January 14, 2022
Alderman Reilly Reports
Alderman Reilly's Office Closed on Monday, January 17 In Remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Alderman Reilly’s Office will be closed on Monday, January 17.

Additionally, City Hall, City of Chicago governmental offices and Chicago Public Libraries will be closed in honor of Dr. King’s birthday and to comply with the City of Chicago mandatory holiday schedule.

If you have a need for city services, please call 3-1-1 for non-emergency requests, or dial 9-1-1 if you require immediate assistance.
Alderman Reilly to Host Blood Drive January 28
Alderman Reilly and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are co-hosting a Blood Drive on Friday, January 28, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will be held at 355 East Erie Street. 

The Alderman’s goal is to collect 30 pints of blood at the event. All of the donations will go to local hospitals to help Chicagoans in need.
 
Walk-ins are not allowed. Please schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-258-4825 or visiting www.vitalant.org (use group code ORD0SRAL). You can also scan the QR Code on the flyer above to register.
 
We look forward to seeing you at the Blood Drive!
KN95 Masks Available for 42nd Ward Residents
In 2020, Alderman Reilly received and distributed thousands of masks to residents in vulnerable populations. Alderman Reilly recently received a limited supply of KN95 masks to distribute to 42nd Ward residents. KN95 masks offer the most protection when worn properly over your mouth and nose.
 
Due to limited quantities, these masks will be prioritized for residents who belong to a vulnerable population, including seniors 65 and older, those with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk, and essential personnel, who do not otherwise have access to a reusable face covering.  
 
If you or a member of your immediate household falls into these categories, and you do not otherwise have access to a mask, please complete this form and we will do our best to provide you with a mask. Because we will have a limited number of masks to distribute, we hope that residents will use discretion in requesting a mask from Alderman Reilly's office.
Cannabis Update
Earlier this week, Mint Ventures LLC hosted a public community meeting to discuss their proposal to open an Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary at 201-215 North Clinton. This meeting was held as a requirement of their Special Use application, recently filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). If you were unable to attend that meeting, click here for more information and to contact Mint Ventures about their proposal. 

The State of Illinois controls the licensure process for cannabis businesses. Local Aldermen do not have the authority to approve or deny a dispensary license or a Special Use permit. 

The ZBA will consider this Special Use application at an upcoming (virtual) public hearing. 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 Aldermen or Police Commanders. However, the hearing will allow time for public comment. 
 
Information on how to access the Live Stream and how to submit public comment can be reviewed on ZBA’s website here. Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates on when the public hearing will be scheduled.
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 earlier this week. 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.
2022 Peggy A. Montes Unsung Heroine Awards
In recognition of Women’s History Month, on March 10th, 2022 at 10 am the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues will recognize 18 women as the County’s “Unsung Heroines.” The selection of these heroines is being made on a district basis to ensure that women from each area of Cook County will be recognized for their contributions to their communities. Nominees must be a resident of the Cook County Board district from which they are nominated.

They should be women who, either in a professional or volunteer capacity, have made significant contributions to the well-being of their community or which they have not received widespread recognition. Recipients of the Unsung Heroine Award must be residents of the County Board district from which they are nominated. Elected officials are not eligible for consideration.

Nominations are due by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 27, 2022. Please click here to complete a nomination form.
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.
2022 Holiday Tree Recycling
Chicago's Tree Recycling Program runs from January 8th through the 22nd at 26 parks across the City. Trees can be dropped off anytime during normal business hours. No trees with ornaments, tinsel, lights or flocking will be accepted. No wreaths or garlands accepted.
 
Additionally, there are also six designated locations where free mulch will be distributed. Please click here for more information and locations where you can recycle your tree. 
ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment
Eligible Illinoisans can enroll in a new ACA Marketplace plan or change their current plan for the upcoming year. If you don’t enroll during Open Enrollment, you will be unable to obtain health insurance on the ACA Marketplace, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.

Open Enrollment is currently underway and continues through January 15, 2022. Please click here for more information or visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov.
Winter Parking Restrictions Began Wednesday, December 1
In order to ensure that the most critical roadways in Chicago are kept open to full capacity at all times, the City of Chicago enforces a Winter Overnight Parking Ban on 107 miles of arterial streets from 3:00 am - 7:00 am between December 1 and April 1, regardless of snow. Click here to view a map of streets affected by the Winter Overnight Parking Ban. 

A separate snow-related parking ban exists for another 500 miles of main streets, which is activated if there is at least two inches of snow on the street, no matter the date or time. While the two inch snow ban is not activated often, motorists who are parked there when it snows could receive a ticket or find that their vehicle has been relocated in order to facilitate snow clearing operations

Permanent signs are posted on affected streets. Please click here for more information regarding winter parking restrictions.
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.

Upper Lake Shore Drive Bridge Lane Closure

The Chicago Department of Transportation will need to close the two outside lanes on southbound Upper Lake Shore Drive over the Chicago River for repairs on Thursday, January 20 and Friday, January 21, from 9am - 3pm.

Crane Lift 81 E. Van Buren

On Saturday, January 15 from 8am to 4pm, there will be a crane lift at 81 East Van Buren Street. During the lift the following will be closed:

  • Curb lane on the south side of Van Buren, from Michigan to the first alley west there of
  • Traffic lane on the south side of Van Buren, from Michigan to the first alley west there of

The sidewalk on the south side of Van Buren will remain open but covered with a protective canopy. There will have flaggers and barricades in-place throughout the lift. 

Helicopter Lift: 195 N. Harbor Drive

On Sunday, January 16, from 8am to 12pm, there will be a helicopter lift at 195 N. Harbor Drive. During the lift the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

  • Harbor Drive, from Waterside to just north of 155 North Harbor's driveway
  • Harbor Service Drive, from Harbor Drive to Lake Shore Drive

The equipment will be lifted from a truck on Harbor Service Drive. 

Residents at 195 N. Harbor and 175 N. Harbor won't be able to access their parking garages during the lift. 

There will be barricades and CPD officers on-site throughout the lift.

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

Chicago Fire

On Saturday, January 15, Chicago Fire will be filming scenes for an upcoming TV show at the Cultural Center located at 78 E Washington Street. During the filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • South Side Of Lower Lower Randolph From Lower Lower Stetson To Lower Lower Columbus (3am-12pm)
  • North Side Of Lower Lower Lake From Lower Lower Stetson To Lower Lower Columbus (3am-12pm)
  • North Side Of Washington St From Michigan Ave To Wabash (3am-12pm)
  • South Side Of Madison St From Michigan Ave To Wabash (3am-12pm)
  • North Side Of Madison St From Wabash To Holden Court (3am-12pm)
  • South Side Of Randolph St From 157 E Randolph To 237 E Randolph (3am-12pm)
  • East Side Of Garland Court From Washington St Going 100 Feet North (3am-12pm)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Michael Proffitt (On-site Coordinator) at (773) 938-3358.

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. 

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

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

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

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

Façade Work: 160 North LaSalle Street

Bowa Construction began work in October 2020 to perform façade and cladding work at 160 North LaSalle Street. During the work, there will be scaffolding on the east, north, and south sides of the building. 

All work is expected to be completed in 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.