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 1tht ward, which covers parts of Bridgeport, Armour Square, McKinley Park, Fuller Park and New City.
Demographic
- Total Population: 51,497
- White: 37.3 percent
- Black: 4.77 percent
- Hispanic: 23.08 percent
- Asian: 34.05 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: James Balcer
Ward Committeemen: John P. Daley (democratic committeeman), Carl Segvich (republican committeeman) and Ante Marijan (Green Party committeeman)
Who Else is Running: John Kozlar, Maureen Sullivan and Patrick Daley Thompson
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Diverse, working/middle class, tightly knit
Chicago Politics
Predominant Economic Engine: New restaurants bars, breweries and shops have replaced the factories that used to drive the local economy.
Where People Eat: Restaurants and bakeries include Pleasant House Bakery, Bruno's Bakery, Del Toro and Ricobene's Pizza. The range of restaurants in this neighborhood is ethnically diverse, including Mexican, Chinese and Italian restaurants.
Where People Drink: Bridgeport Coffee Company, Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar and Rocky's Bar and Grill.
Where People Pray: Churches include Chinese Christian Union church, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, St. Barbar Church and several other Catholic churches that historically served certain ethnic groups.
How the Ward Typically Votes: James Balcer has been alderman of the 11th ward for 17 years, but he is retiring this year. In 2007, Balcer won 79 percent of the vote, defeating Carl Segvich. In 2011, Balcer won 61 percent of the vote, defeating John Kozlar (22 percent) and Segvich (16 percent). An interesting note about Bridgeport, which is contained in the 11th ward: Five Chicago mayors are from this neighborhood (Edward Joseph Kelly, Martin H. Kennelly, Richard J. Daley, Michael A. Bilandic and Richard M. Daley).
Landmark: U.S. Cellular Field
Resident's Voice: Joyce Maciansks, an employee at Bruno's Bakery, said, "Bridgepart is starting to make a comeback," but she believes it still needs improvements, particularly with shopping options. Maciansks said there are a lot of dollar stores, but she would like to see more local businesses and specialty stores.
Ward Expert: Ed Marszewski, the publisher of the Bridgeport International newsletter and owner of the local bar Maria's
