August 5, 2022

Alderman Reilly Reports

Alderman Reilly on the Lisa Dent Show

On Monday, August 1st, Alderman Reilly joined Lisa Dent and Steve Bertrand on WGN’s Chicago’s Afternoon News Radio. They discussed the extension of the City’s contract with Lollapalooza, NASCAR, violence in the City, and new pedicab restrictions that Alderman Reilly proposed to City Council last month. Please click here to listen to the radio interview.

NASCAR Statement

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the City of Chicago announced that the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series will be held in Chicago in early July. The proposed course layout encompasses some areas of the 42nd Ward. Alderman Reilly expressed his frustrations about the announcement in a WGN-TV interview with Paul Lisnek, linked here. Plans for the race were not shared with Alderman Reilly or City Council in advance of this announcement.

Alderman Reilly feels that the public should have been a part of the conversation since the race is sure to disrupt residents. It is Alderman Reilly’s hope that going forward, the Mayor’s Office and NASCAR will begin to involve other Aldermen, as well as 42nd Ward residents, in the decision-making process. Furthermore, Alderman Reilly intends to propose legislative changes that would include City Council in the approval process for these types of events in the future. Crain’s Chicago Business and Chicago Sun-Times recently published articles on this topic, including statements from Alderman Reilly on this topic.

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to Review Cannabis Dispensary Proposals

The ZBA will consider two Special Use applications for proposed cannabis dispensaries in the 42nd Ward at an upcoming (virtual) public hearing on Friday, August 19th at 9:00 AM.

PTS/Bio-Pharm

Proposed dispensary location: 605 North Clark Street

Click here to learn more

Green & Bransford, LLC

Proposed dispensary location: 212 East Ontario Street

Alderman Reilly has heard from many constituents (as well as SOAR) with concerns regarding the proposal at 212 East Ontario Street and has issued a letter of objection to the ZBA. However, the ZBA is a quasi-judicial body made up of Mayoral appointees. They are solely responsible for approval or denial of Special Use licenses and are not obligated to give special consideration to comments from local Aldermen.

Anyone wishing to oppose either proposal should attend the virtual meeting on August 19th to provide public testimony.

Public testimony is the preferred method of public comment. Members of the public wishing to speak must join the Zoom meeting at the link below at 8:30 a.m. the day of the meeting.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/819667039 50
Meeting ID: 819 6670 3950
Passcode: 649339
Written statements from members of the public will be accepted at ZBA@cityofchicago.org until 5 p.m. on the Monday before the meeting (8/15).

If you cannot access the Zoom meeting via a computer or smartphone, additional options are on the ZBA’s website. If you wish to watch the meeting, a link to livestream will also be made available to observe on the morning of August 19th.

Alderman Reilly to Host Blood Drive

September 3rd

Alderman Reilly is hosting a Blood Drive on Saturday, September 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be held at 455 North McClurg Court.

All of the donations will go to local hospitals to help Chicagoans in need. Donors will receive a $15 Holiday E-card within 5 business days, with a valid email address.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcomed. Please click here to register. You can also scan the QR Code on the flyer below to register.

We look forward to seeing you at the Blood Drive!

Sundays on State

On Sunday, August 7, the Chicago Loop Alliance will host Sundays on State. During the event, State Street, from Lake Street to Madison Street will be closed to vehicular traffic. Additionally, the following cross streets will be closed at State Street:

Washington
Randolph
Couch Pl
Benton
Calhoun

Please click here for more information regarding Sundays on State.

River West SBIF Rollout and Webinar in September 2022

In September, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in the River West TIF District.

Applications open: 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1

Applications close: 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30

The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own. Please note that residential projects are not eligible for the SBIF program.

Program participants can receive grants for 30-90% of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties, and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf and do not have to be repaid.

DPD and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process at 1 PM on Wednesday, September 7th. Click here to register. For additional information (including eligibility requirements), visit www.chicago.gov/sbif.

Message from the River North Residents Association

Dear RNRA Members and Friends,

For 25 years, River North Residents Association has worked to protect and enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood we call home.

We fight alongside Ward and CPD leaders to confront nuisance bars and reduce serious crime.
We’re a forceful voice for positive local development, infrastructure improvements and green space.
We create life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged Chicagoans.
We build community through public events, from Movies in the Park to the Taste of River North.

Understandably, many of our roughly 23,000 members probably haven't given much thought to how this organization operates or is funded, simply assuming that it will always be there as a proactive voice for them and their neighbors.

But the truth is: we can’t go on without you.

At this critical moment, it’s necessary to explain the facts more clearly, so that our members and partners understand what is at stake. RNRA is a non-profit, resident advocacy organization that has just one paid staff member and receives no funding from any government agency or political group. All resources support our mission.

The pandemic and its economic consequences limited our ability to hold the large public events that have generated most of our operating revenue, which has severely depleted our reserves. We have reached an inflection point in the life of River North Residents Association. An infusion of capital in the amount of $100,000 is urgently needed to sustain operations until we can resume our normal funding model in 2023. To this end, we are making an urgent appeal to everyone who relies on the existence of a strong, responsible, and influential neighborhood organization in River North, to step up and support RNRA with a financial contribution. We have never asked for this before, and hope never to do so again, but at this moment in time, there is no alternative.

For 25 years, RNRA has been there for you and for River North. If you value this kind of principled and effective neighborhood advocacy in your community, please click the green button below, or visit our GoFundMe page and make your contribution before September 30, 2022. Donations in any amount are welcome and deeply appreciated.

Please click here to access our FAQ page if you have additional questions.

Thank you.

Your neighbors on the RNRA Board

Click here to Support River North Residents Association

Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge Repair Project

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin repairs to the Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge over the Chicago River in early August, 2022.

This project consists of the following:

Concrete repairs on the Grand Avenue Viaduct
Steel repairs to the Bridge
Concrete repairs on the Bridge
Replacement of the steel grid decking of the Bridge

The project will occur in two phases. During phase 1, westbound vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge over the Chicago River will be prohibited. Phase 1 will be completed mid-September (weather dependent) - Phase 2 will begin immediately after.

Throughout the duration of Phase 1, westbound traffic on Grand Avenue will be detoured northbound on LaSalle Street, westbound on Chicago Avenue, southbound on Ashland Avenue, back to westbound on Grand Avenue. Please click here to view a map of the detour route for Phase 1.

The entire project is expected to be finished mid-November (weather dependent). Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates regarding Phase 2 of the Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge Repair Project.

Crime & Safety: Postcard Writing Campaign

Alderman Reilly is extremely frustrated with the ongoing criminal activity plaguing our City, and the lack of accountability from the Cook County Criminal Justice System. He is in constant communication with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Office about crime in the Downtown neighborhoods. Most recently, Alderman Reilly sent a letter to Superintendent Brown relating to downtown crime, described in Reilly Reports on May 20th.

All law enforcement agencies should work collaboratively to resolve the increase in crime. While CPD does great work, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Office and Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans need to increase their efforts to hold criminals accountable.

We are asking residents to participate in a postcard writing campaign to State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Office and Chief Judge Evans to express concerns about the lack of accountability and releasing individuals accused of violent crimes on electronic monitoring.

Postcards can be picked up at the 42nd Ward Constituent Service Office located at 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 200 (Monday - Friday from 9am to 3pm). Please click here for sample postcard language, mailing addresses, and more information about the campaign.

Daley Plaza Farmers Market

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) manages Chicago City Markets and is excited to bring back the Daley Plaza Farmers Market located at 50 West Washington Street.

The Farmers Market is held on Thursdays from 7am to 2pm. Please click here to learn more about Chicago City Markets and other farmers markets throughout the City of Chicago.

CAPS Meetings

18th District: (312-742-5778 / CAPS018District@chicagopolice.org)
Beat 1824 Meeting scheduled on Thursday, September 22nd at 6 PM
Beat 1831 Meeting scheduled on Tuesday, September 27th at 5 PM
Beat 1832 Meeting scheduled on Tuesday, September 27th at 6 PM
Beat 1833 Meeting scheduled on Thursday, September 29th at 5 PM
Beat 1834 Meeting scheduled on Thursday, September 29th at 6 PM
1st District: (312-745-4381 / CAPS001District@chicagopolice.org)
Beat 122 Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, August 10th at 6 PM
Beat 111 Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, September 7th at 3 PM
Beat 113 Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, September 7th at 6 PM
Beat 121 Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, September 14th at 3 PM
Beat 123 Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, September 14th at 6 PM
12th District: (312-746-8306 / CAPS012District@chicagopolice.org)
Beat 1214 Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, August 10th at 6 PM
Beat 1224 Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, September 7th at 6 PM

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

150 E Ontario Construction

W.E. O'Neil began construction of a 23-story building at 150 East Ontario Street. Work hours will be Monday-Friday, from 9am-5pm (8pm during caisson pours). Some weekend work will occur.

Throughout the project, the following will be closed:

150' of sidewalk in front of 150 East Ontario
150' of curb lane in front of 150 East Ontario

Pedestrians will be directed to the sidewalk on the south side of the street at Ontario/Michigan and Ontario/St. Clair.

The entire project is expected to take 23 months to complete.

Wedding March: Saturday, August 6

There will be a wedding march starting at 200 E Illinois on Saturday, August 6, from 9:45-10:00am.

Participants will set-up off at 200 E Illinois and march to Illinois/Michigan where they will disband.

The march will only last 15 minutes.

Filmings

Hythacg, LLC

On Tuesday, August 9 and Wednesday, August 8, from 5:00am to 7:30 am Hythacq, LLC will be taking aerial shots with a drone at 400 and 535 N Michigan Avenue.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Christopher Hytha (location manager) at 484-753-2848.

Justified River North

Justified plans to film exterior shots of 54 W Hubbard on Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7. No noise or stunts associated with this filming.

They plan to prohibit parking at the following locations:

North side of Hubbard, from Clark to Dearborn
North side of Illinois, from Dearborn to State
East side of Dearborn, from Hubbard to Illinois
Both sides of Dearborn, from Illinois to Grand
Both sides of Hubbard, from Rush to Wabash
Both sides of Lower Wabash, from Kinzie to Illinois

Additionally, they plan to have intermittent closures on Hubbard, from Clark to Dearborn on Saturday, August 6, from 7am-8pm

Justified Loop

Justified plans to film at 26 North Clark Street on Saturday, August 5. During the filming, paring will be prohibited at the following locations:

Both sides of Clark from Washington to Madison.
Both sides of Clark from Monroe to Adams
West side of Clark from Adams to Van Buren.
North side Madison from Clark to LaSalle.
East side of LaSalle from Madison to Washington.
South side of Monroe from Clark to Dearborn.

Additionally, there will be a full closure on Clark, between Washington and Madison on Saturday, August 6 at 7am to Sunday, August 7 at 3am.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Valerie Bulinski (Location Manager) 312 623-6989.

Crane Lift: 10 S. State Street

Atlas Crane was hired to lift rooftop units and smaller condensing units onto the roof at 10 S. State Street. Their lift will occur on Thursday, August 18, between 9pm-6am.

During the lift the following will be closed:

Sidewalk on the west side of State, from Madison to 10 S State Street
Curb lane on the west side of State, from Madison to 10 S State Street
Two southbound traffic lanes on State, from Madison to 10 S. State Street

Northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane to allow for southbound traffic.

Atlas Stationers Sidewalk Sale

On Monday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 19, there will be a sidewalk sale at 227 West Lake Street. Pedestrian traffic will not be obstructed during the sidewalk sale.

Chase Tower Clark Street Tunnel Project

In mid-July, Berglund Construction will begin repairs on the Chase Tower Clark Street tunnel at 23 S. Clark Street. The project scope consists of repairing Chase’s below-grade tunnel structures that cross below Clark Street at 23 S. Clark St, and will require excavation of Clark Street in that area to access the tunnel structures to perform repairs.

There will be one lane of southbound traffic open at all times. Berglund will have flaggers and barricades in-place throughout the project.

The project will last 26 months. Berglund would like to begin mid-June. Work hours will be Monday-Friday, from 8am-5pm.

Demolition Notice: 535 N. St. Clair Street

Precision Excavation & Demolition (PED) was hired to demo the parking structure at 535 N St. Clair Street. Demolition will begin in November, and work hours will be Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.

PED plans to install a high bay pedestrian canopy on the north side of Grand, from St. Clair to a point 100' east thereof. Additionally, they plan to prohibit parking on the north side of Grand, from St. Clair to a point 100' east thereof. Both the canopy and parking restrictions will be in-place throughout the project.

The sidewalk on the east side of St. Clair, from Grand to appoint 100' north thereof will be closed for the first week of the project. Construction fencing will be put in-pace between the sidewalk and the site.

PED plans to demo the building from west to east. They will have dust mitigation in-place and bait for rodents before work begins. All demolition activities will occur on their property. The crane will not be on ROW.

The entire demolition will take one month to complete.

Cassidy Tire Demolition

On Monday, May 9, McHugh Construction began demolition of Cassidy Tire located at 344/350 N. Canal Street. McHugh's contractor (Atlas) will demo the building from the back (south side) to the front (north side). The demolition is expected to last 2 months.

Immediately after the demolition is completed, construction of the 33-story mixed-use building will begin. During demolition and throughout construction, McHugh Constriction will occupy the curb lane on the west side of Canal along 344/350 N. Canal Street's property line. The construction company has leased the area north of the building from the railroad to use as a staging area. Additionally, they will use the parking lot south of the building as a staging area too.

As a reminder, this project is contributing to numerous public benefits. Click here for a list of public benefits, and stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates on this project and the implementation of these public benefits.

All work is expected to take 24 months to complete (weather dependent).

311 W Huron Project

In June, ARCO Murray began construction of a new building at 311 W. Huron Street. Work hours will be Monday-Friday, from 9am-5pm (8pm during caisson pours).

Throughout the project, the following City right-of-way will be occupied:

Sidewalk/curb lane on the south side of Huron, from Franklin west to the end of 311 W Huron's property line - approximately 150'. The sidewalk will be used to store their concrete pump, dumpster, and hoist dock. Trucks will back into the site at this location too. Jersey barriers will be placed in the curb lane to create a protected pedestrian path.
3' of the sidewalk on the west side of Franklin, from Huron to the first alley south thereof. This leaves 6' of clearance. They will need to push the fence out a few feet during excavation.
150' of the east/west alley bounded by Huron, Franklin, Erie, and Orleans will be closed. The closure is from Franklin to a point 150' west thereof.

The project is expected to be completed in September 2023 (weather dependent).

Randolph Street Viaduct Repair

This project is on-hold due to supply chain issues. The contractors will demobilize the site and reopen traffic lanes the week of June 27.

CDOT expects work to begin again the week of August 8, 2022.

Peoples Gas Main Installation Project: Bellevue, from Lake Shore Drive to Rush

At the end of May 2022, Peoples Gas began installing a 900' gas main on the south side of Bellevue Place, from Inner Lake Shore Drive to Rush Street.

The main will be installed in sections of 150'. Once the gas main is installed, service lines will be connected from the new main to each building on the north side of the street.

This will require trenching from the south to north side of the street. All work is expected to be completed by late July (weather dependent). Curb-to-curb restoration will occur in August.

Millennium Park Music Festivals

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the return of the following free summer music festivals in Millennium Park:

Millennium Park Summer Music Series (June 20 – August 18)
Chicago Jazz Festival (citywide and in Millennium Park including Jay Pritzker Pavilion): Thursday – Sunday, September 1–4
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park): Friday, September 16
World Music Festival Chicago (citywide): Friday, September 30 – Sunday, October 2

Gas Main Replacement - Michigan, Monroe to Lake

On Monday, February 7, Peoples Gas began a gas main replacement on the west side of Michigan Avenue, from Monroe to Lake. Work hours will be 9am-4pm. This project is expected to be completed in August 2022 (weather dependent).

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 broken 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

In September 2021, GNP Realty Partners began 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 July 2022.

Overnight Closure: Lake Shore Drive Bridge

CDOT has identified Lake Shore Drive Bridge adjustments that need to be made. This project will occur during the overnight hours to accommodate weekly boat runs during the day. This work will occur on Mondays and Thursdays beginning June 9. The project is expected to be completed in early August.

Upper Lake Shore Drive will be closed from Illinois Street to Monroe Street and Lower Lake Shore Drive will be closed from Grand Ave. to Lower Wacker Drive.

Detour Route:

Southbound traffic will be directed off onto westbound Grand Ave., to southbound Columbus Ave., to eastbound Monroe St. and back to LSD. Northbound traffic will be directed off at westbound Monroe St., to northbound Columbus Ave., to eastbound Illinois St. and back to LSD.

Dearborn Street Bridge Project

CDOT has scheduled emergency work on the Dearborn Bridge to begin June 13 (weather dependent). They will be conducting the following work:

Replacing both sidewalks
Replacing all of the bridge gratings
Replacing the beam structures

The project is expected to be completed in December 2022 (weather dependent).

The bridge will be reduced to one lane of traffic/sidewalk at a time. Bike traffic will be detoured to Clark Street via the north side of Upper Wacker Drive.