September 23, 2021 By
Join the 18th District CPD 2022 Community Strategy Planning Meeting on October 18
REGISTER TODAY and provide your input for the 2022 18th District policing strategy. The Police Department will be seeking community input in order to draft the 18th district’s strategic plans surrounding crime enforcement and community engagement. Your participation is needed and appreciated.
September 23, 2021 By
“Pitch in for the Parks” Ward Park Clean-ups – October 23 – Register Now!
Register Now!
This year, the Chicago Parks Foundation, in partnership with the Chicago Park District and local communities, is once again leading a citywide volunteer initiative to help keep our parks clean.
We provide the volunteers, and the Chicago Parks Foundation provides supplies and safety guidelines to help support our park’s ongoing maintenance.
Join the RNRA in Ward Park and help us Pitch in for the Parks!
When: Saturday, October 23 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (Rain date: Saturday October 30)
Where: A. Montgomery Ward Park (map)
Protective gloves, trash bags and tools will be provided. The Chicago Park District encourages everyone to follow the recommendations of public health officials from the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and continue to wear a face covering in crowded outdoor settings or in instances where social distancing cannot be maintained. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Registration is required.
Can we count on you to pitch in for Ward Park?
Click here to access a PDF flyer to print, post and share.
September 23, 2021 By
Meet Me on the Mile – September 26th and October 24th
September 26:
The Magnificent Mile Association is hosting their next Meet Me on The Mile Sunday Spectacle on September 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., which will center around mode, marriages, and murals. The event will take place on Michigan Avenue between Illinois Street and Wacker drive. One of the featured spectacles will showcase 50 real-time marriages taking place under the iconic Wrigley Building bridge for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The mode portion of the day will center around fashion pop-ups and unique experiences for those attending dressed to impress. Additional programming will feature pop up artists throughout the venue, live music, returning Silent Disco Yoga, kids and family programming, and al fresco dining! To register, CLICK HERE.
October 24: Mark your calendars!
The Magnificent Mile Association’s final Meet Me on The Mile Series date takes place on Sunday, October 24 from 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. Programming will feature markets and makers with fall themed vendors and festivities. More programming details to be released closer to the date and series information can be found HERE.
September 22, 2021 By
9/21/21 Public Safety Webinar Recording – Event Co-Hosted by RNRA and Alderman Reilly 42nd Ward
On Tuesday September 21, 2021, RNRA and Alderman Brendan Reilly co-hosted a webinar so that public safety officials could address residents and business owners about incidents of disruptive and unlawful activity in our community in recent months.
This public event featured the 18th District’s new Commander, Jon Hein, and Deputy Chief, Michael Barz. They responded to a series of summarized questions posed by RNRA Public Safety Committee Chair Joe Vietri on behalf of the more than 750 individuals who registered to participate in the webinar.
Please click on the link below to access a video recording of the webinar.
9-21-21 Public Safety Webinar Recording
The RNRA wishes to thank Alderman Reilly, Commander Hein and Deputy Chief Barz, as well as everyone who registered for the event and took the time to submit questions in advance. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will schedule future webinars as required to keep the neighborhood informed. In the meantime, please be aware of your surroundings, don’t hesitate to call 911, and attend your local Beat Meetings.
Stay safe and well,
River North Residents Association
info@rnrachicago.org
September 17, 2021 By
Community Alert Form Alderman Brian Hopkins – Ward 02: Large Gatherings of Vehicles & Downtown Traffic Concerns
September 17, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
Throughout the day I have been discussing last night’s surge of car caravans with local police commanders and Superintendent David Brown. The 2nd Ward office has received a large number of concerns about the lack of police control over the roadways last night.
The danger of roadways being closed by celebratory traffic, and the impact that has for emergency vehicles, cannot be overstated. It was very difficult for police and emergency resources to move throughout the city last night. Due to major roadways an intersections being blocked, many emergency vehicles were not able to travel through neighborhood zones. This unplanned and unpermitted activity endangers residents experiencing health or safety emergencies.
I ask the greater Chicago community to refrain from joining any large car caravans in the downtown area and along major roadways this evening and this weekend. Please celebrate responsibly, and with respect for your fellow Chicago neighbors.
I will continue to share concerns, reports, and video submitted by 2nd Ward residents with the police command structure as they work to coordinate a city-wide crime and safety strategy, and will remain an advocate for consistent and adequate police coverage in our 2nd Ward neighborhoods.
Sincerely,
Alderman Brian Hopkins
2nd Ward
September 13, 2021 By
2nd Ward Webinar Series: Motorcycle & Drag Racing Enforcement
I continue to work closely with law enforcement professionals across the 2nd Ward on a number of public safety and street crime concerns. I regularly discuss patrols and special attentions with area District Commanders, including how I can help provide the tools they need to help monitor and maintain the 2nd Ward neighborhoods.
In addition to the three routine shifts that police patrol for the daytime and nighttime hours, the fourth watch of tactical officers is also available for coverage as needed. Some officers are assigned only to overnight hours in close proximity to entertainment districts, where late-night concerns can be more common. This past weekend saw several incidents which are still under investigation from areas around entertainment districts. Along with my staff, I continue to follow up on these investigations and discuss matters with area business leaders and stakeholders. Detectives are also working with area residents and businesses to gather substantial evidence, such as photos or video, which is essential for any prosecution.
After focusing my first 2nd Ward Safety Webinar on Gold Coast and Near North Safety, this past week featured a second 2nd Ward Safety Webinar on illegal motorcycles, vehicle noise and drag racing. Below is a segment of that online meeting where I discuss a residents concern about late night drag racing and large motorcycle gatherings.
For those who could not attend the 2nd Ward Safety Webinar on illegal motorcycles, vehicle noise and drag racing, please email Ward02@cityofchicago.org for a link to the full recording.
September 11, 2021 By
Alderman Reilly In the News: WGN Radio Interview – Increased Police Presence
On Thursday, September 9, Alderman Reilly joined Anna Davlantes on WGN Radio to discuss the Chicago Police Department (CPD) increasing police presence in River North’s hospitality corridors, during the overnight hours. Please click here to listen to the interview.
Alderman Reilly was very pleased to see a visible increase in police foot and bike patrols throughout River North last weekend. CPD also reported that since September 1, 18th District officers made 10 arrests, recovered 5 illegal firearms, towed 76 vehicles, and completed 22 Investigatory Stop Reports in River North’s entertainment district.
Commander Hein has assured Alderman Reilly that this level of response will be the “new normal” until crime in River North is under control. The Alderman appreciates CPD’s hard work and is hopeful the sustained effort will make an immediate and significant impact to cure the area of criminal activity.
Additionally, Alderman Reilly is committed to leveraging all available City resources to enhance public safety. Mayor Lori Lightfoot will present her 2022 Budget Recommendations to the City Council on Friday, September 17. Alderman Reilly is eager to review the CPD budget, specifically the amount of money allocated to hiring new officers. He will be advocating that CPD hire hundreds of new officers to off-set the recent attrition of officers CPD has experienced.
Furthermore, it is no secret that morale among police officers is at an all-time low. Between mandatory over-time, cancelling days off, and reassigning officers to unfamiliar districts, their efforts are often not properly recognized. Alderman Reilly encourages residents to attend your local CAPS meeting to stay up to date on crime and safety issues, as well as develop a relationship with the beat cops who patrol their neighborhood – attend, and thank your local cops for their unwavering commitment to serve and protect.
A message from RNRA: We encourage all residents to attend their CAPS Beat Meetings.
To find your District and Beat, CLICK HERE.
To find the date/time for your Beat Meeting and the Zoom link, CLICK HERE.
September 11, 2021 By
RNRA and Alderman Brendan Reilly Co-Host Public Safety Webinar with new 18th District Commander Jon Hein – September 21st – Registration Required
When: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM CDT
Where: this is an online event. Registration required. See link below to register
Dear Neighbor,
The RNRA shares the concerns of residents, businesses and visitors about recent incidents of crime in our community.
The RNRA and 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly are co-hosting a virtual webinar with the Chicago Police Department’s new 18th District Commander, Jon Hein, to address public safety matters.
Alderman Reilly will deliver introductory remarks and introduce Commander Hein, who will discuss recent criminal activity in the area and CPD strategies to improve public safety. He will also respond to questions submitted in advance by the public.
Registration is required. You may also submit a question for Commander Hein along with your registration, if you register on or before September 15, 2021.
Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with details on how to log in to the online event. Please click on the link below to register.
We look forward to welcoming you to the virtual Public Safety Webinar on Tuesday, September 21 at 4:00 PM.
Sincerely,
Mike Riordan
President
Mickie Gordon
Executive Director
River North Residents Association
info@rnrachicago.org
(312) 890-0273
