In response from demands for additional security measures along the Red Line, new high-definition smart cameras were just installed at the following stations:

The equipment is now operational. The cameras are now monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by Chicago Police Officers at Strategic Command Centers.  The new cameras can allow police officers to zoom in on a crime in progress. They can even be linked to follow criminals as they flee the scene of a crime.

The new cameras have state-of-the-art facial recognition technology that can allow officers to scan and recognize the faces of wanted offenders with active warrants.

The additional capability also allows Chicago police officers to integrate facial recognition and other A.I. capabilities into real-time video.  The new cameras will also work in conjunction with Shot-Spotter technology now being expanded throughout the city.

Source:  Alderman Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward Newsletter 7/3/18

Regarding today’s 7-13-18 report in Crains Chicago:

When I took office I pledged to do everything in my power to facilitate a relocation or shutdown of General Iron.

Today marks the beginning of the final phase of these efforts.

However, I will not be satisfied with a drawn-out relocation process. With the North Branch modernization and environmental issues in mind, this transition should be expedited to accommodate for the future of the area.

I will continue my push to ensure that long-awaited improvements to this community are delivered safely and swiftly.

Brian Hopkins
Alderman, 2nd Ward

The River North neighborhood will dazzle once again when its signature food and culture festival, Taste of River North, takes place for a 17th consecutive season, July 20-22.

With its unique location in Ward Park, this colossal summer party differs from the typical Chicago street festival. 35,000-plus are expected to gather in the picturesque green park setting next to the Chicago River to taste some of River North’s most dynamic cuisine and rock out to party jams.

Presented by River North Residents Association, this year’s festival includes new attractions like a Wine Garden and Art Walk and Official After Parties along with live music, prominent chefs, a kid’s activity area, dog-friendly foods and games, local artisans and merchants, and Yoga in the Park by East Bank Club.

More info

Download flyer to print

Alderman Reilly and the River North Residents Association invites you to join us  at an informational presentation regarding a development proposal for the site located at 45-75 W. Illinois St., 430-450 N. Dearborn St., 46-76 W. Hubbard St., 431-451 N. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois.

Representatives of the EC 42 Developer LLC (“Applicant”)  development team will present their plans and answer any questions you may have about this proposal. Alderman Reilly will be present at this meeting to monitor the discussion and record your feedback.

The Applicant has submitted a proposal to construct a new firehouse for City of Chicago Engine Co. 42 with the subsequent demolition of the existing firehouse and the construction of a new commercial building at the southwest corner of North Dearborn Street and West Illinois Street.

WHAT:     New Firehouse and Commercial Building at 444 N. Dearborn Street

WHO:       Hosted by Alderman Brendan Reilly and the River North Residents Association (RNRA)

WHEN:     Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

WHERE:   Albert Theatre, inside Goodman Theatre – 170 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60601

Alderman Reilly works hard to provide an open and transparent community review of all local development proposals. This project has not received Alderman Reilly’s support, and this informational meeting is only the beginning of his rigorous, transparent community process. Alderman Reilly looks forward to hearing any concerns and comments you may have about this proposal.  If you have questions, please contact Alderman Reilly’s Office at 312-642-4242 or visit Alderman Reilly’s Virtual Office website at www.ward42Chicago.com

Chicago’s minimum wage will increase to $12 per hour starting July 1, 2018. The increase is part of Mayor Emanuel’s 2014 ordinance that will raise the minimum wage for 410,000 workers annually to $13 per hour in 2019.

In December 2014, City Council passed Mayor Emanuel’s ordinance to raise the Chicago minimum wage from $10.50 per hour to $13 per hour by 2019. The minimum wage is currently $11 dollars an hour, will increase to $12 an hour plus $6.25 for tipped employees on July 1, 2018, and will reach a minimum wage of $13 an hour on July 1, 2019. Beginning July 1, 2020, the yearly increase in Chicago’s minimum wage will be tied to the rate of inflation but not to exceed 2.5 percent.

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs (BACP) reminds city employers that the minimum wage is enforceable, and employees to report any issues receiving their legal minimum wage.

The best way to report a problem with wages, paid sick leave, or other issues with workers compensation is to call 3-1-1. The mandatory complaint form has been simplified to make it easier for residents to fill out so a problem can be fully investigated. Failure to return a completed form is the number one reason complaints go unresolved.

BACP continues to host outreach events and provide information to employers and workers about their obligations and rights in the workplace. BACP works with advocates to promote awareness to employees, educate employers and share information in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Polish, Chinese and Korean. Informational materials and regulations are on BACP’s website, www.cityofchicago.org/BACP. 

A workshop on minimum wage and paid sick leave is scheduled for Friday, July 13 at 9:30 in room 805, City Hall.

Source:  Alderman Reilly Reports 6/29/18

The Chicago Park District is calling a meeting for the Grant Park Advisory Council (GPAC) on Tuesday, July 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Maggie Daley Park Field House located at 337 East Randolph Street.

GPAC determines the Park’s programing and possible infrastructure initiatives each year. At the meeting, the Park District will explain how Chicagoans can participate in GPAC activities and even run for GPAC’s Board of Directors.

As you know, Grant Park is near and dear to Alderman Reilly’s heart, and he would like as many Chicagoans to participate in GPAC activities as possible.

If you are passionate about Grant Park and frequently use the Park’s facilities, Alderman Reilly encourages you to attend the meeting on July 10 and get involved with GPAC.

Find Your New Best Friend at the “Dog (and Cat) Days of Summer” Free Adoption Event

Chicago Animal Care and Control has waived its adoption fee through July 31, 2018 for dogs and cats 6 months or older. Give them a chance and you may find your new best friend!

Check the list of dogs and cats currently available here. Photos, video, and bios for adoptable pets can be found on the volunteer-run CACCAdoptables page. For more information about adoption requirements, click here.

Source:  Adlerman Reilly’s Report 6/22/18

S

Earlier this week, Alderman Reilly and the River North Residents Association (RNRA) co-hosted a public presentation for a proposed development at 353 West Grand Avenue.

Representatives of Onni Grand Limited Partnership (the “Applicant”) presented their plans to construct a 38-story residential tower and 6-story podium. The building would contain approximately 356 dwelling units, and provide 284 accessory parking spaces. Additionally, a pocket park located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Orleans Street would be built to encourage community gathering and provide a green space within the neighborhood. The site currently contains vacant buildings and an unused surface parking lot.

If you were unable to attend the Monday, June 18 meeting, please click on the following links to download the slideshow presentation, park rendering, and traffic study.

This is the beginning of a robust community process. Alderman Reilly uses your feedback to negotiate across the table from the Development Team.

This transparent development review process has yielded significant improvements to projects proposed in the 42nd Ward, and has resulted in substantial community benefits implemented at private expense.

Your feedback is crucial in Alderman Reilly’s negotiations with the development team. If you were unable to attend the community meeting, and would like an opportunity to share your thoughts on this project, Alderman Reilly wants to hear from you.  Contact him at development@ward42chicago.com.

Source:  Alderman Reilly Reports 6/22/18

Power Construction is creating a new barrier for pedestrians along Clark Street (near Chicago Avenue) during this phase of construction at 810 N Clark Street.

The next phase of construction will see traffic lane reduction (to a single lane) which will accommodate another re-routed and protected pedestrian walkway. The plans have been approved by CDOT in order to facilitate overall safety during the length of the project. The project is expected to be completed within 15 months.

If you have any additional questions please email me at Ward02@cityofchicago.org, or call the 2nd Ward Service Office at (312) 643-2299.

Please join Alderman Brendan Reilly and the River North Residents Association (RNRA) at an informational presentation regarding a development proposal for 353 West Grand Avenue. Representatives of Onni Grand Limited Partnership (the “Applicant”) will present their plans and answer any questions you may have about the proposal.  Alderman Reilly will monitor the discussion and record your feedback.

The Applicant is proposing to construct a 38-story, mixed-use building with approximately 356 dwelling units.  The building will provide 284 accessory parking spaces.  The site currently contains vacant buildings and an unused surface parking lot.

WHAT:  New Residential Development located at 353 W. Grand Avenue

WHO:  Hosted by Alderman Brendan Reilly and the River North Residents Association (RNRA)

WHEN:  Monday, June 18, 2018 at 6:00 P.M.

WHERE:  East Bank Club | 500 N. Kingsbury Street | Chicago, IL 60654

This is an opportunity to engage in a direct dialogue with the development team to gain a better understanding of this proposal and receive answers to any questions you may have.  If you have questions in the meantime, please contact Alderman Reilly’s Office at 312-642-4242 or visit Alderman Reilly’s Virtual Office website at www.ward42Chicago.com