Alderman Reilly and Alderman King Honor Civil Rights and Women's Rights Leader at "Ida B. Wells Drive" Street Sign Unveiling
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Earlier this week, Alderman Reilly joined Alderman Sophia King, other elected officials, journalists, activists, civic groups, and descendants of Ida B. Wells at a ceremony in the Harold Washington Library Winter Garden to officially celebrate the renaming of a portion of Congress Parkway to Ida B. Wells Drive.
(Ald. Reilly and Ald. King stand during Ida B. Wells Drive Ceremony.
Credit: Steven Capers)
(From L to R: Michelle Duster, great-granddaughter of Ida B. Wells; Ald. Sophia King, 4th Ward; Ald. Reilly; Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle; Ald. Walter Burnett Jr., 27th Ward. Credit: Steven Capers)
Alderman Reilly was proud to have co-sponsored this important measure with Alderman King to give Ida B. Wells the recognition she deserves.
She was a courageous leader of the women's suffrage movement and a tireless advocate for justice. Ida B. Wells has an important place in Chicago's history, and now has a prominent street in downtown Chicago to honor her memory.
Ida B. Wells was a crusading journalist who risked her life bringing light to lynching and the trumped up charges used to justify them. In fact, her work to expose these horrors was done at such a risk, she was forced to move to Chicago in 1893 to escape death threats against her. Upon arrival in Chicago, she worked to register women to vote, and she became a key leader in the suffrage movement.
Through Ida B. Wells' leadership, in 1913 Illinois gave women the right to vote, several years before the passage of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Wells was also a founding member of the NAACP.
The ordinance to formally rename Congress Parkway between Columbus Drive and Franklin Street to Ida B. Wells Drive was passed by City Council on July 25, 2018 with the support of the League of Women Voters of Chicago and over 50 notable local and statewide civic organizations.
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Information on Early Voting and Voting by Mail for the February 26, 2019 Election
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Early Voting and registration
for the upcoming Municipal Election is now offered citywide, at 50 Ward Sites, and the Loop Super Site, located 175 W. Washington Street. University Early Voting will also be available at Chicago State, University of IL at Chicago, and Northeastern IL University February 20 - 22.
Nearby Early Voting Sites:
Loop Super Site
Museum of Broadcast Communications
360 N. State Street
Near North Library
310 W. Division Street
During Early Voting:
- Chicago voters will be able to use any Early Voting and registration location in the city from February 11 - 25.
- Ballots 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 registration, address, signature or if there are two voters with the same or similar names at the same address.
- Registration services are available at every Early Voting site. However, any voter who needs to register for the first time or file an address update or a name change must show two forms of ID, one of which shows the voter's current address.
Vote by Mail:
Registered voters may also choose to Vote by Mail. Voters do not need a reason or excuse to use Vote by Mail.
In order to apply, submit your application online, or a downloadable mail-in application can be submitted to the Board of Elections. The deadline to submit your Vote by Mail application is 5:00pm on Thursday, February 21, 2019.
Complete information for voters is available on the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners website, www.chicagoelections.com.
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400 North Lake Shore Drive Proposal to Appear before Chicago Plan Commission for Technical Zoning Deadline Extension - Project Still Rejected
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A proposed technical amendment submitted by the Department of Planning and Development for the 400 North Lake Shore Drive proposal, commonly known as the "Spire Site," will be considered by the Chicago Plan Commission at their meeting on Thursday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers, located at 121 North LaSalle Street, 2nd Floor.
The proposal will amend Planned Development No. 368, which governs the zoning of the site, to extend the expiration date to May 6, 2020. This amendment is being proposed in order to assure ample time for public and community input on any revised future plans for the site.
Alderman Reilly rejected the initial proposal for this site on October 22, 2018 due to concerns related to the proposed hotel use; the tall podium base of the buildings; traffic concerns for East North Water Street; and security issues on the Riverwalk and at DuSable Park.
When the development team submits revised plans for the site to Alderman Reilly, a community meeting will be scheduled for public review.
This technical amendment to extend the expiration date does not affect the developers' requirement to obtain official City approvals from the Chicago Plan Commission, the Committee on Zoning, and the full City Council for future plans. All three will be required if the project should move forward after the community process.
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City Offices Closed Monday, February 18 for George Washington's Birthday (Presidents Day)
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Alderman Reilly's office will be closed Monday, February 18th for President George Washington's Birthday (Presidents Day).
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.
Alderman Reilly's 42nd Ward Constituent Service Office will also be closed Saturday, February 16th.
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2019 Chicago Volunteer Expo
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There are so many ways to give back to your community in 2019. Visit over 100 nonprofit organizations from all over the city to learn how you can lend a hand.
Whether your passion is the environment, the arts, or social justice, there's a volunteer opportunity waiting for you!
Sunday, February 24, 2019
10am-4pm
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
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| Stormwater Management Tips from Department of Water Management |
Even though it is still winter, certain weather conditions can lead to flooding. No longer just a problem in spring, the Department of Water Management (DWM) encourages residents to assist in reducing water from reaching the sewer system.
Community-wide efforts can greatly decrease the impact of neighborhood flooding and the extent of basement backups. Some tips include:
- Do not dump fats/oils/greases in private drains or public catch basins.
- Avoid running a dishwasher or washing machine during storms.
- Disconnect downspout connections from the sewer system. Make sure to direct flow to areas with permeable surfaces that can properly absorb the stormwater, or use rain barrels to collect the rain directly from the downspouts.
- Install rain gardens, green landscaping, or stormwater trees in your yard to help retain rainwater.
- Resurface driveways, parking pads, or patios with permeable pavement.
Additional information can be found here.
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Cook County Elder Justice Center's Senior Enrichment Seminar
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The
Cook
County
Elder
Justice Center (CCEJC) organizes enrichment seminars on varying
topics of interest to seniors.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Topics to Include:
- Nature and cost of long-term care
- What Medicare covers
- The role of long-term care insurance
Seminars are held at the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois.
To register, please call the CCEJC at 312-603-9233. If you have any questions regarding the services offered by the Cook County Elder Justice Center,
please visit their
website
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Vote Today for the Movies You Want to See in Ward Park this Summer
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Cast your vote for the five movies you'd like to see in Montgomery Ward Park during the 2019 Movies in the Parks season. Vote for one movie from each genre. Movies are sponsored by the River North Residents Association (RNRA) and the
Chicago Park District.
Click on this link to take the survey.
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| Street Closures and Construction Updates |
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Chicago MED Filming: Lake and Stetson
Residents should be advised that scenes for Chicago MED will be filmed at Lake and Stetson.
THERE IS NO REAL CAR ACCIDENT OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY TAKING PLACE
To allow for filming, the following street closures will be in effect on Wednesday, February 20, between 3am and 4:30pm:
- Full closure of Lake from Stetson to Michigan Ave.
- Full closure of Stetson from Randolph to East South Water
Intermittent Traffic Control (limited to a few minutes at a time) will also be in place on Wednesday, February 20, between the hours of 3am and 4:30pm along Beaubien from Randolph to Lake.
Several No Parking/Tow Zone areas will be established as well. To view the complete notice, please click here. For questions, please call the Location Manager-Al at 773-521-1439.
Riverwalk Closed from Lake Shore Drive to Wabash for Improvements
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance visitors' experience on the Chicago Riverwalk, the City will improve older sections east of Michigan Avenue to help create even more opportunities for residents and visitors to interact with and enjoy the Chicago River. Improvements will include changes to the path to re-orientate visitors' experience with the river, recreation areas, children's play area, public art and improved landscaping.
A portion of the Riverwalk, from Lake Shore Drive to Wabash will be closed for construction through May 2019. All access points to the Riverwalk west of Wabash will remain open.
The work will include the removal of the ramp from Upper Wacker and Wabash down to the Riverwalk and the addition of two elevators to improve ADA access to the Riverwalk, one at Wabash and one at Columbus Drive. The ramp providing ADA access to the Riverwalk at State Street by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will remain open.
For bicycle riders, there will a detour route westbound from the Lakefront Trail along the Randolph Street protected bike lane; eastbound, the detour will be along the Washington Street and Randolph protected bike lanes.
Department of Water Management Water Main Installation
Residents should be advised that by late February 2019, the Department of Water Management (DWM) will begin replacing the water main along the following streets:
- Wells, Division to Oak
- Oak, Wells to State
The main dates back to 1875 and is expected to be completed by mid-June 2019.
Construction crews have begun preparing the site for the water main installation, including the location and marking of other utility services. You may notice construction equipment and materials placed in your neighborhood. The project will consist of several phases over the coming weeks.
Residents may want to sign up for project notifications, which will provide residents with scheduling information on the improvements, by clicking here, and entering project number 1801074
Department of Water Management Water Main Installation
Residents should be advised that the Department of Water Management (DWM) is beginning work along the following streets:
- Illinois, Michigan to Cityfront Plaza
- St. Clair, Illinois to Lower North Water Street
- North Water, Rush to N. Cityfront Plaza
Construction crews have begun preparing the site for the water main installation, including the location and marking of other utility services. You may notice construction equipment and materials placed in your neighborhood. The project will consist of several phases over the coming weeks.
Residents may want to sign up for project notifications, which will provide residents with scheduling information on the improvements, by clicking
here
, and entering project number 1501004.
IDOT CONSTRUCTION UPDATES:
Currently, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is working on several projects over the Kennedy Expressway as part of
Jane Byrne Interchange Project
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A majority of this work must occur overnight due to safety concerns. Alderman Reilly does not have purview over the operations or construction schedule, but has requested that IDOT do everything they can to mitigate noise.
Overnight work will be required when working over or adjacent to the I-90/94 expressway or over CTA tracks. The Contractor will be working Mon-Friday 9pm to 5am most nights.
Residents can expect demolition work noise such as the use of saws, hammers and heavy equipment.
Installing formwork for the Van Buren St structure will be happening for the next two weeks. This work will be over traffic areas on 90/94 so the work will be done at night. This operation will produce some noise and impact to the area.
Also, demolition of two existing piers for the EB 290 structure adjacent to SB 90/94 traffic will be happening for two nights within the next two weeks. This work will require lane closures and will be at night. This operation will produce significant noise and impact to the area for those two nights.
The following Bridges and Ramps are closed as part of this project:
- Monroe Street Bridge over the expressway
- Van Buren Street Bridge over the expressway
- SB I-90/94 to EB Congress Parkway Ramp
Traffic Impact for Wanda Vista Construction
Now through project completion, which is estimated for Spring 2020, Field Boulevard from Lower Wacker to South Water Street will be closed. Please plan accordingly.
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| Your Upcoming 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.
No CAPS meetings are scheduled next week in the 42nd Ward.
Please make sure to check 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.
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42nd Ward Website
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The 42nd Ward website is designed to help local residents, businesses and community groups find quick answers to questions about city services and programs. On this site you'll find links to the most requested city services and other useful resources located within downtown Chicago's 42nd Ward. Please visit Alderman Reilly's "virtual office" at
www.ward42chicago.com.
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Office of Alderman Brendan Reilly
325 W. Huron St., Ste. 510
(312) 642-4242
(312) 642-0420 (fax)
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Office of Alderman Brendan Reilly
City Hall
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 300
(312) 744-3062
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| In this week's Reilly Reports |
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