January 28, 2022
Alderman Reilly Reports
Alderman Reilly on WGN
Alderman Reilly shared highlights of the Wednesday City Council meeting during his interview with Bob Sirott of WGN Radio earlier this week. They also discussed Chicago Police Department’s efforts to decrease crime, the City’s removal of snow and ice, as well as a recent carjacking arrest which occurred in the Loop on Wednesday evening. Click here to listen to the interview.

On Wednesday evening, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) stopped a carjacked vehicle on Lower Wacker Drive, which ended in a police involved shooting and the arrest of three carjacking suspects. License Plate Reader cameras that Alderman Reilly installed with Aldermanic Menu money identified the stolen vehicle and led CPD to the suspects. Click here for WGN’s reporting of this incident.
This Week at City Council
At this week’s City Council meeting, Alderman Reilly introduced three impactful ordinances for consideration. Continue reading for a description of these key measures:

Office of Legislative Counsel (“OLC”)

This ordinance establishes the OLC to provide unbiased advice to City Council members on parliamentary procedure, legislative interpretation, substantive and procedural matters, and issuing subpoenas for investigative purposes. Click here to read a copy of the ordinance. 

Business and Liquor License Update

This ordinance strengthens various enforcement mechanisms for all categories of business licenses –including the license renewal process, plans of operation, plans of corrective action, plans of conduct, nuisance abatement plans, and reasonable steps required to be implemented to correct objectionable conditions. Click here to read a copy of the ordinance. 

Indoor Special Events Update 

This ordinance clarifies and strengthens the issuance requirements for special event liquor licenses, including special event retailer’s licenses for indoor special events, special event use permits for outdoor special events, and beer showcase permits. Click here to read a copy of the ordinance. 

Alderman Reilly looks forward to working with the Administration and his colleagues to further develop and consider these proposals. Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for further information
42nd Ward Development Updates 
527 West Kinzie

Vornado Realty Trust is seeking to develop a residential building at the southwest corner of Kinzie Street and Canal Street, an existing surface parking lot with 81 parking spaces. The proposed 26-story building contains 288 residential units, and 81 parking spaces, measuring 290’ tall.
At Alderman Reilly’s direction, the developer revised their plans to accommodate all loading and unloading within the inside of the building. Furthermore, they incorporated a porte cochere lane at their Canal Street entrance. The porte cochere will allow for drop offs, deliveries, and pick ups to take place off of the street. 
The subject site of 527 West Kinzie is within Sub Area D of PD 87. As it stands, Sub Area D allows for a residential building measuring up to 340’ tall with 288 units, and 288 parking spaces. Since the proposal is smaller than the PD allows for, this project does not require Alderman Reilly's approval. 
Click here for additional information. 

A future development at 527 West Kinzie was taken into account when negotiating and considering the nearby development located at 344 North Canal Street (the former Cassidy Tire site). The Habitat Company received approval for a 33-story building at 344 North Canal Street in June 2020. The Habitat Company have not begun applying for construction permits – stay tuned to Reilly Reports for more information regarding construction timeline and logistics.
61 West Erie Street

Sonder Hospitality proposes to operate a boutique hotel featuring 28 apartment style hotel suites over ground level retail at 61 W. Erie. LG Development owns the building and previously had proposed a 28 unit residential apartment building, with the same layout as the proposed hotel. Due to the strong recovery of the hospitality industry, Sonder is excited to again pursue this location as a boutique hotel. Sonder will have full time employees and on-site security, as well as NoiseAware Technology. This building was constructed under the existing zoning of the site (DX-5), therefore the hotel use is allowed as a permitted use and no additional approvals are necessary. 
640 West Washington

In May 2021, Crescent Heights received approval to construct a 47-story, 529’- tall building at 640 West Washington Street with 413 residential units, 217 bicycle parking spaces, 137 accessory vehicular parking spaces and approximately 8,000 square feet of retail, commercial and accessory uses on the ground floor. 

The Developer plans to begin construction later this year – stay tuned to Reilly Reports for more information regarding construction timeline and logistics. In advance of construction planning, Crescent Heights has refined designs for the approved building.  

Click here for a side by side comparison of the previously approved vs. updated design. The building retains its overall shape, FAR, number of dwelling units, and distribution of dwelling units. The following are notable changes:
 
  • Height reduced from 529’ (47 stories) to 425’ (38 stories)
  • Height of podium increased from 46’ to 51’
  • Width of the tower (east-to-west) increased from 67.5’ to 80’ wide.  
  • The parking count reduced from 137 to 121

This change does not require additional approval by Alderman Reilly, the Committee on Zoning, or the City Council.  
629 West Lake Street / 177-81 N. Des Plaines

The property located at the Southwest corner of Lake Street and Des Plaines Street is currently a one-story restaurant building and accessory surface parking area. The Developer proposes to demolish the existing restaurant, and construct an eight-story mixed-use building. The proposal would contain retail and amenity space at grade level and a total of forty-nine (49) residential units on the floors above.
The subject property is a Transit Served Location based on its proximity to the Clinton/Lake CTA Station. Accordingly, the proposed mixed-use building will be supported by two (2) off-street parking spaces. In order to permit the proposed mixed-use development, the proposal is required to obtain a Variation to reduce the building’s rear setback to zero, and a Special Use to reduce the parking requirement pursuant to the Transit Oriented Development Ordinance.

Click here for more information.
 
As part of Alderman Reilly's transparent community process for new developments, your comments and observations are welcome for these projects. Please click here to provide your feedback..
Free At-Home Rapid COVID Tests
Testing is an important tool to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Biden Administration has purchased one billion at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests to give to Americans for free. 

The program will allow four free tests to be requested per residential address, and tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering.

Click here to place your order for free at-home COVID-19 tests.
Eurostar Hotel, 660 North State Street
The City of Chicago Law Department recently filed a second public nuisance disciplinary case against Eurostar Magnificent Mile Hotel, located at 660 North State Street, the details of which were reported in Reilly Reports on December 17, 2021.

Please click here to review the list of charges. The first status hearing was held on January 12, 2022. Attorneys filed their necessary paperwork and a follow up date was scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 9:30 AM. Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for information on how the public can virtually attend the hearing to observe.
New COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new quarantine guidelines for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to the virus. Regardless of vaccination status, stay home and isolate for 5 days if you test positive for Covid-19. After 5 days if your symptoms have subsided you can end your quarantine but must continue to wear a mask in public for an additional 5 days and avoid contact with high-risk individuals. Additionally, even if fully vaccinated against COVID-19, individuals who are exposed to someone who tested positive should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for another 5 day period. 

It is no secret that COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the country. The City of Chicago is averaging 5,047 new cases a day with a 22.7% positivity rate. For more COVID-19 statistics please visit the COVID Dashboard. 

Getting vaccinated and tested are our best chances to stop the spread of COVID-19, and it is easier than ever to do both. Visit the Chicago Department of Public Health’s website to learn more about where you can get vaccinated and tested.
City Announces Vaccine Requirements
Effective Jan. 3
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced new vaccine requirements due to the rise of COVID-19 infections, which is driven by the new Omicron variant. Mayor Lightfoot issued this mandate via Executive Order; it was neither initiated nor approved by the City Council
 
Effective Monday, January 3, 2022 individuals 5 years of age or older are required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. Additionally, patrons age 16 and over will need to show a matching ID. 
Proof of vaccination means a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, an official immunization record from the jurisdiction where the vaccine was administered, or a digital/physical photo of the record. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
 
The vaccine requirement does not include houses of worship, grocery stores, schools/daycares, and locations in residential or office buildings that are restricted to resident or tenant use only. Additionally, it does not apply to individuals entering an establishment for less than 10 minutes to order and carry out food, deliver goods, or use the bathroom. Please click here for more information regarding the new vaccine requirements. 
 
It is more important than ever to get vaccinated and boosted and wear a mask while indoors. If you have not been vaccinated or received a booster dose, please click here to find a vaccination site near you.
Free Tax Prep Help
The City of Chicago offers free, confidential tax help at locations across Chicago from late January - mid-April in partnership with the Center for Economic Progress and Ladder Up. Please see the flyer below for more information.
ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment
If you missed the January 15 deadline for 2022 coverage, you may still be able to get or change 2022 coverage two ways: with a Special Enrollment Period or through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices
Gas Main Replacement - Michigan, Chestnut to Cedar

Peoples Gas continues it's gas main replacement on the west side of Michigan Avenue, from Chestnut to Cedar. Work hours may vary throughout the project, but are currently anticipated to be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

All openings will be covered and secured during non-work hours. This portion of the gas main replacement is expected to last 3-6 weeks.

Crane Lift: 320 South Canal Street

Stevenson Crane was hired to set glass on 320 S Canal Street. This job will take 17 days (1/17/22 – 2/8/22) to complete and work hours are 8am-4pm. They will not work weekends. 

During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk on the west side of Canal, from Van Buren to Jackson
  • Curb lane and one traffic lane on the west side of Canal, from Van Buren to Jackson

One-way northbound traffic will be maintained on Canal throughout the lift. There will be flaggers and barricades in-place as well. At night, the cranes will be barricaded off.

Film Notices

Irreverent

On Saturday, January 29, Irreverent will be filming scenes at 118 N. Wells Street. During the filming, parking will be prohibited on both sides of Wells, from Washington to Randolph (3pm-11:30pm).

Additionally, there will be intermittent traffic closures at the following locations:

  • Alley between Wells and LaSalle / Court Place and Washington (5pm-8pm).
  • Wells, from Randolph to Washington (7pm-11:30pm)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Luis Perez (Location Manager) at 773-525-2326.

Chicago PD

On Monday, February 7, Chicago PD plans to film a scene in Millennium Park & Maggie Daley Park. This is a police foot chase scene. There will not be any special effects or noteworthy noise. 

During the filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • South side of Randolph from Columbus Drive to Harbor Drive
  • East side of Upper N Columbus Drive from Randolph to E South Water Street

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Patrick Muldoon (Location Manager) at 773-277-8044.

214 West Erie Street Renovations

On Monday, December 13, Crane Construction began renovations of 214 West Erie Street. During construction, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk/curb lane in front of 214 West Erie Street. The curb lane will be used as a pedestrian walkway. Crane Construction will place jersey barriers and ramps in the curb lane to protect pedestrians and provide wheelchair access. 
  • Close 100' of the north/south alley adjacent to 214 W Erie Street. This is a T alley and residents of 222 W Erie will still be able to access their parking garage from the alley entrance on Franklin and Huron.

This project is expected to be completed summer of 2022 (weather dependent).

LG Construction: 751 N. Hudson and 451 W Chicago 

LG Construction has recently broke ground at 751 N. Hudson Avenue and 451 W. Chicago Avenue, which are adjacent parcels. Work hours will be 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
 
Throughout the project, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk/curb lane/traffic lane of the east side of Hudson, from Chicago to the first alley south thereof
  • Sidewalk/curb lane/traffic lane on the west side of Sedgwick, from Chicago to the first alley south thereof
  • Sidewalk/curb lane on the south side of Chicago, from Hudson to Sedgwick

There will be a protected pedestrian walkway in the curb lane on the south side of Chicago Avenue, from Hudson Avenue to Sedgwick Street.

This project is expected to take 18 months to complete (weather dependent). 

354 North Union Construction

The Onni Group is constructing a 33 story residential building with 373 units. Work hours will be 8am-8pm, daily. 

Parking will be prohibited on North Union, from West Kinzie to the cul-de-sac west thereof throughout the project. All construction equipment and vehicles will be staged on the Onni Group’s property. This project will take approximately two years to complete. 

430 N. Michigan Lobby Renovation
 
Starting in mid-September, GNP Realty Partners will be renovating the lobby at 430 N. Michigan Avenue. Throughout the project, there will be a 40’ urban canopy on the sidewalk in front of the building. In order to place the canopy on the sidewalk, the planter bed and City Information Panel (CIP) at this location will be temporarily removed. Both the planter bed and CIP will be reinstalled upon completion of the project. 
 
The project is expected to be completed in March 2022. 

South Water Street Viaduct Replacement

In March 2021, the Chicago Department of Transportation began demolition of the South Water Street Viaduct, between Lower Beaubien Court and Stetson Street. Work hours are 8am-8pm, daily. 

As of May 10, vehicular and pedestrian access will be prohibited on the Upper and Lower levels of South Water Street, between Lower Beaubien Court and North Stetson Street. There will be barricades and detour signs in-place throughout the duration of the project. 

This project is expected to be completed in July 2022 (weather dependent). 

Renovations at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street

On February 15, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) began 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 as storage for the project and to place their construction dumpster. 

On Monday, April 19, canopies will be installed at the following locations:
  • South side of Randolph, from Michigan to a point 50' west thereof
  • West side of Michigan, from Randolph to a point 75' south thereof

The project is expected to be completed February 2022. 

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 Dearborn
  • 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
  • West side of Larrabee, from Erie to Huron


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