Coronavirus Update
Purchase Parking Passes Online
Support Our Local Restaurants
Dear Neighbors,

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Illinois grew to 288 in Illinois, and 104 in Chicago, including a new case in Lincoln Park.

This is a stark reminder that each of us has a responsibility in containing this virus. No matter how young or how healthy, we all must take precautions to guard our own health in order to protect the health of those around us who are more vulnerable. Please follow guidelines around social distancing, staying home as much as possible whether or not you are experiencing symptoms, and washing hands frequently. This is a hard time and we should be very proud of how our community is coming together to help others.

Our City Council meeting today was cancelled, following guidelines to avoid meetings of 50 or more people. Beginning tomorrow, my office will operate remotely to reduce the possibility of community transmission. All phone calls to our main line, 773-348-9500, will be forwarded through our new remote system to a staff member who will be able to answer the call and assist you. Please call or email us with any questions, concerns, or service requests.

You can input a 311 request yourself if you like at CHI311.
You can buy permit parking passes on-line at the EZBuy website.

You can email specific staff members with the following:

Margaret Goecke - Scheduling meetings requests for Alderman Smith, Tree issues, Rodent baiting, Internship applications. Margaret@ward43.org

McKay Murphy - Sanitation issues (garbage pick-up, street sweeping, black and blue carts, graffiti removal), Public Way Use Permits, Sidewalk Cafe Permits, Residential and Business Noise Complaints, Special Events and Community Outreach (block parties, street festivals, permit review). McKay@ward43.org

Sheila Pacione - Infrastructure, Parks, Construction conflicts, Electrical, and Water management, including water, sewer and private drain repairs. Sheila@ward43.org

Joana Zaidan - Zoning, Historic districts, Business licenses, Building permits, Standing and loading zones. Joana@ward43.org

Rocio Varela - Police and public safety, Newsletter requests, Social media, Press inquiries, Ethics and Government Oversight Committee. Rocio@ward43.org

Erik Wallenius - Proposed legislation, Policy issues and questions, Environment, Education, Chicago Housing Authority and housing, Press, City Council Committees. Erik@ward43.org  

Any other inquiries, email yourvoice@ward43.org .
Purchase Parking Passes On-Line

In an effort to help stop the spread of of COVID-19 and practice social distancing, our office will not be taking walk-ins and working remotely. However, you can get your parking passes easily on-line at the EZBuy website.

Step 1: Create your account - You'll need to put in your email address, first name, middle initial, and last name.

Step 2: Type in your customer code. The customer code is on the bottom of a sheet of parking stickers. (see the photo).

Step 3: Select the amount of sheets you'd like to purchase, and complete the transaction

If you have any questions, please email us at yourvoice@ward43.org or call us at 773-348-9500.
COVID-19 News You Can Use
Ask Dr. Arwady

This new daily live-stream, hosted by the City and CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., will be held daily at 11:00 a.m. on  Twitter and  Facebook Live. Chicago’s leading public health expert will be taking live questions from Chicagoans.

Also, please contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 800-889-3931 if you have any questions.
If You're Sick or Think You May Be Experiencing
Symptoms of COVID-19

The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention provides detailed and step by step information on what to do if you are sick and may be infected with the COVID-19. The very first step is calling your doctor to determine whether or not you should seek medical attention. Here are guidelines:

Stay home unless you have to leave to get medical care
  • Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
  • Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
  • Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation.
  • Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

The virus spreads between people through coughing and sneezing, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The most common symptoms include:
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

If you travelled abroad from a high-risk country, see the CDC's Coronavirus for travelers page.
City Hall Update
Today I had a conference call with Mayor Lightfoot and my aldermanic colleagues about an  executive order the Mayor issued today in response to the Coronavirus outbreak . This executive order declares a State of Emergency in the City of Chicago, and allows the City enter into a limited number of contracts and re-appropriate funds for a limited amount of time.

The City also will reduce some services to be announced, but will fully staff all essential services, including Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, Streets & Sanitation, CDOT, and other needed operations.

Relief for Citizens and Businesses

The Mayor announced today a temporary suspension of debt collection, ticketing, and towing.  

The Mayor and City officials are working on a local stimulus package for local businesses and employees, understanding the hardships COVID-19 has had on the small business community. Additionally, City officials are looking to take advantage of State and Federal funding that will be coming to Chicago to respond to the crisis. I fully support the efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and working people.
How We Can Help Our Restaurants,
Bars and Venues
EAT: Restaurants and Bars Need Our Support

The best way to help the local restaurants we love is to order out!

The website Dining at a Distance shows restaurants that now offer pickup and delivery. The use the site, pick Chicago, add a filter the list by "Neighborhood" and pick "Lincoln Park" or "Gold Coast." If you would like to submit your restaurant, click here.

The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is publishing items from their members. See the latest here.

Other local establishments are offering new ways to legally sell their produces. For example, Delilah's Chicago is having special wine bottle nights, offering full bottles of wine.

Do you have a special offer to offer? Email Rocio@ward43.org and we will put it in our newsletter if your business is in the 43rd Ward.
Donate to support the industry

Chicago Service Relief Chicago Service Relief is a " directory of fundraisers for Chicago bars, theatre and other entertainment venues, and restaurants that can use our help to support their staff during the state-mandated shutdown."
EAT: The Green City Market Goes Virtual

The indoor market of Green City Market has been cancelled for now. But the farmers are committed to supplying you with connect you with a growing list of local, sustainable farmers who are ready to deliver farm fresh goods, right to your doorstep. Click here to order.
Community Bulletin
CAPS Meetings Cancelled Until Further Notice

The Chicago Police Department has announced that all CAPS meetings are cancelled until further notice. If you have any questions please contact the 18th District at chicagocaps18@chicagopolice.org, or if you live north of Fullerton Ave., the 19th District at chicagocaps19@chicagopolice.org.
Friends of Lincoln Park High School
Online Auction
Bidding Ends March 23

Lincoln Park High School's annual online auction is live! There are a number of exclusive, unique, and fabulous items that you don't want to miss. The annual dinner has been cancelled, so please help.

Click here to check them out and start bidding. All proceeds will benefit and support our amazing, resilient school, so bid high and often.

Hang in there,






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