Ald. Bennett Lawson

Had a fantastic time at the 19th Annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts last weekend! It was amazing to see over a hundred talented artists and celebrate the creativity of our community. Huge thanks to the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce for leading this and other events that make our neighborhood so special. I also enjoyed joining the East Lake View Neighbors' Oktoberfest celebration at Murphy’s Bleachers!

Our office has some important events coming up: On October 15th, we’re hosting a flu and COVID vaccine clinic at Merlo Library, and on October 19th, we’ll have our 44th Ward Shredding Event at the office. Both events are free, and we hope to see many of you there.

Unfortunately, we had a shooting at Belmont and Sheffield early Sunday morning. Violence like this is unacceptable, and we’re working closely with CPD to ensure safety in our ward. Thankfully, the victims are in good condition, and we’re working on increasing safety measures, including adding police cameras and improving lighting along Belmont. If anyone has footage or information about the incident, please contact our office.

I also wanted to mention that this week I chaired my last meeting as acting Chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards. Over the past ten months, we’ve approved thousands of new housing units, preserved historic landmarks, and worked on important developments across Chicago. I look forward to continuing this work as Vice Chair of the committee.

At the most recent City Council meeting, I voted to continue the use of ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection tool used by CPD. While it’s not used in our ward, I support my colleagues who see its value in communities with higher rates of gun violence. I also voted in favor of stronger ethics measures and signed onto a letter urging the mayor to improve protections for our most vulnerable residents during extreme weather events.

Lastly, I’m excited to share the opening of two fantastic new restaurants in our ward: Zaleng Thai Taco and Bar at 2932 N Broadway and Katsu Shack at 3109 N Halsted. Both are great additions to our local dining scene, so be sure to check them out!

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

P.S. To read this week's full newsletter, head to: https://mailchi.mp/e47d6a9ba213/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10332191

P.P.S. To sign up for the 44th Ward weekly newsletter, head to 44thward.org/news/newsletter

Our phones are currently down at the 44th Ward office - in the meantime, please email [email protected] to request assistance.

This week, we observed the anniversary of 9/11, a day that forever changed our nation and reminded us of the strength in unity. As we reflect on the sacrifices made, let’s continue to stay engaged in the democratic process. Early voting for the upcoming election begins on Thursday, October 3rd, at 9:00am downtown. Make sure to check out early voting locations and other resources on the city's election site.

A big thank you to the residents of 2800 N Lake Shore Drive for hosting me for a meet and greet this week. I also had the pleasure of attending the West Lake View Neighbors meeting, where we heard from CPD’s community policing division about everyday safety tips.

In public safety news, the 19th District Police Department will host an event on September 17th from 10am-12pm at 850 W Addison, where certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect car seats. Call Wanda Vazquez or Sandra Molina at (312) 695-9155 to make an appointment for an inspection or installation help.

I’d also like to highlight a wonderful local nonprofit, &Rise, which offers free support groups, counseling, and financial literacy workshops to our community. They have a financial literacy workshop coming up on October 26th from 11am-12pm at the Capital One Café on Southport.

Another key event to note: Congressman Mike Quigley is hosting a Senior Fair and Vaccine Clinic on September 17th at the Northeast Levy Center from 10am-12:30pm. Flu and COVID-19 shots will be available starting at 9:30am.

I’m also happy to share two significant expansions to our city services. First, residents can now use 311 to report a variety of parking violations, including those in bike and bus lanes. Additionally, the Express Permit Program now covers electrical work, porch repairs, and more, making it easier for residents to complete these projects. Visit our website for more information.

Let’s continue to stay informed and engaged. Have a great weekend!

Best,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

P.S. For this week's full newsletter, check out: https://mailchi.mp/e5eca9f6fb92/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10331618

P.P.S. To sign up for the weekly newsletter, head to: https://www.44thward.org/news/newsletter/

Halsted will be closed Northbound today at 3345 N Halsted from 10am-4pm due to water infrastructure repairs. Please use a different route.

Our phone lines are back up!

Our phones are currently down due to technical issues, we will let you know as soon as we are back up.

Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing Labor Day weekend and had the chance to recharge with loved ones. Yesterday, our office hosted the annual Senior Picnic, where we welcomed nearly 300 seniors for a day of fun, burgers, hot dogs, raffles, and live music. Special thanks to the local businesses and volunteers who made the event possible!

It was also great to attend the WOOGMS Labor Day parade and celebrate the opening of Oak and Honey, a new restaurant at 3124 N Broadway. If you’re looking for artisanal breads, award-winning pies, and elevated New American cuisine, be sure to check them out.

In public safety news, local police beat meetings are happening next week for the western and southern sections of our ward. These meetings are vital opportunities to discuss community safety, and I encourage you to attend. You can find more details and meeting times on our website.

In City Council this week, we passed a measure to increase the Open Space Impact Fund, which helps acquire and create new parks and green spaces. This is supported by a small fee on real estate development, ensuring we have the resources to keep enhancing our ward’s open spaces.

As summer winds down, we have some exciting community events coming up! Join us this Sunday for our annual Kids Bike Parade, kicking off at 8:45am at the corner of Southport and Newport. Also, don’t miss Lakeview Taco Fest this weekend! Please note that Southport and adjacent streets will close tonight at 7pm to prepare for the event.

Looking ahead to next weekend, mark your calendars for the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts and the Race to Wrigley 5K. We have a lot to look forward to in our neighborhood!

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

P.S. To read this week's full newsletter, head to: https://mailchi.mp/89bfdb9b4d73/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10331545

P.P.S. To sign up for the weekly 44th Ward newsletter, head to: 44thward.org/news/newsletter

The 44th Ward Office will be CLOSED in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 2nd. We will reopen at 9am on Tuesday, September 3rd.

I hope everyone managed to beat the record-breaking heat earlier this week and that all students had a fantastic first day of school! I was thrilled to attend openings at Tubman, Nettelhorst, Hawthorne, and Inter-American—such a significant milestone for our community. As the school year begins, I want to remind you that After School Matters (ASM) is offering several hundred fall programs, including skill-based apprenticeships, paid internships, enrichment programs, and career coaching. Apply soon as spots fill up quickly.

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending block parties across the neighborhood on Burling, Newport, Wilton, and Aldine. The energy and sense of community were truly inspiring. Looking ahead, there are more opportunities to come together, including our Kids' Bike Parade on Sunday, September 8th, and our annual Senior Picnic on Thursday, September 5th. Don't forget to RSVP for the picnic!

In public safety news, we have two important hearings later in September, including the case involving the hate crime at Nettelhorst School. I’ll keep you updated as these cases progress. We also attended two police beat meetings this past week. These meetings are essential for discussing local safety concerns, so I encourage you to attend the next ones in our ward on September 4th and 10th.

Additionally, mark your calendars for our next shredding event on Saturday, October 19th. Business owners, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is hosting informative webinars on various topics, including changes to paid sick leave and digital marketing. These are excellent resources for staying informed and enhancing your business skills.

As we reach the height of moving season, please consider donating used items to the Chicago Furniture Bank. And be aware of potential traffic due to the Pearl Jam concert tomorrow!

Lastly, we have ongoing construction projects in our neighborhood, including street resurfacing, alley work, and Peoples Gas projects. I know these can be disruptive, and we’re doing our best to minimize the impact. You can find more details on our website.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

Warm regards,

Alderman Bennett Lawson

P.S To read this week's full newsletter, head to: https://mailchi.mp/b3d013653e7e/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10331411

To sign up for the 44th Ward weekly newsletter, head to 44thward.org/news/newsletter

Please be aware of the Pearl Jam concert happening tonight, 08/29, and Saturday, 08/31, at Wrigley Field. For a list of other events happening at Wrigley Field, please see this link:

Concert Tickets at Wrigley Field | Chicago Cubs Upcoming concerts at Wrigley Field

Extreme heat is hitting Chicago, with indices reaching 100°F. Cooling centers are open now through 8/28—stay safe! CPS has canceled all outdoor sports and practices on 8/26 & 8/27. Let’s take care of each other and stay cool. Call 311 for cooling centers. For more information, click here: https://data.cityofchicago.org/Health-Human-Services/Cooling-Centers-Map/cj7n-sh49

As the 2024 Democratic National Convention comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what a remarkable week it has been for our city and our neighborhood. The vibrancy of Lakeview was on full display, with our commercial corridors bustling and our community shining brightly. The pride and energy shown by residents and visitors alike truly made our neighborhood stand out.

As summer winds down, I want to remind everyone to submit your block party requests for next year. Block parties have been a fantastic way to bring our community together, and we’re here to support your planning for 2025.

Next week, we have two important police beat meetings covering all areas east of Halsted. These meetings are crucial opportunities to discuss neighborhood safety, engage with CPD, and work together on solutions. Please check our website for the specific dates and locations.

I’m also pleased to share new resources from the Chicago Department of Transportation, including a comprehensive bike infrastructure map. Additionally, the Chicago Fire Department is offering free fire safety trainings for children and seniors. These are excellent opportunities to enhance safety in our community, and more details are available through our office.

For our small business owners, the City of Chicago is offering Community Development Grants of up to $250,000. These grants can be a significant boost for construction or renovation projects, and applications are due November 8th. Informational webinars will be held through September and October.

Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our interns, Jaxon and Lauren, for their outstanding contributions this summer. As they head back to school, they will be missed, and we wish them all the best in their studies.

To read this week's full newsletter, please click here: https://mailchi.mp/ca91129d45d7/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10331211

To sign up for the Ward's weekly newsletter, click here: https://www.44thward.org/news/newsletter/

I'm excited to share that next week, our 44th Ward will be at the heart of many DNC-related events. From Monday, August 19th to Thursday, August 22nd, we'll be welcoming visitors from across the country to experience the vibrancy of our community. Events will be concentrated around Wrigley Field, Clark Street, and Northalsted, so please stay informed on street closures and transportation changes. You can find all the relevant information on our website.

A big thank you to our 19th District police officers for their ongoing efforts to keep our community safe. Recently, they hosted a successful vehicle safety event to deter catalytic converter theft, and we’ll continue partnering with CPD for future safety initiatives.

In other news, we’ve been discussing the proposed 925 W Belmont development with our community. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, so please take a moment to fill out our survey on the project. Full details are available on our website.

On the business front, we’ve welcomed some fantastic new establishments to the ward: Seoul Taco on Belmont, Duke of Perth on Broadway, Flamingo Tea on Belmont, and more. These businesses add to the richness of our neighborhood, and I encourage you to check them out and show your support.

I'm also thrilled to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Lakeview Community Garden. This garden, founded by former Alderman Tom Tunney and community members, has grown into a thriving space for fresh produce and community gathering. It's truly a gem in our neighborhood.

Finally, I want to extend a special thank you to our summer intern, Mary Jane, who is returning to UCSB and then heading to Spain for study abroad. She’s been a star in our office, and she’ll be greatly missed.

As the DNC brings national attention to Chicago, let's reflect on the importance of this moment for our city, stay safe amidst the excitement, and remain civically engaged to shape our community's future.

To read this week's full newsletter, head to: https://mailchi.mp/b36c40510262/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10331068

To sign up for our weekly newsletter: 44thward.org/news/newsletter

Please be aware of the Green Day concert happening tonight, 08/13, at Wrigley Field. For a list of other events happening at Wrigley Field, please see this link:

Concert Tickets at Wrigley Field | Chicago Cubs Upcoming concerts at Wrigley Field

This weekend, our neighborhood is filled with excitement for both Northalsted Market Days and the Chicago Air & Water Show. Market Days will bring live entertainment, food, and vendors to Halsted from Belmont to Addison—please be mindful of parking restrictions in the area.

Please remember our office will be closing early tomorrow at 12pm!

Earlier today, I had the privilege of supporting a naturalization ceremony at Wrigley Field, where 981 people from 97 countries became American citizens. As the husband of an immigrant, this was a particularly meaningful event for me. Immigrants are essential to the lifeblood of our community, and it was an honor to witness them achieve this milestone.

In public safety news, Willie Wright, who is charged with aggravated battery, was released on electronic monitoring after his hearing this past Monday. His next court date is September 23rd. We will continue to monitor this case closely.

On Tuesday, we hosted a public meeting about the proposed development at 925 W Belmont. Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked questions, and engaged in the discussion. If you haven't yet, please take a moment to share your thoughts in our post-meeting survey.

As moving season continues, we’re partnering with the Chicago Furniture Bank to encourage donations of unused items. Additionally, Honest Junk Company, the only 501(c)(3) junk removal company in Chicagoland, supports the Furniture Bank's mission by donating usable items to charity partners.

Lastly, mark your calendars for our annual Senior Picnic on Thursday, September 5th, from 11am to 1pm at Oakdale and Lake Shore Drive. Join us for an afternoon of music, lunch, and raffle prizes! Please RSVP by calling our office at (773) 525-6034.

To sign up for future newsletters, head to 44thward.org/news/newsletter

To see the full newsletter from today, click here: https://mailchi.mp/4347c1930911/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10330849

Please note that our office will be closing early at 12pm on Friday, August 9th 2024 for a Staff Development Day. We will reopen on Monday, August 12th at 9am.

Join us for a community meeting on the 200-unit development at 925 W Belmont TONIGHT, August 6th, 6:00pm at the Olson Auditorium, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (836 W Wellington Ave.) Register and submit questions here (along with an online option): https://www.44thward.org/development/major-development-projects/925-w-belmont-2/

To join the meeting virtually, use this Teams link: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19*3ameeting_NjA3OTlkYTgtM2I2NS00OTRjLTk2NjMtZmU5MzAwYmUxODRl*40thread.v2/0?context=*7b*22Tid*22*3a*22991ba2ea-1d0b-40b6-a6f1-9fb2f78a7d5e*22*2c*22Oid*22*3a*22c6203650-9fcb-40b2-a359-49c6bf2278c7*22*7d__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl!!B24N9PvjPQId!adaUAwdmyt0pQ1MxZ5YyHd6C9Limq2EoOg3HFiBE1xh9l9eq30apX6Q0VdV0X55dYaIfZhm8jrcX4km5hONLm4XO$

925 W. Belmont 925 W. Belmont Please join us Tuesday, August 6th for a public meeting at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Olson Auditorium, 836 W Wellington Ave 6:00pm (register and submit questions here).   Please see below a timeline of our office’s community engagement and local news coverage on thi...

Today marks my 20th anniversary working for the City of Chicago and serving the 44th Ward. From starting as a staffer to becoming Alderman in 2023, it's been an honor to serve our community. Much has changed since 2004, but my commitment to you remains steadfast.

Our court advocacy program is tracking the case of Willie Wright, arrested in April for aggravated battery. His next hearing is Monday at 9:30am at the Skokie Courthouse. You can attend via Zoom.

I recently joined CPD to honor Aramis, 'Youth of the Year' at our local Boys & Girls Club. Aramis plans to study electrical engineering at UIUC. His leadership is inspiring.

Thanks to the Park District for responding to our request to remove weeds at Diversey Harbor. We hope this helps everyone enjoy the beautiful waterfront views.

With summer in full swing, we've seen many shared bikes and scooters scattered around. Companies must remove them within 2 hours of a 311 request. Click the links in our newsletter to report scooters and Divvy bikes. Your help keeps our neighborhood clean.

The 'Better Streets for Buses' initiative has upgraded 90 bus stops for accessibility, installed 40+ bus bump-outs, and enhanced 130 intersections with transit signal priority. These improvements benefit Halsted, Inner Lake Shore Drive, and Lake Shore Drive in our ward.

If you would like to see this week's full newsletter, click here: https://mailchi.mp/df459cabb7fd/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10330697

To sign up for the Ward newsletter, please head to: https://www.44thward.org/news/newsletter/

Dear Neighbors,

I’m excited to announce the opening of Istmo, a new Mexican restaurant serving Oaxacan cuisine at 3231 N Clark, led by Executive Chef Carlos López Muñoz. Please check it out and support local businesses.

Thank you to the Southport Neighbors Association for their native plantings at Waveland and Racine. Your efforts help beautify our community.

We continue to advocate for public safety. Leon Jackson pled guilty to property damage and received 18 months in prison. Jarrod Barnes faces stricter pre-trial conditions for graffitiing a sw****ka on Nettelhorst School.

Join the 19th Police District's Catalytic Converter Marking Day on August 10th. Register to get your vehicle's catalytic converter marked and receive a free anti-theft steering wheel lock.

The Democratic National Convention's safety plan for August 19-22 has been released. Check the maps and details to stay informed about restricted perimeters near McCormick Place and the United Center.

The Redefine the Drive task force unveiled a proposal for North Side DuSable Lake Shore Drive. While green space is included, I am concerned about public transit accessibility and pedestrian safety. More details needed before support.

Stay safe and have a great weekend.

Alderman Bennett Lawson

P.S. For our full weekly newsletter, head to: https://mailchi.mp/59e55a26cd17/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10330560

To sign up for the 44th Ward Newsletter, check out: https://www.44thward.org/news/newsletter/

44th Ward Newsletter: July 26, 2024 Dear Neighbors, I am excited to share some culinary news with our community. Be sure to check out Istmo, a new Mexican restaurant serving Oaxacan cuisine that opened this week at 3231 N Clark. It is led by Executive Chef Carlos López Muñoz, who brings experience working in Michelin-starred re...

Our office will be hosting 1:1 property tax reassessment help sessions at our Ward office next Monday, July 29th from 10am-2:30pm. If you would like to sign up for a time slot, please reach out to our office by email or phone.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Southport Art Fest and Dine Out on Broadway. It was wonderful to see our community come together to enjoy art, food, and each other's company. Thank you to the Southport Neighbors Association and Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce for organizing these fantastic events.

A reminder that free anti-theft car steering wheel locks are available at the 19th District police station at 850 W Addison. Supplies are limited. The next hearing for Jarrod Barnes, accused of graffitiing a sw****ka, is on July 24th at 9:30am in the Skokie Courthouse.

I am proud to co-sponsor the 'hate littering' ordinance with Alderman Timmy Knudsen. This ordinance, which passed this week, imposes fines up to $1,000 for distributing hateful or threatening fliers. Hate has no place in Lakeview or anywhere in Chicago.

At the Zoning Committee, we deferred the Additional Dwelling Unit ordinance for a future session but obtained final approval for our nominees to the Zoning Board of Appeals. I remain committed to creating affordable housing and economic opportunities.

Our summer interns visited City Council to experience the legislative process firsthand. They showed great patience during a five-hour session. We are hosting an open meeting on August 6th for the proposed 200-unit development at 925 W Belmont. Details are on our website.

New pedestrian countdowns will be installed at Belmont and Sheffield to improve safety, with work expected to be completed next week. Additionally, property tax reassessment seminars will be held on July 29th. Contact our office for appointments.

To see our full newsletter from Friday, click here: https://mailchi.mp/2fd38868336a/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10330360

To sign up for the 44th Ward's weekly newsletter, click here: https://www.44thward.org/news/newsletter/

CHIBIZ Alert: Steve Miller Band at Wrigley Field begins at 430p today due to weather; Journey begins at 530p, Def Leppard at 715p; expect additional traffic.

With the incoming thunderstorms and high wind speeds tonight, please make sure to secure your outdoor furniture to ensure you and your neighbors are safe.

Please also be aware of a Flood Watch and Storm warnings at 6pm due to rainfall.

If you see small tree debris and branches from last night’s storm please email my office ([email protected]) with photos and an address, or submit to 311 with the category "Tree Debris Clean-Up"

311.chicago.gov/s/service-request

If an entire tree has fallen, contact us ASAP.

Service Request Have you downloaded our CHI311 mobile app? Create new requests, explore requests in other neighborhoods, and track requests you submit. Available for download now.

Dear neighbors,

I hope you had a fantastic Fourth of July! This weekend, enjoy the final weekend of Dine Out on Broadway and the Southport Art Fest, showcasing arts, live performances, and kid-friendly activities. Note the street closures for these events.

Our 19th District police are giving away free anti-theft car steering wheel locks at the station on 850 W Addison. Also, please fill out our public safety survey regarding the Pride parade incidents to voice your feedback.

Excited to announce new small businesses in our ward: Crave Cookies at 2951 N Broadway, Little Village Cafe at 2845 N Broadway, and Steingold's Bagels and Nosh at 3630 N Clark.

With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to Select Cut after 30 wonderful years. They will be open through the end of July, so please stop by and support this beloved local business.

Thank you to the 600+ residents who responded to our survey on the proposed development at 925 W Belmont. Join us for a public meeting on August 6th at 6:00pm at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center to share your thoughts.

CDOT is installing 'scooter corrals' in our ward starting July 15th to organize e-scooter drop-offs. These zones are along Clark between Addison and Cornelia, and Halsted between Newport and Buckingham.

For this week’s full newsletter, head to https://mailchi.mp/ccdb6af52e5b/44th-ward-newsletter-february-23-10330230

Please consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter at 44thward.org/news/newsletter/

Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Subscribe * indicates required Email Address * First Name Last Name Address Address Line 2 City State/Province/Region Postal / Zip Code Country

Hi neighbors! Dine Out on Broadway will be taking place this weekend starting on Friday at 3pm until Sunday at 10pm. Come enjoy open streets and expanded patios (and keep in mind alternative bus/car routes)! For more info on Dine Out, visit

2024 Dine Out On Broadway Returns Dine Out On Broadway Returns for the 2024 Season! Dine Out On Broadway is Returning For It's Fifth Season Sunglasses, carafes of mimosas, SPF, and patio season, our feature summer event is back for the 2024 Season! Started in 2020 to help

Dear Neighbors,

Please fill out this survey regarding incidents after the Pride Parade: https://tinyurl.com/Pride2024Survey

For more information on our response, please check out last week's newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/44thNewsJul3

The Pride Parade yesterday was a safe and wonderful celebration of our diverse LGBTQ+ community, and it was such a joy to see so many people come out to show their support in the fight for equality.

Following the Parade’s conclusion, I was extremely disappointed to see partying and disruptive actions in our neighborhood into the early morning hours. I am grateful to the Chicago Police Department for their quick and decisive action to limit any damage and keep people safe, and to the Streets and Sanitation Department for their great work to clean our neighborhood. I look forward to meeting with City departments and stakeholders in the coming days to discuss how we can continue to improve the Parade for participants, attendees and neighbors, and prevent these disturbing actions from occurring in the future.

I hope everyone has a safe and festive Pride Parade on Sunday! Remember to stay hydrated and have fun. More information on the Parade and our office's work this week can be found in my newsletter:

44th Ward Newsletter: June 28, 2024 With the Pride Parade this Sunday, June 30th, we want to ensure everyone has the information they need to enjoy the festivities. Maps of the parade route, medical facilities, cooling centers, pedestrian crossing sites, CTA reroutes, and parking restrictions are available on our website here. Please...

I’m proud to join together with my fellow alderpeople to call on the Illinois Department of Transportation to revise their current plans for North Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive to ensure it’s reflective of the diverse transit needs of Chicagoans across the city. This project should prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users, recreationalists, and all residents so we can build a safer, cleaner future for Chicago.

BikeGridNow: https://bikegridnow.org/dlsd-redesign-press-release/

Chicago Tribune: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/07/opinion-chicago-lakeshore-drive-project-pedestrians-mass-transit/