September 30, 2022

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Alderman Reilly Reports

Statement from Alderman Reilly Regarding Medinah Temple Traffic Study

As reported in Chicago Tribune, earlier today, the City published a Traffic Study evaluating Bally’s temporary casino at Medinah Temple, located at 600 North Wabash. Click here to review the study. A statement from Alderman Reilly is below: 


“Shocking: Bally’s hired a traffic consultant to tell the city that a Casino bound by Ontario, Wabash, Ohio and State won’t create any additional traffic burden on the neighborhood. In my 16 years as alderman, surprisingly, every single traffic study commissioned in support of a development project concludes traffic will not be negatively impacted.


I fundamentally disagree with the assumptions made by the traffic consultant - from vastly low-balling the number of vehicular trips to the casino and vastly overestimating the number of people who will be dumb enough to take the CTA or walk to this casino with cash in their pockets.


The consultant claims to have made its trip projections based on other casinos in similarly dense, heavily built urban environments like Chicago. I find that hard to believe, given there aren’t other casinos in cities as large as Chicago. So, I’d love to see the list of cities and corresponding traffic data to those. 


The report essentially shrugs off rideshare and charter bus traffic, noting it’s hard to predict and difficult to regulate, because rideshare and charters don’t coordinate their trips with the City. They do not provide accurate projections for rideshare trips or charters, which is likely how half the visitors will get to the casino. Again, nobody would be stupid enough to ride the CTA or walk to a casino with cash in-hand.


The report is also vague regarding “recommended valet operations” - suggesting valet operations will improve traffic conditions. If you can show me one valet in the City of Chicago that has ever “improved traffic conditions” at a particular location, I’ve got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.


The report also makes no attempt to evaluate vendor deliveries. Evaluation of delivery and service loading docks are important to any new development or use – a standard section in every traffic study I’ve ever looked at. Even “ancillary” restaurant and bar areas need to be delivered product. The ingress and egress calculations are missing from this report.


As far as I’m concerned this study is seriously flawed, overly vague and clearly written for the sole purpose of concluding a casino will work at Medinah Temple. Having read literally hundreds of traffic studies over the years, I can tell you this one is thin gruel and lacks the credibility that an independent analysis would’ve provided.


Finally, true to form, the Administration has had this traffic study in their hands for the past two weeks and, for some reason, instructed Bally’s not to share it with my office until last night - just hours before they released the study to the media. So much for transparency and working collaboratively with the City Council. Way to bring in that light, Mayor.”

Public Safety Survey

Crime and public safety are front of mind for all Chicagoans. The River North Residents Association (RNRA) is conducting an online Public Safety Survey.

 

Aldermen do not have the authority to direct Chicago Police Department (CPD) resources or dispatch police. Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPD Superintendent David Brown are solely responsible for CPD personnel strategies, policies, and deployment.

 

Since crime and public safety are citywide issues, the survey is not River North specific. Alderman Reilly encourages all 42nd Ward residents to take the survey. Please click here to be directed to the survey. 

 

Survey results will be sent to Mayor Lightfoot, Superintendent Brown, and their partners with the Cook County Criminal Justice System.

Early Voting and Vote-by-Mail For November 8 General Election

Early voting for the Gubernatorial General Election on November 8 begins on Friday, October 7, at the Loop Supersite located at 191 North Clark Street and the Board of Elections at 69 West Washington Street, 6th Floor. Hours of operation for both sites are as follows:

 

  • October 7 - October 30: Monday-Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturdays from 9am-5pm, and Sundays from 10am-4pm.
  • October 31 - November 7: Monday-Friday from 9am to 7pm, Saturdays from 9am to 5pm, and Sundays from 10am to 4pm



Additionally, voters can now apply to vote-by-mail for the November 8, 2022 General Election. All Vote By Mail ballots come with postage-paid Ballot Return Envelopes. Please visit the Board of Elections website for more information regarding vote-by-mail.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Event organizers are working closely with the City of Chicago to safely produce a race weekend experience for event attendees and the Chicago community. 


Traffic Impacts/Street Closures

 

With thousands of participants and spectators along the route, as well as street closures prior to and during the race, those traveling throughout downtown and the various neighborhoods should allow extra time, expect delays or consider alternate routes - such as the expressway system - to avoid the impacts of the race. Please click here for a full list of street closures and to view a course map.

 

No parking will be allowed on the Marathon course. Towing of vehicles on the course will begin on Sunday, October 9, at 1:00 a.m. Vehicles that are not removed from the street by that time will be ticketed and towed to the nearest auto pound. For inquiries about towed vehicles, call 312.744.4444. 

 

Public Safety

 

Please be vigilant of your surroundings during the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. If you see a suspicious person, object, or vehicle along or near the racecourse, report the sighting to 9-1-1 or to law enforcement personnel.


Do not store, hide or leave any personal items, backpacks, packages or clothes along or near the racecourse, including the start and finish line areas in Grant Park. Use designated Gear Check areas to check your personal belongings, or leave your personal items with a friend or family member.


Chicago Police will be deploying uniformed and plain-clothed officers, as well as implementing other safety measures, to ensure the event's safety. Officers will also conduct random bag checks of spectators carrying backpacks or large bags.


As in the previous year, runners will not be allowed to leave unattended bags or clothing items within Grant Park or along the route. If officers or race officials see an unattended bag along the route, it will be collected and discarded. Please note, all garbage baskets and mailboxes (UPS, USPS, etc) along the route have been removed or secured shut per Chicago Police Department protocol.


Only registered runners are allowed to participate in the Marathon. Non-registered runners joining the race at any point throughout the route or finish line is prohibited and will be strictly enforced. For more information, including race-day restrictions and policies, visit the Marathon website at www.chicagomarathon.com.


OEMC will continue to monitor weather conditions and the Chicago Police Department will enforce race day restrictions along the route as well as facilitate traffic. The public is encouraged to follow OEMC on Twitter at the handle @ChicagoOEMC for race-related alerts and register for free emergency alerts from the City of Chicago, which include severe weather notifications, by subscribing to NotifyChicago at www.notifychicago.org.


2022 Abbott Chicago 5K October 8, 2022


The Advocate Health Care International Chicago 5K will be on Saturday, October 8 and will begin at 7:30 a.m. in Grant Park (Ida B. Wells Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive). Click here to view a course map and list of closures for the race.


Please click here for more information regarding the 2022 Abbott Chicago 5K.

St. Clair Water Main Installation Project

Last week the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) began installation of 1,408 feet of new 8-inch water main in North St Clair Street, between East Superior Street to East Illinois Street. The current water main dates back to 1886 and needs to be replaced to create a more reliable and efficient system.


During the first week, DWM will be drilling test hole. After the first week, DWM will be closing individual blocks of North St. Clair Street and work will start at North St. Clair Street and East Superior Street. Work hours will be Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm. There will be some non-invasive work that occurs during the overnight hours. 


This project is expected to be finished at the beginning of November (weather dependent). Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates regarding this project. 

Chicago Police Citizens Academy 

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is looking for residents to join the Citizens Academy. This is a 10 week immersive program that gives residents a snapshot of what  CPD recruits learn at the Police Academy. 


For more information, please contact your local police district. Click here for the Citizens Academy application. 

Michigan Avenue Resurfacing Project

On Monday, September 12, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be resurfacing North Michigan Avenue, from East Oak Street to East Ohio Street. CDOT will be working 6 days a week (mostly 8am-5pm), with limited overnight work. 


The project includes the installation of concrete bus pads and ADA ramp replacements.


All work is expected to be finished at the beginning of November. 

Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge Repair Project

The Grand Avenue Bridge Project is behind schedule due to material procurement and design constraints.


In order to complete the project on time, the Chicago Department of Transportation will prohibit vehicular traffic in both directions on the Grand Avenue Bridge starting Saturday, October 10. The sidewalk on the northside of the bridge will remain open to pedestrian traffic. 


The full closure is expected to last two months. 

DuSable Park Community Meeting October 5th

Proposed Metra Van Buren Renovation

Daley Plaza Farmers Market

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) manages Chicago City Markets and is excited to bring back the Daley Plaza Farmers Market located at 50 West Washington Street. 


The Farmers Market is held on Thursdays from 7am to 2pm. Please click here to learn more about Chicago City Markets and other farmers markets throughout the City of Chicago.

CAPS Meetings

  • 18th District: (312-742-5778 / [email protected])
  • There are no CAPS meetings scheduled for the month of October.
  • 1st District: (312-745-4381 / [email protected])
  • Beat 112 Meeting scheduled on October 5th at 3 PM
  • Beat 114 Meeting scheduled on October 5th at 6 PM
  • Beat 122 Meeting scheduled on October 12th at 3 PM
  • 12th District: (312-746-8306 / [email protected])
  • Beat 1214 Meeting scheduled on October 5th at 6 PM
  • Beat 1224 Meeting scheduled on October 26th at 6 PM

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

Crane Lift: 230 W Monroe


On Saturday, October 1, from 9am-5pm, there will be a crane lift at 230 W Monroe. During the lift, the following will be closed:


  • Sidewalk on the east side of Franklin, from Monroe to Arcade
  • Curb lane on the east side of Franklin, from Monroe to Arcade
  • Traffic lane on the east side of Franklin, from Monroe to Arcade


Crane Lift: 400 W Ontario


On Tuesday, October 4, from 9am-5pm, there will be a crane lift at 400 W Ontario Street. During the lift, the following will be closed:


  • 200' of sidewalk in front 400 W Ontario
  • 200' of curb lane in front of 400 W Ontario
  • 200' of traffic lane in front of 400 W Ontario


Crane Lift: 435 W Erie


On Friday, October 7 to Sunday, October 9 there will be a crane lift at 435 W Erie Street. During the lift, there will be a full closure of Erie, from Sedgwick to Hudson.


Crane Lift 311 W Huron 


On Monday, October 17 to Wednesday, October 19, from 9am-5pm, there will be a crane lift at 311 W Huron Street. During the lift, vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be prohibited on Huron, from Franklin to Orleans. 

 

Conduit/Street Light Pole Installation


Sunseys began installation on new conduit and street light pole in the sidewalk at 543-600 N Michigan Avenue. All work is expected to be completed by October 11, 2022.


Lumen


On Thursday, September 15, Lumen will begin installing communication equipment on the south side of Kinzie, from Kingsbury to a pint 100' east there of. 


This project is expected to be completed by November. 


Randolph Street Viaduct Repair


CDOT restarted viaduct repairs on Randolph, between Columbus and Field on Monday. Work hours are Monday-Friday, from 8am-8pm. 


Throughout the project, at least one lane of eastbound traffic will be open. Westbound lanes will not be disrupted. 


The project is expedited to be completed mid-November (weather dependent). 



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. 


Filmings


Commercial Filming


On Sunday, October 2 and Monday, October 3, there will be a commercial filmed at Wells and Monroe.


During the filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:


  • North side of W Quincy St from S Franklin to S Wells (October 2 at 6am to October 3 at 12:30am)
  • East side of S Franklin from W Monroe to W Adams (October 2 at 6am to October 3 at 12:30am)
  • Both sides of S Wells from W Monroe to W Adams (October 2 at 6am to October 3 at 12:30am)


There will be the following intermittent closures:


  • Both lanes on S Wells from Adams to Jackson (October 2 from 1-7pm)
  • North lane of Monroe St from Franklin to LaSalle (October 2 from 5-10:30pm)


Additionally, there will be the following full street closure:


  • S Wells St from Madison to Monroe St (5-10:30pm)
  • South lane of Monroe St from Franklin to LaSalle (5-10:30pm)
  • S Wells St from Monroe to Adams (Sunday, October 2nd to Monday, October 3rd, 2022 from 5 PM to 12:30 AM)


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Clare Bisignano (location manager) at (781) 424-1728.


Chicago Med Film Scout


On Monday, October 3, Chicago Med will be scouting Jefferson and Wayman for a future filming. During the scouting, there will be intermittent closures of Jefferson, between Wayman and Fulton.


If you have question or concerns, please contact Edward Eberwine III (location manager) at312-841-7695


Power Force Filming:


On Tuesday, October 4 to Wednesday, October 5, Power Force will be filming in the alley at 343 W Erie Street. During the filming, parking at the following locations will be prohibited:


  • West Side of Sedgwick from Chicago Ave to Locust St
  • East Side of Sedgwick St from Locust St south 100 Feet
  • North side of Ontario, from Orleans to 440 W Ontario
  • South side of Ontario, from Orleans to 371 W Ontario


There will be intermittent closures of Erie, from Orleans to Sedgwick. Additionally, there will be a full closure of the alley behind 343 W Erie Street. 


If you have any question or concerns, please contact Danielle Weber (location manager) at 847-830-6567.


Illinois Tourism Filming


On Friday, October 7, there will be a commercial filmed inside the London House at 85 East Wacker Drive. During the filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:


  • West side of Lower Michigan from Lower Wacker to Lower Wacker Pl (4am-2pm)
  • Both Sides of Garland Ct from Wacker Pl to Lake (4am-2pm)
  • West side of Wabash from Wacker to Lake (4am-2pm)
  • South side of Wacker Place from State to Wabash (4am-2pm)


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Daniel Marcus (location manager) at 312-539-6841.



Chase Tower Clark Street Tunnel Project


In mid-July, Berglund Construction began repairs on the Chase Tower Clark Street tunnel at 23 S. Clark Street. The project scope consists of repairing Chase’s below-grade tunnel structures that cross below Clark Street at 23 S. Clark St, and will require excavation of Clark Street in that area to access the tunnel structures to perform repairs.


There will be one lane of southbound traffic open at all times. Berglund will have flaggers and barricades in-place throughout the project. 


The project will last 26 months. Berglund would like to begin mid-June. Work hours will be Monday-Friday, from 8am-5pm.


Demolition Notice: 535 N. St. Clair Street


Precision Excavation & Demolition (PED) was hired to demo the parking structure at 535 N St. Clair Street. Demolition will begin in November, and work hours will be Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.


PED plans to install a high bay pedestrian canopy on the north side of Grand, from St. Clair to a point 100' east thereof. Additionally, they plan to prohibit parking on the north side of Grand, from St. Clair to a point 100' east thereof. Both the canopy and parking restrictions will be in-place throughout the project. 


The sidewalk on the east side of St. Clair, from Grand to appoint 100' north thereof will be closed for the first week of the project. Construction fencing will be put in-pace between the sidewalk and the site. 


PED plans to demo the building from west to east. They will have dust mitigation in-place and bait for rodents before work begins. All demolition activities will occur on their property. The crane will not be on ROW. 


The entire demolition will take one month to complete. 



Cassidy Tire Demolition


On Monday, May 9, McHugh Construction began demolition of Cassidy Tire located at 344/350 N. Canal Street. McHugh's contractor (Atlas) will demo the building from the back (south side) to the front (north side). The demolition is expected to last 2 months. 


Immediately after the demolition is completed, construction of the 33-story mixed-use building will begin. During demolition and throughout construction, McHugh Constriction will occupy the curb lane on the west side of Canal along 344/350 N. Canal Street's property line. The construction company has leased the area north of the building from the railroad to use as a staging area. Additionally, they will use the parking lot south of the building as a staging area too.


As a reminder, this project is contributing to numerous public benefits. Click here for a list of public benefits, and stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates on this project and the implementation of these public benefits.  


All work is expected to take 24 months to complete (weather dependent).


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). 



Peoples Gas Main Installation Project: Bellevue, from Lake Shore Drive to Rush


At the end of May 2022, Peoples Gas began installing a 900' gas main on the south side of Bellevue Place, from Inner Lake Shore Drive to Rush Street.


The main will be installed in sections of 150'. Once the gas main is installed, service lines will be connected from the new main to each building on the north side of the street.


This will require trenching from the south to north side of the street. All work is expected to be completed in mid-September (weather dependent). Curb-to-curb restoration will occur in October. 


Millennium Park Music Festivals 


The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the return of the following free summer music festivals in Millennium Park:


  • Chicago Jazz Festival (citywide and in Millennium Park including Jay Pritzker Pavilion): Thursday – Sunday, September 1–4
  • Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park): Friday, September 16
  • World Music Festival Chicago (citywide): Friday, September 30 – Sunday, October 2


Gas Main Replacement - Michigan, Monroe to Lake


On Monday, February 7, Peoples Gas began a gas main replacement on the west side of Michigan Avenue, from Monroe to Lake. Work hours will be 9am-4pm. This project is expected to be completed in August 2022 (weather dependent).


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 broken 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

 

In September 2021, GNP Realty Partners began 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 July 2022.


Overnight Closure: Lake Shore Drive Bridge


CDOT has identified Lake Shore Drive Bridge adjustments that need to be made. This project will occur during the overnight hours to accommodate weekly boat runs during the day. This work will occur on Mondays and Thursdays beginning June 9. The project is expected to be completed in early August. 


Upper Lake Shore Drive will be closed from Illinois Street to Monroe Street and Lower Lake Shore Drive will be closed from Grand Ave. to Lower Wacker Drive. 


Detour Route:


Southbound traffic will be directed off onto westbound Grand Ave., to southbound Columbus Ave., to eastbound Monroe St. and back to LSD. Northbound traffic will be directed off at westbound Monroe St., to northbound Columbus Ave., to eastbound Illinois St. and back to LSD. 


Dearborn Street Bridge Project


CDOT has scheduled emergency work on the Dearborn Bridge to begin June 13 (weather dependent). They will be conducting the following work:


  • Replacing both sidewalks
  • Replacing all of the bridge gratings
  • Replacing the beam structures 


The project is expected to be completed in December 2022 (weather dependent). 


The bridge will be reduced to one lane of traffic/sidewalk at a time. Bike traffic will be detoured to Clark Street via the north side of Upper Wacker Drive.