Happy New Years from Alderman Reilly
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In observance of New Year’s Day, Alderman Reilly's Office will be closed on Friday, December 31st. The office will reopen on Monday, January 3rd at 9:00am.
If you are in need of city services, please call 311 for non-emergency requests or dial 911 if you require immediate assistance.
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Expanded New Year’s Eve Fireworks
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The City announced plans to welcome in the New Year with a 1.5-mile-long midnight fireworks display along the lakefront and Chicago River.
These will be the largest fireworks display the City’s ever had and will be accompanied by a live simulcast from WGN. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic still threatening the health and safety of Chicago residents, the City has introduced health guidelines that will encourage visitors and residents alike to celebrate safely.
Promptly at midnight, a fireworks display choreographed to a special music soundtrack will light up the sky synchronized across eight separate launch sites along the Chicago River and in Lake Michigan near Navy Pier. The display will be free to view, courtesy of the City, Choose Chicago, and participating partners from across the hospitality community. A website has been created to provide details about the event including locations where people can view the fireworks. WGN-TV will be broadcasting live starting at 11:00 pm and showcase the Midnight Fireworks and accompanying music soundtrack. Viewers are encouraged to watch the show from the safety of their homes.
The Chicago Department of Public Health encourages everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines are by far the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. Even if you are vaccinated, consider a COVID-19 test (either through a healthcare provider or at home) before gathering, and encourage guests to do the same before indoor holiday gatherings. Tests can help protect unvaccinated children, older individuals, those who are immunocompromised, or individuals at risk of severe disease. As a reminder, the mask mandate for Chicago and Illinois remains in effect and a mask is required at all public indoor settings across the city. Many venues will also require proof of vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Effective Monday, January 3, 2022, any individual 5 years of age or older will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or enjoy entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, are sick, or experiencing any COVID- or flu-like symptoms; you should not attend any gatherings for New Year’s Eve, even if you are vaccinated. For more information on how to stay safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19, visit chicago.gov/covid.
Event partners are located in close proximity to the display launch points, offering guests beautiful views and plenty of entertainment options. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to eat, drink and be merry at a variety of partner venues and events. The fireworks will also be broadcast live on WGN-TV.
The event is made possible by support from the City of Chicago and partners from the hospitality industry, which employs more than 90,000 workers.
To learn more about the Chicago New Year’s Eve River Fireworks Celebration and view a full list of all official partners and event options, please visit www.NYEBlast.com.
Street closure and traffic impacts can be reviewed here.
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City Announces Vaccine Requirements
Effective Jan. 3
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Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced new vaccine requirements due to the rise of COVID-19 infections, which is driven by the new Omicron variant. Mayor Lightfoot issued this mandate via Executive Order; it was neither initiated nor approved by the City Council
Effective Monday, January 3, 2022 individuals 5 years of age or older are required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. Additionally, patrons age 16 and over will need to show a matching ID.
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Proof of vaccination means a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, an official immunization record from the jurisdiction where the vaccine was administered, or a digital/physical photo of the record. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The vaccine requirement does not include houses of worship, grocery stores, schools/daycares, and locations in residential or office buildings that are restricted to resident or tenant use only. Additionally, it does not apply to individuals entering an establishment for less than 10 minutes to order and carry out food, deliver goods, or use the bathroom. Please click here for more information regarding the new vaccine requirements.
It is more important than ever to get vaccinated and boosted and wear a mask while indoors. If you have not been vaccinated or received a booster dose, please click here to find a vaccination site near you.
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2nd Public Nuisance Case Filed Against Eurostar Hotel, 660 North State Street
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As previously reported in Reilly Reports, in April 2021, the Law Department filed a public nuisance case against the Eurostar Hotel. The case was resolved via the Mayor’s License Discipline Commission, resulting in Eurostar paying a $10,000 fine and agreeing to a Plan of Operation.
Earlier this month, shots were fired inside a guest room at the hotel. This incident confirms that the business has not made necessary steps to abate the nuisance and safety issues previously identified, and is not adhering to the agreed upon Plan of Operation.
As a result, the Law Department has filed a second disciplinary case. Please click here to review the list of charges. The first status hearing will take place in January; stay tuned to Reilly Reports for information on how the public can virtually attend the hearing to observe.
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2022 Holiday Tree Recycling
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Chicago's Tree Recycling Program runs from January 8th through the 22nd at 26 parks across the City. Trees can be dropped off anytime during normal business hours. No trees with ornaments, tinsel, lights or flocking will be accepted. No wreaths or garlands accepted.
Additionally, there are also six designated locations where free mulch will be distributed. Please click here for more information and locations where you can recycle your tree.
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DCASE'S Individual Artists Program Grant Application
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DCASE’s 2022 Individual Artists Program (IAP) grant application is now open! The deadline to apply is January 7, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. CST. IAP Grants support the creation, development, or presentation of artwork, and professional development, for artists across all disciplines including Film & Media Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts (Theatre/Dance), Music, and Visual Arts & Design. Please click here for more information regarding how to apply for the grant.
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ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment
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Eligible Illinoisans can enroll in a new ACA Marketplace plan or change their current plan for the upcoming year. If you don’t enroll during Open Enrollment, you will be unable to obtain health insurance on the ACA Marketplace, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.
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Winter Parking Restrictions Began Wednesday, December 1
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In order to ensure that the most critical roadways in Chicago are kept open to full capacity at all times, the City of Chicago enforces a Winter Overnight Parking Ban on 107 miles of arterial streets from 3:00 am - 7:00 am between December 1 and April 1, regardless of snow. Click here to view a map of streets affected by the Winter Overnight Parking Ban.
A separate snow-related parking ban exists for another 500 miles of main streets, which is activated if there is at least two inches of snow on the street, no matter the date or time. While the two inch snow ban is not activated often, motorists who are parked there when it snows could receive a ticket or find that their vehicle has been relocated in order to facilitate snow clearing operations
Permanent signs are posted on affected streets. Please click here for more information regarding winter parking restrictions.
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2022 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Open to New Applicants on January 10, 2022 from 6am to 10pm
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The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is an extremely popular voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have been a part of this popular program, taking advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation.
New applicants can begin to apply Monday, January 10, 2022 from 6 am - 10 pm. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so you are encouraged to apply early.
Applications will only be accepted via the City’s 311 system. Applicants can apply for the program by calling 311 or visiting CHI311 online.
Please click here for more information regarding the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program.
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Traveling for the Holidays
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The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) weekly COVID-19 Travel Advisory currently includes 48 states and 3 territories. States are removed from the Travel Advisory when they maintain a daily COVID case rate below 15 per 100,000 residents for at least two consecutive weeks.
Under the advisory, unvaccinated travelers should be tested for COVID before and after travel and should quarantine upon arrival in Chicago. The quarantine and testing recommendations do not apply to fully vaccinated travelers.
Click here for more information.
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FREE Smoke Alarms at the 42nd Ward Office
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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.
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Below are some tips to ensure your smoke detector is properly installed and working correctly:
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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 office@ward42chicago.com.
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42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices
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Film Notices
Chicago PD: Columbus Bridge
On Saturday January 8th and Sunday January 9th, Chicago PD plans to film a scene involving a car going off the Columbus Bridge and into the Chicago River. The Columbus Bridge will be closed during the following dates/times:
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Friday, January 7 from 7pm to 12 am: They are filming a man running across the bridge.
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Saturday, January 8 at 6am to Sunday, January 9 at 12pm: They will be using this time frame to build rigs and a crane to place a car in the River, film the scene, and remove the rigs/crane and clean the bridge.
214 West Erie Street Renovations
On Monday, December 13, Crane Construction will begin renovations of 214 West Erie Street. During construction, the following will be closed:
- Sidewalk/curb lane in front of 214 West Erie Street. The curb lane will be used as a pedestrian walkway. Crane Construction will place jersey barriers and ramps in the curb lane to protect pedestrians and provide wheelchair access.
- Close 100' of the north/south alley adjacent to 214 W Erie Street. This is a T alley and residents of 222 W Erie will still be able to access their parking garage from the alley entrance on Franklin and Huron.
This project is expected to be completed summer of 2022 (weather dependent).
LG Construction: 751 N. Hudson and 451 W Chicago
LG Construction has recently 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).
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-January.
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 January 2022.
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.
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