Ald. Bennett Lawson

10/22/2026

Early voting is underway in all 50 wards! Our 44th Ward polling place is Merlo Library (644 W Belmont), but Chicagoans can vote at any Early Voting site, no matter where they live in the city. Sites are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. Additionally, same day registration is available at all locations for both early voting and on election day. For more information, click here.

Last weekend, I joined a group of residents as part of the No Kings push for early voting. It's energizing to see so many people taking the time to participate in our democratic process and support one another in staying informed and engaged.

We are approaching the final rounds of street sweeping for the Ward. As leaves continue to fall, residents are encouraged to bag them and request yard waste pickup via 311 or reuse them as mulch rather than sweeping them into the street. Leaves along our curbs can clog sewers and cause flooding or ice in the winter. You can find the complete street sweeping schedule for the 44th Ward here. Thank you for helping keep our community clean!

We will be hosting a Community Meeting via Zoom to discuss the proposed development for 2800 N. Sheridan on Wednesday, November 4 at 5:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining, please email [email protected] to receive the Zoom information. To learn more about this proposal, you can view plans and details on our website here.

We are also asking neighbors to share their thoughts on this development with us by completing our survey here. We will be accepting responses to this survey for a three week period, ending on Thursday, November 12th.

As budget season approaches, I want to outline my priorities. Our city must pursue fiscal stability in a way that protects both small businesses and residents from unnecessary strain. With this in mind, I'm particularly concerned about the proposed Head Tax, which would make it more expensive for businesses to hire and grow in Chicago. At a time when we should be encouraging investment and creating jobs, the last thing we need is another tax that makes our city less competitive. I'm also concerned about the proposed increase to the Personal Property Lease Tax, which doesn't just impact large corporations. It can affect residents renting tools for home repairs, families renting tables and chairs for celebrations, and small businesses renting equipment.

Before asking Chicagoans to pay more, the administration needs to show us where it can cut spending, improve efficiencies and collect revenue the City is already owed. We also need a transparent budget process with clear numbers and realistic revenue projections, not assumptions about funding that hasn't been approved.

I'm ready to work with the Mayor and my colleagues on a responsible budget, but that requires a serious commitment to addressing the City's financial challenges without placing additional burdens on residents and businesses.

Halloween is almost here, and there are plenty of fun events happening throughout the Ward! The Lakeview East Chamber has put together two fall guides to help you celebrate: Spooky Season in Lakeview East and Pumpkin Season in Chicago.

Our Chambers of Commerce are also celebrating with two trick or treating events. Kicking things off on Monday, October 26, Trick or Treat on Southport returns from 4-7 p.m. between Roscoe and Grace. Then, on Saturday, October 31 the Little Monster Crawl will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at participating businesses along Broadway, Clark, and Belmont. You can find a full list of participating businesses for Trick or Treat on Southport here, and for the Little Monster Crawl here. Please note that Southport will be closed to vehicular traffic from Roscoe to Addison and from Waveland to Grace from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 26 for Trick or Treat on Southport.

The Northalsted Pup Crawl will take place on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Aldine and Cornelia. Click here for registration and additional information. The following weekend, there will be events on Halsted all day on Halloween. Kicking things off on October 31, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Festival will begin at 11 a.m. between Aldine and Addison. The festival will feature food, drinks, music, local vendors, and live performances. Then, at 7pm the Haunted Halsted Parade and followed by the annual Costume Contest.

Save the date for a Mobile DMV at Merlo Library (644 W Belmont) on Friday, November 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You will be able to apply for, renew, correct, or duplicate your Driver's License and State ID Cards both in the standard and REAL ID formats, as well as obtain vehicle registration and license plate stickers. To register for an appointment, please contact Commissioner Gainer's Office at 312-603-4210 or email [email protected]. For a full list of acceptable documentation to bring, click here.

Residential Daily Passes for 2027 are now available for sale in the Ward office. You can begin using the purple 2027 passes immediately. The pink 2026 passes will remain valid until January 5, 2027. For more information or to order passes online, click here.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, support those currently fighting, and remember the loved ones we've lost. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ascension Saint Joseph is offering free breast and cervical cancer screenings. To schedule, call 773-655-3759. There are also several businesses that are currently running promotions throughout October benefiting Breast Cancer research. Two of these businesses are featured in our Business Corner section below, be sure to check them out!

Finally, I would like to wish a happy Principal appreciation day to all of the amazing Principals in the 44th Ward!

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

10/20/2026

Our phone lines are currently down. If you need to reach the office, please email us at [email protected]

10/14/2026

10/02/2026

Every candidate for the City Council should identify which housing projects require negotiation and which projects are legal by right.

10/01/2026

Statement on Preventing Additional Parking for the Cubs Camry Lot (10/1/2026)

At this time, I have made the decision to prevent the Cubs from expanding beyond their already permitted 800 parking spaces. This decision reflects the strong and consistent input from residents, and my commitment to ensuring that any future changes prioritize community safety, traffic management, and overall quality of life in the neighborhood.

The Cubs are moving forward with a required amendment to Planned Development (PD) 108 as part of a settlement with the City without adding more parking than is currently allowed. This amendment addresses several outstanding compliance issues, including the Clifton alley and the Blue/Highlander parking lot, and provides for the additional security upgrades that helped secure the 2027 All Star Game at Wrigley.

As part of that process the Cubs must submit a new site plan for the Camry lot. The Cubs currently own the House of the Good Shepherd property, which allows them to expand the physical footprint of the lot without Aldermanic approval. The existing PD already permits up to 800 parking spaces. The Cubs currently operate 688, and under City rules they can increase the lot to the full 800 spaces through a site plan approval, which does not allow for Aldermanic input. As Alderman, I cannot prevent the Cubs from adding these spaces, and the PD amendment will reflect that revised site plan, including additional landscaping and trees along the east side of the lot.

While the Cubs have completed a traffic study and are working with CPD, CDOT, and OEMC to overhaul the Wrigley Traffic Management Plan, which has not been updated in over a decade, we need to see this plan be implemented and proven effective before I can support adding additional parking. While there will always be cars for ballgames, I believe this plan needs to prioritize pedestrian safety, public transit and non-driving options to access the neighborhood.

To read more, please go to our website.

Cubs Camry Lot – Statement on Preventing Additional Parking for the Cubs Camry Lot (10/1/2026) – At this time, I have made the decision to prevent the Cubs from expanding beyond their already permitted 800 parking spaces. This decision reflects the strong and consistent input from residents, and...

09/17/2026

Dear Neighbors,

We had another great annual 44th Ward Senior Picnic last week. More than 200 neighbors enjoyed lunch, live music, and raffle prizes!

This week, I joined Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and State Senator Sara Feigenholtz in making phone calls to 44th Ward constituents who are owed unclaimed funds. The State of Illinois holds lost funds until they are either claimed by the original owner or their heirs. To see if you have any funds owed to you, visit icash.illinoistreasurer.gov or call 217-524-0649.

Each September, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), observe National Preparedness Month (NPM) to promote family and community disaster planning year-round. This year, OEMC is launching a new monthly newsletter that will share relevant information to Chicagoans including public safety updates and events happening in the city. To sign up, click here. Additional resources include signing up for Smart911, downloading the OEMC app, and signing up for text alerts relating to traffic impacts, severe weather, and emergencies via NotifyChicago. To learn more, visit OEMC's website here.

In other public safety news, on Thursday, September 24, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) will hold their monthly public meeting at DePaul College Prep (3300 N Campbell Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. focusing on officer wellness. To RSVP or leave a comment, click here.

This weekend, the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts returns on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20. This festival will showcase over 150 artists displaying paintings, sculptures, photography, furniture, jewelry, and more. Each day will also feature two stages with live music and a kids zone. For more information, click here.

On Saturday, September 19, the Southport Neighbors Association will be having their annual Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, click here.

Additionally, on Sunday, September 20, the Race to Wrigley will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with some street closures beginning as early as 3 a.m. For more information, on street closure, timing details, and the course map, click here.

There's a new neighborhood festival coming to Clark Street this fall: Clark Street Live! On Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, Clark will be closed between Addison and Newport for two days of live music. For more information about this new festival, click here.

Also that weekend, East Lake View Neighbors will host its annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 26, at Murphy's Bleachers. The event will feature live music, German food, and a silent auction. Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.

Next week, I will be joining the Diversey Community Coalition (DCC) at two events regarding ComEd's proposed Substation at 1111 W. Diversey Pkwy. First, on Wednesday, September 23, there will be a community update at New Life Church (1110 Lill Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. to share the latest on efforts to oppose the substation as currently proposed. Then, on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m., community members will gather for a rally outside the proposed substation at 1111 W. Diversey Pkwy. For those unable to attend, the DCC website includes additional ways residents can make their voices heard, including filing a complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

As I've stated before, a project of this scale should undergo thorough community review, just as any other major development would. Neighbors continue to express that this transit-accessible stretch along Diversey is best suited for housing and retail.

On Sunday, October 11, Chicago will welcome runners and spectators from around the world for the 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Residents can view the complete route here, as well as a complete list of anticipated street closing and reopening times here.

Many of you have reached out to share your thoughts on the two major renter protection proposals currently moving through City Council: the Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) and the Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental Ordinance (FAIR). Both proposals would modernize Chicago’s 40‑year‑old Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance—an update that is overdue.

Importantly, both include the creation of a citywide rental registry, a reform I strongly support to improve accountability and transparency. These two proposals differ most notably in their implementation structures and fee regulations, which is where much of the debate and ongoing conversations are occurring.

I remain hopeful that Council can find common ground. We must strengthen protections and rights for renters and standardize our fee structures while ensuring that any additional requirements do not result in rent hikes for tenants. I’m committed to advancing a balanced approach that supports both renters and responsible housing providers.

I would like to take a moment to thank James Turner. James has been voluntarily cleaning East Lakeview's parks for over 13 years. Thank you, James, for your long-standing commitment to keeping our community clean!

As a reminder, ensuring alley garbage carts are in good condition is one of the most effective ways to reduce rodent activity. Rats only need a small opening to get inside, so if you notice any cracks, holes, or lids that do not close tightly, you can request a replacement cart through 311. Keeping carts fully sealed helps prevent rodents from accessing food and supports our ongoing efforts to control rodent activity in the neighborhood.

Yom Kippur will begin at sundown on Sunday, September 20. We extend our sincere wishes to all who observe, and hope the holiday brings a day of meaningful reflection, renewal, and peace.

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

09/11/2026

Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing Labor Day weekend and was able to find time to recharge. I had a great time at this year's WOOGMS parade, it was great to see so many neighbors join in on this beloved tradition.

As a reminder, the Community Commission for Police Safety & Accountability (CCPSA) has begun its search for the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department and is asking residents for input on what qualities, experiences, and priorities they would like to see in the next Superintendent. You can share your thoughts in their feedback form here. CCPSA is also hosting a virtual listening session tonight at 6:30 p.m. Visit the Commission's Superintendent Search webpage for more information and to stay up to date on the process.

This week, I met with the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA) to discuss concerning trends indicating an uptick in antisemitism in Chicago. Acts of hate and discrimination of any kind are unacceptable and have no place in our city. I'm grateful for the advocacy and trainings offered by JCUA — whose work fighting antisemitism, racism, and advancing justice helps strengthen and protect all of our communities. It’s imperative that we look out for one another, speak up when we see harmful behavior, and work together to ensure every community feels safe and supported.

Musky Fest is back for it's 35th year this weekend at Will's Northwoods Inn running from Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13. Racine will be closed from Oakdale to Fletcher from 12:00am on Friday through 11:00pm on Sunday. For additional Musky Fest details, schedule, and band lineup, click here.

Next weekend, the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts returns on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. This festival will showcase over 150 artists featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. Each day will also feature two stages with live music and a kid's zone. For more information, click here.

Additionally, the Southport Neighbors Association will be having their annual Yard Sale on Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, click here.

Looking ahead, there's a new neighborhood festival coming to Clark Street this fall: Clark Street Live! On Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 Clark will be closed between Addison and Newport for two days of live music. For more information about this new festival, click here.

Also that weekend, East Lake View Neighbors will host its annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 26 at Murphy's Bleachers. The event will feature live music, German food, and a silent auction. Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.

Later this month, the Diversey Community Coalition (DCC) will host two events regarding ComEd's proposed Substation at 1111 W. Diversey.

On Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a community update at New Life Church (1110 Lill Ave.) to share the latest on efforts to oppose the substation as currently proposed. Then, on Saturday, September 26 at 11:00 a.m. community members will gather for a rally outside the proposed substation at 1111 W. Diversey.

For those unable to attend, the DCC website includes additional ways residents can make their voices heard, including filing a complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Reliable electricity is essential to our neighborhoods, but a project of this size should undergo meaningful community review, just like any other major development. Community members have made clear that they want to see this transit-accessible stretch of Diversey used for housing, retail and other development that contributes to the neighborhood.

Our office is seeking feedback on two new proposed zoning changes in the Ward. The first is a proposed zoning change for 2858 N. Halsted to go from a B3-2 to B2-3 to construct a 5-story, 20 unit building with retail space below. You can review the complete plans for 2858 N. Halsted on my website here.

The second is a proposed zoning change for 920 W. Diversey where the applicant is seeking a zoning change from B3-2 to B3-5 to construct a 5-story, 56 unit building with retail space below. You can review the complete plans for 920 W. Diversey on my website here.

To provide feedback on either proposal, please email us at [email protected] or call our office at 773-525-6034. Additional information on both proposals will continue to be shared in our newsletter and on our website.

As we head into football season, the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has put together lists of neighborhood bars where you can cheer on your favorite college and professional teams. From team-specific watch parties to game day specials, there's no shortage of great local bars to catch a game at. Check out both the college and professional lists on the Chamber's website.

The Cubs are back in town this weekend and will be hosting the Pirates and the Braves for back-to-back series from Friday, September 11 through Wednesday, September 16. Please be mindful of parking restrictions, and any residents who experience any issues are encouraged to contact the Cubs Game Day Hotline at 866-4-CPD-TOW.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset tomorrow, marking the Jewish New Year. To celebrate, Chabad of East Lakeview's Shofar in the Streets event returns. Rabbi Dovid and volunteers will blow the Shofar at various locations Lakeview throughout the day. Shanah Tovah to all who celebrate!

Finally, tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We remember the lives lost, honor the courage of first responders, and reflect on the spirit of unity and service that followed. We will never forget.

Have a great weekend,

Alderman Bennett Lawson

09/03/2026

Dear Neighbors,

I had a great time at the annual Alders vs. Knights (CPD) softball game at Rate Field last week. Congratulations to the Knights on their well‑earned victory! I closed out the weekend back in the ward joining the Cubs at Wrigley Field to celebrate 150 years.

As we approach the end of summer, I'm excited to share that our annual Senior Picnic will take place on Thursday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of music, raffles, and of course delicious food. If you would like to attend, please call the office at 773-525-6034 to RSVP.

This week we saw a string of burglaries along the Southport Corridor, detailed in this CPD Community Alert. I remain in close contact with CPD's 19th District as well as the Chamber as we work to support the businesses impacted and keep our neighborhood safe. CPD has stated that these break-in's were targeted retail and commercial thefts, and at this time there is not an increased public safety threat. As always, we encourage residents to be mindful of locking doors and windows to their homes and garages.

As a reminder, the 19th District CAPs office hosts monthly beat meetings which provide an opportunity to hear directly from CPD about crime trends in the area. You can find the full calendar for 44th Ward beat meetings below, along with additional safety tips. To find out which beat you live in, click here.

We are heading into a busy Labor Day weekend in the Ward! Tomorrow, September 4, Hippocampus will perform at Gallagher Way at 7 p.m. as the final Budweiser Concert of the summer.

This Sunday September 6, Bike the Drive returns. DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed from Hollywood to 57th to accommodate the cyclists from 6 a.m. through 12 p.m. For more information on Bike the Drive, click here. Residents should expect additional congestion and plan travel accordingly.

On Sunday evening, NCAA Volleyball is headed to the Friendly Confines for the first time. Nebraska will face Missouri at 6 p.m. followed by Penn State taking on Kentucky at 8 p.m. Please note that Sheffield will be closed between Addison and Waveland from September 3-8, Waveland's South traffic land (eastbound traffic) between Sheffield and Seminary will be closed from September 6-8, and Irving Park's north and south curb lanes between Seminary and Clark will be closed for bus and struck staging from September 3-8.

The Wellington Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society (WOOGMS) Labor Day Parade also makes its return this Sunday, September 7, at 11 a.m. Neighbors are invited to march from Wellington and Pine Grove to Saint Joseph Hospital.

As a reminder, external demolition will begin at 2800 N. Sheridan on Tuesday, September 8. Up to date plans and the full demolition schedule are available on my website here. This permit is only for demolition of the existing site and does not include construction. The community engagement process for this development is still ongoing and their proposal has not yet been approved by City Council.

Also next Tuesday, there will be a crane to lift an HVAC unit at 3640 N. Halsted from 8am to 4pm. Traffic on Halsted between Waveland and Addison will be reduced to 1 lane, and 2-way traffic will be maintained with flaggers.

Finally, our office will be closed for Labor Day weekend beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 4. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. City Clerk Offices will also be closing at 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

08/27/2026

Dear Neighbors,

It was a great weekend connecting with neighbors at our Southport Kids Bike Parade, Taco Fest, and block parties throughout the Ward. I also kicked off the start of the school year with students at Tubman, Nettelhorst, Hawthorne, and Inter-American on Monday!

Tomorrow, Friday, August 28, Hawthorne Scholastic Academy will host their Back to School Movie Night on the turf featuring The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The movie will begin at 8 p.m..

I'm glad to welcome Uncle John's BBQ (947 W Addison) to the Ward! Stop by to welcome them to the neighborhood, and try some delicious, slow-smoked BBQ!

The Community Commission for Police Safety & Accountability (CCPSA) has begun its search for the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. They are hosting a listening session on Wednesday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m. at DePaul College Prep to gather feedback from residents on what they would like to see in Chicago's next Police Superintendent. There will also be a virtual session on September 10 at 6:30 p.m.. Visit the Commission's Superintendent Search webpage for more information and to stay up to date on the process.

Next Friday, September 4, Hippocampus will perform at Gallagher Way at 7 p.m. as the final Budweiser Concert of the summer.

Next Sunday, September 6 Bike the Drive returns. DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed from Hollywood to 57th to make way for this event. For more information on Bike the Drive, click here. We encourage residents to anticipate additional congestion and plan travel accordingly.

Later that day, NCAA Volleyball is headed to the Friendly Confines for the first time in history. Nebraska will take on Missouri at 6 p.m. followed by Penn State vs. Kentucky at 8 p.m.. Please note that Sheffield will be closed between Addison and Waveland from September 3-8, Waveland's South traffic land (eastbound traffic) between Sheffield and Seminary will be closed from September 6-8, and Irving Park's north and south curb lanes between Seminary and Clark will be closed for bus and struck staging from September 3-8.

Next weekend, the Wellington Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society, "WOOGMS" Labor Day Parade Returns on September 7 at 11 a.m.. March with neighbors from Wellington and Pine Grove to Saint Joseph Hospital because as the saying goes, "everyone marches, no one watches!"

Our annual Senior Picnic will take place on Thursday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Join us for an afternoon of music, raffles, and of course delicious food. If you would like to attend, please call the office at 77-525-6034 to RSVP.

Heading into the weekend, please note that the Cubs game on Sunday, August 30 has been rescheduled for 6:20 p.m. for the ABC broadcast.

Finally, our office will be closed for Labor Day weekend beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 4. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8.

Have a great weekend,
Alderman Bennett Lawson

08/26/2026

Our Ward internet is currently down, affecting our ability to sell parking passes. We will update you when we are back online.