November 18, 2022

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Alderman Reilly Reports

Casino Community Meetings Scheduled

Mayor Lightfoot’s Community Engagement Office and Bally’s will host two Town Hall meetings to discuss Bally’s Casino temporary and permanent sites. 


Temporary Site (Medinah Temple)

Tuesday, November 29th 

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

VOCO Hotel, 350 West Wolf Point Plaza

Chicago Illinois 60654

Register to attend in-person


Permanent Site (Tribune Publishing)

Monday, December 5th

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

700 West Chicago Avenue

Chicago Illinois 60654

*A link to register for in-person attendance will be made available prior to the meeting*


Residents are encouraged to attend these Town Hall meetings. Representatives from the city and Bally’s Corporation will be there to share additional information, respond to questions, and hear from community members. The meetings will also be live-streamed at chicago.gov/live.


Alderman Reilly remains vehemently opposed to Bally’s proposal; click here for his most recent statement about the temporary casino. Following these community meetings, the permanent casino proposal will be heard at an upcoming Chicago Plan Commission (CPC) meeting. Instructions on how to submit your written comment and participate in CPC will be communicated prior to the meeting.

The Holiday Season Kicks Off this Weekend with the Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony, Christkindlmarket Opening, & the

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The Holiday season kicks-off in Chicago on Friday and continues through the weekend with the annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting, Christkindlmarket opening, Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and more. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding everyone to be safe and vigilant especially in crowds and report suspicious activity to 9-1-1. OEMC will monitor all citywide activities, traffic, and weather conditions throughout the holiday season and coordinate public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments.


Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at events citywide to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit TransitChicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-CTA.


109th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Friday, November 18, Millennium Park


Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m. during a ceremony that begins at 6 p.m. in Millennium Park. The tree stands near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. and will remain through January 8. The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony has been expanded to provide more space and opportunities for guests to participate, including multiple viewing locations with screens and concessions across the Millennium Park and a main stage on Grainger Plaza by Cloud Gate (“The Bean”). There will be performances in Millennium Park from 5 – 7 p.m. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at will be followed by fireworks and additional performances. There is the possibility for intermittent street closures on Michigan Ave (Randolph to Monroe), Washington Street (Wabash to Michigan) and Garland Ct. (Randolph to Madison). For additional details, visit MillenniumPark.org/WinterProgramming.


30th Annual BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Friday, November 18-Saturday November 19


This weekend’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival begins with a preview on Friday, November 18 featuring a tree-lighting ceremony in The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza (410 N Michigan Avenue) at 4 p.m., along with musical entertainment. The festival continues Saturday, November 19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., at Lights Festival Lane (Pioneer Court - 401 N. Michigan Avenue) with a variety of family-friendly activities. The parade will step off at 5:30 p.m. at N. Michigan Avenue and Oak Street and head south on N. Michigan to Wacker Drive. For complete details, visit TheMagnificentMile.com/lights-festival/


Street Closures for Saturday, November 19: 

Closed from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.:

  • Oak Street from State Street to Michigan Avenue
  • North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
  • Upper Wacker Drive from Wabash Avenue to east turnaround


Closed from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.:

  • Upper Columbus Drive from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street


Closed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

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


Closed from 3:30 to 9 p.m.:

  • Upper Columbus Drive (the curb lanes from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street)
  • Randolph Street (curb lanes from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive)
  • Intermittent closures based on traffic conditions


Millennium Park Art Market and McCormick Tribune Ice Rink Opening Weekend


The Millennium Park Art Market opens on Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 from noon-8 p.m.; continuing through Sunday, November 20 from noon- 5 p.m. on the North Promenade. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink opens for the season on November 18 and runs through March 5, 2022. For details visit MillenniumPark.org/WinterProgramming


2022 Christkindlmarket Opening, Friday, November 18, Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville


The annual Christkindlmarket opens Friday, November 18 through Saturday, December 24 on Daley Plaza located at 50 West Washington Street. NOTE: For weekend programming, there will be a full closure of W. Washington Street, including the CTA bus lane, between Clark Street and Dearborn Street starting at 5 a.m. each Saturday morning and ending at 11 p.m. Sunday night on the following dates: November 19–20, 26–27, December 3–4, 10–11 and 17–18. Hours are Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m. –8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. –9 p.m. with special hours on holidays. The Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way, located at 3635 N. Clark Street will also open on Friday, November 18 through Saturday, December 31. Hours are Mondays-Thursdays, 3 p.m.–9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. –10 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. –7 p.m. with special hours on holidays. For complete details, visit Christkindlmarket.com/


Update on Shooting at Chicago & Franklin

Last week, Alderman Reilly provided an update following the disturbing shooting that occurred at Hush Nightclub, located at Chicago and Franklin, on the morning of Sunday, November 6th. 


Alderman Reilly strongly supported the Summary Closure request submitted by the Chicago Police (CPD) Commander Hein. CPD Superintendent Brown issued a “Summary Closure” order requiring the immediate closure of this establishment on Tuesday, November 8th. Hush has remained closed since then, however, this action is not permanent. 


Alderman Reilly is 100% committed to ensuring Hush Nightclub is held responsible for its role in this most recent incident. Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates.

Re-Zoning of 65 East Huron Street

On October 26, 2022, Alderman Reilly introduced an ordinance to re-zone portions of the block bounded by East Huron Street, North Rush Street, East Erie Street, and North Wabash Avenue, to sunset the expired Planned Development (PD) # 889 that currently regulates the property.

Please note, there is no proposed development at this location. PD 889 was originally approved in 2006 and allowed for a “floor area ratio” (FAR) of 18.85 to build a high rise mixed use building measuring 750 feet tall. The PD stipulated that unless substantial construction has commenced within 6 years following the adoption of the PD, then it shall expire. The property at 65 East Huron is also currently up for sale. To prepare for a new owner to take control, Alderman Reilly’s ordinance will “re-set” the zoning back to DX-12. Any future redevelopment proposal for this site will be subject to a robust and transparent community review process prior to consideration by the full City Council. 


This ordinance will be reviewed at an upcoming Chicago Plan Commission and Committee on Zoning meeting. For more updates on developments in the 42nd Ward, stay tuned to Reilly Reports. 

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. 

Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge Repair Project

On Monday, November 21, CDOT will begin work on the Grand Avenue Bridge at 6am. Work needs to begin this early to complete repaving the bridge before the asphalt plants close for the winter.


The entire project is expected to be completed at the end of December 2022.


CAPS Meetings

  • 18th District: (312-742-5778 / CAPS018District@chicagopolice.org)
  • 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

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 at the beginning of December (weather dependent). .


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 22.


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. 


 

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.