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 48th ward, which covers parts of Edgewater, Andersonville and Uptown.
Demographic
- Total Population: 55,909
- White: 53.86 percent
- Black: 16.75 percent
- Hispanic: 13.88 percent
- Asian: 13.95 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Harry Osterman
Ward Committeemen: Carol Ronen (democratic committeeman) and Adam Robinson (republican committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Harry Osterman is running unopposed.
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Safe, diverse, up and coming and family friendly
Economic Engine: Clark Street businesses and restaurants. Andersonville has also been noted for its high number of homeowners, and the neighborhood was recently ranked one of the nation's hottest neighborhoods for 2015, according to the Real Estate website Redfin.
Where People Eat: Restaurants include Sushi Thai 3, The Waterfront Cafe, Ann Sather, Taqueria Susupuato, Ethiopian Diamond, EN LAI Asian Grill, Indie Cafe, Little Corner, Lake Breeze, Cookies and Carnitas, Ras Dashen Ethiopian, Turkish Cuisne Nookies Edgewater, Francesca's Bryn Mawr, Tedin's Pizzeria and Restaurant, Big Jones, Masala Indian and Mediterranean Cuisine and Tank Noodle.
Where People Drink: Bars include Samah North, The Pumping Company, Moody’s Pub, Bob’s Place and Ollie’s Lounge.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Granville Avenue United Methodist Church, St. Gertrude Parish, Masjid Hameedia, Bethany Evangelical Lutheran, North Side United Pentecostal, Edgewater Baptist Church, Community Christian Church Edgewater, Mather Edgewater, St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, Unity Lutheran Church, St. Ita Catholic Church and North Shore Baptist Church.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Harry Osterman has been alderman of the 48th ward since 2011. Before Osterman, whose mother is also a former alderman of the 48th ward, was elected, Mary Ann Smith held the position since 1989. In 2007, Smith ran unopposed. In 2011, Harry Osterman won 81 percent of the vote, defeating four other challengers.
Landmark: Foster Beach
Resident's Voice: Brad Newman, owner of Cookies and Carnitas, said, "The city needs to financially understand how best to spend its resources when helping the community that needs help in this area."
Ward Expert: Jennifer Ritter, executive director of ONE Northside
