42nd Ward Developments to be Heard at the Chicago Plan Commission Next Week

October 9, 2020

Alderman Reilly Reports

On Thursday, October 15 at 10:00am, the Chicago Plan Commission (CPC) will host a "virtual" meeting to review proposed applications and/or amendments, including two proposals within the 42nd Ward, detailed below. Rules for public participation in virtual meetings are now available. A link to livestream the meeting will be added to CPC's website on October 15.

50 East Huron Street

A proposed amendment to Residential Business Planned Development No. 173, submitted by 50 E Huron Properties, LLC, for the property generally located at 50 E Huron Street. The applicant proposes a 3-story addition to the existing 5-story office building to establish a medical office use on the site. The development will contain 26 on-site accessory parking stalls, and 20 bicycle parking stalls.

This proposal has secured the support of the River North Residents Association (RNRA) as well as the adjacent residential building, located at 30 East Huron.

To review Reilly Reports (September 4, 2020) and learn more about this proposal, please click here.

601-611 West Randolph Street

A proposed planned development, submitted by Chicago 601 Randolph LLC, for the property generally located at 601-611 W. Randolph Street. The applicant is proposing to rezone the subject property from DX-7 (Downtown Mixed-Use District) to Business Planned Development.

The applicant proposes a construct a 15-story office building, with an overall height of 211 feet, containing 1,770 square feet of retail on the ground floor and office space on the floors above. The existing office building at 601 W. Randolph will remain. No parking is provided. The applicant will be using the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Bonus to increase the allowable FAR (Floor Area Ratio) from the base 7.0 to a maximum of 11.5.

To review Reilly Reports (August 7, 2020) and learn more about this proposal please, click here.

Should the Plan Commission recommend approving these projects, 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

Upcoming Traffic Impacts in the Loop for a New Feature Film

Rozar Pictures, LLC will be filming scenes in the Loop for "Vengeance" during the following dates/times:

Friday, October 16, from 8:00 p.m. to Saturday, October 17, at 8:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 17, from 8:00 p.m. to Sunday, October 18, at 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, October 18, from 8:00 p.m. to Monday, October 19, at 8:00 a.m.
Friday, October 23, from 8:00 p.m. to Saturday, October 24, at 8:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 24, from 8:00 p.m. to Sunday, October 25, at 8:00 a.m.

The content of the scenes being filmed consist of stunt driving and motorcycle and car chases. Filming these scenes requires street closures and parking restrictions to be implemented. Please find a list of street closures and parking restrictions for each day below.

Parking Restrictions

Thursday, October 15, from 6:00 a.m. to Sunday, October 18 at 8:00 a.m.

Both sides of Lake Street, from Franklin Street to Dearborn Street
North Side of Randolph Street, from Wells Street to Clark Street
West side of Clark Street, from Lake Street to Randolph Street

Friday, October 16 from 1:00 p.m. to Sunday, October 18, at 10:00 a.m.

Both sides of Lake Street, from North Upper Wacker to Michigan Avenue
Both sides of Randolph Street, from Franklin Street to Wabash Avenue
Both sides of LaSalle Street, from Wacker Drive to Lake Street
West side of LaSalle Street, from Lake Street to Washington Street
Both sides of Clark Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street
East side of Wells Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street

Friday, October 16, from 8:00 a.m. to Monday, October 19, at 12:00 p.m.

West side of Columbus Drive, from Balbo Drive to Roosevelt
Both sides of Balbo Drive, from Lake Shore Drive to Michigan Avenue
East side of Columbus Drive, from Balbo Drive to Roosevelt
West side of Columbus Drive, from Balbo Drive to Congress Parkway
Both sides of Harrison, from Michigan Avenue to Wabash Avenue

Saturday, October 17, from 6:00 p.m. to Sunday, October 18, at 8:00 a.m.

Both sides of Wabash Avenue, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street
Both sides of Franklin Street, from Washington Street to Wacker Drive
West side of Wells Street, from Upper Wacker Drive to Washington Street
Both sides of Dearborn Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street
Both sides of State Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street

Full Street Closures

Filming Day 1: Friday, October 16, from 8:00 p.m. to Saturday, October 17, at 8:00 a.m.

Clark Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street
Lake Street, from North Wacker Drive to Dearborn Street
Randolph Street, from Franklin Street to Dearborn Street
LaSalle Street, from North Wacker to Washington Street

Filming Day 2: Saturday, October 17, from 8:00 p.m. to Sunday, October 18, at 8:00 a.m.

Lake Street, from Wacker Drive to Michigan Avenue
Randolph Street, from Wacker Drive to Michigan Avenue
Franklin Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street
Wells Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street
LaSalle Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street
Clark Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street
Dearborn Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street
State Street, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street
Wabash Avenue, from Wacker Drive to Washington Street

Filming Day 3: Sunday, October 18, from 8:00 p.m. to Monday, October 19, at 8:00 a.m. Scenes on Day 3 will be filmed via drone.

Balbo Drive, from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive
Jackson Boulevard, from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive
Congress Parkway, from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive
Congress Plaza, from Van Buren to Harrison

Filming Day 4: Friday, October 23, from 8:00 p.m. to Saturday, October 24, at 8:00 a.m. Scenes on Day 4 will be filmed via drone.

The area bounded by Wells Street, Adams Street, Washington Street, and Clark Street
LaSalle Street, from Kinzie Street to Lake Street
Wacker Drive, from Wells Street to Clark Street

Filming Day 5: Saturday, October 24:

The area bounded by Kinzie Street, Orleans Street, Wacker Drive, and Clark Street (intermittent closure)
The area bounded by Jackson Boulevard, State Street, Monroe Street, and Michigan Avenue

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) will be on-site every day and barricades will be in place. CPD Officers and Rozar Pictures, LLC crew members are instructed to allow local residents access to their parking garages.

Please contact Adam Boor (Rozar Pictures, LLC Location Manager) at 872-710-2444 or David Leonard (Rozar Pictures, LLC Asst. Location Manager) at 312-574-0194 in real-time if you have a problem entering or exiting your parking garage.

Alderman Reilly's Office Closed on Columbus Day - Monday, October 12

Please be advised that Alderman Reilly's 42nd Ward Office, Chicago Public Libraries, and other government offices will be closed on Columbus Day, Monday, October 12 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.

Early Voting in the 42nd Ward

Voters can cast their ballots at the Loop Super Site for the November 3 General Election. Starting October 14, Chicago voters may use any Early Voting location in the city to cast their ballot.

Every voter is encouraged to wear a face mask that covers the mouth and nose, whether visiting to use in-person Early Voting or to use a Secured Drop Box. Voters in line must practice social distancing with 6 feet (2 meters) of space between persons in line.

Any ballots that voters cast in Early Voting are final. After casting ballots in Early Voting, voters may not return to amend, change or undo a ballot for any reason. It is a felony to vote more than once -- or to attempt to vote more than once -- in the same election.

Government-issued photo ID is not required but is helpful if there is a question about the voter's registration, address, signature or if there are two voters at the same address with the same names or similar names.

Registration services are available at every Early Voting site. Two forms of ID, one of which shows the voter's current address, are needed to register for the first time or to file a name change or an address update.

Below is a list of the hours and locations of early voting sites in or near the 42nd Ward. For the full list of locations around the City, please click here.

October 1 - October 13 NOW OPEN

Loop Super Site (Clark & Lake - 191 N. Clark St.)

Monday-Friday - 8:30 am-7 pm
Saturday-Sunday - 9 am-5 pm
Nov. 3, Election Day - 6 am-7 pm

October 14 - November 3

Loop Super Site (Clark & Lake - 191 N. Clark St.)

Monday-Friday - 8:30 am-7 pm
Saturday-Sunday - 9 am-5 pm
Nov. 3, Election Day - 6 am-7 pm

Maggie Daley Park (337 E. Randolph St.)

Monday-Friday - 8:30 am-7 pm
Saturday-Sunday - 9 am-5 pm
Election Day, Nov. 3 - 6 am-7 pm

Ogden Elementary School (24 W. Walton St.)

Monday-Friday - 8:30 am-7 pm
Saturday-Sunday - 9 am-5 pm
Election Day, Nov. 3 - 6 am-7 pm

Ballot mailings began September 24. No reason or excuse is needed to Vote By Mail. You must use the Ballot Return Envelope with your name on it, which will be mailed with the ballot and voting instructions.

The Board of Elections recommends voters request a Vote By Mail ballot no later than October 15 to make certain that they have enough time to receive and return the ballot on or before Election Day on November 3. The absolute deadline to apply is 5:00pm on October 29, but applying that late gives the voter very little time to receive and return the ballot by Election Day five days later.

New this year, there will be secured Drop Boxes will be available at every Early Voting site for any Chicago Vote By Mail voter to submit the signed and sealed Ballot Return Envelope. Voters still have the option of using standard US Mail to return the Ballot Return Envelope.

Ballots can be dropped off at any of the locations listed above and there will be a 24 hour drop box located at 69 W. Washington St. The 24 hour location will remain open through Election Day at 7:00pm.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please click here. For more information about voting this November, please visit the Chicago Board of Elections website.

42nd Ward Mask Distribution

Alderman Reilly will be distributing masks again this Fall. Similar to earlier this year, these masks will be prioritized for 42nd Ward residents who belong to a vulnerable population (including seniors 65 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk) and essential personnel. However, all residents are welcome to request a mask.

If you or a member of your immediate household falls into one of these categories, please complete this form and we will do our best to provide you with a mask. If you have previously requested a mask from our office, you may request additional masks.

Please note, these masks are for 42nd Ward residents only, if you reside outside of the 42nd Ward, please contact your local Alderman directly.

Attention Lakefront Residents: Sign-Up for CHILAKE Text Alerts

As many lakefront residents may know, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) issues reverse 9-1-1 messages in advance of weather events impacting Lake Michigan. This tool allows OEMC to reach residents via their landline phones. In an effort to reach cellular phone users, the OEMC has created a new emergency alert group to specifically for lakefront residents and businesses, called CHILAKE.

The purpose of this alert group is to keep residents informed of advisories, watches, and warnings from the National Weather Service impacting the lakefront. Residents can sign up to receive these emergency text messages by texting "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5 to opt in.

Chicago Department of Public Health Citywide Flu Clinics

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has launched its annual Flu Vaccination Campaign to raise awareness about the flu and encourage Chicagoans to receive their flu shot. CDPH recommends everyone six months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine as the first, and most important step, in protecting against the flu. To ensure that every resident can access vaccines, regardless of their immigration status and ability to pay, CDPH has scheduled more than 50 community flu clinics over the next two months where residents can get their flu shot for no out-of-pocket cost.

This fall, CDPH is adjusting their flu clinic operations to increase capacity, allow for appropriate social distancing and protect both our staff and clients. They will host over 40 recurring flu clinics at large locations across the City, such as Chicago’s City Colleges, and multiple smaller, one-time clinics in high-risk communities. The full schedule is available online at chicago.gov/flu. Walk-ins are welcome, but residents will soon be able to register in advance on the website.

While the flu vaccination is always important, this season getting vaccinated is more important than ever. This is especially true for people who are at higher risk of being exposed to or developing serious complications from flu and COVID-19, as well as those who are caregivers of people who are at higher risk from these two diseases. This includes:

People 65 and older, who account for the majority of hospitalizations and deaths from flu and COVID-19.
People with underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, neurologic disorders, weakened immune systems and diabetes, who also are more likely to have serious flu and COVID-19 outcomes.
African Americans and Hispanics, who are disproportionally affected by diseases like asthma, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions that can increase the risk for serious flu and COVID-19 complications.
Caregivers in long-term care facilities—in addition to residents—who are in daily close contact with people who are most vulnerable to serious flu and COVID-19 illness and death.
Essential workers who have frequent interactions with the public and who are therefore more likely to be exposed to flu and COVID-19.

Residents are best served when they receive vaccines as part of a routine visit with a primary care provider. If you do not have a doctor, find a nearby pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine or call 311 to locate a CDPH Community Flu Clinic. To make it easier for residents to find a location to be vaccinated, CDPH has relaunched the Chicago Flu Vaccine Finder, a web-based app that shows the closest location where the flu shot is available.

For more information about the flu and to see the full list of community flu clinics in Chicago, visit chicago.gov/flu.

Census 2020 Deadline Extended through October

Information from the census shapes our communities and influences our city’s voice in Congress. The census tells us who we are as a nation and what we need. Data collection has been extended through October to ensure a complete count.

The data are used to determine what resources our communities need. Funds are provided to state and local governments who then use that money to fund crucial programs and infrastructure like healthcare, housing, education, and transportation.

An accurate census ensures equal political representation and fair allocation of government resources. Census data are used to determine how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives, and to redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts. Census data are also used at the local level: the City of Chicago relies on population counts to make important decisions about local policies and funding.

Participation in the census is the right and responsibility of every Chicago resident. As of today, only 57.9% of 42nd Ward residents have completed the Census – well below the City’s target of 75% participation.

How Can You Help?

Please complete your Census and remind your neighbors – residents can complete the survey online, via telephone, or via mail.

Census enumerators are currently visiting residential buildings to contact residents who have not yet filled out the Census via the above methods. We kindly ask that property managers consider ways that your building can assist Census enumerators to complete their important work of an accurate count – whether it is by providing the enumerator with a list of vacant units, or allowing the enumerator access to a common area in the building to assist residents with completing their Census, or another method to put the enumerator in contact with residents who may need additional help completing the survey.

For additional ways to get involved, please click here. Remember, for every additional person counted in Chicago, we stand to gain approximately $1,400 that could be used towards parks, schools, and infrastructure!

Chicago Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update

As a reminder to Chicago residents, the Emergency Travel Order is still in effect. Travelers entering or returning to Chicago from states experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. This includes both Chicago residents returning from travel to a designated state, and travelers arriving in Chicago from a designated state. The list will be updated every Tuesday and go into effect the following Friday at 12:01 a.m.

As of today, Friday, October 9, the Order applies to the following states and territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is conducting a survey to learn more about the risk of exposure to COVID-19 among young adults, ages 18 to 29 in Chicago. CDPH will use the information collected from this survey to develop strategies to protect the health and safety of Chicago residents.

If you are between the ages of 18-29, the survey is anonymous and will take about 15 minutes to complete. You will be asked questions about your information sources, attitudes, behaviors, social distancing ability, and medical history associated with COVID-19.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed with Chi COVID Coach. Registration is free and your information is protected. Registering gives you three benefits:

Pre-register for a vaccine: Find out when a vaccine is available. Everyone signed up will be contacted by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Receive testing information: Learn the latest about tests and testing sites.
Get help monitoring symptoms: Receive text messages tailored to your symptoms.

For more information and the latest updates about COVID-19, please click here.

Submit Your Feedback About the Proposed North Lake Shore Drive Improvements

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Transportation are inviting the public to learn more and to comment about the proposed improvement of U.S. 41 (North Lake Shore Drive) from Grand Avenue to Hollywood Avenue in Chicago. Since the last public meeting, the project team has evaluated criteria and narrowed the range of alternatives to five finalists. We want to hear from you!

Due to ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Meeting #4 will be conducted online through an interactive website. There are multiple opportunities to provide comments.

Members of the public are encouraged to provide input through the interactive website in multiple ways:

Use the interactive map and ideas wall to comment and provide input on the proposed improvements.
Complete the public survey to tell us how you use the Drive and share your priorities.
Review and comment on the project exhibits.
Sign up for a small group discussion with the project team. Registration starts on September 28.

Since the last public meeting in 2017, IDOT and CDOT have evaluated the initial range of alternatives for North Lake Shore Drive, using technical analysis as well as input from task force members, stakeholder organizations, and the public. The stakeholder task force groups have met 11 times since this project’s inception. The task force groups focus on specific topics, including accommodation of all modes of transportation, park user access, environmental features, businesses and access to neighborhoods and institutions.

IDOT and CDOT are now seeking additional public input on the project’s five finalist alternatives and will consider all input as the planning process moves forward.

Written comments can be submitted beginning Sept. 28 through the interactive website, mailed to the project team, or submitted during the small group discussions. Comments received by Nov. 9 will become part of the official public meeting record.

This public input opportunity will be accessible to people with disabilities. Anyone needing special assistance should contact info@northlakeshoredrive.org or (312) 561-3140.

Free Legal Tools for Unemployed Illinois Workers

Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) simplifies the law so that people can seek justice and resolve their problems.

ILAO's website, has free legal self-help tools to help people understand and assert their legal rights on their own.

Check out ILAO's blog for resources that can help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are in Illinois and unemployed, Benny is designed to help you along the road to getting Illinois unemployment benefits. Benny is a project of CARPLS Legal Aid, a nonprofit legal aid organization in Illinois. CARPLS has been helping everyday people with their legal problems for over 25 years.

As unemployment benefits are a government benefit, sometimes all the rules and regulations can be confusing. If your situation is more complicated, Benny can link you to talk with a free legal aid attorney for a confidential legal consultation, or direct you to other legal aid resources available online to educate you further.

Police Alerts and Community Notices

12th District Community Alert - Motor Vehicle Thefts

1st District September Community Newsletter

Upcoming Events

City of Chicago Annual Budget Address

Wednesday, October 21 at 10:00am

The annual Budget Address will be given on Wednesday, October 21 at 10:00 am, along with the release of the Mayor’s 2021 Budget Recommendation. Facing the largest budget gap in the City’s history due to the overwhelming and persisting impacts of COVID-19, the Budget Address will detail the reforms, efficiencies and investments that make up the 2021 Budget.

To make the 2021 Budget process informative and inclusive even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City expanded its new community engagement and public education process beginning in late August with “Budget Week”, a weeklong series of virtual townhall meetings where Budget Director Susie Park sat down with key City leaders to review the critical functions of each department, update the public on key issues facing the City’s finances and respond to questions submitted by residents through the website portal. Budget engagement efforts also included an online survey also made available physically at Chicago Public Library locations.

Residents can learn more about the 2021 Budget here and can watch the Mayor's Address online on Wednesday, October 21.

City of Chicago Halloweek

October 26- 31, 2020

The City of Chicago announced a plan to safely celebrate Halloween in Chicago that emphasizes social distancing and other safety precautions while allowing trick-or-treating and other fun activities throughout the week.

The City’s ‘Halloweek’ guidelines will allow for a responsible celebration spread out over a full week to minimize congregation, while calling on both children and adults to abide by COVID safety precautions that are keeping all of us protected and limiting the spread of the virus. ‘Halloweek’ activities will include safe trick-or treating along with Halloween-themed programs from the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and other City departments and partners.

The City is offering specific guidance on how to trick-or-treat safely, including advising that trick-or-treating groups remain limited to six people or fewer and that trick-or-treaters stay on the move without congregating – which means more houses visited and more candy for all! People passing out candy are asked to try to socially distance while doing so, perhaps by using a tube or pipe to drop candy into trick-or-treaters’ bags from a distance. More guidelines can be found below:

Masks aren’t just for trick-or-treaters this year! Everyone—including candy givers—should wear a face covering (multi-layered, covering the mouth and nose, without gaps around the face).
Leave a light on or hang a Halloweek sign in your window to let others know your house is giving out candy safely.
Handing out candy? Please socially distance and have hand sanitizer, too.
Trick or treating? Stay on the move! Less congregating means more houses and more candy.
Ensure there’s all treats and no tricks. Please don’t reach into candy bowls while trick or treating, and eat candy only at home after washing your hands.
No Haunted Houses. They are truly spooky and dangerous this year.
Keep your candy crew small. Trick-or-treating groups should be 6 people or fewer.
No house parties large or small this year.

Is your business or organization doing something special for Halloween? Fill out this form prior to October 18th, and the City will share your event with parents and families who are looking to make a plan to celebrate Halloween. Events can be in-person or virtual but must follow the Halloweek Safety Guidelines and occur between October 26th and 31st.

Additional Halloweek details will be announced in the coming weeks - visit ChicagoHalloweek.org to stay updated!

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.

Chicago Park District Virtual TIP Fest 2020

TIP (Teens in the Park) Fest is the largest platform for Chicago’s young artists to showcase their talent, connect to resources and most of all celebrate one another's talents. Over 3,000 teens attended last year’s festival. Due to city and state COVID-19 related restrictions, it will be virtual this year. The virtual fest provides talented teens the opportunity to be seen far beyond the city of Chicago.

The Chicago Park District is looking for teen dancers, singers, musicians, spoken word artists, and more. All forms of talent are welcome. Winners will receive the following prizes:

1st place $500 | 2nd place $250 | 3rd place $150

All artists must be between the ages of 14-24 and live in Chicago.TIP Fest is open to all genres of artists, from traditional folk to Hip Hop. In an effort to celebrate the diversity and culture of artists in our city, fusion and mash up performances that combine genres is encouraged. Important dates to note are listed below:

October 9 - Audition Video Submissions Due
October 16-22 - Voting Period for TIP Fest Finalists
October 23 - Finalists Announced
October 30 - T.I.P. Fest!

For more information about the audition process and requirements to participate, please click here.

Free Admission Days at Shedd Aquarium

©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays this October

Shedd Aquarium will offer twelve days in October when Illinois residents can visit the aquarium free of charge.

Illinois Resident Free Days will look different than previous years, as Shedd has adopted several stringent measures to ensure guests have a safe and enjoyable visit. This includes a severely limited building capacity, timed-ticketing, one-directional pathways throughout the building, mandatory face coverings, readily available hand sanitizer stations and more.

Most notably, guests looking to take advantage of the free admission must secure their tickets in advance via Shedd’s website or by phone. Free admission will not be granted to guests who walk up without a reservation.

To reserve your tickets, please click here.

Open House Chicago

October 16-25, 2020

Open House Chicago is back with a reimagined event for 2020. The beloved architecture festival, hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, will now span 10 days and more than 20 of Chicago’s unique neighborhoods. This year’s event includes both online and outdoor events that showcase the fascinating history, architecture, and culture of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

The free festival typically offers access to hundreds of sites across Chicago, from iconic locations to under-the-radar architectural gems.

This year, the event has been reformatted for outdoor and online participation to accommodate for social distancing and ensure the safety of all participants. The Open House itineraries will focus less on specific sites and more on larger themes—forgotten or under-celebrated architects, how community areas develop specific architecture styles, and important places for understanding the city’s history. This year’s highlighted neighborhoods include an emphasis on the South and West sides.

Although visitors are prohibited from entering participating sites, the new OHC 2020 mobile app will offer location based experiences to enhance any site. Utilizing the Open House Chicago website and the OHC 2020 app, visitors will explore neighborhoods as never before.

For more information about Open House Chicago and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit their website by clicking here.

City of Chicago Farmers Markets

Considered essential businesses, the Chicago City Markets managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) began a phased reopening in June to increase neighborhood access to fresh and healthy food.

Markets are following specific precautions to encourage social distancing and to protect customers and vendors. All farmers markets are required to follow social distancing protocols geared towards transitioning farmers markets to an 'In and Out' model, allowing customers to shop for food without extraneous congregating.

Customers should note:

Face coverings will be required (for staff and vendors too) and worn over nose and mouth, unless a person has a medical condition or disability that prevents safely wearing a face covering or is a child under the age of two
Only vendors may handle produce; customers may not touch produce until after purchase
Customers should not enter if currently exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.
Entry will be prohibited to anyone with displayed or self-identified symptoms

Below is a list of markets in or near the 42nd Ward:

TUESDAYS

Federal Plaza City Market

50 W. Adams St.

August 4 - October 27, 7am - 2pm

SOAR Farmers Market

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

220 E. Chicago Ave.

June 23 - October 27, 7am - 2pm

SATURDAYS (all near the 42nd Ward)

Division Street City Market

100 W. Division St.

June 20 - October 31, 7am - Noon

Green City Market Lincoln Park

1801 N. Clark St.

June 13 - October 31, 7am - 1pm

Printers Row City Market

700 S. Dearborn St.

July 18 - October 24, 7am - Noon

Green City Market West Loop

115 S. Sangamon St.

June 20 - October 31, 8am - 1pm

For more information about the City Markets program, please click here.

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.

Beat 121, 122, 123 and 124 will be meeting on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:30pm via Zoom. Please contact the 1st District for the Zoom details.

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

1st District: 312-745-4381

12th District: 312-746-8306

18th District: 312-742-5778

To find your district and beat, please click here.

42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices

CTA Bus Stop Change in the Loop

Due to electrical vault construction, starting Monday, October 13, the following bus stop will be relocated until Monday, November 23 (or until completion of work):

Clark at Adams (southbound, far side to nearside)- temporary bus stop relocation
Stop ID Number: 1869 to TBD
Routes Stopping: #22 – Clark, #24 – Wentworth

AT&T Fiber Optic Installation: 227 East Ontario

Starting at the beginning of the fourth quarter, AT&T plans to install fiber optic cable at 227 East Ontario Street. The work will occur on the south side of East Ontario, from a point 148' west of North Fairbanks Court, to a point 240' west thereof (curb lane).

Façade Work: 160 North LaSalle Street

Starting at the end of October, Bowa Construction will be performing 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.

Lakefront Trail Phase 3 Traffic Impacts

As part of the ongoing construction of the Lakefront Trail, on northbound upper Lake Shore Drive, one right lane remains closed at this time. This lane closure is now expected to remain in place until the end of October as contractors continue work on all levels of the bridge. The contractor has also requested some additional daytime lane closures on northbound and southbound upper Lake Shore Drive to install new traffic gates adjacent the movable bridge. Details on upcoming work are below:

Monday, October 12: daily lane closures may be utilized as needed for individual operations, one right lane will reopen northbound upper Lake Shore Drive.
Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15: weekday, daily closures of the two left lanes on northbound and southbound upper Lake Shore Drive. Lanes will be closed from 9:30am until 3:30pm to install new bridge gates along the middle of Lake Shore Drive.
Friday, October 16: backup day if needed due to weather or any other issues that may come up.

937 North Rush Street Demolition

Starting Monday, October 19, McDonagh Demolition will be tearing down 937 North Rush Street. Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. During the demolition, the following will be closed:

50’ of sidewalk in front of 937 North Rush Street (the sidewalk will reopen daily after work is completed)
50’ of curb lane in front of 937 North Rush Street

McDonagh Demolition will have barricades, construction fencing, detour signs, and flaggers in place. The construction company will deploy dust mitigation techniques to prevent dust from leaving the site.

All demolition work is expected to be completed by November 13, 2020.

Lake Street Bridge Closure Notice

The Lake Street Bridge will be closed for maintenance during the following dates/times:

Saturday, October 10 at 4am to Sunday, October 11 at 5am

CTA Elevated Brown Line Track Maintenance

Starting Saturday, September 19, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will begin structural maintenance on the Elevated Brown Line Track over Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street. During the work, the following will be closed as needed:

Alleys on both sides of Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street
Curb/Traffic lanes on both sides of Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street
Sidewalks on both sides of Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street

The CTA plans to work Monday-Friday, from 8am-3:30pm and Saturday-Sunday, from 8am-6pm. This project will cause moderate noise.

All work is expected to be completed by Sunday, November 15, 2020.

AT&T Fiber Optic Installation

Starting at the end of the third quarter, AT&T plans to install fiber optic cable at 550 W. Washington Street. The work will occur at the northwest corner of Washington Street and Clinton Street.

Lane/sidewalk closures will occur as needed.

IJKL Host and Crane Jump

As work continues rapidly on the LSE IJKL site, Lendlease Construction will be jumping (increasing the height) to its hoists and cranes over the weekends listed below:

Saturday, October 10 – Sunday, October 11

For safety, no other production work will occur on site during these jumps. All dates are weather dependent and if any changes occur, an updated schedule will be issued.

Arcade Place Intermittent Closure

Starting Tuesday, September 1, Executive Construction will be removing the pedestrian bridge between 10 S. LaSalle Street and 5 S. LaSalle Street. During the project, Arcade Place, between Wells Street and LaSalle Street will be closed intermittently to install and remove scaffold.

All work is expected to be completed by in mid-November (weather dependent).

St. Clair Water Main Installation

Starting at the end of October, the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) will install 1,508 feet of 8-inch water main on the west side of St. Clair Street, between Illinois Street and Superior Street.

Throughout the project, portions of the southbound traffic/curb lane and sidewalk will be closed as needed. Work will be conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily.

After the new water main has been installed, the described area will experience an increase in the availability of water for fire protection and domestic use.

This project is anticipated to be completed in mid-November 2020.

Overnight Parking Ban Downtown this Weekend

Starting tonight at midnight until December 31, overnight parking will be restricted on the following streets:

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 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

Chicago Police Department Commander Jill Stevens (18th District) and Commander Jacob Alderden (1st District) have ordered this temporary overnight parking ban to encourage restaurant and bar patrons to return home after dining out.

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

Jane Byrne Interchange Closures and Detours

Northbound I-90/94 Mainline Improvements Begin This Week

As of October 1, all traffic lanes were shifted left on northbound I-90/94 approaching Roosevelt Road. The far right lane will provide access to the flyover ramp connection northbound I-90/94 to westbound I-290. This ramp will remain reduced to one lane between Roosevelt Road and Taylor Street until late December 2020.

Overnight lane closures will be required to facilitate these improvements. On Thursday and Monday nights, closures will start at 10:00pm, with occasional full stops for no longer than 15 minutes at a time beginning at 1:00am. All lanes will reopen by 5:00am Friday and Tuesday mornings.

Furthermore, the northbound Roosevelt Road entrance ramp to I-290 closed on October 1. The detour for motorists is below:

Westbound I-290: head west on Roosevelt to Ashland, north on Ashland to access the Ashland entrance to westbound I-290.
Eastbound I-290: head east on Roosevelt to State, north on State to Ida B. Wells Drive.

Taylor Street Reopened

Taylor Street reopened to traffic on Thursday, September 17, between Halsted and DesPlaines Street. Taylor Street closed in June and was used as part of the eastbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 detour route while the east-to-north ramp was being reconstructed.

New features to improve safety, increase visibility, and decrease decision point and conflict from opposing lanes have been made.

On Tuesday, October 6, the Taylor Street entrance tramp to northbound I-90/94 will open.

Adams Street Bridge

The Adams Street bridge is closed from Halsted Street to Desplaines Street. The bridge will be demolished and rebuilt, anticipated to reopen in the Fall of 2022. The Adams Street entrance and exit ramps to I-90/94 will also close with traffic entering the interstate via Madison Street and traffic exiting the interstate via Monroe Street.

Detour routes for pedestrians and drivers are below:

Vehicular Traffic will be directed south on Desplaines, west on Van Buren, and north on Halsted and then can continue west on Adams.
Pedestrians should use the Monroe Street bridge as a detour route.

The Adams Street bridge marks the final major bridge closure at the Jane Byrne Interchange for the 2020 construction season. The new bridge will have two westbound lanes and wider sidewalks on both sides of the street, enhancing connections and improving safety for all transportation users in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Madison Street Exit Ramp Closure

The northbound Madison Street exit ramp will close on Tuesday, October 6 until summer 2021. The detour route for drivers is below:

Continue north on I-90/94 to the Washington exit ramp, head east on Washington and south on Desplaines to Madison

For more information about the Jane Byrne Interchange project, please visit janebyrneinterchange.org.

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.

Vista Construction Update and Traffic Impact

Re-opening of Field Boulevard for vehicular traffic and pedestrians:

Due to safety precautions that involve the work overhead of public spaces and CDOT requirements, Magellan cannot open the underpass until initial occupancy.

Upper Wacker Drive within Project Scope:

Due to safety precautions, CDOT has permitted McHugh construction to take a portion of the Upper Level of Wacker Drive until the building achieves initial occupancy.

No-Left-Turn Configuration:

Until initial occupancy, when Wacker traffic can be directed eastbound through the new intersection, and then westbound along the north leg of Wacker, the current no-left-turn configuration will remain in place.

For more information or to speak with the General Contractor for the project, please contact McHugh Construction Company's Senior Project Manager for Vista, Joe Kuna at jkuna@mchughconstruction.com.