August 26, 2022

{View as Webpage}

Alderman Reilly Reports

Cannabis Update

As detailed in previous Reilly Reports, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) held a hearing on August 19th to review the Special Use applications for proposed Cannabis Dispensaries at 605 North Clark Street and 212 East Ontario Street. 


At the meeting, ZBA voted to continue the matter proposed at 605 North Clark Street. It is now scheduled to be reviewed on October 21, 2022. Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates. 


Alderman Reilly is pleased to report that ZBA voted to deny the Special Use license application for 212 East Ontario Street. As previously reported in Reilly Reports, Alderman Reilly issued a letter to the ZBA detailing his strenuous objection to this proposal. SOAR also objected, and many residents attended the meeting to express concerns. Thanks to those who participated in this process!

North New Street & East River Drive Reconfiguration to Two-way Streets

Last week, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) reconfigured the following thoroughfares into two-way streets:


  • North New Street, between East North Water Street and East River Drive
  • East River Drive, between North McClurg Court and North New Street



During the project, CDOT removed existing one-way and Do Not Enter signage and installed new pavement markings and No Parking Tow Zone signs. Please see the pictures below. 


Stay turned to Reilly Reports for future updates regarding


Kinzie Street Bike Lane Concrete

Curb Installation

Earlier this year, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced the installation of a series of concrete curb-protected bike lanes, kicking off the biggest expansion and upgrade of low stress bike routes in City history.


This week, CDOT completed its first concrete curb installation along the Kinzie Street Protected Bike Lane, between North Wells Street and North DesPlaines Street.  Please see the pictures below. 


By the end of the year, Chicago expects to add 25 miles of concrete-protected bike lanes and plans to upgrade all existing delineator-protected lanes to concrete by the end of 2023.




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!

Chicago Triathlon 

The annual Chicago Triathlon is taking place on Sunday, August 28, from 6am to 2pm. There will be approximately 8,000 participants at the event.  

 

The following streets will be closed in the 42nd Ward:

  • Southbound Lake Shore Drive, from Hollywood to Randolph (Aug 28 from 5am to 12pm)
  • Columbus from Balbo to Roosevelt (Aug 27 5:00a - Aug 28 7:00p)
  • Lower Wacker from Randolph to Jackson (6:30a - 11:20a)
  • McCormick Place Busway (Metra) from Randolph to 25th St. (6:30a - 11:45a)

 

Please click here for a list of full street closures. If you would like to learn more about the race, please visit the Chicago Triathlon’s website.

Sundays on State

On Sunday, September 4, 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:


  • 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) began repairs to the Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge over the Chicago River .


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, eastbound vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge over the Chicago River will be prohibited. Phase 1 will be completed mid-November (weather dependent) - Phase 2 will begin immediately after. 


Throughout the duration of Phase 1, eastbound traffic on Grand Avenue will be detoured northbound on Halsted, to eastbound on Chicago, to southbound on Kingsbury, and back to eastbound 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-March 2023 (weather dependent). Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates regarding Phase 2 of the Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge Repair Project.

The Family Institute at Northwestern University

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 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 1224 Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, September 7th at 6 PM

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

Crane Lift: 610 N Fairbanks


On Saturday, August 27, from 8am to 5pm, there will be a crane lift a t 610 N Fairbanks. During the lift, the following will be closed:


  • Sidewalk on the south side of Ontario, from Fairbanks to a point 100' west thereof
  • Curb lane on the south side of Ontario, from Fairbanks to a point 100' west thereof
  • Traffic lane on the south side of Ontario, from Fairbanks to a point 100' west thereof


The curb lane on the north side of the street will be turned into a traffic lane. Two lanes of eastbound traffic will be maintained during the lift. 


CDOT Resurfacing: LaSalle Street


The Chicago Department of Transportation began resurfacing North LaSalle Street, between West Wacker Drive and West Lake Street. The project is expected to be complete at the beginning of October. 


Crane Lift: 214 W Erie


On Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11, from 7am to 5pm, there will be a crane lift at 214 West Erie Street. During the lift, West Erie Street, from North Wells Street to North Franklin Street will be closed to vehicular traffic. 


Randolph Street Viaduct Repair


CDOT restarted viaduct repairs on Randolph, between Columbus and Field on Monday. 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). 


Crane Lift: 320 E Superior


Northwestern University will be conducting crane lifts at 320 E Superior from Monday, August 22 to Tuesday, September 27 


During the crane lifts, vehicular traffic on Superior, from Fairbanks to 340 East Superior will be prohibited. Additionally, the sidewalk on the north side of Superior, from Fairbanks to 340 East Superior will be close


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. 


Filmings


Chicago Med


On Tuesday, August 30 Chicago Med will be filming at 210 South Dearborn Street. During the filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:


  • East Side of Columbus Dr from Monroe St to Jackson Blvd (August 29 at 4pm to August 30 at4pm)
  • West Side of Dearborn St from Adams St to Van Buren St (August 30 from 4-6pm)
  • North Side of Jackson Blvd from Clark St to Dearborn St (August 30 from 4-6pm)
  • Both Sides of Clark St from Adams St to Jackson Blvd (August 30 from 4am-4pm)
  • South Side of Adams St from State St to Dearborn St (August 30 from 4am-4pm)
  • East Side of Federal St from Jackson Blvd to Van Buren St (August 30 from 4am-4pm)


Additionally, there will be intermittent closures of the following street between 9am and 3pm:

  • Dearborn St from Adams St to Van Buren St
  • Jackson Blvd from Clark St to Dearborn St


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Edward Eberwine III (location manager) at 312-841-7695. 


Chicago Fire


On Wednesday, August 31 and Thursday, September 1, Chicago Fire will be filming at 371 W Ontario Street. During the filming, parking at the following locations will be prohibited:


  • South Side of Ontario from 355 W Ontario going west to the alleyway
  • Both Sides of Ontario from 355 W Ontario going west to the alleyway
  • Both Sides Of Ontario From 358 W Ontario To Kingsbury


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Will Higgins (location manager) 773-525-2326.



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 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). 



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:



  • 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.