Join Sheriff Tom Dart  for Straight Talk on Electronic Monitoring on Monday, January 10 at 5:30pm on Zoom. Submit questions and hear from the Cook County Sheriff on the latest data on electronic monitoring – who’s on it, why they’re placed on it, and how to fix it.

Please sign-up for the webinar using this link and submit your questions.

Crime and Safety: Postcard Writing Campaign

A message from Alderman Reilly Ward 42: Reilly Reports 12/10/2021

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.

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/letter 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.

The  42nd Ward Constituent Service Office located at 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 200 (Monday – Friday from 9am to 3pm) is currently out of postcards.  Drafting a letter is equally as effective.   Please CLICK HERE for sample postcard/letter language, mailing addresses, and more information about the campaign.

Alderman Reilly on the Bob Sirott Show
On Wednesday, December 8, Alderman Reilly joined Bob Sirott on WGN Radio. They discussed crime Downtown, including recent large group activities and the Chicago Police Department’s response. Please CLICK HERE to listen to the radio interview.

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is a popular voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have taken advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation. The 2021 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program will open to new applicants on January 11, 2021 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify to receive a 50 percent discount.

The scope of a Shared Cost Sidewalk Program project is limited to sidewalk within the public right-of way, and may include the main walk, the sidewalk thru a driveway, the existing courtesy walk (which runs perpendicular from the main sidewalk to the curb), and existing landing steps (the small strip of concrete sometimes found adjacent to the curb). Sidewalk on private property will only be included if needed for transition purposes; otherwise it is NOT eligible for replacement under the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program.

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. Please note that if you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2021 if you wish to be considered for the 2021 program.

Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311, through the City’s service request website, or through the free CHI311 mobile app.

Applicants will be notified indicating whether they have been included into the 2021 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. Applicants included in the program will receive a bill in the spring indicating the property owner amount due. Interested applicants can find answers to frequently asked questions HERE. Should you have any further questions, please contact CDOT at (312) 744-1746 or email cdotsharedcost@cityofchicago.org.

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. 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.

RNRA manages a separate non-profit organization called River North Clean Streets (RNCS), which provides training, support and transitional employment to people affected by poverty (and often the challenges of recovery, domestic violence, episodic homelessness, and incarceration).   Through the performance of much-needed weekend street cleaning services, RNCS crew members rebuild hope, self-esteem and opportunity for themselves and their families.

Since our founding in 2017, we have achieved outstanding results together:

• Weekend cleaning services were performed on up to 38 of River North’s neediest blocks
• 2,385 bags of trash and 941 bags of recyclables (over 40 tons) have been removed from our streets
• 406 hard-working RNCS interns have participated in the program
• 171 interns secured permanent employment at a current average hourly wage of $14.23

Since most of our typical Block Sponsors work in the hospitality sector, many were unable to continue supporting us while struggling to keep their doors open and their staff employed during the pandemic.

It seemed inevitable that we would have to suspend operations in 2021, but fortunately, three prominent local organizations stepped up with emergency funding. The generosity of Verilife, Salesforce and Sunnyside enabled us to continue operations during this challenging period. These benefactors, along with eleven other Block Sponsors, epitomize good corporate citizenship. Thanks to them, RNCS makes River North cleaner, safer and more beautiful, while creating potentially life changing opportunities for our excellent crew members.

With a little luck, RNCS will be able to resume its original funding model in 2022. To learn more about River North Clean Streets, visit us online at RNCleanstreets.org.

The City announced plans to welcome in the New Year with a 1.5-mile-long midnight fireworks display along the lakefront and Chicago River.

These will be the largest fireworks display the City’s ever had and will be accompanied by a live simulcast from WGN. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic still threatening the health and safety of Chicago residents, the City has introduced health guidelines that will encourage visitors and residents alike to celebrate safely.

Promptly at midnight, a fireworks display choreographed to a special music soundtrack will light up the sky synchronized across eight separate launch sites along the Chicago River and in Lake Michigan near Navy Pier. The display will be free to view, courtesy of the City, Choose Chicago, and participating partners from across the hospitality community. A website has been created to provide details about the event including locations where people can view the fireworks. WGN-TV will be broadcasting live starting at 11:00 pm and showcase the Midnight Fireworks and accompanying music soundtrack. Viewers are encouraged to watch the show from the safety of their homes.

The Chicago Department of Public Health encourages everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines are by far the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. Even if you are vaccinated, consider a COVID-19 test (either through a healthcare provider or at home) before gathering, and encourage guests to do the same before indoor holiday gatherings. Tests can help protect unvaccinated children, older individuals, those who are immunocompromised, or individuals at risk of severe disease. As a reminder, the mask mandate for Chicago and Illinois remains in effect and a mask is required at all public indoor settings across the city. Many venues will also require proof of vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Effective Monday, January 3, 2022, any individual 5 years of age or older will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or enjoy entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, are sick, or experiencing any COVID- or flu-like symptoms; you should not attend any gatherings for New Year’s Eve, even if you are vaccinated. For more information on how to stay safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19, visit chicago.gov/covid.

Event partners are located in close proximity to the display launch points, offering guests beautiful views and plenty of entertainment options. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to eat, drink and be merry at a variety of partner venues and events. The fireworks will also be broadcast live on WGN-TV.

The event is made possible by support from the City of Chicago and partners from the hospitality industry, which employs more than 90,000 workers.

To learn more about the Chicago New Year’s Eve River Fireworks Celebration and view a full list of all official partners and event options, please visit www.NYEBlast.com.

Street closure and traffic impacts can be reviewed here.

Wishing all of our River North residents and businesses Happy Holidays! Thank you to Mary Lassila, Michele Berman and Brian Israel, RNRA volunteers who hung these beautiful wreaths to bring cheer and joy to the neighborhood!