Ald. Bennett Lawson

Dear Neighbors,

Baseball season is officially back at Wrigley Field, with home games this weekend at 1:20pm each day. As we welcome fans back to the neighborhood, please remember to plan ahead for increased traffic, parking restrictions, and safety measures. Taking a few moments to review game day guidelines can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Street sweeping is also underway across the ward. I ask that residents please move their cars during posted times so our crews can fully clear debris and prevent water buildup as we move further into spring. Thank you to everyone who has already been helping out! Your cooperation truly makes a difference in keeping our streets clean and our drainage systems functioning properly.

We were excited to celebrate the grand opening of POP/Culture Chicago on Clark Street, a unique new shop featuring craft sodas, collectibles, and vintage finds. It’s a fun and creative addition to the neighborhood, and I encourage you to stop by and support this local business.

In public safety news, vehicle break-ins targeting airbags continue to be an issue in our area, particularly impacting Honda Civics and Accords. Our office is working closely with CPD and a citywide taskforce to address this trend. We will continue to share updates, including opportunities to access anti-theft devices, and I encourage residents to remain vigilant.

I also want to share a team update from our office. After two years of dedicated service, Isaac Troncoso will be departing to return to New York City. Isaac has played a critical role in advancing major initiatives, including our Community Plan and housing efforts, and I am incredibly grateful for his work. At the same time, I am pleased to welcome Alex Ponder to the team. Alex brings strong experience in constituent services and community engagement, and I look forward to her continued work serving the 44th Ward.

Finally, I am excited to share that our expanded ADU program is already seeing strong momentum, with 126 applications submitted in just the first several days. This initiative is helping to create modest, neighborhood-scale housing options while supporting homeowners, and we will continue to keep you updated as it progresses.

As always, thank you for staying engaged and helping make our community a great place to live.

Sincerely,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

P.S To read this week's full newsletter, head to https://mailchi.mp/a684f27da06e/44th-ward-newsletter-apr-10-10348022

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