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Get to Know Your Ward: 30th Ward

NBC Chicago and Ward Room bring you profiles on all 50 wards this election season. As candidates face off in the Feb. 24 election, they are also facing a new ward map, which takes effect when the winners assume office.

In this profile, learn all about the 30th ward, which covers parts of Belmont Cragin, Portage Park and Irving Park.

Demographic

  • Total Population: 55,560
  • White: 28.02 percent
  • Black: 2.31 percent
  • Hispanic: 65.54 percent
  • Asian: 3.36 percent (Source: WBEZ)

Current Alderman: Ariel Reboyras

Ward Committeemen: Ariel Reboyras (democratic committeeman) and Cheryl Frauen (republican committeeman)

Who Else is Running: Edgar Esparza and Walter Zarnecki were running against Reboyras, but both of them are now off the ballot.

Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Family-oriented, middle class and dresidential

Economic Engine: Commerce and industry. The Belmont-Central shopping district used to be more vibrant than it is now, but several shops and food stores remain.

Where People Eat: There are several Mexican restaurants and taquerias in the ward. Some restaurants include Cielito Lindo, El Mirador, George's Starlite, Taqueria La Fiesta, La Piri Tacos, Mom's BBQ, Cafe Habibi, Family House of Pancakes, Oak Mill Bakery, Lutnia, Manee Thai, La Humita and Di Vita's.

Where People Drink: Bars include Ray's Hideout Inn, Krokodile, New Polonia Club, Teddy  Bear Lounge, Club Mambo, Edelweiss Tavern, Jagiellonia and Podlasie Club.

Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include St. James Church, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox, St. Cyril and Methodius Polish National Church, Polish Christian Center, St. Ferdinand Church, Belmont Assembly of God, St. Ladislaus Rectory, St. Bartholomew Church, All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church, St. Wenceslaus Church and St. Hyacinth Basilica.

How the Ward Typically Votes: Ariel Reboyras has been alderman of the 30th ward since 2003. In 2007, he won 70 percent of the vote, defeating Jose Alvarez (18 percent) and Wayne Strnad (12 percent). In 2011, he won 75 percent of the vote, defeating three other challengers.

Landmark: The Belmont-Central shopping district. Only part of the district is located in the 30th ward, but it has a big influence on the communities inside the ward.

Ward Expert: Reid Mackin, executive director of the Belmont Central Chamber of Commerce

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