November 13, 2020
Alderman Reilly Reports
City of Chicago Stay-at-Home Advisory Goes Into Effect on Monday, November 16
City agencies, including the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), launched a new citywide strategy - “Protect Chicago” - an effort to help Chicago bend the COVID-19 curve for the second time.  

A key pillar of the “Protect Chicago” strategy will be the implementation of several regulatory measures aimed at combating the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Chief among these new efforts is a Stay-at-Home Advisory, which calls on all Chicagoans to follow clear measures to protect their community and help us flatten the curve. Please note, this advisory is recommended guidance from the City of Chicago and not an enforceable order.  
Residents are strongly advised to adhere to the Advisory by following these guidelines, which will go into effect on Monday, November 16, 2020, at 6:00 a.m.: 

  • Only leave home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up take-out food, or receiving deliveries.  
  • If you do leave home, practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others and wearing a face covering at all times. 
  • Do not have gatherings in your home with anybody outside of your household (except for essential staff such as home health care workers or educators), even with trusted family or friends. 
  • Avoid all non-essential, out-of-state travel; if travel is essential, quarantining or testing negative prior to travel is required, depending on which state a traveler is originating from.  
  • Comply with City and State Orders, including wearing face coverings, limiting gatherings, and mandating early closure of non-essential businesses at 11 p.m. 
  • Practice social distancing and avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others if you go outside to get fresh air. 
  • Use remote modes of communication like phone or video chat instead of visiting friends or family, especially on holidays such as Thanksgiving. 
In addition to the Stay-at-Home Advisory, the City is imposing new restrictions to limit meetings and social events to 10 individuals (both indoors and outdoors), which will also go into effect on Monday, November 16, 2020, at 6:00 a.m. This capacity limit applies to events such as weddings, birthday parties, business dinners/social events, and funerals, and is applicable to any venue where a meeting or social event is taking place, including meeting rooms. However, the capacity limit does not supersede industries that have specific capacity guidelines in place, which include fitness clubs, retail stores, personal services and movie theaters (generally, 40% or 50 individuals max., whichever is fewer).  

The following mitigation measures are also still in place:  

  • No indoor dining or service at bars or restaurants.  
  • NOTE: Outdoor dining spaces include rooms with retractable roofs, rooftops and indoor tables that are within eight feet of a wall, provided that the wall is open at least 50%.  
  • Maximum party size and table occupancy at restaurants, bars, breweries and event venues remains at six people.  
  • When dining out at a food service establishment or bar, customers must wear face coverings while seated at all times (including when interacting with staff), except when actively eating or drinking. 
  • Restaurants may continue to sell food via delivery, takeout, or curbside pickup at all hours. 

  • Impact on liquor sales:  
  • Bars, restaurants and other establishments with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity license can sell alcohol on-site or to-go until 11:00 pm. 
  • Liquor stores, grocery stores and other establishments with a Package Goods license must still cease alcohol sales at 9:00 pm. 

Winter Outdoor Dining Guidelines for restaurants and bars can be found here. More information on the new restrictions can be found at chicago.gov/reopening.  

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is revamping its Emergency Travel Order to better reflect the changing nature of the pandemic and provide more specific guidance to travelers entering or returning to the city amid a surge in COVID-19 cases locally and nationally. Under the new system, states will be placed in three categories – red, orange and yellow – based on the status of the outbreak in the states and how the data compares to the situation in Chicago. 

Previously, states with more than 15 new COVID cases per day, per 100,000 population automatically went on the quarantine list, requiring visitors and Chicagoans returning from these states to quarantine for 14 days. The new guidance is as follows: 

  • Yellow: States with a rolling 7-day average less than 15 cases/day/100k residents.  
  • No quarantine or pre-arrival test required. Maintain strict masking, social distancing and avoidance of in-person gatherings. 

  • Orange: States have a rolling 7-day average between 15 cases/day/100k residents and the Chicago rolling 7-day average (currently 60).
  • 14-day quarantine OR pre-arrival negative test no more than 72 hours before arrival in Chicago with strict masking, social distancing and avoidance of in-person gatherings 

  • Red: States have a higher 7-day rolling average of positive cases/day/100k Chicago residents. 
  • 14-day quarantine.
The new guidance is now in effect and it will be updated every two weeks, although this initial version will be updated after one week to get on a two-week cycle that will avoid conflict with the Thanksgiving weekend. Regardless of category, people are urged to avoid non-essential travel and to follow standard COVID-19 mitigation practices such as wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and social distancing. 

Based on current data, this is where states fall: 

  • 6 yellow states (no requirements): New York, California, New Hampshire, Maine, Hawaii, Vermont 
  • 31 orange states and Puerto Rico (must quarantine or receive a pre-arrival negative test result)
  • 12 red states (must quarantine): North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Minnesota, Utah, Idaho, Kansas, Indiana 

The City’s goal is to educate travelers about the order, and it will be communicated through signage at O’Hare and Midway airports, on highways and roadways, as well as through City websites and social media channels. Individuals found in violation of the order can be subject to fines of $100-$500 per day, up to $7,000. 

Exceptions to the order for personal travel will be permitted for travel for medical care and parental shared custody, and for business travel to Chicago for essential workers. The Commissioner of Health may grant additional exemptions based upon an organization’s or business’ testing and other control policies. 

There are other exceptions to the order, as well. For example, it does not apply to any individual passing through designated states for a limited duration (less than 24 hours) through the course of travel, such as travelers changing planes at certain airports or driving through designated states. Additionally, exceptions are in place for daily commuters to and from neighboring states. 
Important Announcements and Updates
Celebrate (Virtually) This Holiday Season!
Due to COVID-19 health and safety concerns, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will not present an in-person tree lighting ceremony for the public, but Chicagoans and visitors are invited to attend a new virtual holiday program premiering on November 19 at 6:30pm. It will include a holiday greeting from Mayor Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman, special acknowledgements of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, and music performances recorded at the Epiphany Center for the Arts featuring the Chicago Children’s Choir, Sones de México Ensemble and Percy Bady and friends – with a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” 

Residents can also visit Millennium Park to see the City of Chicago Christmas Tree shining brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. from November 20 through January 7. The Park is open daily, 8:00am to 9:00pm, for groups of 10 persons or fewer who practice physical distancing and wear face coverings. For information about where to enter/exit the Park and other details, visit MillenniumPark.org. 
COVID-19 Relief for Residents and Businesses
RESIDENTS 

The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) re-opened the online application for its Rental Assistance Program (RAP) from November 2-15. RAP is a DFSS homeless prevention initiative that offers up to six months of support – including payment of rent and rent arrears – for eligible households that are at immediate risk of eviction. 

To be eligible for RAP, households must currently reside in a rental unit and have experienced a documented crisis or emergency within the last 90 days, such as:  

  • Temporary loss of income  
  • Fire or flood  
  • Court order to vacate (foreclosure or eviction)  
  • Domestic violence  

RAP assistance includes payment of future rent or rent arrears to prevent eviction, and security deposits in cases of fire, flood, foreclosure, domestic violence or eviction. Also, the property owner or manager must agree to participate in the household’s eligibility verification. Interested residents can click here for a list of frequently asked questions. 

The RAP online application will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 15. Year-round, the paper-copy of the RAP application is available at one of the City’s six community service centers. 

DFSS launched the online RAP application in July 2020 and received over 1,900 applications. Nearly $800,000 in rental assistance has been provided to eligible households in Chicago this year. Funded federally through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the CARES Act, $16 million is designated in Chicago for rental assistance through September 2022. 

BUSINESSES 

City and business leaders announced an emergency COVID-19 relief package for the hospitality industry, including a $10 million grant program for Chicago’s restaurants and bars that continue to face significant challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis.  

Opening for applications this month, the Chicago Hospitality Grant Program will reallocate CARES Act funding to supplement state and federal relief programs with grants of $10,000 to independent bars and restaurants throughout Chicago that have been affected by the state’s recent closure of indoor service. The Chicago Hospitality Grant Program, administered with the support of World Business Chicago and Accion Serving Illinois and Indiana, will provide businesses with grants of $10,000 each. To be eligible, establishments must: 

  • be a bar or restaurant, as defined by City and State code,  
  • with annual revenue of under $3 million, and must 
  • have experienced economic distress and loss due to COVID-19 on or after March 1, 2020 totaling at least 25% of annual net revenue.  
  • Regional and/or national chain businesses with more than two total establishments are ineligible, as are adult entertainment facilities.  

Funds must be used to cover operational costs including payroll expenses, replenishment of inventory and/or mortgage, rent and utilities payments. Grants will be distributed via lottery to recipients throughout the city, with 60% of grants reserved for businesses in low- and moderate-income Community Areas. Applications are now available and close on November 23 at 11:59 pm. 

Additionally, the City is directing businesses to apply for grants through the State of Illinois Business Interruption Grant Program (BIG). Applications are available today at illinois.gov/dceo.  

The City recognizes that COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on hospitality workers, many of whom have lost their jobs and can no longer access increased unemployment benefits due to expired federal relief. To support these workers, the City has partnered with The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership to launch ChiServes.com, a portal that hospitality workers who have lost their jobs can use to access a network of resources through The Partnership.  

The Partnership is also launching a new text campaign where registered recipients will receive weekly blasts of current job listings. By texting “ChiServes” (or “ChiSirve” for Spanish-speakers) to 474747, workers will receive texts with information about who is hiring now, upcoming virtual or in-person workshops and hiring events. Additionally, restaurant workers are encouraged to apply for a grant through the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, created by the Illinois Restaurant Association.   
Art on theMART Returns This Winter!
Art on theMART is back! The 30-minute program of projections will be shown nightly at 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. through December 30, and can be viewed for free from the Jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street.

Just in time for the holidays, The Joffrey Ballet will debut a moving-image work of art featuring production images from its acclaimed production of The Nutcracker; the Art Institute of Chicago will present images from two of its current exhibitions, Monet and Chicago and Bisa Butler: Portraits; and Arts of Life will show a compilation of their artists’ bold images, animated together as a video projection.

In accordance with Chicago’s Phase Four pandemic guidelines, no more than 100 people can be on the Riverwalk jetty and all must comply with social distancing regulations. All visitors must wear face coverings. The November 12 projections will also be livestreamed on Facebook.  
CDPH COVID-19 Testing in Chicago
The City's community-based testing sites remain open to all people living in Chicago, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Please note that, in recent weeks, Chicago has set new daily records for the number of people tested for the virus that causes COVID-19. Like many providers across the city, we are currently seeing an increase in patient volumes at all City of Chicago community-based testing sites, which were created to supplement testing performed in clinical settings.

CDPH strongly encourages people to register in advance. If there aren't any available time slots, CDPH encourage people to use our interactive testing map and locate another testing site nearby.

To register online, residents must have an email address. If an individual does not have email, they may call the Department of Public Health’s testing support line at (312) 746-4835 to register and schedule an appointment over the phone. 
Register Now for Chicago Park District Fall Programs
Chicago residents can sign-up for the Chicago Park District's fall programming now! A full list of programs can be viewed here and more information can be found below.

Information for Online Programs
  • Most programs are hosted via Zoom. Aquatics and Gymnastic Center classes use Microsoft TEAMS.The link for a class will be listed on the registration receipt.
  • An account is required to register and participate in a class. If you do not already have an ActiveNet account, set up an account now.
  • With the limited number of spaces available in each class, it is recommended to sign up early.
  • To ensure a safe online experience, all virtual programs will require the name of the person taking the class be provided. This name must match the name of the person entered when registering. 
  • Please review and keep your ActiveNet registration receipt. 
  • You will find the meeting link and password for each registered program on the receipt.
  • When it is time for a program to begin, click the meeting link on the receipt and enter the listed password when prompted.

For more information about the available programs, please visit the Chicago Park District website.
Apply for 2021 Individual Artists Program (IAP) Grants
The Individual Artists Program aims to assist Chicago's practicing artists in creating work that develops their craft and elevates their careers, while adding to the cultural vitality of the city of Chicago.

To be eligible to apply for funding from the Individual Artists Program, applicants must meet each of the following criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a United States citizen or permanent resident with Social Security Number
  • Be a resident of the city of Chicago, Illinois (proof of Chicago residency is required for application - we will only accept a Driver’s License, State of Illinois ID or Chicago CityKey)
  • Must not be enrolled full time in undergraduate college or university studies of any kind.

The deadline to submit applications is December 1, 2020 at 5:00pm CST.
42nd Ward Mask Distribution
Alderman Reilly will be distributing masks again this Fall. Similar to earlier this year, these masks will be prioritized for 42nd Ward residents who belong to a vulnerable population (including seniors 65 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk) and essential personnel. However, all residents are welcome to request a mask.  

If you or a member of your immediate household falls into one of these categories, please complete this form and we will do our best to provide you with a mask. If you have previously requested a mask from our office, you may request additional masks.  

Please note, these masks are for 42nd Ward residents only, if you reside outside of the 42nd Ward, please contact your local Alderman directly.  
Chicago Department of Public Health Citywide Flu Clinics
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has launched its annual Flu Vaccination Campaign to raise awareness about the flu and encourage Chicagoans to receive their flu shot. CDPH recommends everyone six months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine as the first, and most important step, in protecting against the flu. To ensure that every resident can access vaccines, regardless of their immigration status and ability to pay, CDPH has scheduled more than 50 community flu clinics over the next two months where residents can get their flu shot for no out-of-pocket cost. 

This fall, CDPH is adjusting their flu clinic operations to increase capacity, allow for appropriate social distancing and protect both our staff and clients. They will host over 40 recurring flu clinics at large locations across the City, such as Chicago’s City Colleges, and multiple smaller, one-time clinics in high-risk communities. The full schedule is available online at chicago.gov/flu. Walk-ins are welcome, but residents are able register in advance on the website. 

While the flu vaccination is always important, this season getting vaccinated is more important than ever. This is especially true for people who are at higher risk of being exposed to or developing serious complications from flu and COVID-19, as well as those who are caregivers of people who are at higher risk from these two diseases. This includes: 

  • People 65 and older, who account for the majority of hospitalizations and deaths from flu and COVID-19. 
  • People with underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, neurologic disorders, weakened immune systems and diabetes, who also are more likely to have serious flu and COVID-19 outcomes. 
  • African Americans and Hispanics, who are disproportionally affected by diseases like asthma, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions that can increase the risk for serious flu and COVID-19 complications. 
  • Caregivers in long-term care facilities—in addition to residents—who are in daily close contact with people who are most vulnerable to serious flu and COVID-19 illness and death. 
  • Essential workers who have frequent interactions with the public and who are therefore more likely to be exposed to flu and COVID-19.  

Residents are best served when they receive vaccines as part of a routine visit with a primary care provider. If you do not have a doctor, find a nearby pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine or call 311 to locate a CDPH Community Flu Clinic. To make it easier for residents to find a location to be vaccinated, CDPH has relaunched the Chicago Flu Vaccine Finder, a web-based app that shows the closest location where the flu shot is available. 

For more information about the flu and to see the full list of community flu clinics in Chicago, visit chicago.gov/flu. 
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
Proposed Cannabis Dispensary at 60 West Superior To Be Heard at the Zoning Board of Appeals
November 20, 2020
PC AU1, LLC has applied for a Special Use to establish an Adult Use Cannabis at 60 West Superior Street. The proposed location is within the 2nd Ward, which is represented by Alderman Brian Hopkins.  

This matter will be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) at a virtual public hearing on November 20th. 

The ZBA is a quasi-judicial body made up of Mayoral appointees. They are solely responsible for approval or denial of Special Use licenses and are not obligated to give special consideration to comments from Aldermen or Police Commanders. However, the hearing on November 20th will allow time for public comment. Alderman Reilly strongly encourages nearby residents to share feedback about this proposal with ZBA directly. In order to have your opinion considered by ZBA, please follow these steps: 

Written statements are the preferred method of public comment and will be accepted at [email protected] until 5 p.m. the Monday before the meeting. 

Members of the public wishing to speak must submit a speaking request form by 5 p.m. the Monday before the meeting to [email protected]. 

A link to access the Live Stream will be available on the ZBA website on November 20th. 
Take Out Chicago Contest
Now through December 15!

To encourage all Chicagoans with the capacity to support our beloved hospitality industry, the City is launching the Take Out Chicago contest. Through this program, launched with the support of Choose Chicago, residents that order takeout from ten unique bars and restaurants between today and December 15 will be entered into a contest to win a VIP experience at one of Chicago’s premier cultural institutions. Chicagoans can learn more and submit their entry here. Recipients will be selected via lottery to win VIP tours for themselves and three family members at a select Chicago destination, including the Art Institute, DuSable Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Soldier Field and more. Residents participating in the contest should also post their orders using the hashtag #takeoutchicago. 
CPS Local School Council Elections
November 18-19, 2020
Local School Council members are elected every two years by parents, community members, and school staff. Members serve two-year terms, with the exception of high school student representatives, who serve one-year terms.

Elections will be in-person this year on the following dates and times:

  • Elementary Schools - November 18 from 7:00am to 7:00pm
  • High Schools - November 19 from 7:00am to 7:00pm

All in-person voters will need to bring two current forms of identification with them to vote. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, Illinois ID, public library card, MediPlan or Medicare card, permanent resident card, matricula consular, voter registration card, current lease, utility bill, credit, or debit card, or court documents. The district does not track or check immigration status, and eligible voters do not need to be U.S. Citizens in order to vote. 

For all parents and community members who will be voting in-person, the district has implemented stringent health protocols to ensure the safety of voting in our school buildings. These include: 
  • Requiring voters to wear a cloth face covering, sanitize their hands, maintain social distancing, and complete a health screener and temperature check prior to entering the building.
  • Offering curbside voting for individuals with disabilities, individuals who cannot wear a mask, or individuals who choose not to enter the polling place due to pre-existing health conditions.
  • Utilizing sneeze guards and other physical barriers to protect staff when voters arrive, and using posted signage throughout school facilities to emphasize new policies and procedures.

For more information about the upcoming election, please click here.
Celebrate Petsgiving This November!
Adopt a furry friend this November from Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC)! As of November 12, there are currently 86 dogs and 62 cats looking for their forever home. To view pets available for adoption, please click here.

Due to COVID-19, please email [email protected] with your name, phone number and the name and the ID (A#) of the animal you are interested in. A volunteer will follow up with you with the next steps. If you want to adopt, CACC will note that there is an interested party, but adoptions and transfers will be honored on a first-come-first-served basis and will only be approved after the applicant meets the pet.
Live from the Library!
Weekdays at 10:00am
Watch story times with Chicagoans you know and love at Live from the Library! See a new reader at 10 a.m. every weekday, or browse past story times on Facebook Live. Guest readers include Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Tweedy, as well as Chicago Public Library (CPL) children's librarians.

Individuals can watch past and live videos each weekday on CPL's Facebook page.
Chicago Police Department 18th District Community Drives
Winter Coat Drive
The 18th District is collecting new and gently used winter coats and accessories for adults and children. Accepted winter accessories include:

  • Hats
  • Socks
  • Gloves
  • Scarves

Donations can be dropped off at the 18th District Station, located at 1160 N. Larrabee Street until December 1, 2020.

For more information or questions, please call the 18th District CAPS Office at (312) 742-5778.
Holiday Toy Drive
The 18th District is hosting its 30th Annual Toy Drive this Christmas season! They are accepting new, unwrapped toys until December 12, 2020.

Donations can be dropped off at the 18th District Station, located at 1160 N. Larrabee Street.

For more information or questions, please call the 18th District CAPS Office at (312) 742-5778.
School Supply Drive
The 18th District is collecting school supplies for students learning at home this year. Accepted items include:

  • Pens and Pencils
  • Erasers
  • Glue Sticks
  • Highlighters
  • Art Supplies
  • Notebooks
  • Calculators
  • Rulers and Protractors
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Binders

Donations will be accepted until December 31, 2020 and be dropped off at the 18th District Station at 1160 N. Larrabee Street. For more information or questions, please call the 18th District CAPS Office at (312) 742- 5778.
42nd Ward CAPS Meetings
CAPS meetings offer city residents an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat officers who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which help the police to monitor crime issues.

1st District Community Strategic Plan Pt. 2 (via Zoom)
Tuesday, November 17 from 6:00-9:00pm
Dial-In: (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 913 2485 4659
Password: 39042

18th District Community Strategic Plan Pt. 2 (via Zoom)
Thursday, November 19 from 6:00-9:00pm
Dial-In: (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 983 9000 5582
Password: 748061

Please make sure to confirm the details for upcoming meetings with your Police District's CAPS office. 

1st District: 312-745-4290
12th District: 312-746-8396
18th District: 312-742-5870

To find your district and beat, please click here.
42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices
Lake Shore Drive Expansion Joint Repair Project

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is conducting expansion joint repairs on both sides of Lake Shore Drive. While CDOT is performing repairs, Lake Shore Drive will be reduced to two lanes in each direction (northbound and southbound), between East Monroe Street and East Illinois Street. 

Work will occur 24 hours a day, but CDOT will conduct the loudest portions of the construction during the daytime hours only. All work is anticipated to be completed by Monday, November 16, weather permitting.

Lakeshore East Park ComEd Work

As part of the utility work for the IJKL project, ComEd will need to access a manhole in the Lakeshore East Park. ComEd will be blocking off the surrounding area of the manhole and laying down protection boards on the grass to maintain the landscape's integrity. ComEd will complete its work on Tuesday, November 17th. Work will take place in the evening between 6:00pm-6:00am. The protection boards and blocked off area will remain in place for the entire duration of the work. 

Lake Shore Drive Bridge Project

As part of the Lakefront Trail Project, Lake Shore Drive over the Chicago River will be closed to both northbound and southbound vehicular traffic from Monday November 16 to Friday, November 20, between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be conducting bridge testing of the south leaf of the bascule bridge. 

The bridge testing will involve raising and lowering the bridge several times to test and calibrate new equipment. Flashing lights and bells will be active during bridge testing. 

During the closures, traffic will be detoured to North Columbus Drive in both directions. Detour signage will be in place to direct traffic.

ComEd Utility Duct Relocation in Streeterville

Starting Monday, November 16, ComEd will be relocating utility ducts on the west side of North St. Clair Street, from East Superior Street to East Huron Street. Work hours are 8am-8pm, daily.

Throughout the project, the following will be closed:

  • Parking on both sides of North St. Clair Street, between East Superior Street and East Huron Street
  • Southbound traffic lane on North St. Clair Street, between East Superior Street and East Huron Street

Both northbound and southbound traffic flow will remain open throughout the duration of the project. 

ComEd will have barricades and flaggers in place during the project. Work is expected to be finished by Monday, November 23. 

Filming Notices in the Loop

Nascar Virtual Race
From Sunday, November 15, at 11:00 p.m. to Monday, November 16, at 6:00 a.m., Nascar will be filming for a virtual race in the Loop. During the filming, there will be rolling street closures in the area bounded by Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Roosevelt Road, and Monroe Street. 

Parking will be restricted on both sides of Columbus, from Balbo to Monroe, to park essential vehicles.

Film Location Scouting  
Pacific 2.1 Entertainment Group will be scouting for a filming location on Tuesday, November 17, from 8am-10am. 

Parking will be prohibited on both sides of Wells Street, from Randolph Street to Couch Place to park essential vehicles.

Window Installation: 35 East Walton

On Saturday, November 14, from 9am-3pm, the plate glass windows at 35 E. Walton are being replaced. While work is occurring, the following will be closed:

  • Curb lane on the north side of East Walton, from State Street to a point 130’ east thereof
  • Sidewalk on the north side of East Walton, from State Street to a point 130’ east thereof

Crane Lift: 146 West Erie

On Saturday, November 21, from 9am-5pm, West Erie, from North LaSalle to North Wells street will be closed for a crane lift. During the lift, there will be barricades, flaggers, and detour signs in place.

State Street Resurfacing Project

Starting Monday, November 9, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin resurfacing State Street, between Division Street and Oak Street. Work will begin at 7:00 a.m. daily. 

While work is in progress, temporary lane closures will be implemented as needed. All work is expected to be finished by Friday, November 20.

61 West Erie Street Construction

On Monday, November 2, LG Construction will begin construction of a five-story, 28 unit apartment building at 61 West Erie Street. Please find LG Construction’s phase one construction timeline below. 

  1. During the week of November 2, LG Construction will be mobilizing equipment/materials and making deliveries to the site.
  2. Starting the week of November 9, LG Construction will be excavating the site and preparing to pour caissons.
  3. Starting November 16, LG Construction will be pouring caissons. It will take roughly 9 days to finish pouring the 12 caissons required for this project. LG Construction will be radioing concrete trucks on and off the site. 

Throughout the construction process, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:
  • 100' of sidewalk and curb lane in front of 61 W Erie Street
  • The alley adjacent to the west side of 61 West Erie Street
There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers in place for the duration of the project.

IJKL Construction Update

Starting Monday, November 2, Lendlease will be installing structural geofoam at the IJKL site. Geofoam is a highly compressed thermoplastic that is used to fill-in the space between the top of the concrete deck and the soil. 

The geofoam will be cut and trimmed onsite to fit a specific design plan. Cutting and trimming the geofoam might result in some debris being blown off the site. Lendlease will make every effort to contain this and clean the area surrounding its site.

The geofoam installation is expected to be finished at the beginning of December. 

CTA Bus Stop Change in the Loop

Due to electrical vault construction, starting Monday, October 13, the following bus stop will be relocated until Monday, November 23 (or until completion of work):

  • Clark at Adams (southbound, far side to nearside)- temporary bus stop relocation
  • Stop ID Number: 1869 to TBD
  • Routes Stopping: #22 – Clark, #24 – Wentworth

AT&T Fiber Optic Installation: 227 East Ontario

Starting at the beginning of the fourth quarter, AT&T plans to install fiber optic cable at 227 East Ontario Street. The work will occur on the south side of East Ontario, from a point 148' west of North Fairbanks Court, to a point 240' west thereof (curb lane).

Façade Work: 160 North LaSalle Street

Starting at the end of October, Bowa Construction will be performing façade and cladding work at 160 North LaSalle Street. During the work, there will be scaffolding on the east, north, and south sides of the building. 

All work is expected to be completed in June 2021.

CTA Elevated Brown Line Track Maintenance

Starting Saturday, September 19, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will begin structural maintenance on the Elevated Brown Line Track over Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street. During the work, the following will be closed as needed:

  • Alleys on both sides of Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street
  • Curb/Traffic lanes on both sides of Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street
  • Sidewalks on both sides of Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street

The CTA plans to work Monday-Friday, from 8am-3:30pm and Saturday-Sunday, from 8am-6pm. This project will cause moderate noise.

All work is expected to be completed by Sunday, November 15, 2020.  

AT&T Fiber Optic Installation

Starting at the end of the third quarter, AT&T plans to install fiber optic cable at 550 W. Washington Street. The work will occur at the northwest corner of Washington Street and Clinton Street. 

Lane/sidewalk closures will occur as needed.

IJKL Host and Crane Jump

As work continues rapidly on the LSE IJKL site, Lendlease Construction will be jumping (increasing the height) to its hoists and cranes over the weekends listed below:

  • Saturday, November 14
  • Saturday, November 21 – Sunday, November 22

For safety, no other production work will occur on site during these jumps. All dates are weather dependent and if any changes occur, an updated schedule will be issued.

St. Clair Water Main Installation

Starting at the beginning of November, the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) will install 1,508 feet of 8-inch water main on the west side of St. Clair Street, between Illinois Street and Superior Street. 

Throughout the project, portions of the southbound traffic/curb lane and sidewalk will be closed as needed. Work will be conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily. 

After the new water main has been installed, the described area will experience an increase in the availability of water for fire protection and domestic use. 

This project is anticipated to be completed in mid-November 2020.

Overnight Parking Ban Downtown this Weekend

Starting tonight at midnight until December 31, overnight parking will be restricted on the following streets:  

  • Both sides of Oak, between Michigan and Clark 
  • South side of Oak, between LaSalle and Wells 
  • Both sides of Chicago, between Michigan and Wells 
  • Both sides of Ohio, between Michigan and Wells 
  • Both sides of Hubbard, between Michigan and Wells 
  • North side of Illinois, between Dearborn and Clark 
  • Both sides of Illinois, between Wabash and Dearborn 
  • Both sides of Rush, between Grand and Ohio 
  • Both sides of Rush, between Erie and Oak 
  • Both sides of Wabash, between the Chicago River and Grand 
  • Both sides of State, between Kinzie and Oak 
  • Both sides of Erie, from Rush to Wells 
  • Both sides of Huron from Rush to Wabash 
  • Both sides of New Street, from Illinois to North Water
  • Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Monroe to Balbo 
  • North side of Wacker Drive Wabash to Michigan
  • North side of Wacker Drive, from Franklin to Columbus 
  • Both sides of Wacker Drive, from State to Wabash 
  • Both sides of Stetson, from Randolph to Wacker 
  • Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Randolph to Wacker 
  • Both sides of Beaubien Court, from Randolph to Lake 
  • Both sides of Randolph, from Harbor to Michigan 
  • Both sides of Ohio, from Michigan to Fairbanks
  • Both sides of Erie, between Kingsbury and Larrabee

Chicago Police Department Commander Jill Stevens (18th District) and Commander Jacob Alderden (1st District) have ordered this temporary overnight parking ban to encourage restaurant and bar patrons to return home after dining out.  

As always, please make sure to read all posted signage before parking your vehicle downtown. 

Jane Byrne Interchange Closures and Detours

Northbound I-90/94 Mainline Improvements Begin This Week

As of October 1, all traffic lanes were shifted left on northbound I-90/94 approaching Roosevelt Road. The far right lane will provide access to the flyover ramp connection northbound I-90/94 to westbound I-290. This ramp will remain reduced to one lane between Roosevelt Road and Taylor Street until late December 2020.

Overnight lane closures will be required to facilitate these improvements. On Thursday and Monday nights, closures will start at 10:00pm, with occasional full stops for no longer than 15 minutes at a time beginning at 1:00am. All lanes will reopen by 5:00am Friday and Tuesday mornings.

Furthermore, the northbound Roosevelt Road entrance ramp to I-290 closed on October 1. The detour for motorists is below:

  • Westbound I-290: head west on Roosevelt to Ashland, north on Ashland to access the Ashland entrance to westbound I-290.
  • Eastbound I-290: head east on Roosevelt to State, north on State to Ida B. Wells Drive.

Taylor Street Reopened

Taylor Street reopened to traffic on Thursday, September 17, between Halsted and DesPlaines Street. Taylor Street closed in June and was used as part of the eastbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 detour route while the east-to-north ramp was being reconstructed.

New features to improve safety, increase visibility, and decrease decision point and conflict from opposing lanes have been made.

On Tuesday, October 6, the Taylor Street entrance tramp to northbound I-90/94 will open.

Adams Street Bridge

The Adams Street bridge is closed from Halsted Street to Desplaines Street. The bridge will be demolished and rebuilt, anticipated to reopen in the Fall of 2022. The Adams Street entrance and exit ramps to I-90/94 will also close with traffic entering the interstate via Madison Street and traffic exiting the interstate via Monroe Street. 

Detour routes for pedestrians and drivers are below: 

  • Vehicular Traffic will be directed south on Desplaines, west on Van Buren, and north on Halsted and then can continue west on Adams. 
  • Pedestrians should use the Monroe Street bridge as a detour route. 

The Adams Street bridge marks the final major bridge closure at the Jane Byrne Interchange for the 2020 construction season. The new bridge will have two westbound lanes and wider sidewalks on both sides of the street, enhancing connections and improving safety for all transportation users in the surrounding neighborhoods. 

Madison Street Exit Ramp Closure

The northbound Madison Street exit ramp will close on Tuesday, October 6 until summer 2021. The detour route for drivers is below:
  • Continue north on I-90/94 to the Washington exit ramp, head east on Washington and south on Desplaines to Madison

For more information about the Jane Byrne Interchange project, please visit janebyrneinterchange.org.

One Chicago Square-1 W Chicago Pedestrian and Traffic Impacts

Although fencing is already in place for the sidewalk closure, pedestrians still have access to the sidewalk, but should exercise caution when walking by the construction site. 
 
The Curb Lanes along Chicago, State, Superior, and Dearborn will remain a No Parking/Tow Zone throughout the project, to allow for demolition, and then the protected pedestrian walkway.

The sidewalk along the east side of Dearborn, from Superior to Chicago, has been closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians will be rerouted to the west side of Dearborn. 
 
Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports as additional construction updates and closures will be announced.

Vista Construction Update and Traffic Impact

Re-opening of Field Boulevard for vehicular traffic and pedestrians:

  • Due to safety precautions that involve the work overhead of public spaces and CDOT requirements, Magellan cannot open the underpass until initial occupancy.

Upper Wacker Drive within Project Scope:

  • Due to safety precautions, CDOT has permitted McHugh construction to take a portion of the Upper Level of Wacker Drive until the building achieves initial occupancy.

No-Left-Turn Configuration:
  • Until initial occupancy, when Wacker traffic can be directed eastbound through the new intersection, and then westbound along the north leg of Wacker, the current no-left-turn configuration will remain in place.
 
For more information or to speak with the General Contractor for the project, please contact McHugh Construction Company's Senior Project Manager for Vista, Joe Kuna at [email protected].