Ward Night Recap: October 6, 2026
Thanks to everyone who attended our October 6, 2026 Ward Night. Here’s a summary of what we discussed:
SUPPORT FOR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS. Thank you to all of the neighbors who reach out to our office to report neighbors in need of services and unsafe activity in the parks. When you report a tent or neighbor in need of assistance to our office, we share the information with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and the Chicago Park District. From there, DFSS works to get our neighbors to help and resources they need including shelter while the Park District works on enforcement.
Thanks to your help and concern, DFSS is out in our ward providing service 4-7 times a week on average. Over the last three years, our team alongside DFSS and providers, has helped nearly 200 neighbors transition from lakefront encampments into stable housing.
Visit our blog to learn more about how we're supporting neighbors experiencing homelessness and how you can help
EMANUEL CONGREGATION/FERN HILL. On January 20, Emanuel Congregation and Fern Hill submitted a zoning change request to our office, which launched the 48th ward community engagement process. Per our process, the development team has met with residents immediately adjacent to the project site, and relevant community organizations and our office has hosted 3 community meetings over six months with a total attendance of nearly 400 neighbors. We also received and reviewed over 1,050 online feedback form submissions.
Based on community feedback, Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth rejected the first two plans presented at the first two community meetings. We are now at Version 3, which was presented at the third community meeting held June 24.
Read more about this project here.
RODENT ABATEMENT. Although you may most often see rats in the alley, most of the time, that’s not where they come from. Usually rats are burrowing in a backyard with a food source, under a garage, or somewhere else with dirt. Read more here about how to avoid rodents in your yard and alley.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY. Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth introduced an ordinance to the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety to lower the speed limit from 25 to 20 mph on residential streets on the north side of the 48th Ward. The ordinance passed on Tuesday, September 15.
Speed limit reduction is one of many traffic safety strategies the alderwoman is emplying throughout the ward. Others include safer crosswalks, neighborhood greenways, pedestrian improvements, bike infrastructure, and safer street designs; all proven measures that help save lives.
Many of the major roads that run through the 48th Ward are managed by IDOT at the state level. This makes it more difficult to install certain traffic safety measures. The alderwoman is coordinating with state departments on solutions.
If you notice places in the ward that feel dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists, or people with mobility devices, please contact our office with the specific intersection and specific dangerous behavior.
Register for the next Ward Night on Tuesday, October 20 here.
