32nd Ward Newsletter: January 3, 2025

Dear Scott,

Happy New Year to you!

We have some very cold weather on the way, so along with the information included below from the Office of Emergency Management and Communication, we ask that you keep your neighbors in mind in case they need assistance during this cold spell.

Please remember that the purple daily residential parking passes are now expired; you must now use the new teal colored ones. Also a reminder that the price on them has gone from $8 per sheet to $15. See below for more information.

Recycling the Holidays - Don't forget that real Christmas trees should NOT be left in Chicago alleyways. Dried out Christmas trees present serious fire hazards and along with the Chicago Fire Dept., we strongly encourage you to recycle your store bought tree at one of many tree recycling locations in the City through January 25th. Please remove all lights and decorations as the trees will be shredded for mulch. Also, my ward office on Clybourn is accepting broken holiday lights for recycling. They must be removed from boxes or bags and can be dropped off at our office through January 31. Keep trees and plastics out of landfills! See below for more details.

Most schools resume classes on January 6th and 7th, so please be more aware during your commute as kids go back to schools.

Have a good weekend,

Alderman Scott Waguespack

Public Safety Section

DON'T MISS IT!

Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Details

It's almost that time of year again - the 2025 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program will be open for new applications on January 13th, 2025, from 6 am-10 pm.

The program typically reaches capacity within the day - constituents are encouraged to apply through 311 (phone, online, or apps) early in the application window to secure a spot. They don't need to pay until after the sidewalk has been surveyed and a bill emailed/mailed to the constituent, typically during late spring or early summer. Repair occurs during summer or fall, with CDOT providing notification to any participants whose projects have to be carried over to the following year. 

For more details on this program, please click here.

Lincoln Park Sewer Main Project #7158

Weekly Update

Status: (In progress, sewer side only: 53%)

Schubert from Southport to Lakewood: mainline sewer installed, installation of catch basins still in progress.

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

Starting Monday, crews will begin working on the installation of the new sewer main at the intersection of Schubert and Wayne; work will continue southbound on the 2600 block of Wayne.

Lead Service Line Replacement program (water side) and PD corrective work will start after completion of sewer side.

Traffic Control: Wayne from Schubert to Wrightwood will be closed during working hours and will be open overnight for local traffic.  

New State of Illinois Laws in Effect for 2025

There are about 300 new laws going into effect this year and we've picked a few that may impact our residents and businesses.

HB5408: O’Hare Driver Safety Act

This act prohibits drivers from standing, stopping, or parking on the side of roadways within two miles of O’Hare International Airport. Violators will be subject to a $100 fine. Takes effect January 1, 2025.

HB4592: Mobile Identification Cards

This act allows the Secretary of State to issue digital IDs to those with existing driver’s licenses or state IDs. However, if requested by law enforcement, people still must show their physical ID. Takes effect January 1, 2025.

SB3471: Free Replacement License Plates after Theft

This act allows the Secretary of State to issue free replacements for stolen license plates. A completed police report and sworn affidavit is required. This does NOT apply to lost or destroyed plates. Takes effect January 1, 2025.

HB3129: Equal Pay Act - Pay Scale

This act mandates employers (with more than 15 employees) include pay scales for any positions being advertised, including on third party platforms. Takes effect January 1, 2025.

HB4589: Catalytic Convertors

This act requires transactions involving catalytic converters to provide documentation proving the origin of the catalytic converter. This will help deter catalytic converter theft by limiting their resale. Takes effect January 1, 2025.

HB4589: Landlord Retaliation Act

This act prohibits landlords from taking retaliatory action (eviction, raised rent, decreased service, etc.) against a tenant because that tenant raised concerns about building conditions or engaged in other protected activity. Takes effect January 1, 2025.

SB0275: Driver’s License Term Extension

This act allows the Secretary of State to issue 8-year driver’s licenses to qualified applications. Requires the Secretary of State to communicate proposed rules for implementation to the General Assembly before January 1, 2027. Takes effect January 1, 2025.

Cold Weather Warning!!

The City of Chicago encourages residents to be prepared for cold temperatures through next week with cold temperatures in the teens and single digits beginning Friday, January 3 through next week. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will work closely with the National Weather Service (NWS) to monitor weather conditions 24/7 and alert the public to any changes in the severity of the expected drop in temperatures and possible snow accumulation on Sunday, January 5 into Monday, January 6.

Warming Centers

The City coordinates a network of more than 190 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.

Department of Family & Support Services

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.
• Under extreme cold conditions as defined by the National Weather Service and communicated by OEMC, warming center hours of operation at 10 S. Kedzie may be extended.
• Seniors are welcome at any of DFSS’s 21 senior centers. DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations and hours.
• Those seeking a warm place to go after hours can also call 3-1-1 to be connected with available services.
• Individuals requiring emergency overnight shelter should also call 3-1-1.
• DFSS Homeless Outreach and Prevention (HOP) teams and street outreach partners work proactively with unhoused individuals to connect with warming options, shelter and well-being checks.
• Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, neighbors and friends during a winter weather emergency.

Warming Centers Center Locations available on Friday, January 3 and Monday, January 6 – Friday, January 10.

All Community Service Centers (9am-5pm)

• Englewood Community Service Center - 1140 West 79th Street
• Garfield Community Service Center - 10 South Kedzie Avenue
• Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center - 4314 South Cottage Grove
• North Area Community Service Center - 845 West Wilson Avenue
• South Chicago Community Service Center - 8650 South Commercial Avenue
• Trina Davila Community Service Center - 4312 West North Avenue

Senior Centers (8:30am-4:30pm) – visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for locations

Chicago Public Library locations, visit chipublib.org for hours and locations

Chicago Park District locations

Chicago Police Districts

Warming Center Locations available on Saturday, January 4 and Sunday, January 5

Garfield Community Service Center - 10 South Kedzie Avenue (9am-5pm)

Chicago Public Library, visit chipublib.org for hours and locations

Chicago Park District locations during hours of operation

Chicago Police Districts

To find the closest warming center and hours residents can contact 3-1-1 via phone of online at 311.chicago.gov, download the Chicago OEMC, or visit the data portal link.- Warming Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal.

Warming center hours may be extended, along with other supports when the Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) enacts the City’s Emergency Operations Plan for extreme cold conditions as defined by the National Weather Service. Please visit the OEMC website for up-to-date information during extreme weather events.

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, Chicago.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 outdoor.
• 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.

Turning Your Passion Into a Business

Are you ready to start your own business? Are you confused about where to start? Fortunately, the US Small Business Administration has created a website to show you how! They provide templates to creating your business plan, gives you step by step instructions on how to launch your business, and information on how to grow your business. If you're still feeling a little hesitant, it can't hurt to just look at the site and consider a first step toward achieving your dreams. Click here today!

Special Service Area (SSA) 27 Security Rebate Program

West Lakeview SSA 27 has launched a newly revised Security Rebate aimed at improving the security of West Lakeview. All properties (business or residential) within SSA 27 boundaries are eligible to apply for the rebate which will reimburse 50% of eligible costs, up to $1,000, to property owners and tenants who have purchased and installed, or upgraded, security camera systems, exterior lighting, secure window improvements, and/or secure entry improvements. This is one of the many benefits of West Lakeview SSA 27. To learn more, please visit www.lakeviewssa27.com. 

To learn more about and apply for the SSA 27 Rebate Program, please visit www.lakeviewssa27.com/rebates and read the Security Rebate Guidelines document linked within. This rebate is only available for residential and commercial property located within SSA 27; to see if you are eligible, please see the map of SSA Boundaries at www.lakeviewssa27.com/aboutus.

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