October 6, 2023

{View as Webpage}

Alderman Reilly Reports

Statement from Alderman Reilly: Inn of Chicago

Alderman Brian Hopkins and I agree: the Johnson Administration should terminate the migrant housing contract with the Inn of Chicago when it expires on December 31. This was never a good location to house 1,500 migrants and has been the source of neighborhood problems ever since it opened.


Despite assurances from city departments that they would improve conditions in and around this migrant shelter, we have seen no meaningful progress or changes there - in fact the conditions seem to have only grown worse.


Like Alderman Hopkins, I have heard from hundreds of neighborhood residents voicing their concerns about the ongoing issues related to the migrant shelter operating at the Inn of Chicago.


In June, I sent a letter to Mayor Johnson and the Commissioner of Family Services to inform them of the many ongoing problems associated with the migrant shelter at Ohio and St. Clair and requested a detailed plan to mitigate those issues immediately.



I explained that local residents, and myself, have witnessed a host of criminal activities at the site, including: open-air narcotics sales; apparent sex-trafficking; the sale and consumption of alcohol on the sidewalks; the presence of illegal firearms; retail thefts at nearby businesses; aggressive panhandling; and the accumulation of trash and human excrement in the alleys at, and around, the Inn.


The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) responded by promising to address all of these issues with increased security in and around the building; regular building inspections; increased police patrols; and greater attention from city departments and social service providers.


Those were clearly empty promises. We have seen no improvement in conditions at and around this facility - and in some respects these problems have only gotten worse.


Mayor Lightfoot selected this location without consulting myself or Alderman Hopkins at the time. This location never made sense as a migrant shelter - just steps from Michigan Avenue and surrounded by residential buildings, tourism destinations and hotels - there are no nearby amenities or services to assist the migrant community.


The “experiment” of housing 1,500 migrants at the Inn of Chicago has been an abject failure. The conditions there are deplorable and the property is not safe for the migrant families living there who are co-mingled with hundreds of single, young adult males. Not only do I worry for the health and welfare of these young migrant families - I also worry for the safety of my constituents and thousands of tourists and visitors who come to the area every day.


Chicago desperately needs financial help and logistical assistance from the federal government to manage this growing crisis. But the Johnson Administration needs to demonstrate some leadership and finally develop a realistic plan to responsibly manage the flow of migrants to Chicago and house them in locations where they have access to public parks, accessible healthcare and affordable goods and amenities.


The Inn of Chicago is not the solution and the contract should be canceled when it expires at the end of the year.


Brendan Reilly

Alderman - 42nd Ward

Alderman Reilly in the News

As reported in Reilly Reports on September 22nd, Alderman Reilly has expressed concerns regarding the “One Fair Wage” ordinance discussed at City Council today.  His comments were also reported in the Chicago Tribune, SunTimes, Block Club, and ABC7


Unfortunately, despite Alderman Reilly’s “no” vote and vehement opposition, the matter passed City Council today with a 36-10 majority. With the passage of this ordinance, tipped workers' wages will steadily increase by eight percent every year, beginning July 1, 2024, until their pay equals the standard minimum wage ($15.80) in 2028.

Alderman Reilly's Office Closed for

Columbus Day

Please be advised that Alderman Reilly's Office, Chicago Public Libraries, and other government offices will be closed on Columbus Day, Monday, October 9th to comply with the City of Chicago mandatory holiday schedule. If you have a need for city services, please call 311 for non-emergency requests, or dial 911 if you require immediate assistance.

71st Annual Columbus Day Parade

October 9, 2023

On Monday, October 9, at 12 pm., the annual Columbus Day Parade will take place on State Street, between Wacker Drive and Van Buren Street. The following will be closed during the parade:


  • Wacker Drive, from Wabash Avenue to Franklin Street (starting at 9:30am)
  • State Street, from Kinzie Street to Ida B. Wells (starting at 9:30am)


Please click here to learn more about the Parade.

Construction Logistics Community Meeting:

400 North Lake Shore Drive

Alderman Reilly and the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) are co-hosting a community meeting with Related Midwest to discuss the start of construction at 400 North Lake Shore Drive. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 17 at 6:00pm via Zoom. 


In 2018, Alderman Reilly denied Related Midwest’s original proposal for this location based on resident feedback. After making significant changes, their proposal secured City Council approval in June 2020. Please click here for more information regarding this planned development. 


Pre-registration for this community meeting is required and there will not be an open Q&A session. Click here to submit a construction-related question for the developer to answer during the meeting. Questions must be submitted by Thursday, October 12 at 9am. 


A recording of this meeting will be posted in Reilly Reports and on our website.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The 45th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is on Sunday, October 8, 2023. This year, there are more than 47,000 participants from all 50 Wards and around the world.


Towing and Street Closures:

  • No parking is allowed on the marathon course. Towing of vehicles on the course will begin at 1:00am on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
  • The Chicago Marathon will involve extensive street closures on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Streets in your neighborhood may be closed to traffic starting at 7:00 a.m. and continuing to 4:00 p.m.


Please click here for more information about the marathon, including a list of all the street

closures.

Lake Shore Drive Project - September 25 to Summer 2024

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) began working on the Lake Shore Drive Bridge and Viaduct Network between Monroe and Ontario. This work will include removing and replacing link plates, stainless steel pins and Teflon bushings and expansion joint rehabilitation.  


Upper Level Lake Shore Drive will have one permanent lane closure in each direction and an additional lane closure during off peak hours.


Intermediate Level Lake Shore Drive will have two permanent lane closures in each direction.


This project is expected to be completed summer of 2024.

Michigan Avenue Expansion Joint Repairs

CDOT will be repairing expansion joints on Michigan Ave at the intersection with Wacker Drive as well as just north of the Chicago River.


Scope of Work:

The project consists of performing the following repairs: replacing expansion joint glands at 6 joints just north of the river and replacing the expansion joint system for the joint at the south end of the Michigan and Wacker intersection.


Construction Schedule:

10:00pm - 6:00am Monday to Friday, October 9th - October 27th 2023 (Potentially shorter pending weather impacts.)


Traffic Impact During Construction:

  • A one-lane rolling closure will be in place each night during construction hours and will be put out and picked up each day.
  • Both sidewalks will remain open to traffic at all times.


CAPS Meetings

18th District: (312-742-5778 / [email protected])

  • There are no CAPS meetings scheduled for this district for the remainder of the month.

1st District: (312-745-4381 / [email protected])

  • Beat 122 CAPS meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 11th at 3:00pm.

18th Police District Council Meeting

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

35 E Walton Telehandler / Truck


On Saturday, October 7, Stevenson Crane will be conducting a telehandler lift at 35 E Walton. During the lift, the following will be closed:


  • Sidewalk on the north side of Walton, from State to a point 100' east thereof
  • Curb lane on the north side of Walton, from State to a point 100' east thereof


CTA Curb and Gutter and Sidewalk Work


Starting Monday, October 9, the sidewalk on the east side of State, from Superior to a point 100' south thereof will be closed for curb/gutter and sidewalk work.


The project is expected to be completed Monday, October 23 (weather dependent).


311 W Huron Update


ARCO/Murray provided the following update regarding 311 W Huron:

 

Week of 10/09/2023


  • Franklin St. Pedestrian Canopy Removed
  • Sidewalk restoration begins:


  • Sidewalk on South side of 300 block of W. Huron closed to pedestrians.
  • Sidewalk on West side of the 650 block of N. Franklin closed to pedestrians.
  • Intersection crosswalks on the NW and SE corners of Franklin and Huron closed
  • Sidewalks will be removed and replaced

 

Street reconstruction is scheduled to begin on the 300 W block of Huron and the 650 N block of Franklin the second week of October and run through early November.


Helicopter Lift 21 E Chestnut


Midwest Helicopter was hired to lift five HVAC units onto the roof of 21 E Chestnut on Saturday, October 7 from 9am to 11am. During the lift, the following streets will be closed:


  • Wabash, from Delaware to Pearson
  • Rush, from Pearson to Walton
  • Chestnut, from State to Ernst Court
  • Delaware, from State to Ernst Court


Crane Lift: 500 N LaSalle


On Saturday, October 14 (October 15 backup date), from 9am to 5pm, there will be a crane lift at 500 W Superior Street. During the lift, the following will be closed:


  • Sidewalk on the west side of LaSalle, from Illinois to a point 100 feet north thereof
  • Curb lane on the west side of LaSalle, from Illinois to a point 100 feet north thereof
  • One southbound traffic lane on the west side of LaSalle, from Illinois to a point 100 feet north thereof


One lane of southbound traffic will remain open at all times.


Canal Street Viaduct Project:


The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is performing viaduct repairs on Canal Street, between Jackson and Adams.


Vehicle access is prohibited to this stretch of Canal Street throughout the project. Since the viaduct is over Metra/Amtrack train tracks, this project is required to be conducted during the overnight hours.


The project is expected to be completed by early 2025.


Holden Alley Vault Project


The Joffrey Tower Condominium Association is conducting a vaulted alley project on Holden Alley, between East Randolph Street and East Benton Place. During the project, this section of Holden Alley closed to pedestrians and vehicles.


The project is expected to be completed at the end of September.


PGL River North Project


Peoples Gas plans to begin a gas main project in River North. PGL will be working at the following locations:


  • Franklin, from Huron to Chicago
  • Superior, from Wells to Orleans
  • Chicago, from Orleans to LaSalle


The project will be completed at the end of 2023.


15 E Oak Street: Facade Project:


Early this week, a facade project began at 15 E Oak Street. Throughout the project, the sidewalk on the south side of Oak, from State to Rush will be closed. A protected pedestrian walkway will be in-place in the curb lane.


The project is expected to be completed October 2023.


120 E Oak Street Facade Project


Summit Design + Build will begin a facade project at 120 E Oak Street on Tuesday, May 30. Works hours will be Monday thru Saturday, from 8am-5pm.  


Throughout the project, the sidewalk adjacent to the building will be closed. It will be covered by construction fencing. Pedestrians will be pushed to a protected pedestrian path in the curb lane.


Deliveries will occur between before 9am and debris will be removed between 8am-9am. There will be a gate at the east end of the fencing for deliveries and debris removal.


The project will be completed in early November.


Peoples Gas Project: Clark and Adams


PGL began work on Clark (Monroe to Jackson) and Adams (LaSalle to Clark) earlier this month. There will be temporary lane closures on Clark and Adams during permit hours but traffic will be maintained at all times


Work days/hours are Monday-Saturday, from 8am-5pm. This project is expected to be completed in October 2023.


Murphy Auditorium Renovation


Driehaus Museum purchased the Murphy Auditorium at 50 E Erie and plans to begin renovations in June. Work hours are Monday-Friday, from 8-4pm. They plan to complete the following interior alterations:


  • Offices are going to be renovated
  • Stage has sunken – leveled out; fix accessibility issue
  • New elevator to go all the way to the top floor


Throughout the project, the following will be in-place:


  • Pedestrian canopy over the sidewalk in front of 50 E Erie
  • 100' of curb lane will be closed in front of 50 E Erie for material deliveries and small crane


They will need to use a small crane periodically throughout the project to lift materials onto the roof that can't fit through the doorway. Driehaus will notify us in advance of installation of a small crane. 


431 N Dearborn Façade Project


Crane construction began a façade project at 431 N Dearborn this week. Throughout the project, the sidewalks adjacent to the building on Dearborn and Hubbard will be closed. Pedestrians are directed to walk in projected pedestrian walkways in the curb lanes.


The project is expected to be completed in October 2023 (weather dependent).



151 N Michigan:


Power Construction installed a tower crane on Beaubien Court for the project at 151 N Michigan Avenue. While the crane is in place, Beaubien Court, from a point 23' north of Randolph Street, to a point 100' north thereof will be closed to vehicular traffic. The crane will be in-place for 8-10 weeks.


The following will be closed throughout the duration of the project:


  • Sidewalk on the north side of Randolph, from Beaubien Court to Michigan Avenue
  • Sidewalk on the east side of Michigan, from Randolph, to a point 100' north thereof
  • Beaubien Court, from Randolph to a point 100' north thereof


Pedestrians will be directed to use projected walkways that are placed in the curb lanes on Randolph and Michigan. The project is expected to be completed at the end of 2023.


Temporary Bus Stop Elimination


Until March 2024, the westbound bus stop at Grand and St. Clair will be temporarily removed.


  • Stop ID Number: 761
  • Route Stopping: #29 – State, #65 – Grand, #120 – Ogilvie/Streeterville Express, #121 – Union/Streeterville Express


Randolph Street Viaduct Repair


CDOT will be performing repairs at Randolph Street Viaduct (East bound lanes only) between Columbus Dr. and Field Blvd.

 

Scope of Work:

Concrete deck repairs, street paving.


Construction Schedule:

7:00 am - 6:00pm Monday to Saturday, April 10th  - September 30th 2023.

No demolition or other excessive noise creating activity will begin until after 8:00am.

 

Traffic Impact during Construction:

 

  • The Randolph Street Viaduct east bound lanes will have one lane open to traffic at all times and one lane closed for construction at both the upper and intermediate levels between Columbus Dr. and Field Blvd. At least one sidewalk will remain open to pedestrian traffic.
  • All parking on east bound Randolph St. will be removed between Columbus Dr. and Field Blvd.
  • West bound lanes will be open at all times during construction with the exception of single night closures (Dates are TBD and updates will be provided).
  • Access to Millenium Parking Garage and Maggie Daley Park will be limited to entrances at the Columbus Dr./Randolph St. Intersection and Field Blvd./Randolph St. Intersection. Elevator/ADA access to the garage will be maintained.


State & Lake Utility Relocations


Utility companies began relocating utilities in advance of the State and Lake CTA project. Train services will not be disrupted during utility relocations. 

 

At least 1 lane of traffic will remain open (1 lane each direction on State St) at all times, but other driving and parking lanes may be closed. 


Construction equipment and materials will be stored on the street, including during time periods between active work. Work will primarily occur 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays, but there will be limited work during nights. Utility companies are aware of and required to abide by the Chicago noise ordinance, which limits noisy work during overnight hours.


150 E Ontario Construction


W.E. O'Neil began construction of a 23-story building at 150 East Ontario Street. Work hours will be Monday-Friday, from 9am-5pm (8pm during caisson pours). Some weekend work will occur.  


Throughout the project, the following will be closed:


  • 150' of sidewalk in front of 150 East Ontario
  • 150' of curb lane in front of 150 East Ontario 


Pedestrians will be directed to the sidewalk on the south side of the street at Ontario/Michigan and Ontario/St. Clair. The entire project is expected to take 23 months to complete. 


311 W Huron Project


In June, ARCO Murray began construction of a new building at 311 W. Huron Street. Work hours will be Monday-Friday, from 9am-5pm (8pm during caisson pours). Throughout the project, the following City right-of-way will be occupied:


  • Sidewalk/curb lane on the south side of Huron, from Franklin west to the end of 311 W Huron's property line - approximately 150'. The sidewalk will be used to store their concrete pump, dumpster, and hoist dock. Trucks will back into the site at this location too. Jersey barriers will be placed in the curb lane to create a protected pedestrian path.
  • 3' of the sidewalk on the west side of Franklin, from Huron to the first alley south thereof. This leaves 6' of clearance. They will need to push the fence out a few feet during excavation.
  • 150' of the east/west alley bounded by Huron, Franklin, Erie, and Orleans will be closed. The closure is from Franklin to a point 150' west thereof. 


The project is expected to be completed in September 2023 (weather dependent). 


LG Construction: 751 N. Hudson and 451 W Chicago 


LG Construction continues work on 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 be completed mid-September 2023 (weather dependent). 


Street Sweeping


During street sweeping season (April 1 to mid-November) the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation uses mechanical street sweepers to remove debris and litter from streets, weather permitting. Throughout the season, DSS deploys mechanical street sweepers at regularly scheduled times to clear debris from Chicago streets. Starting this week, dozens of street sweepers have begun clearing the debris and leaves that have accumulated during winter months on both residential and arterial streets. 


On weekdays, from 9am to 2pm, this Sweeper Tracker map will show real-time locations of city street sweepers. For more information, please review the 42nd Ward Map and street sweeping schedule. Residents can also call 311 to find the dates and locations of street sweeping in their area.


Please check for the bright orange signs announcing temporary parking restrictions. These signs are posted two days prior to scheduled street sweeping events. Some streets also have permanently posted signs that specify a once-per-week period when parking is prohibited for street sweeping.


Kennedy Expressway Bridge Rehabilitation


The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) began rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94), from the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) junction to West Ohio Street


The project consists of rehabilitating 36 bridge structures and the Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC) system, replacing overhead sign-structures, installing new signage and modernized LED lights, pavement patching and structural painting. Additionally, Hubbard’s Cave, from Grand Avenue to Wayman Street, will be painted and new LED lighting installed.


This project will take place over three consecutive construction seasons and consist of three stages. The following will occur during stage one:


Stage I - Inbound Kennedy


To help minimize the impact to traffic the reversible express lanes will remain open in the inbound direction, while two mainline inbound lanes will be closed at a time. Motorists should expect lane shifts and overnight lane closures and various ramp closures. Later this summer, painting and installation of new LED lighting will begin on inbound Hubbard's Cave, between Ohio and Lake streets. Construction is anticipated to be completed later this fall, with all lanes and ramps reopening and the express lanes resuming normal operations.


Please click here to learn more about the Kennedy Expressway Bridge Rehabilitation, and stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates.