January 7, 2022
Alderman Reilly Reports
New Year, New Website!
We are proud to launch a new and improved “virtual office”. Check out our new website at www.ward42chicago.com for answers to your questions, the latest news in the ward and important information about your neighborhood!
Community Meeting Scheduled for Proposed Cannabis Dispensary at 201-215 North Clinton Street
The State of Illinois controls the licensure process for cannabis businesses. To operate an Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary in the City of Chicago, a license holder must also receive a Special Use permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). 

ZBA is an independent quasi-judicial body made up of Mayoral appointees – they review and issue Special Use permits based on criteria in the Zoning Code. The permit will be considered at a public hearing, notice of which will be provided at a later date. ZBA does consider all community feedback, but is not obligated to give special consideration to input from the local Alderman.

As a requirement of the Special Use application, the license holder must first hold a community meeting to explain their proposal and gather community feedback. Mint Ventures LLC has recently applied for a Special Use application to open an Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary at 201-215 North Clinton. To learn more please attend (no RSVP necessary): 

WHEN:
Tuesday, January 11th at 7:00 PM

WHERE: 
In-Person (proof of vaccination required): 
Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St Ste 4E, Chicago, IL 60661

Via Zoom: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85650068891
Meeting ID: 856 5006 8891
One tap mobile: +16699006833,,85650068891#

Click here for more info.
New COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new quarantine guidelines for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to the virus. Regardless of vaccination status, stay home and isolate for 5 days if you test positive for Covid-19. After 5 days if your symptoms have subsided you can end your quarantine but must continue to wear a mask in public for an additional 5 days and avoid contact with high-risk individuals. Additionally, even if fully vaccinated against COVID-19, individuals who are exposed to someone who tested positive should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for another 5 day period. 

It is no secret that COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the country. The City of Chicago is averaging 5,047 new cases a day with a 22.7% positivity rate. For more COVID-19 statistics please visit the COVID Dashboard. 

Getting vaccinated and tested are our best chances to stop the spread of COVID-19, and it is easier than ever to do both. Visit the Chicago Department of Public Health’s website to learn more about where you can get vaccinated and tested.
City Announces Vaccine Requirements
Effective Jan. 3
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. 
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.
2022 Peggy A. Montes Unsung Heroine Awards
In recognition of Women’s History Month, on March 10th, 2022 at 10 am the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues will recognize 18 women as the County’s “Unsung Heroines.” The selection of these heroines is being made on a district basis to ensure that women from each area of Cook County will be recognized for their contributions to their communities. Nominees must be a resident of the Cook County Board district from which they are nominated.

They should be women who, either in a professional or volunteer capacity, have made significant contributions to the well-being of their community or which they have not received widespread recognition. Recipients of the Unsung Heroine Award must be residents of the County Board district from which they are nominated. Elected officials are not eligible for consideration.

Nominations are due by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 27, 2022. Please click here to complete a nomination form.
Free Tax Prep Help
The City of Chicago offers free, confidential tax help at locations across Chicago from late January - mid-April in partnership with the Center for Economic Progress and Ladder Up. Please see the flyer below for more information.
2nd Public Nuisance Case Filed Against Eurostar Hotel, 660 North State Street
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. 

In December of 2021, 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 Rules and other information about the MLDC hearings being conducted on the Cisco Webex platform are available on BACP's website here. If you wish to stay up to date on the matter, please use the information below to virtually access the meeting on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 9:30 AM. 
 
Join by Video (Webex Link)
Meeting Number: 2480 465 1063
Passcode: 1234 
Join by Phone: (312) 535-8110
Access Code: 2480 465 1063
2022 Holiday Tree Recycling
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. 
ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment
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.

Open Enrollment is currently underway and continues through January 15, 2022. Please click here for more information or visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov.
Winter Parking Restrictions Began Wednesday, December 1
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.
2022 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Open to New Applicants on January 10, 2022 from 6am to 10pm
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.
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 office@ward42chicago.com. 
42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices
Gas Main Replacement - Michigan, Chestnut to Cedar

Peoples Gas continues it's gas main replacement on the west side of Michigan Avenue, from Chestnut to Cedar. Work hours may vary throughout the project, but are currently anticipated to be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

All openings will be covered and secured during non-work hours. This portion of the gas main replacement is expected to last 3-6 weeks.

Upper Lake Shore Drive Bridge Lane Closure

The Chicago Department of Transportation will need to close the two outside lanes on southbound Upper Lake Shore Drive over the Chicago River for repairs on Monday, January 17, from 9am - 3pm.

Crane Lift 81 E. Van Buren

On Saturday, January 15 from 8am to 4pm, there will be a crane lift at 81 East Van Buren Street. During the lift the following will be closed:

  • Curb lane on the south side of Van Buren, from Michigan to the first alley west there of
  • Traffic lane on the south side of Van Buren, from Michigan to the first alley west there of

The sidewalk on the south side of Van Buren will remain open but covered with a protective canopy. There will have flaggers and barricades in-place throughout the lift. 

Helicopter Lift: 195 N. Harbor Drive

On Sunday, January 16, from 8am to 12pm, there will be a helicopter lift at 195 N. Harbor Drive. During the lift the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

  • Harbor Drive, from Waterside to just north of 155 North Harbor's driveway
  • Harbor Service Drive, from Harbor Drive to Lake Shore Drive

The equipment will be lifted from a truck on Harbor Service Drive. 

Residents at 195 N. Harbor and 175 N. Harbor won't be able to access their parking garages during the lift. 

There will be barricades and CPD officers on-site throughout the lift.

Film Notices

Chicago Med

On Wednesday, January 12 and Thursday, January 13, Chicago Med will be filming scenes inside 111 W Wacker Drive. During the filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • East Side of N Post Pl from W Lake St to W Lower Wacker Dr (January 10 at 7am to January 14 at 7pm)
  • North Side of W Lake St from N Franklin St to N Wells St (January 10 at 7am to January 14 at 7pm)
  • West Side of N Clark St from W Wacker Dr to W Lake St (January 10 at 7am to January 14 at 7pm)
  • East Side of N Columbus St from W Monroe St to W Jackson Blvd (January 11 at 2pm to January 13 at 9pm)
  • West Side of N Post Pl from W Lake St to W Lower Wacker Dr (January 12 at 3on to January 13 at 9pm)
  • South Side of W Lake St from N Franklin St to N Wells St (January 12 at 3on to January 13 at 9pm)
  • North Side of W Lake St from N LaSalle St to N Clark St (January 12 at 3on to January 13 at 9pm)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Oscar Montesdeoca (On-site Coordinator) at 773-372-4989.

214 West Erie Street Renovations

On Monday, December 13, Crane Construction began renovations of 214 West Erie Street. During construction, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk/curb lane in front of 214 West Erie Street. The curb lane will be used as a pedestrian walkway. Crane Construction will place jersey barriers and ramps in the curb lane to protect pedestrians and provide wheelchair access. 
  • Close 100' of the north/south alley adjacent to 214 W Erie Street. This is a T alley and residents of 222 W Erie will still be able to access their parking garage from the alley entrance on Franklin and Huron.

This project is expected to be completed 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.