November 4, 2022

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Alderman Reilly Reports

Avoid Long Lines on Election Day - Early Vote this Weekend

The Gubernatorial General Election on November 8 is quickly approaching. Alderman Reilly encourages voters to cast their ballot early to avoid long lines and wait times on Election Day. 

 

Early voting is underway at the Loop Supersite located at 191 North Clark Street and the Board of Elections at 69 West Washington Street, 6th Floor. Hours of operation for both sites are Monday-Friday from 9am to 7pm, Saturdays from 9am to 5pm, and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

 

Additionally, voters are able to cast their ballots at any of the 50 ward early voting sites (including Maggie Daley Field House, located at 337 East Randolph Street). These sites are open weekdays from 9:00am to 6:00pm; Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm; Sundays from 10:00am to 4:00pm; and on Election Day (Nov. 8) from 6:00am to 7:00pm. 

 

Voting precinct boundaries were redrawn due to the new ward boundaries. Visit the Board of Elections’ website to find your new precinct and polling place. Please click here to learn which offices are on the ballot.

 

New applications to vote-by-mail for the November 8th General Election are now closed. All early voting sites will have secure drop boxes for voters to return their vote-by-mail ballot. Any vote-by-mail ballot Return Envelope that is mailed, postmarked or certified on or before Election Day may be counted if it arrives within 14 days of Election Day.

 

Additionally, the Board of Elections is looking for qualified applicants to serve as Election Judges for the General Election on November 8. Election Judges are responsible for ensuring polling places open and close on time, and that voting operations run smoothly. 

 

Election judges who complete the online training and successfully service on Election Day will earn $230. Returning Judges who complete the online training will earn $255. Each Judge who serves successfully on Election Day without completing the online training will receive $170. 

 

To apply online to become an Election Judge with the Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners, visit www.chipollworker.com. A paper mail-in application is also available for download here.

Hot Chocolate Run 2022

The annual Hot Chocolate 5K, 10K. 15K and 2-mile walk is set for Saturday, November 5 with a start and finish in Grant Park. The run begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk at 8:15 a.m. The 5K, 10K, 15K route will take participants north on Columbus to Wacker Drive, through the Loop, south on Michigan Ave. to 31st Street, then south on MLK Drive to 35th street before heading back on the lakefront path to the finish just south of Balbo and Columbus. For complete details, visit HotChocolate15k.com.


Expect additional activity on Thursday (3 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and Friday (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) at Navy Pier for the Hot Chocolate Expo, where over 26,000 participants will be picking up race day packets.


Street closures include:

  • Balbo from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive: through 5 p.m. Saturday, November 5
  • Jackson from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive: 2 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, November 5
  • Balbo from Michigan to Columbus: 7:30 p.m., Friday, November 4.– 2 p.m., Saturday, November 5
  • Columbus from Roosevelt to Ida B. Wells: 7:30 p.m., Friday, November 4–2 p.m., Saturday, November 5
  • Jackson from Michigan to Columbus: 2 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, November 5
  • Monroe from Michigan to DuSable Lake Shore Drive: 2–10 a.m., Saturday, November 5
  • Columbus from Ida B. Wells to Monroe: 2 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, November 5
  • Ida B. Wells from Michigan to Columbus: 2 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, November 5
  • Columbus from Monroe to Lower Wacker: 5:30–10 a.m., Saturday, November 5


For the complete route, visit Hot Chocolate Course Map on the race website or click Hot Chocolate street closures.


Fall Bridge Lifts and Boat Run

Also, on Saturday, the bridges from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Ashland will be lifted starting at 9 a.m. for the fall bridge lifts as boats return to storage. Motorists and pedestrians should be aware of the impact and seek alternate routes to avoid delay.


The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) advises residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, and increased traffic in the area. As always, OEMC reminds everyone of the importance of always being aware of your surroundings and to report suspicious activity to on-site event security or by calling 9-1-1.

42nd Ward Development Proposal

Earlier this year, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare purchased the Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile Hotel 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. Northwestern proposes to repurpose two floors of the hotel for Medical Services, and to build a pedestrian bridge over East Erie Street to connect the second floor elevator lobby of the Hotel with Galter Pavilion. 


Repurposing the 5th and 6th floors of the Hotel for medical services would allow Northwestern to expand their academic medical center for outpatient services. These low acuity services would be for patients seeking routine care. Parking for patients, staff and visitors will occur in the existing patient, staff and visitor parking lots. 


The proposed pedestrian bridge over East Erie Street would allow safe and efficient passage of Northwestern’s patients, medical providers, and staff between the repurposed Medical Services floors of 633 N. St. Clair and Northwestern academic medical center. Click here to learn more. 


To accomplish this, Northwestern 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 pedestrian bridge does not require approval from the City Council. 


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.

Extended Outdoor Dining Update

The city’s Extended Outdoor Dining Program, used in various locations in the 42nd Ward (including Clark Street between Grand Avenue and Kinzie Street), is credited for keeping 40 locally-owned restaurants afloat and several thousand people employed during the recent COVID crisis and ensuing economic disaster. 


The street closure permits for Clark Street, issued by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), are set to expire November 18th. Clark Street, between Grand Avenue and Kinzie Street, will be re-opened to vehicular traffic at that time.  We will do a complete review of this program when weather improves and conduct a survey of River North residents to obtain feedback before implementing future closures. 


Alderman Reilly further discussed this matter with the Chicago Sun-Times; click here to review the article. Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates.

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. 

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)
  • Beat 121 Meeting scheduled on November 9th at 6 PM
  • Beat 123 Meeting scheduled on November 9th at 3 PM
  • 12th District: (312-746-8306 / CAPS012District@chicagopolice.org)
  • Beat 1214 Meeting scheduled on November 23rd at 6 PM

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

Tower Crane Removal - 751 N Hudson Avenue


On Friday, November 4 to Sunday, November 6, from 9am to 5pm, Pepper Construction will be removing the tower crane from 751 N Hudson Avenue. During the crane removal, Chicago Avenue, between, Sedgwick and Hudson will be reduced to two lanes of traffic (one eastbound and one westbound lane). Additionally, motorists will not be able to access Hudson Avenue from Chicago Avenue. 


Tower Crane Installation - 150 E Ontario


On Friday, November 11 to Monday, November 14, from 8am-5pm, at 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. 


PGL Restoration: Oak, from Michigan to Rush 


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


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 mid-November


Lumen


On Thursday, September 15, Lumen began installing communication equipment on the south side of Kinzie, from Kingsbury to a pint 100' east there of. 


This project is expected to be completed by mid-November. 


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-November (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


Harold Washington Commercial 


On Friday, November 4, RHINO Media will be filming a commercial inside Harold Washington College located at 30 E Lake Street. During the filming, parking on the North side of East Lake Street from 10 East Lake Street to North Wabash Ave.

 

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 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 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). 



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


Sidewalk restoration on both sides of Bellevue, from Lake Shore Drive to Rush will begin the week of October 17.


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 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 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.