and the National Immigrant Justice Center for the presentation. Click here to watch the event- Know Your Rights seminar.

Mayor Johnson has released his 2026 budget proposal. You can review the documents below.  

Have a good weekend.

Alderman Scott Waguespack

The City of Chicago's Office of Budget and Management (OBM) has released Mayor Johnson's 2026 budget proposal. This page has links to all of the documents we receive to review the 2026 budget, annual appropriations, financial reports, and other key documents that provide insight into how the City allocates its resources to serve the public.

Two years ago, we left the Mayor with a 2024 budget gap of about $85 million and that has now ballooned to over $1.15 billion with the potential to increase over the next couple of years. The spending plan has jumped $2 billion in a few short years and is now over $16.5 billion. The budget includes an added business burden- a monthly head tax to all companies with 100+ employees. This tax would drive out business and preclude many potential businesses from setting up shop in Chicago should this head tax move forward. The other big item is the $1+ billion declared surplus in the city’s tax-increment financing (TIF) fund. Aldermen will review all of the TIFs to see where and when long planned infrastructure or development projects will be shuttered. The budget also includes more borrowing (as you may recall, the amount of borrowing by the Johnson Administration has already reached epic proportions) including a $100 million line of credit at an extremely high interest rate of what we hear is 9%. The Administration signed off on a deal with the Fire Department union recently, but didn't include the total amounts for retro pay and step increases. In fact, the old steps were included in the budget book so we have to get updated information onthe actual increases.

The Administration is also turning back the clock on what they borrow for- taking out general obligation bonds to pay for legal settlements after years of prior administrations moving away from that financial morass. The budget also cuts the advanced pension payment plan that was designed to reduce our future pension burdens.

The budget includes some hiring freeze discussion, although last year the admin freeze was bypassed within days.

There is also a revenue generator called the SMART fund that taxes social media. Taxation of individuals' social media use may be unconstitutional and the reliance on this plan, along with other portions of the $617 million in new taxes for 2026, may undermine his proposal and lead the City to instead impose a property tax hike. The speech itself didn't address much in efficiencies, cuts, or reductions in the spending that has expanded in the last couple years. The Mayor's speech is available here. Budget hearings will start next week and may be viewed live or in person.

• Mayor Brandon Johnson Will Outline Plan to Close Chicago's More Than $1 Billion Budget Gap
• Mayor Brandon Johnson Calls for $617M in New Taxes to Close Budget Gap, Avoid Layoffs
• Mayor Johnson Proposes Social Media Tax
• Crains- Brandon Johnson funbles his budget test
• Johnson floats social media tax to close $1.15B Chicago budget gap- ChicagoLIVE

Cortland Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project

Cortland Street will be closed to vehicle traffic in both directions between Mendell Street and Kingsbury Street. The closure is expected to last approximately 18–24 months. One sidewalk will remain open through this winter.

The scope of the project involves replacing the bridge deck, steel floor system, and counterweights, and installing new concrete-filled grating, timber sidewalks, railings, and lighting. The bridge houses will also be rehabilitated. The project will retain the character of this historic bridge.

Detour Routes:

• Eastbound Cortland Street: Traffic will be detoured southbound on Ashland Avenue, eastbound on North Avenue, and northbound on Clybourn Avenue to return to Cortland Street.
• Westbound Cortland Street: Traffic will be detoured southbound on Clybourn Avenue, westbound on North Avenue, and northbound on Ashland Avenue to return to Cortland Street.

People biking may use the sidewalk on the Cortland Street Bridge during the first phase of the project. Additional detour details and timing will be shared ahead of the full sidewalk closure scheduled for this winter.

For more information, see the flyer for the project. You can also view information on the Lake Street bridge and Chicago/Halsted Street bridge work.

Congratulations to Prescott Elementary: 2025 Blue Ribbon Award!

William H. Prescott Elementary School is proud to announce that it has been designated a 2025 Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon School, and is the only Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to be recognized this year. This marks the second time Prescott has been recognized with this distinguished honor. The school was named a National Blue Ribbon Award recipient for the first time in 2019. This accolade comes as part of a new state program launched by Governor J.B. Pritzker to replace the U.S. Department of Education’s prestigious nationwide Blue Ribbon Schools program which was abruptly cancelled by the federal administration in August, shortly before the recipients were set to be announced.

We are so proud of Principal Roche and the whole faculty there!

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Information Provided by Illinois Attorney General

(Downloadable version here.)

(Downloadable version here.)

(Available at our office for businesses while supplies last)

What You Can Do!

• Share and sign up for the "Eyes on ICE" text alert system, where individuals will receive text alerts of confirmed ICE sightings. You can also sign up for the National Immigrant Justice Center’s Rapid Response Team.
• Utilize Know Your Rights resources: Illinois Immigration Information or the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Family Support Hotline: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693). It is especially helpful if you speak more than one language and can help with translating or have a background in law, but any help is appreciated.
• Support School Safety Planning- consider participating in carpools for children of parents who may be targeted and conduct community ICE watches during pick-up and drop-off. Check in with your local school to see if they have any program set up or are interested in doing so.
• Join the Court Watch Volunteer Program
• Check on your neighbors: coordinate grocery and essential drop-offs for vulnerable neighbors and support food pantries that are also doing this work, such as the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
• Support the shelter network: emergency shelters for unhoused neighbors to go to if their neighborhood is being targeted. (e.g. The Night Ministry).
• Consider donating to organizations such as the Street Vendor Relief Fund
• Support local businesses that are being impacted by unusually low foot traffic.
• If you have a passport, consider also getting the passport card to carry with you for easy access for proving citizenship.

2025 Street Cleaning Calendar

Next week, street sweeping will occur in sections 13, 14, and 15 (Lincoln Park and Bucktown). 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 landscaping debris 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

November CAPS Meetings

14th Police District

1432- November 19, 6pm

Holstein Park

2200 N. Oakley

1434- November 26, 6pm

Bucktown Wicker Park Library

1701 N. Milwaukee

caps.014district@chicagopolice.org

14th District Twitter

14th District CAPS- 312-744-1261

18th Police District-

1811- November 4, 5pm

St. James Church

2101 N. Fremont

caps.018district@chicagopolice.org

18th District Twitter

18th District CAPS- 312-742-5778

Beat 1433 (Armitage/Wood/Division/river) meeting recap-

Robberies are down in this beat from 2 to 1. The one robbery occurred at a Footlocker. Burglaries are up from 13 to 25. Of the 25, 20 of them were to cars, largely south of North Ave, and east of Ashland. There were several guns stolen from cars. There were 23 thefts from autos, 10 of which were catalytic converters. The difference between burglaries to auto and thefts from auto is that the windows were broken in the burglaries, as opposed to open windows/unlocked doors in thefts. Please make sure to never leave anything in sight in your car. Thieves will break in even for loose change. Auto thefts are down from 17 to 9. The 14th District is still offering The Club to those who want it. Just call the 14th district at 312-744-1261 before going into the station (2150 N. California).

Beat 1434 (Armitage/Wood/North/Rockwell) meeting recap-

Robberies went from 4 down to 2 in the last period. One was the stabbing on the Bloomingdale Trail where the victim’s bike was taken. The other happened on the bus on North Ave at Damen where the victim’s phone was taken. Burglaries went from 3 to 4. Two were from cars, one was from a garage where a tire was taken, and one was of a construction site where tools were taken. There were 3 auto thefts and 3 thefts from auto, remaining steady from the last period.

Police Community Conversations

The Chicago Police Department is hosting Community Conversations throughout the city. These conversations are an opportunity for Chicagoans to participate in the creation of their district’s strategic plan for the following calendar year. The valuable feedback provided by participants at these conversations is used to develop community-driven crime reduction strategies, as well as community engagement priorities, and is an integral part of the Chicago Police Department’s implementation of the various reforms outlined in the consent decree. Each flyer below is for a particular district in the 32nd Ward- 14, 18, or 19. Click here for more information.

FLETCHER WATER MAIN PROJECT

By mid-late October, Department of Water Management (DWM) crews will begin to install 1,297 feet of new 8-inch water main on Fletcher from Hoyne to Oakley. The old water main dates back to 1915 and needs to be replaced to create a more reliable and efficient system.

Upon completion of the water main installation (targeted to be done by the end of the year), DWM will begin outreach as part of the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program to replace lead water service lines for all affected residents within the limits of the newly installed water main. Restoration will follow, including half-width street resurfacing along with repair of damaged parkways and sidewalks.

What You Need to Know During Construction


• Traffic: If they need to close or limit traffic during construction for safety reasons, you will always be able to reach your home or business. Outside of working hours, a travel lane will be left open for local traffic only.

• Parking: They will post “No Parking” signs as needed during work hours (generally 7am-4pm). Parking outside of those hours will be allowed, but cars will need to be moved by the start of the next workday. They will try to preserve as much parking space as possible.

• Service transfers: They will give you 24-hour notice when they will have to temporarily interrupt water service to transfer water to the new main and you will need to start flushing your water system. However, in the event of an emergency shutdown during construction, they may not be able to give you prior warning.

• Construction always involves inconveniences and noise. They will do everything possible to maintain your quality of life throughout this project, and conduct themselves as good and thoughtful neighbors in the course of their presence on your street.

Possible Fence Removal/Parkway Alterations

DWM does everything possible to preserve homeowner improvements within the public right of way when doing infrastructure work. Any homeowner added improvements including fencing, landscaping etc. shall be removed by the individual homeowner prior to the water main installation. DWM does not assume responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including sprinkling systems, fences, flower beds, and shrubbery.

Possible Tree Removal

DWM does everything possible to preserve trees when doing infrastructure work. However, due to IEPA regulations concerning the separation of underground infrastructure and public safety concerns, should a tree become unstable because of underground work, it is sometimes necessary to remove trees. In consultation with the Department of Streets and Sanitation’s Forestry Division, they make the decision on tree removal on a situational basis. You will be notified in advance if it will be necessary to remove trees during this project.   

What You Need to Know Following Construction

Work involving the water system like water main installation or repairs can dislodge small particles of contaminants, including lead, which can affect your drinking water. Ingesting lead can have significant health risks. For more information about the health effects of lead, go to www.CDC.gov/nceh/lead or www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead. Studies show that flushing water through your pipes is an effective approach to lowering lead levels and exposure. Click here for more information on flushing.

Should you have any questions or concerns you can contact any of the following:



• 24-Hour City Service and Information Line: 311
• 32^nd Ward Office: 773-248-1330
• DWM Office of Public Affairs: 312-744-6635
• Watermanagement@cityofchicago.org
• DWM Bureau of Operations & Distribution: 312-744-7010

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation during this important infrastructure improvement project.

32nd Ward Composting Site Added at 
Lincoln Belmont Library

The City of Chicago offers a citywide Food Scrap Drop-Off Program, and all Chicago residents are welcome to drop off their household food scraps for composting at one of 33 locations across the city– for FREE! The City has expanded to 13 libraries, one of which is the Lincoln Belmont Library at 1659 W. Melrose.

Composting keeps food scraps out of landfills, reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and recycles nutrients that enrich soil. Since the City's program started in 2023, over a million pounds of food waste has been diverted from landfills.

The program is free and open to all Chicago residents. To get started, residents can sign up at chi.gov/composting and watch a short instructional video. Residents can then start collecting their household food waste and bring it to the green carts at their selected drop-off site as often as needed. Accepted materials include all types of food scraps, including meat, bones and dairy. Non-food waste is not accepted. DSS collects the food waste, and it is transported to a local facility in Chicago where it’s processed into nutrient-rich compost.

Foundry Park Community Meeting 10/29

Date: 10/29

Time: 6PM - 8PM

Location: WhirlyBall Chicago, 1825 W Webster

Alderman Waguespack invites interested community members to participate in a community meeting regarding the proposed Foundy Park development. The site is located near Clybourn and Cortland (formerly referred to as Lincoln Yards). JDL Development LLC is proposing a plan (large PDF file may be slow to load) here to redevelop the site with residential, commercial, open space, and various infrastructure upgrades. The intent of the meeting is to present this information to the community and provide an opportunity for questions and discussion. 

This fall, Cleanup Club Chicago is CHALLENGING PHILADELPHIA TO A LITTER CLEANUP COMPETITION! The Chicago vs Philly Clean-Off will last the entire month of October, and all litter cleaning will count regardless of whether it’s done at a group event or individually. All litter cleanups must be submitted through the form on the webpage, and photos are required. We’ll be collaborating with 6 other litter cleanup groups to get the job done, and will be supported by Chicago Streets and Sanitation, Cook County Commissioner Degnen, and Independent Recycling Services. Spring cleaning gets all the attention, but the reality is that our city needs maintenance all year-round. It is our hope that this competition will motivate Chicagoans to clean up their neighborhoods before the leaves and snow fall! For more information on the rules and how to participate, please visit the official webpage here.

Scooter Safety Campaign

CDOT is launching a new Scooter Safety Education Campaign in partnership with Divvy, Lime, and other City departments to promote safe and responsible riding, prevent sidewalk riding, and keep the public right of way clear for pedestrians. The campaign will feature digital billboards, in-app alerts, and outreach through schools and community events. 

The Chicago Department of Transportation promotes safe and responsible scooter use across Chicago. Helmets are strongly encouraged for all scooters riders. Ride scooters in bike lanes or streets, not on sidewalks. Always park upright, to a fixed object and leaving at least five feet of sidewalk space. Divvy and Lime riders must be 18 or older (or 16+ on Divvy with parental consent). If you have experienced a crash or collision on your scooter and are injured, call 911 immediately. Report scooters blocking sidewalks or other parking issues through 311. Learn more at chicago.gov/scooters.

Halloween Events

Click flyer for details.

Click flyer for details.

Click flyer for details.

North Branch Works Fall Fest

Come be part of the fun at Fall Fest! Join North Branch Works for our biggest party of the year on Oct. 30th from 6-8 p.m. in the Green Exchange (2545 W Diversey Avenue). We’re excited to recognize former 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett with a leadership award and local businesses including Metropolis Coffee Company and Brothers Restaurant. For more information & to sign up, please go here.

Winter Clothing Drive

Flu and Covid Vaccines!

Click here for more vaccination info.

City Hall Vaccine Clinics



Stay healthy this season! The Chicago Department of Public Health, in partnership with Walgreens, will be administering 2025-2026 updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the 11^th floor of City Hall from 9am - 2pm on October 21, November 5, and December 4. Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID. The event will have onsite registration.

Did you know you can receive both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time? It’s important to get both shots annually for optimal protection. Getting both vaccines can help keep you and your loved ones healthy and active this season. Click here for the complete schedule of flu and COVID-19 City of Chicago sponsored clinics.

Open House Chicago- Chicago Architecture Center

Open House Chicago (OHC), one of the largest architecture and urban exploration festivals in the world, returns to celebrate 15 years of architecture, culture and community. Use the CTA Rail Map (pdf) to discover neighborhoods across the city. This free public festival offers behind-the-scenes access to 200+ sites, including many not normally open to the public.

Be sure to take photos as you explore for a chance to win the OHC photo competition. See below for one of many neighborhoods presented in OHC!

Pre-submittal meeting (VIRTUAL)

Times: 1pm – 2pm am CST – Tuesday, October 28, 2025

OR 6pm – 7pm am CST - Wednesday, November 5, 2025

This meeting is not mandatory, but encouraged, especially if you have questions or require additional information regarding the Notice of Availability or the Park District’s concession program.

Join Zoom Meeting

Topic: Chicago Park District Concession Pre-Submittal Meeting Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82767757644?pwd=MbQwlHVRqta7NtL3XaJWq41pYkvLlw.1

Meeting ID       827 6775 7644

Passcode           708015

 One tap mobile

+13092053325,,89128418508#,,,,*663350# US

+13126266799,,89128418508#,,,,*663350# US (Chicago)

 Dial by your location

• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID       827 6775 7644

Passcode           708015

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ki12BLTCH

CDOT EV Framework Public Survey

City News

• Tony Fitzpatrick, Lauded Chicago Artist, Dies at 66
• Mayor Brandon Johnson Will Outline Plan to Close Chicago's More Than $1 Billion Budget Gap
• Mayor Brandon Johnson Calls for $617M in New Taxes to Close Budget Gap, Avoid Layoffs
• Mayor Johnson Proposes Social Media Tax to Fund Mental Health Clinics in 2026 Budget
• CTA Announces Fare, Pass Increases for 2026; 3-Day Pass Eliminated
• Look for the Helpers: How Chicagoans Are Supporting Their Neighbors Amid ICE Raids
• Appeals Court Upholds Federal Judge’s Temporary Order Blocking National Guard Deployment in Chicago Area 
• Chicago’s Open House Festival Returns This Weekend—For Free, You Can Explore 200+ Hidden Architectural Gems
• 18 Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend: Arts in The Dark Parade, Artisan Market, Diwali and More
• Man Gets 4 Years for Following 82-Year-Old Woman Into Lakeview Retirement Home as Prosecutors Drop Sex Charges
• You Can Now Drop off Your Food Scraps at 13 Chicago Public Library Locations
• ‘No Kings’ Protests Scheduled Across the Chicago Area Saturday. Here’s What to Expect