Ward Night Recap: July 7, 2026
Thanks to everyone who attended our July 7, 2026 Ward Night. Here’s a summary of what we discussed:
BIKING NEAR GOUDY ELEMENTARY. Goudy Elementary recently installed a gates on the east side of the building, cutting off Winthrop between Winona and Foster to through traffic when the gates are closed. Neighbors at Ward Night discussed various solutions for helping cyclists and pedestrians understand and access alternate routes; the 48th Ward team will continue to review these solutions with city departments. Currently, cyclists and pedestrians are advised to travel down either alley, down Kenmore, or on Broadway depending on the direction of travel. Remember: if your detour of choice requires you to travel on the sidewalk, be sure to walk your wheels!
FORMER BIKE PARKING AREA UNDERNEATH THORNDALE RED LINE STATION. Neighbors discussed the fenced off area underneath the Thorndale L tracks on the south side of the street. Previously, this area was used for public bike storage and repair. During the COVID, the space became under-utilized and difficult to maintain. Over the past three years, many neighbors have asked us about this space and expressed interest in reviving it. While there are no current restoration plans, we’re interested in activating this space and making it into something that the local communities wants and can be proud of, especially as we continue our work to revitalize the Thorndale corridor. Have ideas for this space? Let us know!
CITY STICKERS & PERMIT PARKING PASSES. City Sticker and permit parking transactions are managed through the City Clerk’s office. Purchases can be made virtually through the city’s EZBuy system or in person at locations around the city. Learn more here.
PROTECTING RENTERS ORDINANCE (PRO). The Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) aims to modernize of Chicago's 40-year-old Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). It establishes a unified policy framework that strengthens tenant protections, builds enforcement infrastructure, and closes critical gaps in data, enforcement, and legal access. At Ward Night, we discussed strengths and gaps in the legislation.
PARTICIPATING IN CITY COUNCIL & COMMITTEE MEETINGS. All City Council meetings and most committee meetings are open to the public and livew streamed on the City Clerk’s website for those who aren’t able to attend in person. There are also options to provide public comment virtually. Learn more here.
Register for the next Ward Night on Tuesday, July 21 here.
