October 15, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
Community Engagement Opportunities and Public Safety Updates
We understand that recent crime and personal safety continue to be top-of-mind for many Chicago residents. Residents often ask what they can do to help the Chicago Police Department (CPD) improve public safety and for updates regarding Alderman Reilly’s efforts to reduce criminal activity. 

Community Engagement Opportunities

Residents can assist CPD and their community improve public safety by doing the following:

  • Joining the Court Advocacy program. Court Advocates are volunteers who track court cases and attend judicial hearings for crimes that have occurred within their neighborhoods. Court advocacy is a way to show support for victims and solidarity against crime in your community. Please click here for information about Court Advocacy.
  • Participate in your local CAPS meetings. CAPS meetings offer residents an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat cops who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which helps the police to monitor crime issues. Please make sure to confirm the details for upcoming meetings with your Police District's CAPS office. To find your district and beat, please click here, and please review CAPS Personal Safety Tips to protect yourself.
  • Most importantly, if you see something, say something. Calling 9-1-1 in real-time when criminal activity occurs is the most important thing anyone can do. Please click here for tips about calling 9-1-1. 

Alderman Reilly’s Efforts to Improve Public Safety

Although Alderman Reilly does not have the authority to direct the CPD, his top priority is to leverage all available City resources to enhance public safety throughout the Downtown neighborhoods.

Alderman Reilly consistently collaborates with CPD to identify and address hot-spot crime locations. Since 2019, the Alderman has allocated portions of the Aldermanic Menu to fund the installation of the following:

  • $657,000 to fund the installation of Police Observation Cameras (PODs) and License Plate Readers (LPRs) in various locations throughout the 42nd Ward. These cameras have been instrumental in assisting CPD identify and arrest criminals. 
  • $1.7 million to fund lighting enhancements in the 42nd Ward. 

Earlier this week, Alderman Reilly convened a site survey with staff of relevant City Departments to review 15 potential locations for new cameras to be installed. He is committed to spending a large portion of the 2022 Aldermanic Menu Fund to install additional PODs and LPRs in the Downtown neighborhoods. 

In addition to the Aldermanic Menu, Alderman Reilly uses his legislative powers to provide law enforcement with more tools to address crime and safety issues. 

While CPD is on pace to take over 12,000 guns off the City's streets this year, in many cases, guns involved in shootings around the City are legally purchased before illegally changing hands to be used for illicit activities and terrorizing the City's communities. 

Effective crime reduction strategies require an aligned system of justice - federal, state, and local agencies  must develop a collaborative, cross-government approach to public safety to ensure the well-being of the City's residents remains at the forefront of any and all public safety. 

Alderman Reilly is pleased to report that he recently co-sponsored a City Council Resolution calling for a hearing to investigate how best to combat gun violence in the City and how to foster cooperation among agencies responsible for the apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders (R2021-1128).

Again, please remember to call 9-1-1 in real-time if you witness criminal activity. Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future public safety updates.

1st District Community Conversations
On Wednesday, November 10, from 6pm to 8pm, the 1st District CAPS Office will be holding the first of a two-part series to develop their 2022 Strategic Plan. This meeting is an opportunity for local residents to help craft policing strategies and identity crime hot-spots that need more attention in the coming year. 
 
The meeting will be held via Zoom and residents are encouraged to attend. Please see the flyer below for Zoom login information and additional details.
Meet me on the Mile
On Sunday, October 24, from 9am to 5pm, the Magnificent Mile Association will host “Meet me on the Mile,” which is an outdoor activation that offers free entertainment for local residents and tourists. 
 
The event will be held on North Michigan Avenue, between East Chicago Avenue and East Pearson Street - adjacent to the Historic Water Tower. Please click here for more information regarding the event, including fun family activities such as a pumpkin patch and kids crafts.
Arts in the Dark Parade
On Saturday, October 30, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm the Arts in the Dark Parade will return to State Street. This event is free to the public and has drawn over 50,000 guests and participants to the City of Chicago for a unique Halloween celebration. 

Parade participants will assemble at 200-240 North State Street and march south to Van Buren Street where they will disband. The following intersection will be closed to vehicular access during the parade:

  • State and Lake
  • State and Randolph
  • State and Washington
  • State and Madison
  • State and Monroe
  • State and Adams
  • State and Jackson
  • State and Van Buren

Please click here for more information regarding the Arts in the Dark Parade.
FREE Smoke Alarms at the 42nd Ward Office

Stop by our office in City Hall, Room 200 at 121 N. LaSalle Street for a free smoke detector! Most fires occur at night when people are sleeping. A smoke detector can alert you when there is a fire, in time to save your life.
Below are some tips to ensure your smoke detector is properly installed and working correctly:
  • Make sure you are testing your detector correctly.
  • When a smoke detector sounds, get outside and call 911. Stay outside!
  • Install smoke detectors within 15 feet of any sleeping room and every level of your house
  • Replace your smoke detector every 10 years. Write the install date on the unit.
  • Don't forget to install Carbon Monoxide detectors on every floor as well.
  • Any questions on smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors, call the Chicago Fire Department Public Education Division at (312) 747-6691.
A special thank you to the Chicago Fire Department for the smoke detector! Smoke detectors can be picked up from the 42nd Ward Office between the hours of 9am-4pm, Monday through Friday located in City Hall, Room 200.
 
For any other questions or to coordinate picking up a smoke alarm, please call us at (312) 744-3062 or send us a note via [email protected]. 
Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program
The Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program will provide 450 – 500 relief grants to low and moderate income artists and creative workers who are residents of Chicago and have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including freelance artists, arts administrators, teaching artists, artisans, curators, independent cultural producers and creative industry technicians such as stage managers, theater and music technicians, art handlers, preparators, cinematographers, and film lighting technicians/gaffers. Grants will range from $2,000 - $5,000. Grants will be distributed via a lottery system.

Please click here for information regarding the grant application.

The application deadline is November 10 at 5pm Central Standard Time.
Annual Fall Bridge Lifts Along the Chicago River
The City of Chicago began the autumn bridge lifts on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 9:30 a.m. Following the kickoff, bridges along the main and south branches of the Chicago River will be lifted sequentially on a twice weekly schedule, Saturdays and Wednesdays, to 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.  
 
During these “boat runs,” the bridges are typically raised one at a time, with each bridge lift taking an average of 8-12 minutes. While the bridge is in the upright position, traffic is halted, and drivers may use alternate streets or wait until the bridge is lowered. A list of affected streets, from Lake Shore Drive to the end of the South Branch is below.  
 
Due to ongoing work happening on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, the bridge lift of DuSable 
Lake Shore Drive Bridge may have longer than usual delays. CDOT is urging motorists planning to drive on Lake Shore Drive around 9:00 am on Saturdays and 9:30 am on Wednesdays to re-route in order to avoid delays, as the bridge closure could last longer. 
 
A total of 27 bridges will be lifted in succession from Lake Shore Drive to Ashland Avenue Bridge on the south branch of the Chicago River. In the event that no boat owners have made arrangements to move their boats on a scheduled day, the bridges will not be lifted. 
The streets affected by the bridge lifts are: Lake Shore Drive, Columbus Dr., Michigan Ave., Wabash Ave., State St., Dearborn St., Clark St., La Salle St., Wells St., Franklin St., Lake St., Randolph St., Washington St., Madison St., Monroe St., Adams St., Jackson Blvd., Van Buren St., Congress Pkwy., Harrison St., Roosevelt Rd., 18th St., Canal St., Cermak Ave., Halsted St., Loomis Ave., and Ashland Ave. 
 
The Fall 2021 bridge lift schedule is as follows: 
  
  • Saturday, Oct. 23 at 9 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 9:30 a.m. 
  • Saturday, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m.  
  • Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 9:30 a.m. 
  • Saturday, Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m. 
  • Saturday, Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. 
 
The full schedule and a comprehensive list of streets impacted by the autumn bridge lifts can be found at www.chicagodot.org.   
2021 Chicago City Markets

Chicago City Markets sell fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, unique Chicago-made products and rare finds – at Chicago’s longest running farmers market on Daley Plaza, the historic Maxwell Street Market and a dozen more community markets in neighborhoods across Chicago.

These markets are typically open from May to October. Below is more information about participating markets in or near the 42nd Ward:

Tuesdays
220 E. Chicago Ave.
June 1 - October 26, 7am - 2pm


Wednesdays
1817 N. Clark St.
May 5–October 27, 7am–1pm
Saturdays
1817 N. Clark St.
May 1–October 30, 7am–1pm

100 W. Division St.
May 15–October 30, 7am–12pm

115 S. Sangamon St.
June 5–October 30, 8am–1pm
42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices
Crane Lift: 170 West Ontario

On Saturday, October 23, from 9am-5pm, there will be a crane a crane lift at 170 West Ontario Street. During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk on the northside of Ontario, from LaSalle to a point 95' west thereof
  • Curb lanes on both sides of Ontario, from LaSalle to a point 95' west thereof
  • Two westbound traffic lanes on Ontario, from LaSalle to a point 95' west thereof

The curb lane on the south side of Ontario will be converted into a westbound traffic lane during the lift. They will have barricades and flaggers in-place during the lift. 

Bus Stop Change, Effective: Monday, October 25, 2021

Due to construction, the following bus stop change will take place, effective on Monday, October 25, 2021 at 9:00 am until Friday, October 29, 2021 at 4:00 pm or completion:

  • Desplaines at Lake (southbound, farside to nearside)—Temporary bus stop relocation - Stop ID Number: 17772 - Routes Stopping: #56

ComEd Vault Roof Replacement

ComEd is replacing a sidewalk vault roof at 344 West Erie Street. Work hours will be 8am-3pm, 5-days a week. 
 
Throughout the work, the sidewalk and curb lane on the north side of West Erie, from North Orleans to the first alley west thereof will be closed. 
 
There will be barricades, detour signs, and flaggers on-site throughout the project. All work is expected to be completed by the beginning of December (weather dependent).

ComEd Transformer Work

The intersection at Erie and Fairbanks will be closed to vehicular traffic during the following dates and time for a ComEd project:

  • October 26 from 11pm to 5am

Lakeshore East Park ComEd Project

As part of the utility work for the Lakeshore East IJKL Site, ComEd will need to access a manhole in 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 begin its work on Thursday, October 11th. Work will take place in the evening between 6:00pm-6:00am and plans to complete it's work by Monday October 22nd. The protection boards and blocked off area will remain in place for the entire duration of the work.

Tower Crane Removal: 300 N. Michigan Avenue

Linn-Mathes will begin removing the tower crane at 300 N. Michigan Avenue the week of October 12. On Saturday, October 23 to Tuesday, October 26, southbound Michigan, from Wacker Drive to Wacker Place will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Flaggers will detour traffic west on Wacker Drive, to Wabash, south to Lake Street, and back to Michigan Ave. 

On Sunday, October 24, from 8am to 2pm, both southbound and northbound lanes will be closed to vehicular traffic on Michigan, from Wacker to Wacker Place to remove the boom. There will be flaggers at Lake Street directing northbound traffic to the detour route. 

Crane Lift: 1 South Wells Street

On Saturday, October 23 and Sunday, October 24, from 8am-3pm there will be a crane lift at 1 South Wells Street.

During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk on the north side of Madison, from Wells to a point 200' east thereof
  • Curb land on the north side of Madison, from Wells to a point 200' east thereof
  • BRT on Madison, from Wells to a point 200' east thereof
  • One Westbound traffic lane on Madison, from Wells to a point 200' east thereof

They will have barricades and flaggers in-place throughout the lift. One lane of traffic will remain open for westbound traffic at all times (one-way westbound).

St. Clair Water Main Project

This project has been placed on-hold until 2022.

Peoples Gas Modernization Project: Gold Coast

Peoples Gas will began Phase 1 of their Gas Main Modernization Project in the Gold Coast. Work hours are 8am-5pm, Monday - Friday. Phase 1 of their project has the following parts:

  1. Install new main on Lake Shore Drive, from Michigan to a point 1,200' east thereof. This portion of Phase 1 would start in August and last 25 days. 
  2. Install 200' of new main in the intersection of Oak & Michigan. This includes crossing the eastern pedestrian tunnel. This portion of Phase 1 should start in mid-September and last 10 days.
  3. Install 450' of new main on the west side of Lake Shore Drive, from Oak to Cedar. This includes crossing the northern pedestrian tunnel. Work should begin in early October and last 17 days. 

Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates regarding this project.

LG Construction: 751 N. Hudson and 451 W Chicago 

LG Construction has broke 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). 

Wacker Drive Repainting Project
 
In late-July, the Chicago Department of Transportation began repainting Lower/Middle Wacker Drive, from North Field Boulevard to Lake Shore Drive. Work hours will be 8am-8pm, 6-days a week. 
 
CDOT will be sandblasting/repainting 80' sections of Wacker Drive at a time. The sandblasting/repainting area will be contained and exhaust fans will be in-place to remove dust and fumes.
 
Traffic will be maintained in both directions at all times, and access to parking garages will not be blocked. 
 
This project is expected to be completed mid-December 2021. 

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
 
Starting in mid-September, GNP Realty Partners will be 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 mid-December. 

South Water Street Viaduct Replacement

In March 2021, the Chicago Department of Transportation began demolition of the South Water Street Viaduct, between Lower Beaubien Court and Stetson Street. Work hours are 8am-8pm, daily. 

As of May 10, vehicular and pedestrian access will be prohibited on the Upper and Lower levels of South Water Street, between Lower Beaubien Court and North Stetson Street. There will be barricades and detour signs in-place throughout the duration of the project. 

This project is expected to be completed in July 2022 (weather dependent). 

Renovations at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street

On February 15, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) began renovating the Grand Army of the Republic Rotunda and Hall at the Cultural Center, located at 78 East Washington Street. Throughout the project, DCASE will be using the Cultural Centers loading zone at 129 North Garland Court as storage for the project and to place their construction dumpster. 

On Monday, April 19, canopies will be installed at the following locations:
  • South side of Randolph, from Michigan to a point 50' west thereof
  • West side of Michigan, from Randolph to a point 75' south thereof

The project is expected to be completed February 2022. 

Construction: 609 West Randolph Street
 
Construction of a 15-story commercial building at 609 West Randolph Street began in mid-January. Throughout the duration of the project, the following will be closed:

  • Curb/Traffic lane and sidewalk on south side of West Randolph, from North Jefferson to 621 West Randolph

There will be a canopy with a concrete crash wall and plywood enclosure for pedestrian use in the closed traffic lane on West Randolph, from North Jefferson to 621 West Randolph.

There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers in place for the duration of the project. This project is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2022 (weather dependent).

Façade Work: 160 North LaSalle Street

Bowa Construction began work in October 2020 to perform 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 December 2021.

Overnight Parking Ban Downtown

Until further notice, overnight parking will be restricted on the following streets during the weekend:  

  • 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 Dearborn
  • Both sides of New Street, from Illinois to North Water
  • Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Monroe to Balbo 
  • North side of Wacker Drive, from 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
  • West side of Larrabee, from Erie to Huron


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