Alderman Brendan Reilly on Lolla, NASCAR, and Chicago Bureaucracy
Pete McMurray, in for John Howell, speaks with Alderman Brendan Reilly live in-studio. They recap this year’s Lollapalooza, the police stats afterwards, and the renewal of the Lolla contract. Alderman Reilly also gives his thoughts on the NASCAR deal, the mayor’s budget proposal, and more. CLICK HERE to listen.
For Immediate Release
August 10, 2022
CTA Renews Agreement with CPD for Additional Police Resources
New agreement offers increased pay for off-duty officers who volunteer to patrol CTA
As part of its ongoing commitment to making Chicago’s public transportation system even safer for both customers and employees, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced the renewal of an ongoing agreement with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) for volunteer, off-duty officers to patrol CTA properties.
Earlier today, the Chicago Transit Board authorized an intergovernmental agreement between the CTA and the City of Chicago for additional police security services on CTA property through CPD’s Voluntary Special Employment Program (VSEP).
“The extension and enhancement of this invaluable program for volunteer officers to patrol the CTA is the latest in a series of steps taken by both CTA and CPD in recent months to provide everyone with a safer transit riding experience,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We remain steadfast in our commitment in ensuring customer and employee safety is our No. 1 priority, and we will continue to work with CPD to identify new ways to boost crime deterrence.”
Under this three-year agreement, covering 2022-2025, CTA will be provided additional sworn police officers who volunteer to police the CTA system on their days off and who will be supervised by full-time, dedicated CPD supervisors.
Among the improvements made to the longstanding program was an increase in pay for volunteer officers. CTA will now reimburse CPD for services provided by off-duty officers at one-and-a-half times the particular officer’s regular straight time rate, including premium pay when applicable.
The use of VSEP officers is in addition to plans recently announced by CPD to assign additional police officers to CTA trains and platforms. The CTA and CPD continue to build upon their decades’ long partnership and leverage a number of tools and measures to deter crime.
Each day, officers from CPD and its dedicated Public Transportation Section are strategically deployed across our system, complemented by CTA’s teams of unarmed guards. Unarmed guards are deployed seven days a week to help educate and inform riders of rules for traveling CTA; and also patrol the system to keep an eye out for and report any suspicious activity or acts of crime.
On Monday, August 1st, Alderman Reilly joined Lisa Dent and Steve Bertrand on WGN’s Chicago’s Afternoon News Radio. They discussed the extension of the City’s contract with Lollapalooza, NASCAR, violence in the City, and new pedicab restrictions that Alderman Reilly proposed to City Council last month. Please click here to listen to the radio interview.
On Sunday, July 17th, Alderman Reilly discussed numerous hot topics on WGN Political Report with Paul Lisnek. Click here to watch the interview. The interview includes Alderman Reilly’s reaction to the recent announcement about Bally’s ability to raise necessary financing, safety regulations around Late Hour liquor establishments, Alderman Beale’s proposed amendment to speed cameras, Alderman Reilly’s proposed Bike Lane enforcement ordinance, and Mayor Lightfoot’s recent announcement to bring NASCAR to Chicago streets in 2023.
On Tuesday, July 19th, Alderman Reilly joined Steve Cochran on WLS Radio to discuss his recent Drag Racing and Drifting ordinance. Please click here to listen to the interview
On Friday, July 15, Alderman Reilly joined the Steve Cochran show with Pete McMurray and Andrea Darlas on WLS Radio. They discussed recent incidents Downtown, police resources and policing policies, and the casino. Please click here to listen to the interview.
Our favorite summer festival returns with great live music and an amazing new location!
From the incredible venue to amazing on-stage entertainment, to great food and beverages, we’ve created an unforgettable experience and can’t wait to mark this new beginning for our neighborhood and our city.
Proceeds from River North LIVE! benefit RNRA’s many charitable and resident advocacy activities. Attendees will enjoy a weekend of incredible entertainment while supporting the neighborhood we all love. Please share this invitation with everyone in your network.
June 24-26 at River Park at theMart
Click here to learn more and purchase tickets. You can also purchase your ticket at the gate!
Venue policy: No Pets Allowed.
Recently, two companies hosted public community meetings to discuss their proposals to open Adult Use Cannabis Dispensaries in the 42nd Ward. These meetings were held as a requirement of their Special Use applications, filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). If you were unable to attend these meetings, click the links below to learn more:
Applicant: PTS/Bio-Pharm
Proposed dispensary location: 605 North Clark Street
Meeting held on May 10th
Click here to learn more
Applicant: GRI Holdings, LLC
Proposed dispensary location: 612 North Wells Street
Meeting held on May 23rd
Click here to learn more
The ZBA will consider this Special Use application at an upcoming public hearing. 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. The State of Illinois controls the licensure process for cannabis businesses. Local Aldermen do not have the authority to approve or deny a dispensary license or a Special Use permit.
Information on how to access the Live Stream and how to submit public comments can be reviewed on ZBA’s website here. Stay tuned to the ZBA website for updates on when the public hearing will be scheduled to review these proposals (these items will not be heard by ZBA in June).
