November 13, 2026

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Alderman Reilly Reports

City Council Budget Update

The Committee on Budget and Government Operations has concluded its department budget hearings on Mayor Johnson’s proposed $17.6 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget. During the final hearings, Alderman Reilly pressed administration officials for accountability on the stalled procurement of gunshot-detection technology.


On November 9, at the Department of Procurement Services hearing, Alderman Reilly challenged Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts on the continued absence of gunshot-detection technology, which Chicago has been without for more than two years. The November 3rd advisory referendum results underscored the public's interest in restoring the technology, with 72% of voters supporting bringing it back. 


Despite a competitive bidding process that began nearly two years ago, the administration has yet to select a vendor. Instead, it announced a new pilot program while the original RFP remains open. Alderman Reilly questioned the decision to run both processes simultaneously, warning that it could invite vendor protests or legal challenges and further delay a contract award. He urged the administration to expedite the existing procurement and restore the technology. Click here to listen to Alderman Reilly’s questions to the Chief Procurement Officer.


Watch & Learn More

For additional coverage of the City's budget deliberations and the ongoing debate over gunshot-detection technology, read articles from Block Club Chicago, ABC7 Chicago and Crain's Chicago Business.


Although department hearings have concluded, significant work remains before a final budget is adopted. City Council members and the administration will continue discussions and negotiations in the coming weeks, with a budget required to be approved by December 31. Residents can follow the budget process, review hearing materials and access additional information through the Chicago City Clerk's FY2027 Budget page.

Alderman Reilly Visits Aqua at Lakeshore East, 225 N. Columbus

On Tuesday, November 10, Alderman Reilly met with residents of Aqua at Lakeshore East (225 N. Columbus) for an engaging discussion on local community priorities, ward development, and neighborhood infrastructure.



Topics included the evolution of downtown development, such as rising residential demand and new experiential retail concepts, alongside updates on autonomous vehicles, clarifying that Waymo is currently only mapping streets without commercial ride-hailing approval. Alderman Reilly also discussed potential City efforts to host major festivals in neighborhoods outside of Grant Park to share economic benefits across Chicago, as well as ongoing street and sidewalk repairs with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the allocation of ward infrastructure menu funds.


Thank you to the residents and management of 225 N. Columbus for a productive conversation about the neighborhood.

Upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is an appointed body responsible for reviewing proposals that require variations from the Zoning Code and Special Uses that require review to determine compatibility with adjacent properties. On Friday, November 20, the ZBA will host a public meeting to review the following proposals in the 42nd Ward:


225 West Randolph Street

The applicant, Golub Capital, LLC, is seeking approval to install a high-rise wall sign on the west elevation of the existing commercial office building. The proposed sign would be located approximately 329 feet above grade and measure 450 square feet. The applicant is requesting a variation to increase the maximum permitted sign area from 400 to 450 square feet, along with a Special Use for the high-rise wall sign.


750 North Franklin Street

The applicant, Noble Art, is seeking a Special Use to establish a tattoo studio on the second floor of an existing building. Noble Art is an international tattoo studio operator with nine locations across Spain, Switzerland, the United States and Canada. In addition to tattooing, the studio offers piercing, laser tattoo removal and specialized training through its academy. The Chicago location will operate by appointment only, seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. All appointments will conclude before the studio closes at 8:00 p.m.


Additional application materials are available on the ZBA’s website here. These proposals do not require approval from Alderman Reilly or the City Council. However, the hearing will allow time for public comment. Information about the ZBA’s public comment process and a link to livestream the meeting will be available on the ZBA’s website.

2026 Fall Bridge Lift Schedule

The City of Chicago began the Fall bridge lifts on Wednesday, September 30 at 9:30 a.m.



These lifts allow sailboats and other recreational boats to make their annual trip from the open waters of Lake Michigan to their winter storage facilities. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) oversees these bridge lifts each year, in the spring and fall seasons.  


Delays are expected at bridges from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 18th Street. 


The Fall 2026 bridge lift schedule is as follows: 

  • Saturday, November 14 at 9:00 a.m.

113th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree


Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, the 113th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St.


The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, with the tree illumination expected closer to 6:30 p.m. ABC7 Chicago, the official media partner of the 2026 Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, will broadcast the celebration live.


The tree will remain illuminated through Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027.


Guests can enjoy multiple viewing areas throughout Millennium Park, complete with giant screens, seasonal treats, and a vibrant main stage along Washington Street, right beside the Chicago Cultural Center. The celebration will reach its magical finale with the illumination of Chicago’s Christmas Tree, followed by a fireworks display.


In preparation for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony the following street closures will be in place:

  • Washington St from Wabash Ave to Michigan Ave - 9am - 11:59pm
  • Garland Ct from Monroe St to Randolph St - 9am - 11:59pm
  • Michigan Ave from Monroe St to Randolph St - 10am - 11:59pm
  • Madison St from Wabash Ave to Michigan Ave - 10am - 11:59pm

CAPS Meetings

1st District: (312-745-4381 / CAPS.001District@chicagopolice.org)

  • There are no remaining 1st District CAPS meetings this month in the 42nd Ward.


18th District: (312-742-5778 / CAPS.018District@chicagopolice.org)

  • Beat 1831/1832 CAPS Meeting: Tuesday, November 17, from 5-7pm at 510 N LaSalle Dr.
  • Beat 1833/1834 CAPS Meeting: Thursday, November 19, from 5-7pm at 303 E Superior St.


To find your appropriate beat to attend your CAPS meeting, please click here.

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

Crane Lift: 110 E Delaware Place 

On Saturday, November 14th, a crane lift will take place on E Delaware Place between Wabash and Michigan Avenue. The lift will occur between 9am - 4pm on E Delaware Place. During the lift, the following full street and sidewalk closures will be in place:


Full street closure on East Delaware Place, between North Wabash and North Michigan Avenue. Sidewalk access on the north side of E Delaware will be closed. 




Crane Lift: 500 N Kingsbury

On Saturday November 14th a crane lift will take place on N Kingsbury St and W Hubbard St. The lift will occur between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at 500 N Kingsbury Street. During the lift, a partial street and sidewalk closure will be in place on N Kingsbury. 


Traffic control will be onsite to direct traffic and pedestrians. 


Filming Notice 

A student film will be at 1 N Wacker Dr. The filming will be on the sidewalk; however, the sidewalk will remain open. 


In order to park essential vehicles and equipment, streets in the area will be posted as a NO PARKING/TOW ZONE during the following dates/time:

  • Saturday, November 14 from 7am - 7pm on the East side of Wacker Dr from Madison St to Calhoun Place
  • Sidewalk Filming: Madison from Wacker Dr to Franklin St


Filming Notice 

Filming for Chicago Fire will be at 435 N Michigan Avenue, filming will take place inside.  

In order to park essential vehicles and equipment, streets in the area will be posted as a NO PARKING/TOW ZONE during the following dates/time:

  • Monday November 16th 3am – 7pm
  • South side of Illinois from Michigan Ave to Cityfront Plaza
  • North side of Illinois from Cityfront Plaza to 160 E Illinois St
  • South side of Lower Illinois St from Lower St Clair St to Columbus Dr
  • North side of Lower North Water St from Lower Michigan Ave to Lower St Clair St
  • Both sides of Lower St Clair St from Lower Illinois St to Lower North Water St
  • Monday November 16th 6am – 10 am - Intermittent Traffic Control
  • Eastbound Illinois from Michigan Ave to Cityfront Plaza
  • Tuesday November 17th 7 am – 5 pm
  • South side of Illinois from 177 E Illinois St going East 50 Feet


Ongoing CDOT Work - Resurfacing Project E Middle Randolph Street from Bridge Joint to S Harbor Drive

On November 6, weather and materials permitting, CDOT's Arterial Street Resurfacing Project began on E Middle Randolph Street from the Bridge Joint to S Harbor Drive. This project will include ADA compliant sidewalk improvements; removal and replacement of curbs and gutters; milling and resurfacing of the existing asphalt pavement; pavement striping; and landscape work. During construction temporary "No Parking" signs will be installed as needed to accommodate the project, restricting parking during working hours while maintaining compliance with rush hour restrictions. 


Ongoing CDOT Work - Lower Wabash Avenue from Illinois Street to Hubbard Street

CDOT is installing temporary shoring towers on the lower level of Wabash Avenue viaduct. On October 14th southbound traffic lanes on Lower level Wabash Avenue will close between Illinois and Hubbard Streets. Access to buildings from the lower level will be maintained via a detour from Illinois to Hubbard along State Street and back north on Lower Wabash, sidewalks will remain accessible. 


The shoring will remain in place until a repair can be completed on the deteriorated steel. Currently the repair work is estimated to begin in Spring 2027 and be completed by mid-2027.


Concrete Repairs on Upper-Level Randolph

Project: The project includes partial and full-depth concrete repairs to the north sidewalk and repairs to the underlying steel. Work will be performed by CDOT In House Construction.


Impacts: Beginning on Monday, October 5th, the north curb lane and the north sidewalk of upper-level Randolph will be closed between Field Blvd and the west building driveway at 400 E Randolph. The westbound bus stop at Field Blvd will be temporarily relocated west of the intersection. CDOT has coordinated this with CTA. Additionally, the intermediate-level sidewalk and curb lane will be closed for the duration of the project. The sidewalk on lower-level Randolph will also be closed for the duration of the project. The closure limits will be the same as on upper-level.


Reason: The north sidewalk and some underlying structural steel exhibit significant deterioration. Repairs are necessary to maintain a safe sidewalk walking surface and prevent further corrosion of underlying structural steel. Intermediate level closures are required to perform the steel repairs. Lower-level closures are required to protect pedestrians below from any potential hazards from the construction above.


Duration: The partial-depth sidewalk repairs are on track to be complete in early November. Unfortunately, CDOT has encountered unforeseen issues procuring material for the steel repairs due to industry-wide steel procurement delays. 


These delays will require CDOT to reschedule the remainder of the steel repairs and the associated full-depth concrete repairs for early-spring. CDOT In House Crews plan to demobilize in early to mid-November after restoring the sidewalk and roadway to traffic.


CDOT will need to re-mobilize in early spring 2027 to complete the steel repair and associated full depth concrete repairs. The same sidewalk and curb-lane closures that are currently in place will be required again in the spring for the steel repair. 


Sidewalk and Steel Repairs at Upper Randolph Street

Beginning on Monday, October 5th, the north curb lane and the north sidewalk of upper-level Randolph will be closed between Field Blvd and the west building driveway at 400 E Randolph. The westbound bus stop at Field Blvd will be temporarily relocated west of the intersection. CDOT has coordinated this with CTA.


The project includes partial and full-depth concrete repairs to the north sidewalk and repairs to the underlying steel. Work will be performed by CDOT In House Construction. The north sidewalk and some underlying structural steel exhibit significant deterioration. Repairs are necessary to maintain a safe sidewalk walking surface and prevent further corrosion of underlying structural steel.


This work will require full closure of the north sidewalk and a curb lane closure on upper-level Randolph for approximately 7 weeks beginning October 5th.


Hubbard Street Stairwell Closure

Alderman Reilly reported the rusted staircase at E. Hubbard Street and N. Wabash Avenue to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) due to pedestrian safety concerns. CDOT initially secured and closed the staircase. However, after pedestrians continued using the stairs, Alderman Reilly escalated the issue and urged CDOT to address the safety hazard. He is pleased to report that construction on the stairwell began this week. The stairwell will remain closed until repairs are complete, weather permitting, by spring 2027.


Rehabilitation Work to Sewers

The CIPP sewer rehabilitation work will continue this week in the 42nd ward. The contractor has an anticipated completion date of January 2027. Letter/flyers will be sent to residents located in the immediate area to provide notification of the work once they begin lining the sewer mains. 


  • E Ontario St from N Michigan Ave to N St Clair St
  • E Haddock Pl from N State St to 308' West of N Wabash Ave
  • N Lasalle St (West side sewer) from W Lake St to W Couch Pl
  • E Benton Pl from 204' East of N State St to 41' East of N Garland Ct
  • W Lake St from 208' East of W Wacker Dr to N Franklin St
  • N Wells St from 67' South of W Wacker Dr to 81' North of W Haddock Pl


"No parking" signs will be posted in the immediate area a workday prior to the start of any scheduled work. It will be necessary to close some lanes, but the streets will remain open to traffic. Work is typically completed during working hours and the Cure In Place Pipe (CIPP) being used is non-destructive and requires little to no excavation limiting impact to residents.


Cityfront Plaza Drive

The Cityfront Center West Association Repairs project began and will be continuing through November 2026 (weather permitting). This phase of the project will replace the steel curbs and waterproofing on both sides of Cityfront Plaza Drive. 


During construction, both northbound and southbound lanes of Cityfront Plaza Drive will remain open to automobile traffic while the construction area remains barricaded for public safety. During this time street parking will not be allowed on either side of Cityfront Plaza Drive. 


CTA #22 Temporary Bus Stop - Clark & Kinzie

As a result of the Clark Street Outdoor Dining Program, the southbound CTA #22 bus will now temporarily stop approximately 200' south of the intersection of Clark and Kinzie. This change will be in effect through October 2026. The regular southbound stop at the northwest corner of Clark and Kinzie will remain closed during the Outdoor Dining Program.


Public Assembly:


State / Lake CTA Station Reconstruction

As part of the ongoing State / Lake CTA Station Reconstruction project, a full closure of the southbound lanes has been implemented on State St, from Wacker Dr to Randolph St. Lake St, between State St and Wabash Ave, remains closed. Please click here for the detour map. This closure will remain in place until further notice.


Until the closure is lifted, southbound vehicles will be rerouted to Kinzie St, Clark St, and Washington St to re-access State St. Local business, driveway, and sidewalks access on State St will be maintained during the closures. The underground CTA Red Line train station at Lake will remain open. As a result of the closure on State Street, the following southbound CTA bus stops will be eliminated at State & Lake until further notice:


#2 - Hyde Park Express, #6 – Jackson Park Express, #10 – Museum Science & Industry, #29 – State, #36 – Broadway, #62 – Archer, #146 – Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express, #148 – Clarendon/Michigan Express.