Since I was elected, I have kept my primary focus on promoting economic development in all parts of the 46th Ward. One area where there's been a noticeable difference is along Wilson Avenue. Both new businesses and ones that have been around for a while that are updating their locations have added to this effort.

Sonic Grand Opening

Sonic is one of many examples of businesses that are beginning to flock to Wilson Avenue, and it's also setting the tone for this area to become a destination point in Chicago. I'm delighted that most of their employees are right from the neighborhood. Sonic is reporting that their Uptown store is doing more than twice as well as their other stores in the Midwest.

Other New & Remodeled Businesses along Wilson

From Clark Street down to Hazel, there's been an unprecedented amount of business development, including businesses that have gone through some extensive upgrades. Since I've been elected, new and remodeled businesses along Wilson include Everybody's Coffee (new), Uptown Shop & Save Mart (remodeled), McDonald's (remodeled), City Sports (remodeled), Palla's Grill (new), Luna Salon & Spa (new), Uptown Produce (new), Subway (remodeled), Ceylons Convenient Store (new), Tik Tok Falafel Mediterranean Restaurant (new), Amen African Braids (new), Baker & Nosh and their addition of a fine cheese shop next door (new), Forget Me Knot Flower Shop (new), SkateShop (remodeled), and Happy Wash (remodeled.)

Start of Construction for Wilson L Stop

The upcoming $203M construction project should be getting started toward the end of summer. The changes to this station further sets the tone for a new Broadway/Wilson corridor. For more information, click here.

Stewart School Re-Use & CTA Property near Wilson L

Very close to Wilson Avenue is the beautiful Stewart School. Not many people know that movie star Harrison Ford graduated from there. Be sure to attend our third and final public meeting to explore exciting ideas for this Stewart and CTA property located nearby. For more information, click here.

When: Thursday, May 29 from 6pm - 8pm

Where: Clarendon Park Community Center; 4501 N. Clarendon

Stay tuned for more exciting changes in this area. One thing for sure, we have to keep dreaming big.

Best,

Parking Permits on Winthrop and Leland

Beginning May 22, residents living on the 4600 & 4700 blocks of Winthrop and on Leland from Sheridan to Broadway will have zoned parking from 6pm to 6am. Stop by the office for daily parking permits.

President Obama's Helicopter landing at Montrose Harbor

Our President is visiting Chicago this Thursday and his helicopter will be landing near the Montrose Harbor area later in the day. Sections of Lake Shore Drive will be closed. Check our 46th Ward Website for details when we get them.

Open Office Hours

When: Wed (5pm-7pm) and Sat (9am - Noon

Where: 46th Ward Office, 4544 N. Broadway

This is a reminder that the 46th Ward Office has open office hours that allow any constituent to speak with Ald. Cappleman. On the rare occasion that Ald. Cappleman is not available, a member of his staff can help.

CTA Red Purple Modernization Open House Meeting

When: Wed, May 21 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson

This is a public meeting to discuss the complete rebuild of the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr L Stations. IInput received at these meetings will be part of environmental review processes and taken under consideration for further project development. More info is available on the CTA's website here.

Positive Loitering

When: Friday, May 23 from 7pm to 9pm

Where: Broadway/Wilson corner

The 19th District Police invites the public to join the local police, neighbors, the Uptown Chicago Commission, faith and business leaders, and Ald. Cappleman for a show of positive loitering. Your presence sends a message that we are all joining together to make the community safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Stop by anytime to join us.

DFSS Community Service Resource Fair

When: Friday, May 30 from 10AM to 3PM

Where:19th District CAPS Office, 850 W. Addison Street

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) North Area Community Service Center in conjunction with the 19th District CAPS Office invites you and your neighbors to a Community Resource Fair. DFSS regional community service centers help individuals and families in need. The centers offer access to a wide variety of resources, from shelter, food and clothing to domestic violence assistance, veteran's services, substance abuse rehab referrals, job training and ex-offender re-entry programs, homeless shelters, interim housing and other homelessness prevention programs, as well as information about rental, utility and other financial assistance. The centers also serve as Warming and Cooling centers during periods of extreme weather.

911 & CAPS

911 is used to address an emergency when police are needed quickly to the scene. CAPS is used to address a chronic issue. For more information about CAPS and their meeting schedules, click here.

Subway (4556 N Magnolia)

This Subway Sandwich Shop has been completely rebuilt inside after a sinkhole had badly damaged it. A big thanks to the owners for sticking it out and now this store is better than ever. To celebrate their opening, there are all kinds of great deals, so stop by and enjoy this great place to eat.