November 10, 2022

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Alderman Reilly Reports

Alderman Reilly's Office Closed on Veterans Day Friday, November 11

Please be advised that Alderman Reilly's 42nd Ward Office, Chicago Public Libraries, and other government offices will be closed on Veterans Day Friday, November 11 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.

Update on Shooting at Chicago & Franklin

Dear Neighbor:

 

I am writing to provide you with an update following the disturbing shooting that occurred at Hush Nightclub, located at Chicago and Franklin in our River North neighborhood on the morning of Sunday, November 6th.

 

I am pleased to report that on Tuesday, November 8th, the Superintendent of Police issued a “Summary Closure” order requiring the immediate closure of this establishment. This action is not permanent and is not connected to the revocation of the license. It can be looked at as a “cooling off period” following this deadly shooting. However, I have also requested the Liquor Commissioner formally initiate the city’s “Liquor License Revocation Process,” to permanently revoke the licenses for this bad actor.

 

Living just three blocks from this location, I was immediately aware of the shooting – having heard the gunshots myself, in real-time. Shortly after the incident occurred, I spoke with Commander Hein of the 18th District to discuss the investigation and to strongly advocate for the Police Department to issue a “Summary Closure Order” – to shutdown Hush Nightclub immediately.

 

Commander Hein assured me that he immediately requested the summary closure. On Monday, I sent a letter to Liquor Commissioner Shannon Trotter and Police Superintendent David Brown to communicate my strong support for a summary closure of this bad business.

 

In addition, I have asked the Liquor Commissioner to formally initiate the city’s “Liquor License Revocation Process,” to permanently revoke the licenses. The licenses issued to Hush were done so in 2002, some five years before I was elected alderman. In recent years, following a change in ownership, this business has devolved into a chronic source of safety problems in the area.

 

Since 2007, I have used my legislative authority to enact liquor moratorium zones across the entire 42nd Ward to stop the issuance of any new Tavern or Late Hour licenses in our downtown neighborhoods. In 2015, I also co-sponsored the “Summary Closure Ordinance” to empower the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to immediately close an establishment that was deemed a threat to public safety.


As you know, aldermen do not control the police department and do not issue or revoke liquor licenses in the City of Chicago. That fact is extremely frustrating to me because, like you, I am a neighborhood resident who is absolutely fed-up with the number of violent incidents and shootings that are occurring in, and around, these late-hour liquor establishments. These businesses draw criminal elements and known gangbangers to our downtown neighborhoods every single weekend.

 

Commander Hein, having received multiple complaints about Hush Nightclub and Bounce Nightclub over the past year, assigned a manned patrol vehicle to be stationed on a fixed post at the intersection of Chicago and Franklin at night, on the weekends.

 

That police squad was in-place at this location on Sunday morning until the officer’s shift ended at 2:00AM. Unfortunately, the bar brawl and ensuing shooting occurred just minutes after the squad had left its post at the end of shift, roughly around 2:15AM. CPD issued the Summary Closure on Tuesday morning.

 

Next, the licensee/owner has the right, at any time during the period of closure, to seek to resume business activities at the establishment, by requesting, in writing, a nuisance abatement hearing before the mayor to contest whether a public safety threat occurred or to rebut the Superintendent’s determination that continued operation of the establishment presents a danger to the public. If requested in writing, a nuisance abatement hearing shall be commenced by the mayor within five business days of receipt of such request. A decision shall be announced no later than three business days after the hearing is completed.

 

Please know that I am 100% committed to ensuring Hush Nightclub is held responsible for its role in this most recent incident and for its continued deleterious impact on our neighborhood – demanding a full revocation of their business and liquor licenses.

 

When we learn more from the Liquor Commissioner and Police Superintendent about a nuisance abatement hearing being scheduled, my office will provide the neighborhood with an update.

 

Thank you again for contacting my office to share your concerns about nightclub-related criminal activity. My office will do everything within our ability, in partnership with the Police Department and Liquor Commissioner, to shut down these bad businesses as soon as we possibly can.

 

Sincerely,

 

Brendan Reilly

Alderman, 42nd Ward

President Pro Tempore, City Council

42nd Ward Development Proposal

Earlier this year, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare (NMHC) purchased the Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile Hotel, a tenant in the building located at 633 North Saint Clair Street. The project site (633 North St. Clair St) is currently zoned PD 468, and is located directly south of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Galter Pavilion. East Erie Street separates the Hotel and the Galter Pavilion. NMHC proposes to repurpose two floors of the hotel for Medical Services.


To accomplish this, NMHC has requested to amend PD 468 to include “Medical Services'' as a permitted use. This amendment will be reviewed at an upcoming Chicago Plan Commission meeting with subsequent approval required by City Council. The proposed Medical Services would be located on the 5th and 6th floors which NMHC would convert from hotel rooms to medical service spaces and would allow NMHC to expand its academic medical center for outpatient medical services. These services would be low acuity services for patients seeking routine care. Parking for patients, staff, and visitors connected with the new medical service spaces would occur in NMHC’s existing patient, staff, and visitor parking lots.


After the amendment to PD 468 is reviewed and approved by Plan Commission and City Council NMHC anticipates proposing a pedestrian bridge at 633 N. St. Clair Street which will be separately reviewed and approved by the City and City Council. A pedestrian bridge over East Erie Street would allow safe and efficient passage of NMHC’s patients, medical providers, and staff between the repurposed Medical Services floors of 633 N. St. Clair and NMHC academic medical center. Click here to learn more.



As part of Alderman Reilly’s transparent community process for new developments, your comments and observations are welcome on this project. Please click here to take a survey to provide your feedback.

Upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

On Friday, November 18th, at 9:00am, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will host a virtual meeting to review the application for a special use to establish an adult-use cannabis dispensary at 605 North Clark Street. The application was filed by PTS Corp. and Bio-Pharm, LLC. Click here to learn more.


Rules for public participation in virtual ZBA meetings are now available. A link to live stream the meeting will be added to ZBA’s website on November 18th. These proposals do not require approval from the City Council.

St. Clair Water Main Installation Project

The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) began installation of 1,408 feet of new 8-inch water main on North St Clair Street, between East Superior Street to East Illinois Street. The current water main dates back to 1886 and needs to be replaced to create a more reliable and efficient system.


DWM will be closing individual blocks of North St. Clair Street. Work will start at North St. Clair Street and East Superior Street. Work hours will be Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm. There will be some non-invasive work that occurs during the overnight hours. 


This project is expected to be finished later this month (weather dependent). Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates regarding this project. 

Chicago Police Citizens Academy 

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is looking for residents to join the Citizens Academy. This is a 10-week immersive program that gives residents a snapshot of what CPD recruits learn at the Police Academy. 


For more information, please contact your local police district. Click here for the Citizens Academy application. 

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will take place on Saturday, November 19. Closures for the parade will begin at 3:30pm and end at approximately 7:30pm. The parade begins at 5:30pm. The following streets will be closed during the parade. 


  • Oak Street (State Street to Michigan Avenue)
  • North Michigan Avenue (Oak Street to Wacker Drive)
  • Upper Wacker Drive (Michigan Avenue to east turnaround)
  • Upper Columbus (Wacker Drive to Randolph) (5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)


Additionally, the following streets will be closed from 8am to 6pm:


  • Clark Street (East curb lane only Oak Street to Delaware Street)
  • Delaware Street (Dearborn Street to Clark Street north curb lane only)
  • Oak Street (Clark Street to State Street)
  • Dearborn Street (Delaware Street to Maple Street)
  • Walton Street (State Street to Clark Street)


Please click here for more information about the Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights.

Michigan Avenue Resurfacing Project

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is resurfacing North Michigan Avenue, from East Oak Street to East Ohio Street. CDOT is working 6 days a week (mostly 8am-5pm), with limited overnight work. 


The project includes the installation of concrete bus pads and ADA ramp replacements.


All work is expected to be finished later this month.

Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge Repair Project

The Grand Avenue Bridge Project is behind schedule due to material procurement and design constraints.


In order to complete the project on time, the Chicago Department of Transportation will prohibit vehicular traffic in both directions on the Grand Avenue Bridge starting Saturday, October 10. The sidewalk on the northside of the bridge will remain open to pedestrian traffic. 


The full closure is expected to last two months. 

CAPS Meetings

  • 18th District: (312-742-5778 / CAPS018District@chicagopolice.org)
  • Beat 1824 Meeting scheduled on November 17th at 6 PM
  • Beat 1831 Meeting scheduled on November 22nd at 5 PM
  • Beat 1832 Meeting scheduled on November 22nd at 6 PM
  • Beat 1833 Meeting scheduled on November 23rd at 5 PM
  • Beat 1834 Meeting scheduled on November 23rd at 6 PM
  • 1st District: (312-745-4381 / CAPS001District@chicagopolice.org)
  • There are no remaining CAPS meetings scheduled for the month of November.
  • 12th District: (312-746-8306 / CAPS012District@chicagopolice.org)
  • Beat 1214 Meeting scheduled on November 23rd at 6 PM

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

Crane Lift: 200 W Monroe


Stevenson Crane was hired to lift HVAC units onto the roof of 200 W Monroe. The lift will occur on Saturday, November 12, from 8am-5pm (weather back-up day Sunday, November 13). During the lift, there will be a full closure of Monroe, from Franklin to Wells.


Crane Lift: 700 W Van Buren


On Tuesday, November 15, there will be a crane lift at 700 W Van Buren. During the lift, the following will be closed:


  • Sidewalk on the west side of Desplains, from Van Buren north to the Fire House
  • Curb/traffic lane on the west side Deplains, from Van Buren north to the Fire House


Temporary Bus Stop Elimination


Until March 2024, the westbound bus stop at Grand and St. Clair will be temporarily removed.


  • Stop ID Number: 761
  • Route Stopping: #29 – State, #65 – Grand, #120 – Ogilvie/Streeterville Express, #121 – Union/Streeterville Express


Vault Repair: 41 E Chestnut


Repairs to the vaulted sidewalk at 41 E Chestnut began on Wednesday, November 9. Works hours will be 8am-8pm, 7-days a week. Throughout the project, the following will be closed:


  • Sidewalk on the south side of Chestnut, from Rush to Wabash
  • Curb lane on the south side of Chestnut, from Rush to Wabash


The project is expected to be completed by mid-November (weather dependent).


Tower Crane Installation - 150 E Ontario


On Friday, November 11 to Monday, November 14, from 8am-5pm, a tower crane will be installed at 150 E Ontario Street. During the installation, Ontario, between St. Clair and Michigan Avenue will be reduced to one lane of eastbound traffic. 


Dearborn Street Bridge:


The Dearborn Street Bridge will be completely closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Tuesday, November 15 to Thursday, November 17.


PGL Restoration: Bellevue, from Michigan to Rush 


PGL began curb-to-curb street restoration on Bellevue, from Michigan to Rush. Although there might be traffic delays, Bellevue Street will remain open to vehicular traffic throughout the restoration project. Restoration is expected to be finished by November 18.


Peoples Gas: LaSalle Street Project


PGL began repairing a gas main on LaSalle Street, between Ontario and Hubbard. Work hours will be 6pm-6am, daily. 


This is emergency work needs to repair a leaky main. This project is expected to be completed by November 18.


AT&T Fiber Installation


AT&T began installation of fiber in the intersection of Wells and Randolph. The Randolph Street Bike Lane will remain open at all times. 


The project is expected to be completed by November 18



Randolph Street Viaduct Repair


CDOT restarted viaduct repairs on Randolph, between Columbus and Field. Work hours are Monday-Friday, from 8am-8pm. 


Throughout the project, at least one lane of eastbound traffic will be open. Westbound lanes will not be disrupted. 


The project is expedited to be completed mid-December (weather dependent). 


State & Lake Utility Relocations


Utility companies began relocating utilities in advance of the State and Lake CTA project. Train services will not be disrupted during utility relocations. 

 

At least 1 lane of traffic will remain open (1 lane each direction on State St) at all times, but other driving and parking lanes may be closed. 


Construction equipment and materials will be stored on the street, including during time periods between active work. Work will primarily occur 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays, but there will be limited work during nights. Utility companies are aware of and required to abide by the Chicago noise ordinance, which limits noisy work during overnight hours.


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. 


Filming


 

Chase Tower Clark Street Tunnel Project


In mid-July, Berglund Construction began 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 is underway, and work hours are 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 Construction 


Construction of the 33-story mixed-use building is underway. 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). 



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 in December 2022 (weather dependent).


LG Construction: 751 N. Hudson and 451 W Chicago 


LG Construction continues work on 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. 


Dearborn Street Bridge Project


CDOT began emergency work on the Dearborn Bridge in June 2022. They will be conducting the following work:


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


Due to supply chain issues, the project is expected to be completed in April 2023 (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.