Search this site

Business & Development Our office is dedicated to promoting new business and development in the 49th Ward. Please see click on one of the projects listed below for specific information pertaining to that business or development. If you have any questions, our staff can always be reached by emailing office@49thWard.org or calling (773) 338-5796 . Current Development Proposals Past Development Decisions Building Permits Liquor Moratorium Process Loading/Standing Zones Public Way Use & Sidewalk Cafes Rogers Park Business Alliance Zoning Changes

Army Corps of Engineers Shoreline Study The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has launched an interactive Crowdsource map for the public to leave comments on its Chicago Shoreline Study . The map is available on the Army Corps' website by clicking here . It is recommended that you use Google Chrome to open the site. On the map, users can pinpoint a specific location along the shoreline and submit a comment for consideration. Comments must be submitted by April 30, 2023. The USACE will be preparing a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document on the impacts associated with a Coastal Storm Risk Management study in the City of Chicago. The City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District partnered with the Corps to study ongoing shoreline erosion and coastal storm due to variable lake levels and storm-driven waves that impact our shoreline. The proposed study area includes Chicago's entire shoreline, from our border with Evanston to our border with Indiana. As a part of the study, the Army Corps will explore various measures that could be implemented along our shoreline to reduce coastal storm risks. These measures include the following: Structural (e.g., breakwaters, seawalls, revetments, and groins) Natural and Nature-based features (e.g., beach nourishment, submerged reefs, vegetation, ecologically enhanced structures) Non-structural (e.g., floodproofing, flood warning plans, emergency evacuation plans) As part of the NEPA scoping process, the Army Corps is seeking comments or concerns stakeholders have about potential impacts from the various measures that could be implemented. This could include impacts to various habitats, threatened and endangered species, or cultural, historical, and social resources. Our office has submitted preliminary feedback to the Army Corps for this critical study and has called for the following as they embark on this process: Commit to a robust community engagement process to allow Chicagoans to provide insight and feedback The 49th Ward was excluded from the 1994 Chicago Shoreline Storm Damage Reduction Project, which provided infrastructure and protections for just 8 miles of the City’s shoreline. In Rogers Park, private properties are located directly adjacent to the lake, which means they feel the impact of high lake levels and wave action on a much more intimate basis than other parts of the city that have public land barriers and other infrastructure (such as sea walls) to absorb or deflect wave impact. Residents are owed the opportunity to share their personal experiences and ideas to help inform the future of the shoreline. Restore beach access to Juneway, Rogers, and Howard beaches and repurpose emergency revetments as breakwaters As Lake Michigan reached historically high levels in 2019, the Department of Transportation was able to secure emergency funding from FEMA to install armor rock revetments at Juneway, Howard, and Rogers beaches. The revetments were critical in curtailing further erosion of public property and keeping park property safe. However, the installation of revetments restricted access to what had previously been beaches. Rogers Park has a unique history of being the last affordable neighborhood on the north side with access to the lakefront. Roger Park residents have enjoyed this access for generations, offering a more quiet opportunity to enjoy our greatest natural asset. As USACE studies potential solutions for Chicago’s shoreline, I ask that you look at restoring beach access and repurposing the armor rocks to act as breakwaters. Implement sustainable native, deep-rooted vegetation on the lakefront to combat erosion With a unique opportunity to shape the future of Chicago’s shoreline, we would like the Army Corps to explore sustainable options to combat erosion, such as planting marram grass or other native deep-rooted plants that have a track record of withstanding wave impact and mitigating the impacts of erosion. In the 49th Ward, a group of volunteers acts as stewards to the Loyola Park Sand Dunes. The natural vegetation abutting the lake proved resilient at the peak of Lake Michigan’s lake levels, with less damage at Loyola Park than at other parks to its north. In addition to providing a natural barrier to wave action, the plants help the ecosystem along Lake Michigan, allowing natural wildlife and insects to thrive. Individuals, organizations, and groups may also submit written comments to Ms. Samantha Belcik. Comments and questions will be accepted through the end of March and can be directed via email to Ms. Belcik at ChicagoShoreline@usace.army.mil . More on the Shoreline Study and its current status is available on the USACE website her e .

Available Retail Space

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer with the 49th Ward Office! Our office needs you! We have a variety of events and opportunities for neighbors to lend a hand! If you would like to help our office with tabling, flyering, and other upcoming events, you can sign up to volunteer here. Help Senn High School Students With Work-Based Learning! Invest in the future of our community and connect with students at Senn High School! Senn is looking to connect our motivated students with local professionals for valuable work-based learning and career experiences. We are compiling a directory of local professionals interested in: Speaking at career day events Mentoring students one-on-one Providing job shadow or internship opportunities (some students may be able to leave school up to two hours early for these experiences) If you are eager to build partnerships and connect with talented students, please take a moment to share your interest through this quick form: https://forms.gle/FJGXnJjDXaukAqkK6 We look forward to helping students find success within our community. For questions, please reach out to Dr. Fink at wffink@cps.edu Volunteer to be a Partner In Learning Tutor/Mentor! Now recruiting volunteers for Family Matters' Partners in Learning one-to-one tutor/mentoring program! Adult volunteer tutors/mentors meet with their individually matched youth partner for one 90-minute session per week. All experience levels are welcome. Program staff create a personalized lesson plan for every session, and all training and materials are provided.

Current Development Propsals Click on one of the images below to learn more about the current development proposal and community decision process in the 49th Ward. Looking for a previous development proposal? Check out the 49th Ward's archive of past development proposals here . St. Ignatius Campus Greenleaf Firehouse 7644 North Sheridan Howard & Paulina

Budget Votes Every year, the Office of Budget Management (OBM) works with city departments, the Mayor's office, and City Council to create an Annual Appropriation Ordinance, a Grant Details Ordinance, a Budget Overview, and Budget Recommendations. The annual budget recommendations determine how the City intends to spend its revenue on a variety of city resources, from the Police Department to capital infrastructure spending. To become adopted, the recommendations must first pass the Committee on the Budget and, subsequently, the full City Council. Click through the buttons below to view how Alderwoman Hadden has voted on previous budget recommendations. To view budget documents, visit the Office of Budget and Management's website . 2023 2026 2022 2025 2021 2024 2020

Ward Nights Do you have something you want to share directly with the Alderwoman? She hosts virtual Ward Night on Wednesdays from 5-7 pm to discuss ideas, suggestions, concerns, and questions one-on-one with 49th Ward residents. To sign up for a time slot, visit calendly.com/mariahadden/ward-night .

PB49: Cycle 12 LEARN ABOUT THIS CYCLE'S FUNDED PROJECTS: The PB49 committees have been hard at work these past several months vetting ideas submitted and developing proposals. After working diligently contacting different city agencies and departments, the committed identified only two viable projects this year: improved lighting on Glenwood from Albion to Pratt and new planter boxes for the garden beds at Loyola Park. Given the low number of projects this cycle, our office will fund both items and allocate the remainder of the budget to street, alley, and sidewalk repairs. Those repairs will be determined from community input, the comprehensive infrastructure survey completed by the Streets & Infrastructure Committee, and recommendations from the Chicago Department of Transportation. With the disruption to the past few cycles due to the global pandemic, our office will be evaluating how we can reduce barriers and increase participation in this community-driven process moving forward. We will also be taking a look at project submissions from previous cycles to see if they should be reconsidered for inclusion in the upcoming cycle. Please stay tuned for more information on how to submit an idea during the next cycle of PB. If you have any questions and/or are interested in joining us for the next cycle, please email PB Coordinator Jeff Gonzalez at jeff@49thward.org . View the Project Expo View the Projects IDEA COLLECTION PHASE: The 12th cycle of PB49 kicks off on Friday, July 23! We are asking the open-ended question once again: if you could change one thing about our community that would make life better for you and residents overall, what would it be? Between now and August 22, 2021, folks will have the opportunity to answer that question in a variety of ways: Visit the new PB49 website , where you can create an account and submit your idea; Text "PB49" to 33339; Flyers will be posted in the main corridors of the ward with a QR code that folks can scan to open the new PB49 website on their smartphones; Participate in a Neighborhood Assembly on Thursday, August 5, at 6 pm; Register at bit.ly/ideaassembly At the 49th Ward table during the Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival August 22-24. Be on the lookout for more information on how and when to vote in October! Do you want to become a community representative? We'd love to have you! Just make sure to complete the community rep sign-up form on the new PB49 website .

Ashland, Rogers, and Birchwood Intersection Redesign 2024 Recap Last year, work began on an arterial resurfacing project that spanned Rogers Avenue from Touhy to Greenview which includes resurfacing the street, curb and gutter work, ADA ramps, crosswalks and street markings, and the redesign of the Rogers/Ashland/Birchwood intersection. On May 21st, 2024, Alderwoman Hadden hosted a community meeting on-site to discuss final improvements to the Rogers/Ashland/Birchwood intersection. From the feedback our office received, the intersection will include closing the section of Birchwood between Rogers and Ashland, new sidewalks, pavers, trees, and a refurbished World War I memorial to Joyce Kilmer. Starting the first week of April in 2025, construction began. During construction, a detour will be set in place for north-bound Ashland, north-bound Rogers, and west-bound Birchwood. This detour will be in effect for the full depth pavement replacement, catch basin work, and ADA work. 2025 Construction After the road has been replaced, temporary "No Parking" signs will be periodically installed as required for paving the final layer of asphalt and striping activities. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. Below is a diagram showing the parking restrictions that will be in place; purple indicates where the road will be closed at, yellow indicates where parking restrictions already exist, and red indicates where parking will be restricted during construction. All work on this project is tentatively scheduled to be completed May 30th, 2025 pending no delays. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at Office@49thward.org or calling 773-338-5796.

Past Development Decisions Archive Please review the below archive of past development decisions by Alderwoman Hadden. The development decisions are categorized by year. You may also search by address using the search box above. Alderwoman Hadden utilizes a participatory and transparent process for any requested zoning changes. For more information about this process, you can review our Zoning Changes procedure webpage. Second term decisions: 2025 2024 2023 First term decisions: 2022 2021 2020 2019

Garage & Yard Sale Permits Garage and yard sales cannot be held for longer than three consecutive days and must be held between 9:00 a.m. and sunset. In case of rain, the permit can be reissued for a later date. If more than one household is joining in a single sale, each household needs its own permit even if the sale is at the address of only one participating household. Signs advertising the sale may only be posted on the property where the sale is taking place. Violators face fines for posting signs on city property. Filing for a Permit: You can stop by our office with proof of residence and identification and fill out the application. You can scan and email a copy of your identification and a completed form to office@49thWard.org . We will email the approved form back to you. APPLICATION - ENGLISH PERMISO - ESPAÑOL

Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence City of Chicago’s Domestic Violence Hotline The City of Chicago Family & Support Services operates the City’s Domestic Violence Hotline. Callers to the Help Line are provided with general domestic violence information, referrals to domestic violence services and a three-way phone linkage between the caller and the domestic violence services. Trained domestic violence advocates – Victim Information and Referral Advocates (VIRAs) – staff the phones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. VIRAs provide victims with immediate information about their options, information on safety planning, referrals to community-based providers including shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, civil legal services, supervised child visitation centers, and perpetrator services. Bi-lingual and bi-cultural Spanish-speaking VIRAs are always available and operators can access the Language Line for over 140 other languages. For assistance, call the hotline at 1.877.863.6338. Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) HOW is the third-largest provider of permanent supportive housing in Chicago and serves over 600 households annually. HOW provides access to stable and affordable housing through the creation and maintenance of housing units for households who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including women experiencing domestic violence. HOW takes all referrals for our supportive housing programs from Chicago's Coordinated Entry System (CES). They do not maintain a separate waitlist for these programs and do not accept direct case manager referrals. If you or someone you know is seeking temporary or permanent supportive housing, the person seeking housing must call 312-361-1707 to complete a housing assessment. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Please note, this may or may not lead to a housing option and does not solve your immediate housing crisis. If you are in need of shelter please call 3-1-1 to request transportation to a shelter. Contact ChicagoCES@csh.org with questions. Between Friends Between Friends is a nonprofit agency dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and building a community free of abuse. Through their 24-Hour helpline, counseling, and legal assistance, they provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families in crisis, while educating communities as part of the movement to end domestic violence. If you need immediate help, call their 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-603-435. Additional services, including counseling and legal assistance, are available. Visit betweenfriendschicago.org to learn more. Apna Ghar Apna Ghar is a human rights organization working to end gender violence with an evidence-based model that factors in macro and micro level conditions that create the unique barriers that program participants face. They offer a 24-Hour Crisis Line, Safe Emergency Housing, Case Management & Social Services Advocacy, Counseling, Legal Assistance, and Supervised Visitation & Safe Exchange Services. If you need immediate help, call their 24-Hour Crisis Line at (773) 334-4663. WINGS WINGS is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing an escape route for victims of domestic abuse. On any given night, WINGS two emergency shelters provide housing for those fleeing violent situations one in the northwest suburbs and one on the southwest side of Chicago. Their safe houses have enough capacity to house 85 people each night, with a maximum stay length of 120 days. Additionally, WINGS operates over 50 houses and apartments throughout the city to provide transitional and permanent housing for survivors. WINGS also provides counseling and planning services. If you need immediate help, call their 24-Hours Crisis Hotline at (847) 221-5680. To learn more about the services they provide, call them at 847-519-7828 or visit their website at wingsprogram.com . Ascend Justice Ascend Justice is a legal aid group specifically for victims of domestic violence. They currently provide legal assistance to individuals and families surrounding economic issues, family defense legal services, divorce, custody arrangements, visitation, child support, orders of protection, and immigration services. Please note, you must be a survivor of gender-based violence to receive these services. If you would like more information and to learn how to apply for services, please visit their website at ascendjustice.org . The Network's Survivor Crisis Fund The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence established the Survivor Crisis Fund to address critical gaps in the safety net for survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking. Once an application is received, we will review it for eligibility for any funds we currently have and will provide a response. The basic eligibility to receive funding is that you are a victim/survivor of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking and/or human trafficking. Beyond that, we have various eligibility guidelines imposed by our funding sources. This financial assistance is intended to be a one-time payment. Learn more and apply at the-network.org/survivor-fund/ .