February 11, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
42nd Ward Development Update – Gold Coast Proposal and Loop Project Advancing to the Chicago Plan Commission
Update on 1045 N. Rush Proposal

Last week, Alderman Reilly announced a new development proposal, located at 1045 North Rush Street, the details of which can be read here.  

Current ownership has proposed several versions of new construction for this site over the last decade. Below is a rendering of a proposal from 2018; Alderman Reilly determined that the design and massing was not contextual for the neighborhood and rejected this proposal, challenging the owner to reduce the height and design with greater sensitivity to its neighbors on the block. Although both proposals are within the existing development rights of a DX-7 property, the new project reflects a significant reduction in height, from 180’ down to 100’. 
(left) 2018 Proposal Rejected by Alderman Reilly
(right) Current Proposal
Although this proposal does not require City Council approval, the developer must obtain Lakefront Protection Application approval from the Chicago Plan Commission to ensure that the building does not impede access to the Chicago Lakefront or inflict harm on the natural lakefront environment.  

As part of Alderman Reilly’s transparent community process for new developments, your comments and observations are welcome on this project. Please forward any feedback to [email protected]. 

525 S. Wabash to be Heard at the Chicago Plan Commission

On Thursday, February 18th at 10:00am, the Chicago Plan Commission (CPC) will host a "virtual" meeting to review proposed applications and/or amendments, including the proposed planned development located at 525 South Wabash, detailed below. Rules for public participation are now available. A link to livestream the meeting will be added to the CPC’s website on February 18th. 

Eterra Plus LLC proposes a planned development and Lakefront Protection Application for the property located at 525 S. Wabash Avenue. 
The Applicant proposes to rezone the property from DX-12 (Downtown Mixed-Use District) to a Residential-Business Planned Development to construct a mixed-use residential and hotel development consisting of a 23-story and a 36-story tower connected by a commercial and parking base. If approved, the development will contain 777 residential units, 314 hotel keys, 42,000 square feet of commercial space, amenity space, and 151 accessory parking spaces. 

To review Reilly Reports from December 2020 and learn more about this proposal, please click here. 

Should the Plan Commission recommend approving this project, the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards will then review it at a subsequent public meeting, before being referred to the City Council for a final vote. 
Important Announcements and Updates
Alderman Reilly’s Office Closed on Friday, February 12 and Monday, February 15
Alderman Reilly's Office will be closed this Friday, February 12 and next Monday, February 15 in observance of President Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday and President George Washington's Birthday (Presidents Day).  

Our office has been made aware of technical difficulties with our (312) 642-4242 phone number. We are working to address this issue. To contact our office, please email us at [email protected] or call (312) 744-3062 and we will respond during business hours.  

Additionally, non-essential City departments will be closed during this time to comply with the City of Chicago mandatory holiday schedule. If you have a need for city services, please call 311 for non-emergency requests, or dial 911 if you require immediate assistance.  
42nd Ward Extended Outdoor Dining Changes
Beginning today, February 11, Rush Street and Bellevue Place have been reopened to vehicular traffic. 

Earlier this year, various locations around the City in key commercial corridors were converted into expanded outdoor dining programs, providing much needed relief to restaurants of all sizes. In the 42nd Ward, restaurants in 3 areas expanded their seating into the street – Rush / Bellevue, Clark between Grand and Kinzie, and Wells between Superior and Huron. 

Permits for expanded dining areas have been automatically extended throughout 2021. However, Alderman Reilly directed restaurants to come up with an alternate plan during the winter months, to relieve the impact on traffic while the weather has limited demand for outdoor seating. Wells, between Superior and Huron, as well as the Rush/Bellevue corridor have been reopened at this time.

When weather improves we will announce further changes, stay tuned to Reilly Reports for more information. 
CPDH COVID-19 Update: Changes to the Emergency Travel Order, Vaccination Data, and Roadmap for the Easing of Regulations
The Emergency Travel Order is still in effect and now applies to 46 states and one territory. Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 10-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter). 
As of February 5, Johnson & Johnson / Janssen applied to the FDA for emergency use authorization (EUA) for their COVID-19 vaccine. Earlier, Johnson & Johnson / Janssen announced that it has found its vaccine candidate is 72% effective in the US and 66% effective overall at preventing moderate to severe COVID-19, 28 days after vaccination. The topline safety and efficacy data are based on 43,783 participants accruing 468 symptomatic cases of COVID-19. If the EUA is approved, this vaccine will likely become available in Chicago during early March. 

Yesterday, Mayor Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Preckwinkle announced that Chicago and Cook County will not be expanding phase 1b eligibility, like the rest of the State under Governor Pritzker.  

“While we are making progress every day with vaccinating people in 1a and 1b, at this time we are not being supplied with enough doses that would allow us to expand eligibility in these phases. Doing so in Chicago and Cook County would add well over one million additional people to 1b, and the result would be that those currently eligible, including seniors, frontline essential workers and those in our most heavily COVID-burdened communities, would have an even harder time getting a vaccine.” 
The City of Chicago continues to vaccinate eligible individuals in phases 1a/1b and residents can learn more about ways to register here. As a reminder, your first contact should be your health care provider, including your primary care provider, health clinic, or hospital where you have gotten medical care in the past. If you have insurance but do not have a primary care provider, please check with your insurance company for a list of providers accepting new patients. 

If you can’t register by yourself, ask a family member, friend or a neighbor for help. You can also email [email protected], or call the City of Chicago COVID-19 helpline at (312)746-4835.   

In recent weeks and months, Chicago has made significant progress in the ongoing fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. The positivity rate today is 4.6%, the lowest it has been since early October. Total cases, hospitalizations and deaths have also dropped considerably from the peak of the second surge. While these improved metrics are a great sign of hope and progress, Chicago remains in the midst of the pandemic, and we need to continue to move forward carefully and cautiously. 
Data from February 8, 2021 

The City announced a ‘roadmap’ to cautiously ease regulations on businesses as COVID-19 metrics improve. This strategy, which is also being adopted by the Cook County Department of Public Health, identifies a series of metrics that will determine when and how Chicago can carefully reopen businesses and expand indoor capacity so as not to reverse the progress made in the City’s fight against COVID-19 in recent weeks and months. 

Under the plan, indoor service at bars, restaurants and events can expand to the lesser of 25% capacity or 50 people per room or floor effective today, February 11. The easing of additional restrictions, including the expansion of indoor capacity to 40%, will be possible once the city reaches at least the “Moderate-Risk” level in the following metrics: COVID cases diagnosed per day, COVID test positivity, Emergency Department visits for COVID-like illness and total number of ICU beds occupied by COVID patients. Capacity can then increase to 50% after two weeks (one incubation period) of successfully maintaining at least the “Moderate-Risk” level across all four metrics. 

Under the framework released, now that Chicago has made enough progress to move out of state-imposed Tier 1 Mitigation Measures, CDPH has identified four metrics that are being used locally to determine the process for continuing to ease COVID-19 regulations. Those metrics are:  

  • COVID cases diagnosed per day: currently averaging 466, in the “High-Risk” level. This number must be below 400 new cases per day to reach the “Moderate-Risk” level.  
  • COVID test positivity: currently averaging 4.7%, in the “Low-Risk” level.  
  • Emergency Departments visits for COVID-like illness: currently averaging 69 per day, in the “Moderate-Risk” level.  
  • ICU beds occupied by COVID patients: currently averaging 148, in the “Moderate-Risk” level.

In order to move to the next milestone and expand indoor dining capacity to 40%, Chicago will need to reach “Moderate-Risk” or better in all four categories for at least three straight days. Assuming that the other metrics continue to improve or hold steady, this will be possible once Chicago reaches fewer than 400 COVID-19 cases per day, based on the seven-day rolling average, for at least three straight days. Currently, Chicago is averaging 466 new cases per day, down from 607 one week ago.  

Once Chicago reaches the “Moderate-Risk” level for all four metrics for three days, indoor dining at bars and restaurants can expand to 40% of the establishment’s capacity. Additional updates to other business regulations will also be considered when Chicago reaches this milestone. Expansion to 50% capacity will then be possible if and when Chicago reaches “Moderate-Risk” in all four metrics and maintains those levels for a period of two weeks. More information on Chicago’s plan for cautious reopening will be available here. 

While indoor dining capacity is expanding to the lesser of 25% or 50 people, other regulations for bars, restaurants and events will remain in place. This includes the following:  

  • Food must be available at all times in order to offer indoor service. This means that bars, taverns or breweries without a food license can reopen indoors as long as they partner with a food establishment so that food is available to patrons at all times (e.g., making menus available and allowing delivery, allowing patrons to order from third-party delivery services).  
  • Maximum of six patrons at indoor or outdoor tables  
  • Patrons can sit at bars, with six feet of social distancing between parties  
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times, except when patrons are seated and actively eating or drinking  
  • Patrons must be seated whenever they are eating or drinking  
  • Tables must be six feet apart  
  • Establishments must close for on-site service at 12:00am  
  • The sale of alcohol must end at 11:00pm, including alcohol sold for on-site consumption, delivery or carry out  

To help businesses navigate the updated plan for safe operations, BACP will continue its comprehensive outreach efforts to ensure that businesses understand the regulations through webinars, outreach calls and consultations.  

While indoor capacity will be slowly expanding, regulations requiring face coverings and social distancing will remain in place at all businesses. Furthermore, indoor residential gatherings must be limited to no more than ten individuals, and residents are called to continue to wear face coverings, maintain social distancing and avoid large gatherings. Taken along with the City’s plan to slowly and cautiously reopen, these efforts will ensure that we continue to make progress and move forward.  
OEMC Advisory: Extreme Cold Temperatures and Wind Chills Expected to Continue this Weekend
The City of Chicago would like to urge residents to take the necessary steps to stay warm and safe by utilizing City-offered services and tips during extremely cold temperatures forecasted by the National Weather Service (NWS). 

CITYWIDE WARMING CENTERS 
Warming centers are safe spaces for refuge and relief from extreme cold weather. Cloth face coverings are required while in a warming center due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Those seeking services, access to warming centers and/or experiencing insufficient heat are encouraged to visit a warming center below and/or contact 3-1-1 or visit 311.chicago.gov for immediate assistance.
 
  • Overnight Centers: The Garfield Community Service Center at 10 South Kedzie and the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center at 4314 South Cottage Grove will both serve as continuous, overnight warming centers from 9 a.m. on Friday, February 12 through 5 p.m. on Monday, February 15. 
  • Chicago Cultural Center: The Cultural Center’s Randolph Square is open as a warming center Friday, February 12 through Monday, February 15 from 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The Cultural Center is located at 78 E. Washington. Guests must enter from the Randolph side of the building at 77 E. Randolph.  
  • Chicago Public Library: Various locations will be open over the four days.  

On Friday, February 12 and Monday, February 15, due to the City holidays, the following locations will be open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.: 

  • Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.  
  • Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St.  
  • Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.  
  • Legler Regional Library, 115 S. Pulaski Rd. 

On Saturday, February 13 all 74 locations will be open for regular business hours. On Sunday, February 14, 14 locations will be open to serve as warming centers. For locations and hours of operations, visit chipublib.org/locations.

  • Chicago Park District: 58 Park District locations will be open as warming centers on Friday, February 12 and 51 on Monday, February 15. Over the weekend, 13 locations on Saturday, February 13 will be open. The Park District buildings will be closed on Sunday. For participating parks and hours of operation, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com.   
  • Chicago Police Department Districts: Residents in need can also visit their local Chicago Police District. They are open 24/7 as warming centers.  
 

EXTREME WEATHER ALERTS 
OEMC will continue to monitor weather conditions with the NWS and coordinate response efforts with the City’s public safety and infrastructure departments and public partners to keep residents safe and informed. Additionally, OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep residents up to date on weather conditions and emergencies:  

  • Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyChicago.org 
  • CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5  
  • COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by TEXTING “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3 
  • CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3  

COLD WEATHER TIPS 
As the City braces for cold temperatures, the Chicago Department of Public Health would like to caution residents to take care of themselves, and to also provide assistance to neighbors, family members, pets and friends, particularly those who are elderly, have disabilities and/or live alone. Taking preventative action is the best way to stay safe from the serious health risks associated with winter weather. Residents are advised to limit their time outside, wear layers of warm clothing when going outside, and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.  

  • Avoid unnecessary trips outside. If you must go out, limit the time you stay outside.  
  • Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing.  
  • Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors.  
  • Stay dry, because moisture can damage the insulating effectiveness of clothing.  
  • Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.  
  • Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic and prevent others from accessing emergency services.  


WELLBEING CHECKS AND SHELTER PLACEMENT  
The City of Chicago encourages residents to provide any needed assistance to neighbors, family members, the elderly and those most vulnerable. If you need to request a well-being check you can call 311, go to 311.chicago.gov, or use the 311 mobile app.  


Residents in need of shelter placement 24/7 can also call 311, visit 311.chicago.gov or visit the Garfield Community Service Center at 10 S. Kedzie Avenue.  

RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS 
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is coordinating with community-based outreach teams to engage unsheltered residents in shelter placement and transportation to warming areas. The outreach teams also provide residents with coats, blankets, gloves, hats, socks and more. 

DFSS is asking the public to refrain from bringing propane tanks to encampments. The Chicago Fire Department advises against dropping propane tanks to encampments due to unsafe hookups and high risk of explosion. 

CHICAGO HEAT ORDINANCE AND OTHER BUILDING TIPS 
The Department of Buildings (DOB) enforces the Chicago Building Code, which includes the Chicago Heat Ordinance. The Heat Ordinance mandates that, during cold weather months, landlords supply heat to rental units or to any unit where owners do not have individual control of the heat.

With colder temperatures expected to continue through the weekend, please note that, from September 15 through June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM and at least 66 degrees from 10:30 PM to 8:30 AM. Landlords face fines of up to $1000 per day, per violation, for each day they do not supply adequate heat. The reason for lack of heat does not matter – landlords must follow the law, and apartments must be heated.

If you are a renter and your landlord is not providing adequate heat or no heat at all, please contact 311 to file a complaint. The Department of Buildings will inspect your unit and we will take action against delinquent owners. DOB also routinely coordinates with other city departments when tenants require additional assistance, including the Department of Family and Support Services. 

In extreme temperatures, ice may form on building structures. Property owners and building managers are advised to cordon off the area and put caution signs warning of these conditions. Residents are cautioned to clear the snow away from front and back porches or decks, as the added weight of snow and ice could compromise these structures.  

As an important reminder, in cold weather and year-round, the Chicago Building Code mandates that landlords provide working smoke detectors for their tenants, and requires that tenants provide working batteries for the smoke detectors in their units.  

COLD WEATHER PLUMBING TIPS  
The Department of Water Management reminds residents make sure that warm air is circulating throughout the home and keep a trickle of water running in order to prevent frozen pipes. If pipes freeze, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw them. Instead use a hair dryer or heating pad. For more info visit www.chicago.gov/water  


FIRE SAFETY IS KEY IN HELPING REDUCE INJURIES AND DEATH 
The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) does not recommend using space heaters; however, if used, be sure they are UL certified and at least 3 feet from anything that can ignite. The use of a space heater in children’s rooms should be monitored closely as children sometimes move them close to or into the bed with tragic results.

If extension cords are used, they should be rated at 15 amps minimum and never put cords under carpet. With the added demand on furnaces and boilers, CFD also reminds residents that they are required by ordinance to have working carbon monoxide detectors to protect against carbon monoxide leaks from a heating system that could be fatal over time, and to keep smoke detectors in working order. Have a plan on how to get out of your home and practice that plan should an emergency take place.

If there are bedrooms in the basement or attic, please make sure that there is a way to get out, whether it is by window or door. And please be mindful of burglar bars and padlocks on doors and windows in rooms where people might be sleeping.  

PEOPLES GAS SAFETY AND ENERGY TIPS  
Peoples Gas provides safe and reliable energy every day, but outages in extreme weather can happen. Be prepared by assembling an emergency kit with blankets, flashlights and battery-powered chargers for your cellphones.

Open the curtains when the sun is out and use the sunlight to help warm your home. Close curtains on windows that don’t face the sun. Close all curtains at night to help retain heat and cut down on drafts from windows. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. Not only is it inefficient, it could lead to CO poisoning. Keep the area around the furnace and water heater free of clutter. Never store flammable liquids near those areas. Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of fire and damage to the furnace.  

COMED RESOURCES  
Severe weather can damage trees, power lines and other equipment and result in power outages. Should you experience an outage, it can be reported to ComEd in the following ways:  

  • Call 1-800-334-7661   
  • Text OUT to 26633   
  • Tweet #OUT to @ComEd   
  • Use the ComEd Mobile App   
  • Visit ComEd.com/Outage  

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit Chicago.gov/OEMC.
Attention River North Residents: Brown Line Track Repairs this Weekend
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is performing maintenance on the Brown Line Elevated Track over North Franklin Street, between Hubbard Street and Grand Avenue. Work will occur from 8am-3:30pm during the weekdays and from 8am-7pm on the weekends.  

North Franklin, between Grand Avenue and Hubbard Street will be closed (during the hours listed above) to vehicular traffic from Monday, February 15 to Friday, February 26. 
 
Throughout the project, the following will be closed intermittently: 
 
  • Curb lanes and parking 
  • Alley access 
  • Sidewalks  
 
All work is expected to be completed at the end of March 2021 (weather dependent).
Wear A Mask! Protect Yourself and Others
Earlier this week the CDC published updated guidance on mask usage. Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has. 
DO
Choose a mask with a nose wire  

  • A nose wire is a metal strip along the top of the mask. 
  • Nose wires prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. 
  • Bend the nose wire over your nose to fit close to your face. 
Use a mask fitter or brace  

  • Use a mask fitter or brace over a disposable mask or a cloth mask to prevent air from leaking around the edges of the mask. 
  • A mask should fit snugly against the sides of your face and not have gaps.
Check that it fits snugly over your nose, mouth, and chin  

  • Check for gaps by cupping your hands around the outside edges of the mask. 
  • Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask.
  • If the mask has a good fit, you will feel warm air come through the front of the mask and may be able to see the mask material move in and out with each breath. 
Add layers of material  

  • Use a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric. 
  • Wear one disposable mask underneath a cloth mask (the second mask should push the edges of the inner mask against your face). 
DO NOT
Combine two disposable masks  

  • Disposable masks are not designed to fit tightly and wearing more than one will not improve fit. 
Combine a KN95 mask with any other mask 

  • Only use one KN95 mask at a time.
  • KN95 masks are a type of filtering facepiece respirator that are commonly made in China and similar to N95 masks commonly used in the United States.  
  • BE AWARE: About 60% of KN95 masks in the United States are counterfeit (fake) and DO NOT meet NIOSH requirements.
Finally, the CDC recommends you do NOT touch the mask when wearing it. If you have to often touch/adjust your mask, it doesn’t fit you properly, and you may need to find a different mask or make adjustments.

As a reminder during these cold winter months, scarves, ski masks, etc. are not substitutes for masks. More information about mask guidance can be found on the CDC's website.
Attention Seniors: A Message from the Chicago Department of Finance
2021 renewals for the Senior Citizen Sewer Rebate were mailed this month. As a reminder to seniors, the Office of the City Clerk no longer functions as the intake office for receipt of eligible first-time applicants and renewals. Instead, the Department of Finance's Utility Billing & Customer Service Division processes the applications.

Senior citizens who own and occupy their own residence, but who are not eligible for the Senior Citizen Sewer Charge Exemption due to property type, can apply for the Senior Citizen Sewer Rebate. This provides an annual $50 rebate in lieu of the exemption.

To be eligible for the sewer charge annual rebate:

  • You must be 65 years of age, or older, as of January 1 for the year you are applying.
  • You must be the sole owner, or owner in joint tenancy, or tenancy in common of the property.
  • You must occupy the property as your principal place of residence.
  • You must own a townhouse, condominium unit, or cooperative apartment that shares a common water bill.

If you meet all the above criteria and wish to apply, you must submit a Senior Sewer Application. The form must be completed in its entirety and submitted with all supporting documentation. For seniors filings renewals, the yearly renewal form requires the claimant to provide a copy of their government issued identification and a recent property tax bill for verification purposes.

Senior citizens with questions concerning the Sewer Rebate program should be directed to 312-744-4426 or [email protected].
Snow Removal Reminder – Keep Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice!
Alderman Reilly would like to remind residents and business owners to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Clearing sidewalks is the law, and it's our responsibility to each other during the winter. Many people rely on walking and transit as their primary way to get around. Without a wide, clear path through snow and ice, it is especially difficult for people with disabilities, seniors, and children to walk. 
Please remember that per Chicago Municipal Code 10-8-180, "every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground."  

Individuals who do not comply can face fines up to $500 per day of violation and businesses can be fined up to $1,000 per day. To report locations that do not clear their sidewalk dial 3-1-1 to make a "Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk" request or call Alderman Reilly's office so we can alert the property owner of their responsibility.  

Make your neighborhood safe for everyone to get around this winter. Help the City of Chicago provide a great pedestrian environment and take responsibility for your sidewalk by clearing snow and ice!
2021 Tax Prep Chicago
The City of Chicago will offer free, confidential tax help from January 25 through mid-April in partnership with Ladder Up. Trained volunteer tax preparers can assist you in completing and electronically filing Federal and Illinois tax returns for tax year 2021 and, in some cases, for prior years. Also find out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and other tax credits!

Who is eligible for free tax help?

  • Families earning up to $57,000 annually
  • Individuals earning up to $30,000 annually

What information to bring to a tax site?

  • Personal Information
  • Year-end Income Statements
  • Expenses and Credits

The tax filing deadline is Thursday, April 15! For more information, visit www.taxprepchicago.org or call (312) 588-6900 to schedule an appointment.
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
Chicago Public Library Second Saturday: Best of the Best
February 13 from 11:00am-12:00pm
Join the Chicago Public Library (CPL) for a special online edition of Second Saturday. This month CPL will feature some of the Best of the Best children's books from the previous year. CPL will be joined by a number of special guests including award winning Chicago native illustrators Cozbi A. Cabrera and Jacqueline Alcántara. Come along AND discover these amazing titles through story times and STEAM activities.  

Tune in for a fun and interactive experience by clicking here!
Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Chicago Park District!
While the Park District misses having Chicagoans in-person to celebrate Valentine's Day, there are plenty of ways to celebrate online! Residents can view on-demand crafts/activities and learn more about upcoming events here. There is even a special Galentine's Day Yoga Session available for interested residents.

To learn more about virtual and in-person programming at the Park District, please click here.
Celebrate Black History Month with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
All February Long!
This month, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra celebrates the creativity and artistry of Black musicians from the past and present, inviting all to discover voices who have enriched the world. Including the music of composers Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges; Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson; George Walker; Jessie Montgomery; Tyshawn Sorey; Courtney Bryan, and many more.
Meet Your Match this February with CACC!
Look no further than your city shelter and Meet Your Match! Our pets are the purr-fect partners because they show us unconditional love, every day! From February 8th - 14th, all approved adopters will be entered into a raffle for two free fitness packages, and a dinner for two from Club Lucky. Plus, everyone will take home a goody bag filled with toys, treats and a CACC bandana.

For a list of animals available for adoption, please click here. CACC is open daily by appointment only. For any questions or concerns, please email [email protected]. The new year is a great time to bring home a new furry friend!
Live from the Library!
Weekdays at 10:00am
Watch story times with Chicagoans you know and love at Live from the Library! See a new reader at 10 a.m. every weekday, or browse past story times on Facebook Live. Guest readers include Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Tweedy, as well as Chicago Public Library (CPL) children's librarians.

Individuals can watch past and live videos each weekday on CPL's Facebook page.
42nd Ward CAPS Meetings
CAPS meetings offer city residents an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat officers who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which help the police to monitor crime issues.

Attention Residents: New in 2021, each beat will be hosting its own meeting, departing from the sector model. They will also be virtual (via Zoom) until further notice. There are no upcoming beat meetings next week.

Please make sure to confirm the details for upcoming meetings with your Police District's CAPS office. 

1st District: 312-745-4290
12th District: 312-746-8396
18th District: 312-742-5870

To find your district and beat, please click here.
42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices
Chicago Fire Filming in the Loop

On Sunday, February 21, from 5am-5pm, the following streets will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic to film a scene for Chicago Fire:

  • East Lake, between North Wabash and North Michigan
  • North Garland, between East Benton and Lower East South Water

The scene involves an active car crash, stuntmen, and special effects. Pyrotechnics will not be used. 

Barricades and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers will be in place. Residents will not be prevented access to their building’s parking garage. 

Renovations at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street

Starting Monday, February 15, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will begin renovating the Grand Army of the Republic Rotunda and Hall at the Cultural Center located at 78 East Washington Street. Throughout the project, DCASE will be using the Cultural Centers loading zone at 129 North Garland Court at storage for the project and to place their construction dumpster. 

The project is expected to be completed February 2022. 

Canopy Renovation: 120 East Delaware Place

On Monday, February 8 Monoceros Corporation (MC) will begin renovating the Four Seasons’ canopy located at 120 E. Delaware Place. During the renovation process, the following will be closed:

  • 100' of sidewalk in front of 120 E Delaware
  • 100' of curb cut in front of 120 E. Delaware
  • 100' of northernmost traffic lane in front of 120 E. Delaware

MC will construct a protected pedestrian pathway, using jersey barriers, in the curb cut in front of 120 E. Delaware. All work is expected to be completed at the beginning of April 2021 (weather dependent).

Conduit Installation: 120 North LaSalle Street

Starting Monday, February 8 HBK Engineering will be installing new conduit at 120 North LaSalle Street. Work hours will be 8am-5pm, daily. 

While work is occurring, southbound LaSalle will be reduced to one lane in front of 120 North LaSalle Street. A metal plate will be placed over the infrastructure trenching during the overnight hours to allow for two southbound lanes of traffic. 

All work is expected to be completed by Friday, February 26 (weather dependent). 

MCI Duct Relocation in Streeterville

Starting Monday, February 8, MCI will relocate duct infrastructure currently located on the west side of North St. Clair, between East Superior and East Huron. During the work, the following will be closed:

  • Curb lane on the west side of North St. Clair between East Superior and East Huron
  • Southbound traffic lane on North St. Clair, from East Superior to East Huron
  • Curb lane on the east side of North St. Clair between East Superior and East Huron

Traffic will be maintained in both directions at all times. Southbound traffic will be pushed to the northbound lane and northbound traffic will be pushed to the curb lane on the east side of North St. Clair.

All work is expected to be completed by Monday, February 22 (weather dependent). 

Safety Panel Delivery in the Loop

Beginning Thursday, February 11 and ending Saturday, February 13, there will be intermittent closures of the northernmost traffic lane on East Wacker Place, from North Michigan Avenue to a point 100’ west thereof. 

There will be flaggers in-place throughout the intermittent closures to assist with traffic control. 

Brown Line Elevated Track Repair in River North
 
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is performing maintenance on the Brown Line Elevated Track over North Franklin Street, between Hubbard Street and Grand Avenue. Work will occur from 8am-3:30pm during the weekdays and from 8am-7pm on the weekends.  

North Franklin, between Grand Avenue and Hubbard Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Monday, February 15 to Friday, February 26.
 
Throughout the project, the following will be closed intermittently: 
 
  • Curb lanes and parking  
  • Alley access  
  • Sidewalks  
 
All work is expected to be completed at the end of March 2021 (weather dependent).

Cold Water Pipe Installation: 320 South Canal Street

Starting the week on January 25, Enwave will be installing cold water pipes at 320 South Canal Street, during the overnight hours (8pm-4am). This project is expected to last two weeks. 

At the beginning of February, Enwave will be connecting the cold water pipes at 320 South Canal Street to its cold water plant system. This requires infrastructure trenching to occur. While work is occurring, the southbound traffic lane on South Canal Street, from West Van Buren Street to a point 200’ south thereof will be closed to vehicular traffic. 

All work is expected to be completed at the beginning of March (weather dependent). 

Wells Street Bridge Closure
 
On Saturday, February 27, from 12am-6am, the Chicago Department of Transportation will be conducting maintenance on the Wells Street Bridge. Due to the nature of repairs (center lock and heel lock repairs), the Bridge is required to be raised while work is occurring. 

Southbound traffic will be detoured from North Wells, to West Kinzie, to North LaSalle, to West Wacker, to North Wells. 

New Construction: 609 West Randolph Street
 
Construction of a 15-story commercial building at 609 West Randolph Street began in mid-January. Throughout the duration of the project, the following will be closed:

  • Curb/Traffic lane and sidewalk on south side of West Randolph, from North Jefferson to 621 West Randolph

There will be a canopy with a concrete crash wall and plywood enclosure for pedestrian use in the closed traffic lane on West Randolph, from North Jefferson to 621 West Randolph.

There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers in place for the duration of the project. This project is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2022 (weather dependent).

Demolition: 16-22 West Erie Street

Earlier this month, Atlas Demolition began demolition of 16-22 West Erie Street. Earlier this week, Atlas began to install a pedestrian canopy on the sidewalk in front of 16-22 West Erie Street and exterior demolition will begin immediately thereafter. The project is expected to be completed by mid-March (weather dependent).

Upper Wacker Drive Traffic Reconfiguration

Now that the majority of construction at St. Regis Chicago (formerly Vista Tower) located at 363 East Wacker Drive is completed and residents occupy the building, the traffic pattern on Upper Wacker Drive, between North Columbus Drive and Lake Shore Drive has returned to the pre-construction traffic configuration.  

On Thursday, January 21 at 2:00 p.m., McHugh Construction completed the following traffic pattern changes: 

  • The south side of Upper Wacker Drive, between North Columbus Drive and the turnaround in front of St. Regis Chicago will return to a one-way eastbound thoroughfare. The turnaround will connect motorists to a one-way westbound stretch of Upper Wacker Drive.  
  • The “No Left Turn” restriction for westbound motorists at Upper Wacker Drive and Columbus will be removed. Motorists traveling westbound on Upper Wacker Drive will be able to turn southbound onto North Columbus Drive. Westbound motorists are prohibited from making a u-turn at Upper Wacker Drive and Columbus onto Lower Wacker Drive.  

While McHugh Construction is completing the installation of concrete fill-ins and brick pavers, portions of the street and sidewalk on Upper Wacker Drive in front of St. Regis Chicago will be closed and fenced off. A lane of traffic will be open at all times. This work is expected to be completed by the end of February (weather dependent).  

For more information or to speak with the General Contractor for the project, please contact McHugh Construction Company's Senior Project Manager, Joe Kuna at [email protected]. 

Aon Plaza Renovations

Renovations on the Aon Plaza located at 200 East Randolph Street began in December 2020. Throughout the project, the sidewalk on Upper East Randolph Street in front of the plaza, and on Lower East Randolph Street, will be reduced to 6’. 
 
The project is expected to be completed by August 2021 (weather dependent). 

Construction: 61 West Erie Street

In November 2020, LG Construction began construction of a five-story, 28 unit apartment building at 61 West Erie Street. A small crane will be placed in the traffic lane in front of 61 W. Erie Street from Monday, February 15 to Friday, February 19. The crane will be removed while work is not occurring and the traffic lane will reopen.

Throughout the construction process, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

  • 100' of sidewalk and curb lane in front of 61 W. Erie Street
  • The alley adjacent to the west side of 61 W. Erie Street

There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers in place for the duration of the project.

Façade Work: 160 North LaSalle Street

Bowa Construction began work in October to perform façade and cladding work at 160 North LaSalle Street. During the work, there will be scaffolding on the east, north, and south sides of the building. 

All work is expected to be completed in June 2021.

Overnight Parking Ban Downtown

Until further notice, overnight parking will be restricted on the following streets during the weekend:  

  • Both sides of Oak, between Michigan and Clark 
  • South side of Oak, between LaSalle and Wells 
  • Both sides of Chicago, between Michigan and Wells 
  • Both sides of Ohio, between Michigan and Wells 
  • Both sides of Hubbard, between Michigan and Wells 
  • North side of Illinois, between Dearborn and Clark 
  • Both sides of Illinois, between Wabash and Dearborn 
  • Both sides of Rush, between Grand and Ohio 
  • Both sides of Rush, between Erie and Oak 
  • Both sides of Wabash, between the Chicago River and Grand 
  • Both sides of State, between Kinzie and Oak 
  • Both sides of Erie, from Rush to Wells 
  • Both sides of Huron from Rush to Wabash 
  • Both sides of New Street, from Illinois to North Water
  • Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Monroe to Balbo 
  • North side of Wacker Drive, from Wabash to Michigan
  • North side of Wacker Drive, from Franklin to Columbus 
  • Both sides of Wacker Drive, from State to Wabash 
  • Both sides of Stetson, from Randolph to Wacker 
  • Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Randolph to Wacker 
  • Both sides of Beaubien Court, from Randolph to Lake 
  • Both sides of Randolph, from Harbor to Michigan 
  • Both sides of Ohio, from Michigan to Fairbanks

As always, please make sure to read all posted signage before parking your vehicle downtown. 

One Chicago Square-1 W Chicago Pedestrian and Traffic Impacts

Although fencing is already in place for the sidewalk closure, pedestrians still have access to the sidewalk, but should exercise caution when walking by the construction site. 
 
The Curb Lanes along Chicago, State, Superior, and Dearborn will remain a No Parking/Tow Zone throughout the project, to allow for demolition, and then the protected pedestrian walkway.

The sidewalk along the east side of Dearborn, from Superior to Chicago, has been closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians will be rerouted to the west side of Dearborn. 
 
Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports as additional construction updates and closures will be announced.