Snow and Cold Update
Dear Neighbors,

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Chicago area today as we're expecting another several inches of snow this weekend.  This advisory is set to continue until 6:00 AM on Sunday, December 18th.

With that in mind, we all need to ensure the sidewalks are clear of snow and ice 7 days a week. Just this year, City Council increased fines for failure to shovel to up to $500 per day of violation for residents and up to $1,000 per day for businesses. 

Click here to review the city brochure on proper snow removal from sidewalks, how to report locations that are not clear, and who is responsible for removal. If snow falls between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM it should be cleared as soon as possible but no later than 10:00 PM on the day of the snowfall. If snow falls between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM snow should be cleared before 10:00 AM on the next day. Residents and businesses that do not properly clear snow from the sidewalk will be warned and upon continued failure to clear will be ticketed. 

Residents who are 60 and older or are disabled can use the Snow Corps programwhich connects property owners through the city's 311 program with available volunteers to assist in sidewalk shoveling. 

Please call my office at 773-348-9500 or  email  with complaints about about an unshoveled sidewalk after 24 hours of a snowfall or if you are unable to shovel. Together, we can make the neighborhood safe for everyone.

Warming Centers and Heat Regulations

Bitter cold temperatures can pose a serious threat to health and safety. The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) operates six Warming Centers during work  weekdays; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The nearest Warming Center to the 43rd Ward is the  North Area Community Service Center at 845 W. Wilson Avenue.

Additionally, libraries, police stations or other city structures might be made available after hours, on weekends, or on holidays, as conditions warrant. Chicago's seniors can stay warm when they use any of the city's 21 Senior Centers during their regular weekday activities.

To learn the location of the closest available Warming Center at any given time, call 3-1-1. For more helpful tips to stay safe and keep others safe during the winter  click here.

Through June 1st landlords must heat residential buildings to at least 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees overnight or face fines up to $500 per day. If you are unable to resolve a heating problem with your landlord, call 3-1-1.

Join Me for Holiday Meet and Treats

Let's celebrate the holidays once again by meeting up at some great neighborhood spots. On Tuesday, December 20th from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM get a sweet holiday treat and a special neighborhood discount on all purchases at Berco's Popcorn, 810 W Armitage.

Join me on Wednesday, December 21st for two meet and treat events:
  • Floriole Cafe, 1220 W. Webster Avenue; Wednesday, December 21st from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Twisted Baker, 2475 N. Lincoln AveWednesday, December 21st  from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Office Closures for the Holidays

In observance of the Christmas Holiday and Hannukah, the 43rd Ward office will close early at 2 :00 PM on Friday, December 23rd . We will re-open at  10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 27th.

From Tuesday, December 27th to Friday, December 30th the office will be open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

In observance of the New Years Holiday, the 43rd Ward office will be closed on Monday, January 2nd. We will re-open at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, January 3rd.

Please call 3-1-1 if you have service requests during that time or 9-1-1 for emergency situations.

Stay safe and warm,

Michele Signature

Michele Smith
Alderman, 43rd Ward 


43rd Ward Office Hours: M 9 AM - 7 PM, T-F 9 AM - 6 PM 
 2523 N Halsted | 773-348-9500| yourvoice@ward43.org| www.ward43.org
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