Share your voice on the Chicago Police Department’s 2024 Budget! Please provide your opinion in this short 3 minute survey.

The purpose of the survey is to identify and give voice to Chicago residents’ expectations for the 2024 Chicago Police Budget.  Many residents have expressed significant concern about Chicago’s crime levels.  Declines in police staffing have heightened this concern:

Citywide, the number of police officers has fallen to 11,727 representing a decline of over 1,770 or 13% from mid-2019 when sworn officers were at 13,498.

In the 18th Police District, the number of police officers has declined to 299, when just over two yeas ago, the 18th Police District had as high as 403, representing a decline in Police Officers of 26% while crime increased 56% (Source CPD Comp Stat Reports through 9/17/23.

Ohio Place Dog Park Improvements

Based on constituent feedback, Alderman Reilly used the Aldermanic Menu to fund improvements at the Ohio Place Dog Park. 

Starting the week of September 25, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin repairs to the irrigation system and install sod to cover dirt patches. Residents can expect to see heavy equipment in the park. 

CDOT will cordon off sodded areas with mesh fencing to prevent dogs/residents from damaging it. Please be a good neighbor and keep your pets off the sod until fencing is removed. 

This round of improvements is expected to take three weeks to complete. 

Click here for a PDF.

Last week, a meeting was held to brief local community and business organizations on the status of the temporary casino facility being constructed in the historic Medinah Temple building on Wabash, between Ontario and Ohio in River North. 

City officials representing the Mayor’s office, the 42nd and 2nd Wards, the Department of Planning and Development, the Department of Transportation, the Chicago Police Department, and the Office of Emergency Management and Communication were present, along with several representatives of Bally’s Corp, the casino operator. Representatives from River North Residents Association, Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, Magnificent Mile Association, Greater River North Business Association, and Neighbors of River West were also in attendance.

During the meeting, many issues of concern to the community were raised, including public safety, vehicular and pedestrian traffic management, liquor service, and parking. RNRA has prepared a brief summary of the information provided by Bally’s and City Officials, which can be accessed here. A link to this material has been posted on RNRA’s main casino page.

Practice gaming sessions, required by the Illinois Gaming Board prior to the issuance of a final operating permit, will be conducted on September 6 and 7. During these sessions, all aspects of facility operations will be monitored to ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements, including gaming activities, security, and food and beverage service, are satisfied. If the results of the practice sessions are deemed acceptable by the IGB, operations could begin shortly thereafter.

Since the City Council voted to proceed with the Bally’s casino development in May of 2022, RNRA has endeavored to identify and advocate for adjustments to the plan with the goal of reducing harmful impacts to the surrounding communities, the citizens of Chicago, and the natural environment. The full recommendations can be accessed here.

Currently, RNRA’s casino-related advocacy is focused on issues with the greatest impact on public safety, quality-of-life, and infrastructure. For more information on RNRA’s continuing casino-related advocacy, click here.

You can make a difference for children of families in Domestic Violence Shelters!  Please help the 18th District CAPS Office collect candy and new costumes for these children.  A collection box will be located in the 018th District Station at 1160 N. Larrabee.   Drop off by October 22.

To find out what is needed and what can be accepted, please scroll down to the information page below.

Consider starting a collection in the lobby of your building and ask a volunteer to bring it to the police station.

For a PDF of the Flyer CLICK HERE.  For a PDF of the information page, CLICK HERE.

Want to learn about the refuge crisis in River North?

• Why did they leave?
• A common refuge journey
• Near North and 18th Police District Community Response

This session will also provide attendees with tangible ways they can help from volunteering to help tutor students to giving financially to a 501C3 that would provide for basic needs at the 18th District. CLICK HERE for a PDF of the flyer.

To print a copy of this flyer, CLICK HERE.