August 14, 2026

Alderman Reilly Reports

Ward-wide Infrastructure and Street Sign Surveys

Dear Neighbor:

Keeping our sidewalks, streets, and public way infrastructure safe and well maintained is a priority for my office. To identify issues requiring attention, we recently conducted two comprehensive, ward-wide surveys.

First, we walked the entire 42nd Ward to identify damaged sidewalks that could pose trip-and-fall hazards. We photographed each location, documented its address, and submitted 311 service requests. We then compiled this information, including the photographs and service request numbers, into a memo and sent it to Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner William Cheaks, requesting that inspection and repair teams be dispatched.

We conducted a similar survey of street signs and sign poles, documenting those that were missing, damaged, or covered in graffiti. We submitted 311 service requests and provided CDOT with a detailed memo identifying the locations requiring attention. Please click here to view the sidewalk survey and here for the sign survey.

These surveys are an important part of our ongoing effort to proactively identify problems rather than simply wait for them to be reported. I appreciate the residents who continue to bring infrastructure concerns to our attention, and I will continue working with CDOT and other City agencies to ensure these issues are addressed.

My office will continue monitoring these locations and advocating for the necessary repairs and improvements. Safe, well-maintained sidewalks, signs, and streets are essential to the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and I will continue to make these improvements a priority.

Sincerely,

Brendan Reilly

Alderman, 42nd Ward

Chicago's Iconic Air and Water Show Returns This Weekend

The City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will present the 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show on Aug. 15 and 16 along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as the show center from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year's event will feature the return of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, military demonstrations, civilian aerobatic performers, and more as millions gather for one of Chicago's most beloved summer traditions.

There will be no street closures in the 42nd Ward associated with the Air and Water Show.

For more information and to view the full list of performers, visit ChicagoAirandWaterShow.us.

New Homeowner Flood Relief Bill Signed Into Law

On Friday, August 14, Governor Pritzker joined legislative sponsors and community leaders at the West Lawn Park Field House for the signing of Senate Bill 3925. The new law amends the Home Equity Assurance Act to authorize a governing commission to establish a one-time flood-damage rebate program for eligible Home Equity Assurance Program members.

Under the law, eligible homeowners may receive a rebate of up to 50% of qualified out-of-pocket costs for flood-related repairs, with a maximum rebate of $1,000 per household. Homeowners participating in a program that establishes the rebate will be required to submit qualified receipts documenting their flood-related expenses to the program's governing commission. The rebate program may operate for three years unless it is reapproved by the governing commission.

Residents should contact their local Home Equity Assurance Program for information about eligibility, when applications will be available, and where to submit receipts and other documentation. Residents in the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program's service area can visit the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program (NWHEAP) or call 773-622-0700 for information and assistance. NWHEAP currently provides information about its existing flood mitigation rebate program and application process.

For additional information about Senate Bill 3925, residents can review the Illinois General Assembly's SB 3925 bill page.

CityFront Plaza Drive Repairs

Work to repair the steel curbs on both sides of CityFront Plaza Drive, between Illinois Street and North Water Street, has been delayed but is expected to begin shortly.

Approximately two months ago, our office received complaints about the closure of CityFront Plaza Drive to vehicular traffic. At our request, CDOT sent a right-of-way inspector to investigate and determined that the contractor had not obtained the required permits to close the street or open the right-of-way.

The only permit in place was for the installation of barricades. Our office asked CDOT to halt the project until all required permits were obtained, and the contractor immediately applied for the appropriate permits.

The project is not a City of Chicago project. The work is being undertaken on behalf of the City Center West Maintenance Association (CCWMA), a master maintenance association funded by local property owners that is responsible for maintaining infrastructure in the area.

The contractor's permit application has been under review by CDOT's Bridge Division for approximately two months and is expected to be issued shortly. Work will begin immediately once the permit is approved.

Once construction begins, both the northbound and southbound lanes of CityFront Plaza Drive will remain open to vehicular traffic. Street parking will not be permitted on CityFront Plaza Drive while the work is underway. The project is expected to take three months to complete.

Cook County Sheriff's Office Expands Career Opportunities for 18-Year Olds

The Cook County Sheriff's Office is preparing to launch a new hiring initiative following the recent signing of legislation by Governor JB Pritzker that allows qualified 18-year-olds to apply for positions as Correctional Officers. The change creates a new career pathway for young adults interested in public service.

To help spread the word, the Sheriff's Office will host an informational webinar for community leaders on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. The webinar will provide an overview of the hiring process, explain how the Sheriff's Office can partner with community organizations, and answer questions about the new employment opportunities.

Community organizations, schools, churches, workforce agencies, and other groups that work with young adults are encouraged to participate and learn how they can help connect eligible residents with these career opportunities.

Community leaders can register for the Aug. 19 webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KWTIjHtZQla4EX-4cqUgsw.

The Sheriff's Office also noted that a separate webinar for prospective applicants will be offered at a later date. The Aug. 19 session is designed specifically to equip community leaders with information and resources to share throughout Cook County.

Destigmatizing Dementia: A Community Conversation

Skyline Village Chicago and the Center for Life and Learning at Fourth Presbyterian Church will host Destigmatizing Dementia, a free community event on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St. in Chicago.

The event will explore ways to build a more dementia-friendly community through education, creativity, and conversation. The program features a keynote presentation by TimeSlips, an internationally recognized nonprofit that uses creativity and storytelling to strengthen connections with people living with dementia. A panel discussion will follow, highlighting the Dementia Friends movement and the GUIDE program.

The event is open to caregivers, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, people living with dementia and their care partners, and anyone interested in learning more about dementia and reducing stigma.

Lunch will be provided, and registration is required.

To register, visit: https://4thchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3768028.

CAPS Meetings

18th District: (312-742-5778 / CAPS.018District@chicagopolice.org)

No meetings.

1st District: (312-745-4381 / CAPS.001District@chicagopolice.org)

Beat 112 CAPS Meeting: Wednesday, August 19, from 6-7pm at Presidential Towers located at 555 W Madison Street

To find your appropriate beat to attend your CAPS meeting, please click here.

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

Menu Funded Resurfacing

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is expected to begin Aldermanic Menu-funded resurfacing projects in the ward between August 18 and August 21 (weather dependent). The following streets are scheduled to be resurfaced:

West Chestnut Street, from State Street to the first alley west thereof
Pearson Street, from Wabash Avenue to Michigan Avenue
Wabash Avenue, from Grand Avenue to Kinzie Street
Hubbard Street, from Wabash Avenue to Rush Street
Ernst Court, between Delaware and Chestnut

Hubbard Street Stairwell Closure

The Chicago Department of Transportation has closed the Hubbard Street Stairwell located at E Hubbard Street and N Wabash Avenue for safety and repairs. The stairwell will remain closed until Summer 2027.

Lower Michigan Avenue and Lower Wacker Drive

Project: Repairs to Michigan Avenue Bridge performed by a Contractor on behalf of CDOT.

Impacts: Beginning on Monday, August 3rd, the sidewalk at the northwest corner of Lower Michigan Ave and Wacker Drive with be closed to pedestrian traffic. The southbound curb lane on Lower Michigan Ave and the westbound curb lane on Lower Wacker Drive will be closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic.

Upon reopening of the west side, the sidewalk at the northeast corner of Lower Michigan Ave and Wacker Drive will be closed to pedestrian Traffic. The westbound curb lane on Lower Wacker and the northbound curb lane on Lower Michigan Ave will be closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic.

Reason: The northwest and northeast corners of Lower Michigan Ave and Lower Wacker Drive require repairs and protective measures. Prolonging repairs will lead to further corrosion of steel and safety risks of falling concrete, resulting in the need to restrict vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area.

Duration: This work will require closure of the sidewalk and the curb lane at the northwest corner of Lower Michigan and Lower Wacker for four weeks beginning on Monday, July 27th. This work will require closure of the sidewalk and the curb lane at the northeast corner of Lower Michigan and Lower Wacker for four weeks directly following.

CTA will still be able to maintain their routes in the area.

CTA #22 Temporary Bus Stop - Clark & Kinzie

As a result of the Clark Street Outdoor Dining Program, the southbound CTA #22 bus will now temporarily stop approximately 200' south of the intersection of Clark and Kinzie. This change will be in effect through October 2026. The regular southbound stop at the northwest corner of Clark and Kinzie will remain closed during the Outdoor Dining Program.

Public Assembly:

State / Lake CTA Station Reconstruction

As part of the ongoing State / Lake CTA Station Reconstruction project, a full closure of the southbound lanes has been implemented on State St, from Wacker Dr to Randolph St. Lake St, between State St and Wabash Ave, remains closed. Please click here for the detour map. This closure will remain in place until further notice.

Until the closure is lifted, southbound vehicles will be rerouted to Kinzie St, Clark St, and Washington St to re-access State St. Local business, driveway, and sidewalks access on State St will be maintained during the closures. The underground CTA Red Line train station at Lake will remain open. As a result of the closure on State Street, the following southbound CTA bus stops will be eliminated at State & Lake until further notice:

#2 - Hyde Park Express, #6 – Jackson Park Express, #10 – Museum Science & Industry, #29 – State, #36 – Broadway, #62 – Archer, #146 – Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express, #148 – Clarendon/Michigan Express.

Utility Work:

Randolph St Concrete Repair

CDOT continues concrete repair work on Randolph St, from Michigan Ave to Lake Shore Drive. As a result of this work, CDOT will continue to implement rolling two-lane closures from 8pm - 6am, when necessary, along Lower and Intermediate Randolph St, from Michigan Ave to Lake Shore Drive. CDOT will remove the netting between Upper and Intermediate Randolph St. One lane of traffic will be maintained at all times. Rolling two-lane nighttime closures will be required. This project is scheduled to be completed by the end of August 2026. CTA bus routes will be unaffected by the work on Intermediate Randolph St, and traffic on Upper Randolph St will not be impacted.

Canal St Reconstruction

The closures remain in place on the east side of Canal St, between Adams St and Madison St. As a result, parking on Canal St, between Adams St and Madison St, will be prohibited. Two lanes on the west side of Canal St will be maintained for northbound traffic. These closures will last until late 2026. Pedestrian traffic will be maintained on the west side of Canal St, as well as access to driveways and commercial loading zones.

Bridge Construction Updates

Work continues on the Lake St Bascule Bridge. The sidewalk on the southwest corner of the bridge will remain closed until summer 2026. The Lake St Bascule Bridge is expected to re-open by spring 2028. The detour map can be found here. The State Street Bridge is now open. The approximate completion date for the Chicago Ave Bridge is January 2027, and the Lake St Bridge will be completed by spring 2028.