Last week (7/30/18) , Alderman Reilly and the River North Residents Association (RNRA) co-hosted a second community presentation for a new commercial development proposal at 444 North Dearborn Street.The proposal includes plans to construct a new firehouse for City of Chicago Engine Co. 42, funded completely by the developer, which would save Chicago taxpayers over $15,000,000. Subsequently, the developer proposes to demolish the existing firehouse and construct a new 455 foot tall (614,648 SF) commercial tower at the southwest corner of North Dearborn Street and West Illinois Street.

All loading for the new tower would occur through the alley to the south of the site, which will be managed by a dockmaster. Ambulances and smaller Chicago Fire Department (CFD) vehicles would be able to access the new Fire Station through the alley, something that is not possible today. CFD would also have the ability to control the traffic lights at both the Clark & Illinois and Dearborn & Illinois intersections, allowing them to flush traffic from the block before exiting for a service call. This modern technology will better control traffic for the safety of residents, as well as allow the CFD to limit use of their sirens to clear the street.

This proposal includes the creation of a Planned Development, incorporating the properties on the block bounded by Clark, Illinois, Dearborn, and Hubbard Streets. The Planned Development would transfer the development rights for the properties in the PD to the office tower, ensuring that no other property on the block will ever be developed past its current height.

Alderman Reilly works hard to provide an open and transparent community review of all local development proposals. Please click on the following links to download the presentation and traffic study, and submit your feedback to development@ward42chicago.com.

Alderman Reilly Reports 8/3/18

The Chicago Help Initiative is honored to be the charity benefiting from Run Mag Mile.  All donation proceeds will benefit the year-round weekly meals and programs of The Chicago Help Initiative for people in need and experiencing homelessness in downtown Chicago.

Rally your family and friends, neighbors co-workers, build a team and sign up for RUN MAG  MILE to build a better Chicago for everyone.  For more information and to register, click HERE.

CHI is also in need of volunteers to help with the race.  Interested?  Click HERE.

Have you heard of The Chicago Help Initiative?  It is one of six charitable organizations that RNRA supports each year as part of our philanthropic community efforts.  Every Wednesday evening, The Chicago Help Initiative (CHI) gathers at the dining hall of 721 N. LaSalle Street to serve a warm meal on white-clothed tables to 130 guests in a safe and dignified setting.  An additional 70 individuals receive a bag meal to go.  The nutritious and delicious food is provided by local restaurants and hotels from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and River North areas.

CHI offers more than just food. It’s mission is to assist guests in bettering their lives and becoming contributing members of the community again, offering medical assistance, mental health services, adult learning classes, employment resources and more.  To learn more, click HERE.

Launch event for Car2Go on Michigan Avenue

On Wednesday, Alderman Brian Hopkins was joined by Secretary of State Jesse White and 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett in welcoming Car2Go to Chicago, as this new free-float carshare program will bring numerous economic and quality of life benefits to the city.

In 2016, the University of California Berkeley released a study proving that Car2Go’s model cuts traffic congestion, reduces air pollution and integrates with other transit and transportation options, thereby helping to move more people, more efficiently while reducing air pollution and overall vehicle miles traveled (VMT).

Specifically, the study showed that each Car2Go vehicle removed as many as 11 personal cars from the road, which otherwise sit unused 95 percent of the time, and each Car2Go vehicle prevented up to 14 metric tons of greenhouse gas from polluting city air.

This program will complement existing public transportation by bridging the gaps between the “first and last mile” of a member’s commute. Early testing has shown that members walk, bike or ride public transit even more so in conjunction with access to free-floating carshare.

Their service has proven to be a tremendous success in major cities all over North America – such as New York, Montreal, D.C., Denver, and Vancouver – in improving mobility, air quality, and alleviating road congestion.
Source:  Alderman Brian Hopkin’s 2nd Ward Newsletter 7/27/18

018th District National Night Out:  August 7, 2018  4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  

The 018th District is hosting the “35th Annual National Night Out”.   National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to build strong community partnerships and promote safe neighborhoods.  Come out and join your neighbors to help build a stronger, safer community, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnership.

Family Style Barbeque, Kids activities, games, bouncy-house, face-painting, give-aways, Chicago Police S.W.A.T., Mounted, Canine, Chicago Fire Department Engine and more!  Information Tables:  Catholic Charities, Chicago Public Library, Near North Unity Program, Cook County Treasurer’s Office, Healthcare Consortium, Citizen Utility Board, Illinois Secretary of State.

Where:  018th District Chicago Police Department, 1160 N. Larrabee, South parking lot

Print copies of both flyers:   National Night Out,  RNRA Community Walks

Both WALKS will be organized and lead by RNRA Volunteers along the North Branch RIVER WALK.  For additional information contact Karl Costello, RNRA Public Safety Chair, at KCostello@RNRAChicago.org.

WALK PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER BELOW – It’s not too late to register!  

Alderman Reilly and State Representative Stratton are cohosting a Community Shred Day on Monday, August 6 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Ohio Place Dog Park located at 360 West Oho Street.

Households are limited to two boxes and shredding materials will be accepted until the shred trucks are full. The flyer below provides further information about the event.

A representative from Alderman Reilly’s Office will be present to address concerns or questions regarding city-related matters.

We look forward to seeing you at the Community Shred Day!

Experience the parks like never before next weekend (Friday 8/10 and Saturday 8/11) at this annual one-of-a-kind camp out on Northerly Island.

Gotta keep  campers well fed! Enjoy an appetizer hour by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, a camp-themed dinner feat. Luella’s Southern Kitchen & Vincent Chicago, and sweets by Eli’s Cheesecake, Edge of Sweetness, and Lifeway Kefir. Special s’mores station feat. homemade fixings by Katherine Anne Confections and Amy’s Candy Bar!

Also available Goose Island’s Brewer’s Basecamp, CH Distillery, Rhine Hall Distillery, Social Sparkling Wine, Brew Dr. Kombucha, and Fruit Belt Sparkling Fruit Tonic. Plus, Goose’s Sofie-mosas to accompany your morning brunch!

Relax and explore with  camp activities including DIY flower crowns, glow-in-the-dark bocce, prairie walks, twilight and sunrise yoga, lawn games, hammocking, custom souvenirs, a raffle drawing, and so much more from  incredible local partners!

The splendor of Northerly Island awaits you.  For tickets, click HERE.

Save the date for our next 2nd Ward Paper Shredding, Electronics Recycling, and Medication Takeback Event on September 22nd, located behind the 2nd Ward Service Office at 1400 N. Ashland Avenue.