Lake Shore Drive Repaving Project Begins Monday, August 27

Lake Shore Drive Repaving Project Begins Monday, August 27: Two Lanes Closed in Both Directions between Monroe and LaSalle

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) plans to start an accelerated project on August 27, weather permitting, to resurface North Lake Shore Drive from Monroe Street to Grand Avenue and to make repairs to the bridge that carries Lake Shore Drive over LaSalle Drive.

The accelerated schedule will require lane closures that will reduce Lake Shore Drive to two lanes in each direction from Monroe Street to LaSalle Drive (near North Avenue) for the duration of the project in order to complete the work by October 6, ahead of the Chicago Marathon.  CDOT is advising motorists to take alternate routes to avoid delays, especially during peak travel times.

During the first phase, the two inner lanes of both north and southbound LSD will be closed so that crews can repair and resurface the roadway and ramps at Randolph Street, Illinois Street and Lower Wacker Drive. Once that work is complete, the outer lanes will be closed so the roadway and left side entrance and exit ramps can be repaired and repaved.

Advance work for the LSD resurfacing project is already underway. Traffic will be stopped intermittently during off peak hours for 10 to 20 minute intervals on Lower LSD to perform work on the underside of the elevated portions of LSD. Work on the northbound entrance ramps to LSD at Randolph and Illinois will be staged to assure that one ramp is open at all times.  Resurfacing work on the upper level will also require intermittent closures on the lower level.

Advance work at LSD and LaSalle Drive is scheduled to start on August 21, and will require the closure of all but one lane in each direction on LaSalle Drive under LSD for the duration of the project.

CDOT is carrying out the work on an accelerated schedule with around the clock lane closures and crews working double shifts in order to complete the repairs as quickly and safely as possible, with a minimum amount of inconvenience for drivers.

Once the mainline resurfacing is complete, motorists can expect periodic partial lane closures on LSD in both directions for pavement striping and punch list work on both projects. This work will take place during off peak times, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting.

Alderman Reilly Reports:  8/17/18

Apply to Become an Election Judge in the 42nd Ward!

 

Alderman Reilly is looking for qualified applicants to serve as Election Judges in the 42nd Ward for the upcoming November 6th General Election.

Election Judges are assigned to local polling places in the 42nd Ward and are responsible for ensuring polling places open and close on time, and that voting operations run smoothly.

Election judges earn $190 for their services, provided they complete a brief training session prior to Election Day.

To apply online to become a Judge of Election, in the 42nd Ward, with the Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners, visit www.chipollworker.com. A paper main-in application is also available for download here.

Should you have additional questions, please contact Robert at robert@ward42chicago.com or 312-642-4242.

Alderman Reilly Reports: 8/17/18

Community Alert – Robberies 12th District (Near West)

To print a copy, click HERE.

Community Alert – Motor Vehicle Thefts 12th District (Near West)

To print a copy, click HERE.

Community Alert – Thefts 18th District (Near North)

Print a copy, click HERE.

Community Alert – Robbery 18th District (Near North)

 

 

To print a copy, click HERE.

New McDonald’s Global Flagship Opens in River North

Earlier this week, Alderman Reilly joined McDonald’s executives and architect Carol Ross Barney at the opening for McDonald’s new Global Flagship restaurant at 600 N. Clark, the site of the former Rock-N-Roll McDonald’s.

(From L to R: Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s President and CEO; Ald. Reilly; Carol Ross Barney, Ross Barney Architects; Nick Karavites, franchise owner)

The redesign of the 600 N. Clark restaurant is comprised of a green roof with vegetables and apple trees; light colored roofing and paving surfaces to reduce heat island effect; bike storage for guests and employees; green vehicle parking stalls and electric charging stations; improved waste management collection with cardboard recycling, waste oil recycling, and food donation; and 50% energy cost savings and 38% indoor waste reduction. McDonald’s plans to apply for LEED Platinum certification.

The new restaurant features 43% open pedestrian space, self-serve kiosks, a roomy dining area with lots of natural light, Wi-Fi and wireless phone charging ports, and an outdoor dining space with newly planted trees.

Alderman Reilly Reports 8/10/18

Community Meeting Summary for Proposed Development at 444 North Dearborn

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

Car2Go Launches in Chicago

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

RNRA Community Walk Tonight 8/7 – CANCELLED – But National Night Out is Still On

Unfortunately due to the weather, we are cancelling the RNRA Community Walk.  We have been in contact with the 18th District CPD and National Night Out is STILL ON!  If you are able to stop by National Night Out please do so!  They have tons of food so bring a big appetite, your rain coats, umbrellas and friends!

Movies in the Park is still on.  We’re hoping for better weather by the time the movie starts!