The Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park with an array of eateries showcasing the city’s culinary excellence and diversity. Entrance gates are located at Columbus Drive & Jackson Drive, Columbus Drive & Ida B. Wells, and Columbus Drive & Balbo Drive. All festival attendees will be required to walk through certified metal detectors and bags will be searched at all entrances. Attendees may be subjected to additional screenings such as magnetometer wanding and/or physical pat down. Prohibited items will be confiscated and discarded. Click here for prohibited items and additional security measures.

Street Closures

The following street closures will remain in effect through Monday, July 11 at 4 p.m.

• Columbus is closed between Monroe and Balbo. Jackson and Balbo will be open to vehicular traffic
• Ida B Wells is closed from Michigan to Columbus.
• The semi- circle and west leg to Michigan will remain open to traffic

Grant Park Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety at Taste of Chicago and on the lakefront, festival attendees are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the light poles throughout the Grant Park area. The green signs with white letters and numbers are also located from 1200 DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 6600 DuSable Lake Shore Drive to help them reference their location within the park to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency and you call 9-1-1.

Click Here to review the City’s press release including other citywide Festivals, Events and Concerts this weekend.

This weekend, the City of Chicago will have citywide deployments to ensure the safety and security of the public. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and will coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as needed. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at select events citywide to direct flow and impacts from increased traffic.

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. 

Public Transportation: For all large events, public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from summertime events. For more information, visit CTA and Metra.com.

Weather and Public Safety: OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download a weather app. OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

• Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org
• For lakefront notices, text “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
• For alerts affecting businesses, text “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3
• For COVID-19 updates, text “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3

Casino Update

The City of Chicago in coordination with Bally’s Chicago is hosting a Virtual Community Meeting on Tuesday, July 19th at 6 PM regarding the temporary casino at the Medinah Temple, 600 North Wabash Street. Click here to register for the virtual meeting.

At this meeting, Bally’s Chicago will present its plans with respect to historic preservation and answer questions related to historic preservation of the Medinah Temple, since it is a Chicago Landmark. This is in advance of the Landmark Department's Permit Review Committee review of the project, scheduled to take place in August.

The community may submit any questions or comments in advance via email to [email protected]. Additional public engagement related to traffic, public safety, and other community concerns will take place at an in-person public engagement session in the near future. However, the July 19th meeting will focus solely on historic preservation.

The Mayor’s Office also recently announced the creation of a Casino Community Advisory Council (CAC) in order to create a forum for ongoing community engagement throughout the development of the Bally’s Casino. The CAC will have 20 members representing impacted community areas, as well as subject matter experts in a range of fields including transportation/infrastructure, economic equity, and gambling addiction. If you are interested in serving on this CAC, please apply here by Friday, July 15. 

Alderman Reilly remains extremely frustrated about the City Council’s approval of the casino at these locations. Please click here to review Alderman Reilly’s position on the matter, published in Reilly Reports on May 27, 2022. 

The casino proposal is still awaiting review by the Chicago Plan Commission (CPC) to discuss the proposed amendment to the Planned Development. CPC will also allow for additional public comment. After CPC, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) will consider the application and there will be another opportunity for the public to weigh in on the issuance of the casino license. Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for more information regarding public engagement opportunities with the IGB.

New As-of-Right Development Proposal

Riverside Investment & Development in partnership with Bluestar Properties proposes to construct a new mixed-use development at 566 W. Van Buren Street. The site is currently two, two-story retail buildings and a surface parking lot containing 90 parking spaces.

As proposed, the mixed use building, designed by Antunovich Associates, contains 198 residential apartments, 2,500 square feet of retail space on the ground-floor, 76 accessory parking spaces, 99 bicycle parking spaces, a private dog run, and a rooftop amenity pool deck. 

Parking access will occur on Jefferson street consistent with the existing parking lot and additional parking and loading dock access is proposed via the alley. The residential lobby is planned on Van Buren Street with the retail on the corner of Jefferson and Van Buren Streets. A two-story podium base contains the lobby elements, leasing offices, residence support spaces, bike parking, street front retail and 2 levels of parking. 

The building has been designed to fit into the context of the West Loop neighborhood incorporating a brick and glass façade. The parking floors are clad with translucent glass and the ground floor will be set back approximately 2’ from the property line to provide a wider sidewalk with new street planters and trees along both Jefferson and Van Buren Streets. The existing curb cut on Van Buren Street has been removed and the Jefferson Street curb cut has been reduced by 5’ for the parking entrance. Click here to review additional project details

The developers are not seeking any zoning relief, and plan to develop the site under the existing zoning rights which govern their property. As an as-of-right development, this project does not require Alderman Reilly's approval. 

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

to Review Cannabis Dispensary Proposal

In May, GRI Holdings, LLC hosted a public community meeting as a requirement of the Special Use application necessary to open an Adult Use cannabis dispensary at 612 North Wells Street. Click here if you were not able to attend the meeting.

The ZBA will consider this Special Use application at an upcoming (virtual) public hearing on Friday, July 15th, at 9:00 AM. 

The ZBA is a quasi-judicial body made up of Mayoral appointees. They are solely responsible for approval or denial of Special Use licenses and are not obligated to give special consideration to comments from Aldermen or Police Commanders. However, the hearing will allow time for public comment. Click here to visit the ZBA website to submit a written comment in advance of the hearing, and also to access the link to the Live Stream on the morning of July 15th. 

Other proposed cannabis dispensaries in the 42nd Ward (605 North Clark Street and 212 East Ontario Street) have not been added to a ZBA agenda yet. Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates.

Chicago Plan Commission (CPC) to Consider 42nd Ward PD Amendment on July 21st

On Thursday, July 21, at 10:00am, the Chicago Plan Commission (CPC) will host a virtual meeting to review proposed applications and/or amendments, including one proposal within the 42nd Ward, detailed below. Rules for public participation in virtual meetings are now available. A link to live stream the meeting will be added to CPC’s website on July 21st.

On May 23, 2022, Alderman Reilly introduced an ordinance to amend Residential-Business Planned Development (PD) 735. PD #735 governs two parcels within the 42nd Ward: a mixed-use building, located at 2 East Erie Street (Sub-Area A), and a surface parking lot, located at 1 West Huron Street (Sub-Area B). The ordinance proposes to remove “lodging” or “hotel/motel” as a permitted use in Sub-Area B (1 West Huron Street) of PD 735. No other changes are proposed to the existing PD. 

The surface parking lot within PD #735 is directly adjacent to the Eurostar Magnificent Mile Hotel, located at 660 North State Street. Since PD #735 currently permits all uses in the B7-6 General Central Business District and accessory parking, the proposed ordinance amends the permitted use statement to exclude “hotel”. Alderman Reilly proposed this amendment to prevent a hotel development on the empty lot located at 1 West Huron Street. 

Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge Repair Project

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin repairs to the Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge over the Chicago River on July 11, 2022. 

This project consists of the following:

• Concrete repairs on the Grand Avenue Viaduct
• Steel repairs to the Bridge 
• Concrete repairs on the Bridge
• Replacement of the steel grid decking of the Bridge

The project will occur in two phases. During phase 1, westbound vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge over the Chicago River will be prohibited. Phase 1 will be completed mid-September (weather dependent) - Phase 2 will begin immediately after. 

Throughout the duration of Phase 1, westbound traffic on Grand Avenue will be detoured northbound on LaSalle Street, westbound on Chicago Avenue, southbound on Ashland Avenue, back to westbound on Grand Avenue. Please click here to view a map of the detour route for Phase 1. 

The entire project is expected to be finished mid-November (weather dependent). Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates regarding Phase 2 of the Grand Avenue Bascule Bridge Repair Project.

Crime & Safety: Postcard Writing Campaign

Alderman Reilly is extremely frustrated with the ongoing criminal activity plaguing our City, and the lack of accountability from the Cook County Criminal Justice System. He is in constant communication with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Office about crime in the Downtown neighborhoods. Most recently, Alderman Reilly sent a letter to Superintendent Brown relating to downtown crime, described in Reilly Reports on May 20th.

All law enforcement agencies should work collaboratively to resolve the increase in crime. While CPD does great work, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Office and Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans need to increase their efforts to hold criminals accountable.

We are asking residents to participate in a postcard writing campaign to State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Office and Chief Judge Evans to express concerns about the lack of accountability and releasing individuals accused of violent crimes on electronic monitoring.  

Postcards can be picked up at the 42nd Ward Constituent Service Office located at 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 200 (Monday - Friday from 9am to 3pm). Please click here for sample postcard language, mailing addresses, and more information about the campaign.

Earlier this month, the City of Chicago launched the Home and Business Protection Program (HBPP). Through the program, anyone who lives in the city of Chicago, operates a business in the city, or owns or leases a vehicle registered to a primary address within the city limits will be able to receive reimbursement from the City to cover the costs of private security devices to protect their property and feel safe. 

The City of Chicago will provide select rebates to cover costs associated with outdoor security camera systems, cloud storage for video footage, outdoor motion-sensor lighting, vehicle GPS trackers, and subscription costs. The program is open to all Chicago residents, businesses, religious institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Tenants are also welcome to apply for the rebate, provided they have received consent from the property owner. 

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria below may receive reimbursement for: 

• Up to $225 per camera (cost of camera and tax only) for a maximum of 2 cameras, or a total $450 reimbursement 
• One year of subscription costs for cloud-based video storage systems for a maximum of $150 per annual subscription 
• Up to $100 per light (cost of light and tax only) for a maximum of 2 lights, or a total $200 reimbursement 
• Up to $50 per vehicle GPS tracking device (cost device and tax only) for a maximum of 2 devices, or a total $100 reimbursement 
• One year of subscription costs for GPS tracking applications as required for use by the vehicle GPS tracking device manufacturer up to $120 

All applicants who successfully complete their application will be reimbursed within 90 days after application approval. To be eligible for any qualifying rebates, the following requirements must be met:

• The applicant must be an owner or tenant of a property used as a primary residence, business, religious institution, or nonprofit organizations within the City of Chicago OR own or lease a vehicle registered to a primary address within the City of Chicago. 
• The applicant must provide documentation that verifies proof of purchase. 
• The applicant must provide photo documentation that verifies installation. 

Applicants who are interested in aiding the Chicago Police Department (CPD) during criminal investigations have the option to register their camera system at chicagopolice.org/cameraregistration. Registration of the camera system location with the CPD is not required to participate in the Home and Business Protection Program. 

For residents who decide to register their cameras, CPD will not have direct access to the camera system and cannot access camera footage without consent. By registering, residents simply allow CPD to request camera footage in the event of a crime. Residents reserve the right to refuse access to camera footage at all times. 

The program is first-come, first-serve, and open to residents and business owners throughout Chicago. In order to ensure those who live in communities experiencing higher levels of violence have access to private security devices, the City will partner with community-based organizations to distribute private security equipment in the 15 communities that are considered priority based on historical trends of violence: 



• Auburn Gresham​ 
• Austin​ 
• Chicago Lawn​ 
• East Garfield Park 
• Englewood 
• Greater Grand Crossing 
• Humboldt Park 
• New City 
• North Lawndale 
• Roseland 
• South Lawndale 
• South Shore 
• West Englewood 
• West Garfield Park 
• West Pullman

Only security devices purchased on or after Monday, June 6, qualify for reimbursement. No rebates will be provided for private security equipment purchased prior to this date. Installation costs of cameras, lighting, and GPS tracking devices are also not eligible for reimbursement. Additional criteria for security camera, lighting, and vehicle GPS Tracking Device rebates can be found at Chicago.gov/HBPP. 

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.

Beginning June 7, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) will host its annual Farmers Market at the Museum of Contemporary Art located at 220 E. Chicago Avenue. SOAR's Farmers Market is open every Tuesday from 7am-2pm.

Please click here for more information about SOAR's Farmers Market. 

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 mid-July. 

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. 

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 grating
• 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.

The Office of the City Clerk has brought back senior hours beginning Tuesday, May 3, 2022 and offering them every Tuesday through July 26, 2022. 

Senior hours are 8AM-9AM for individuals 65+ at the Archer and Gale satellite office locations. Please see the flyer below for more information.

• 18th District: (312-742-5778 / [email protected])
• No meetings are scheduled for the week of July 11, 2022.
• 1st District: (312-745-4381 / [email protected])
• Beat 123 Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, July 13th at 3 PM
• Beat 121 Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, July 13th at 6 PM
• 12th District: (312-746-8306 / [email protected])
• Beat 1224 Meeting scheduled on July 13th at 6 PM 

Crane Lift: 939 N Rush Street

On Saturday, July 9 from 8am to 5pm, there will be a crane lift at 939 N Rush Street. During the lift, the following will be closed:

• Sidewalk on the east side of Rush, from Oak Street to a point 100' north thereof
• Curb lane on the east side of Rush, from Oak Street to a point 100' north thereof
• Both northbound traffic lanes on Rush, from Oak Street to a point 100' north thereof

Northbound traffic will be pushed to the curb lane on the west side of Rush Street 

120 East Oak Street Interior Demo/Facade Project

In mid-July, Skender Construction will begin an interior demo and facade project at 120 East Oak Street. Work hours will be 8am to 5pm, Monday - Friday. 

Throughout the project, the following will be closed:

• 12' of sidewalk in front of 120 East Oak Street for a scissor lift and covered pedestrian walkway
• Curb lane in front of 120 East Oak Street

The project is expected to be completed in 15 weeks (weather dependent).

Filming

Justified 

On Sunday, July 10 to Wednesday, July 13, Justified will be filming scenes inside 78 W. Washington Street.

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

• East side of Wabash, from Lake to Madison
• East side of Garland, from Randolph to Washington
• North side of Washington, from Wabash to Garland 
• North side of Lake, from Michigan to Stetson

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Stefan Nikolov at 773-616-0007.

618 S Michigan Sidewalk Work

Columbia College is repairing sidewalk cracks and caulking adjacent to their building at 618 S. Michigan Avenue.

There will be an 8' wide/21' long construction fence in-place at this location throughout the project.

Work hours are 8am-5pm. The project will be finished in late July.

Chase Tower Clark Street Tunnel Project

In mid-July, Berglund Construction will begin 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. Works 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 September, 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 numerous public benefits. Click here for a list of public benefits, and stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates on this project and 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). 

Randolph Street Viaduct Repair

This project is on-hold due to supply chain issues. The contractors will demobilize the site and reopen traffic lanes the week of June 27.

CDOT expects work to begin again in mid-July.

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 by late July (weather dependent). Curb-to-curb restoration will occur in August. 

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:

• Millennium Park Summer Music Series (June 20 – August 18)
• 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 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

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. 

South Water Street Viaduct Replacement

This project is on hold due to supply chain issues. The viaduct will remain closed while the project is on-hold. 

CDOT hopes to begin work again in mid-July. 

Overnight Parking Ban Downtown

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

• Both sides of Huron from Rush to Dearborn
• Both sides of New Street, from Illinois to North Water
• Both sides of Stetson, from Randolph to Wacker 
• Both sides of Beaubien Court, from Randolph to Lake 
• Both sides of Randolph, from Harbor to Michigan 

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