This week, we had our first City Council meeting of 2023. As always, there was plenty to move forward, here are some updates from Wednesday’s meeting: Smart Streets Ordinance Introduction At Council, Alderperson Vasquez joined Mayor Lightfoot, Alders Reilly, Hopkins, Martin, Villegas and La Spata to introduce the Smarts Streets Ordinance, which establishes a Automated […]
Articles and News
Notice of Intent 1744-46 West Balmoral Avenue (Nobody’s Darling Expansion)
Posted onAfter consideration of resident feedback, the Ward office has no objection to the proposed zoning change from B1-1 to C1-2, for the expansion of the existing business Nobody’s Darling, at 1744-46 West Balmoral Avenue. All proposed zoning changes in the 40th Ward undergo a community feedback process. Neighbors are invited to comment on the proposal […]
Alder Vasquez Stands with Howard Brown Health Workers
Posted onStatement Regarding Strike at Brown Elephant in Andersonville On January 4th at approximately 12:45PM, I was contacted regarding a situation at Brown Elephant (5404 N Clark) in the 40th Ward, where members of Howard Brown Health United and Illinois Nurses Association were striking against unfair layoffs made by Howard Brown Health (HBH) during the holiday […]
Weather Advisory: Winter Storm Warning
Posted onThe National Weather Service in Chicago indicates that conditions will deteriorate quickly Thursday afternoon with snow, gusty winds, and plummeting temperatures. The snow will taper on Friday though dangerous cold will remain. Subscribe to Weather Alerts The City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) issues several alerts and notifications to keep people up to date on […]
Bike Lane Enforcement Ordinance: Blocking Bike Lanes Can Get You Ticketed or Towed
Posted onThis week, we are pleased to report that we passed the Bike Lane Enforcement Ordinance! As work on the Clark Street Bike Lane progresses, we want to ensure that our cyclist neighbors are able to get around safely. This ordinance strengthens the enforcement mechanisms for violations of vehicles driving, standing , or parking on bicycle […]
PUBLIC SAFETY STATEMENT: INCIDENT AT 5100 N Oakley Block
Posted onEarlier today, December 12, 2022, there was a car collision and fire at the intersection of Oakley and Winona, associated with a vehicle of interest in an investigation related to car jackings and robberies in the area. I happened to be on the scene just after the collision had occurred, and one of our staff […]
Public Safety Update: Robberies in West Ridge Area
Posted onThis past week there was a string of robberies committed in the West Ridge area that covers both the 40th and 50th Wards. The 20th and 24th Districts of the Chicago Police Department are investigating the incidents. After such activity there is intentional patrolling for weeks following. Earlier this year, our office requested License Plate […]
Transgender Awareness Week
Posted onEarlier this week, Alderperson Vasquez joined the Mayor, Equality Illinois, Chicago Therapy Collective, and the family of our dear friend and Trans Rights Activist Elise Malary in honor of Transgender Awareness Week, Transgender Day of Resilience, and in memory of Elise, who was taken from us all to soon. November 20th is a day to […]
NOTICE OF INTENT – Clark/Summerdale/Ashland (Trader Joes)
Posted onDear Neighbors, Thank you to the many neighbors who attended our Community Driven Zoning Meeting via zoom on October 26th, and filling out our feedback survey in the two weeks since. Community Feedback After consideration of resident feedback, the Ward Office acknowledges the community support for the proposed Trader Joe’s location. We received over 700 […]
We Support Field Museum Workers Unionization Efforts
Posted onOn Tuesday, November 15, 2022, Alderperson Vasquez spoke in support of Field Museum workers who are organizing to form a union in spite of some shameful tactics by CEO and President Julian Siggers. Union Busting is not welcome in Chicago and we will stand in solidarity with workers seeking their rights and benefits! In the […]
A special meeting to get Bring Chicago Home Ordinance on the ballot ends in disappointment – for now
Posted onA number of us, led by 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden, called for a Special Meeting to discuss the Bring Chicago Home ordinance, which would call for a question on the ballot, so you, as neighbors, can vote on whether we should add a 1.9% one time transaction tax when properties that are assessed at […]
Statement: Why I’m voting “no” on the 2023 Budget
Posted onI’d like to thank our city workers that were a part of this process and to thank all of the Departments’ leadership for their engagement in our budget discussion. I’d also like to thank Chairwoman Pat Dowell, for presiding over this year’s Budget hearings, you have done great work in keeping us focused and informed. […]