August 15, 2017 By

Ventra App Surpasses 2 Million Downloads

Convenient, easy-to-use transit app allows CTA, Metra and Pace users to pay their fares, manage their account and more

Less than two years after being launched, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace announced that the Ventra transit app has been downloaded more than 2 million times and used to purchase nearly $250 million in fares.

Providing transit riders with a convenient “one-stop shopping” experience, the Ventra app is the first transit app in the nation allowing customers to pay for rides on multiple transit systems. The free app was developed and launched by the CTA in partnership with Metra, the Chicago area’s commuter rail system, and Pace, the suburban bus system.

“The fact that the Ventra app has been downloaded more than 2 million times in less than two years demonstrates why CTA is leveraging technology to improve the transit experience for our customers,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “By making transit easier to pay for and more convenient to use, we help encourage people to take advantage of great public transit in the Chicago area.”

The Ventra app, which launched in November 2015, offers a wide range of functionality that helps users pay their fares and manage their accounts. App users are also able to load transit value/passes, buy and display mobile tickets on Metra and receive real-time account notifications when it’s time to purchase new passes or refill their accounts.

“The Ventra app has proven to be extremely popular with Metra customers in such a short time,” said Metra Executive Chairman/CEO Don Orseno. “Already, more than a third of our customers are buying tickets through the app, making it our largest sales channel in terms of ticket sales. We’re pleased to offer such a fast and convenient app for the benefit of our riders.”

The Ventra app also provides access to real-time transit tracker information for CTA, Metra and Pace in one convenient location. Future phases will offer additional services and conveniences.

“The Ventra app has made our transit system easier and more convenient to use,” said Pace Executive Director T.J. Ross. “We’re proud to be a part of the Ventra team and extend our gratitude to everyone who worked to achieve this success.”

The free Ventra app is available for download and use on Apple and Android smartphone and tablet devices via www.ventrachicago.com, the App Store and Google Play.

 

Filed Under: Community
August 12, 2017 By

Community Policing Advisory Panel Releases Draft Recommendations

Residents encouraged to share input during 30-day public comment period.

Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Eddie Johnson recently announced the release of the first draft of recommendations from the Superintendent’s Community Policing Advisory Panel. The draft recommendations, which include ways the Police Department will build, expand, and invest in community policing, are posted online and open to public comment for the next 30 days.

The draft recommendations were developed using input from three community Town Halls, online feedback, and focus groups. More than 2,200 surveys were completed by community residents and stakeholders, as well as police officers and supervisors. Panelists learned from Chicago residents, faith leaders, CPD officers, civic leaders, academic researchers, advocates, high-ranking law enforcement officials from outside Police Departments, and CPS students.
To support collaboration and transparency, CPD has posted the draft recommendations online for a 30-day public comment period.  Residents are encouraged to share comments on the Panel’s recommendations and ways for police to work in partnership with communities to implement them. Residents can share their thoughts on the Chicago Police website, or in-person at Community Conversations Town Hall meetings:
Thursday, August 17, 2017 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sullivan High School, 6631 N. Bosworth Ave., Chicago
Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
George Westinghouse College Prep, 3223 W. Franklin Blvd., Chicago

Chaired by CPD Chief of Patrol Fred Waller, the Community Policing Advisory Panel includes Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp, national experts in the field, members of CPD Command Staff and Chicago community leaders. The report is a framework for future discussions around the key areas for action. A detailed Plan of Action will be drafted, with the inclusion of community input, on how the recommendations will be implemented and the how impact will be evaluated. The implementation plan will contain responsibilities for each Bureau, major implementation milestones and a detailed timeline for completion.Recommendations include:

  • Engaging a broad group of community stakeholders willing to act as community liaisons to introduce new police officers to their assigned district
  • Developing a systematic process for community input in major policy changes that would impact the Department’s implementation of community policing
  • Creating Youth Advisory Councils, representing the diversity of the city, to discuss ways of improving the relationship between youth and the police
  • Revising in-service and new-recruit training to incorporate community policing principles into all segments of police curriculum
  • Improving coordination between CPD and other City Departments and sister agencies to address neighborhood concerns that impact residents’ sense of safety, security and quality of life
  • Leveraging technology to enhance the Department’s ability to implement, monitor and measure community policing

This is the latest effort of the city to engage residents around public safety. In April, CPD released the Department’s new use of force policies after engaging the community in two public comment periods. Those reforms will go into effect in the Fall following Department-wide training. This is another step forward in implementing the Department’s Next Steps for Reform released in March.

More information is available at the Community Policing Advisory Panel website.

To read the full press release, click here.
Filed Under: Community
August 12, 2017 By

New Pedestrian Countdown Signals Installed along North Michigan Avenue!

Alderman Reilly is very pleased to announce the installation of pedestrian countdown signals at two key intersections on North Michigan Avenue: at the intersection with Huron Street and the intersection with Ohio Street.

Alderman Reilly requested that the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) review these locations to determine if countdown signals were warranted to improve the pedestrian crossings.

CDOT recommended countdown signals be installed for all directions of pedestrian traffic at the intersections of Michigan and Huron, and Michigan and Ohio.

The Alderman allocated a portion of the Aldermanic Menu to fund these significant neighborhood safety improvements.

  • Michigan and Ohio, facing south
  • Michigan and Ohio, facing east
  • Michigan and Huron, facing east
  • Michigan and Huron, facing south
Filed Under: Community
August 4, 2017 By

Clean Streets returns to River North

Clean Streets return to River North

We are thrilled to announce the return of our popular weekend street cleaning program. River North Clean Streets, a nonprofit jointly managed by RNRA and RNBA, has partnered with Cleanslate Chicago to help keep our neighborhood cleaner, safer, and more beautiful.

On Saturday and Sunday mornings, our friendly, well-trained crews will pick up and dispose all trash, recyclables, and pet waste on one side of each sponsored block. The low weekly cost of just $20 per block is entirely underwritten by responsible local businesses and residents – and best of all, the program provides potentially life-changing support, training, and temporary employment for hardworking interns who are eager to become self-sufficient.

We wish to express our appreciation to our Founding Program Sponsors, Chicago Health, Wintrust Bank and an anonymous donor, as well as our Founding Block Sponsors, Ashford General Insurance Agency, Best Western River North Hotel, Bottled Blonde Chicago, Cushing, Erie-LaSalle Body Shop, Hubbard221, P&W Partners, Sedgwick Development, Sound-bar and Spybar Chicago.

River North Clean Streets is proud to have earned the endorsement of 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly and 18th District Commander Paul Bauer. We’re eager to expand our service area. To learn more about the program and sign up to sponsor a block, please visit us online at RNCleanstreets.org.

Filed Under: Community
August 2, 2017 By

The Independent Film Initiative Now Accepting Applications for 2017-18 Filmmaker-in-Residence

Applications for the Chicago Film Office Filmmaker-In-Residence (2017-18) are now being accepted. The residency is part of the Independent Film Initiative (IFI) – a platform to formally support local independent filmmakers, and to bring more visibility and support to Chicago’s independent filmmaking industry. Preferred applicants should be mid-career professionals with a project in development and/or prepping for production. Residents will be connected to an expert advisory group, new collaborators, and a wider network of funders and distributors. This year-long residency is designed to help further the completion of an original independent work (narrative feature, documentary, web series, etc.) and will provide a Chicago-based film/media maker with the following:

  • $10,000 in funding
  • Meeting/convening space at the Chicago Cultural Center, with access to multiple downtown amenities
  • An advisory board comprised of experts in the independent film and broadcast field
  • Additional promotion, resources, and mentorship
  • Industry+ Badge at the Chicago International Film Festival’s 2017 Industry Days and slot in the Pitch session

IFI Residents will be required to make a public presentation of their project at the completion of the residency, participate as a lead in the Producers Apprenticeship Program (details to come), and provide a final report and budget.

Apply through August 31 at www.callforentry.org. The residency will be announced in October 2017.

For more information, visit chicagofilmoffice.us.

 

Filed Under: Community
August 2, 2017 By

New Summer Issue of the Senior Life Enrichment Guide Now Available

 

The Summer issue of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Service’s Senior Life Enrichment Guide is now available at Alderman Reilly’s Constituent Service office, at the DFSS regional and satellite senior centers, libraries and many other locations.

The guide highlights programs and activities offered by the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services for Chicagoans ages “60 Years and Better” during the summer.  Inside, seniors will find information about health and wellness, educational, recreational and many other types of events, trips, classes and lectures, along with schedules and registration details.  Most of these are free or at a nominal cost.

This July is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and this month’s guide includes a special insert on “Understanding Elder Abuse.”  It is estimated that millions of older Americans, from all walks of life, face abuse and neglect every year.  Anyone can be victimized.  The guide also has information on the upcoming Senior Fest 2017 at Millennium Park on Thursday, September 14th.

The contents of the Summer 2017 guide are also posted online:

Summer 2017 Senior Life Enrichment Guide

Further information about DFSS services and programs is available by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Network (ADRN) at (312) 744-4016.
Filed Under: Community
August 2, 2017 By

BACP, CPD Crack Down On Illegal Party Buses In Joint Enforcement

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and Chicago Police Department (CPD) today announced the results of recent enforcement action of party bus operators. In a joint-operation, CPD and BACP investigators issued 17 Cease and Desist orders and numerous violations to companies who were not in compliance with the Mayor’s strengthened party bus ordinance.

Through field investigations and compliance checks, BACP and CPD enforcement teams identified companies lacking proper licensing to conduct business in Chicago or were not in compliance with requirements for vehicle signage, security cameras and security guards. From July 26 through July 28, Business and Compliance Enforcement (BCE) investigators focused enforcement action in the Central Business District including River North and the South Loop, which resulted in issuing several violations.

BCE investigators determined that there were 17 party bus companies not in compliance and Cease and Desist orders were issued for operating a Charter Sightseeing Bus without a proper license.

Party buses operating illegally will be subject to the maximum fines and impoundment of the vehicle. Minimum fines are $1,000 for a first-time violation and increase to $5,000 for subsequent violations. Ignoring a Cease and Desist order also carries a minimum $5,000 fine.

The new ordinance, passed by the City Council in April, cracks down on illegal party buses that operate in the city and increases safety requirements for licensed bus operators. The toughened ordinance requires that a licensed security guard be onboard all trips involving 15 or more passengers, serving alcohol or making stops where alcohol is consumed; that a cease and desist applies across the entire fleet, not just the cited vehicle; and that a bus owner take affirmative steps to ensure that no passenger is illegally carrying a firearm or drugs.
BACP and CPD will continue joint-enforcement efforts to ensure party bus companies operate safely.  Last week, BACP issued 14 Administration Notices of Violations (ANOVs) to party bus companies. Earlier this month, through collaboration with CPD, police conducted bus compliance checks and issued 20 ANOVs.

To read the full press release, which includes the bus companies who were cited, click here.
Filed Under: Community
July 28, 2017 By

Thanks for the park, Exhibit on Superior!

Exhibit on Superior, a new apartment tower in River North, now has its own park – publicly accessible and secured by building management 24/7. Alderman Reilly recently helped dedicate the 8,000-square-foot park. He is seen here (third from left) with architect Tom Kerwin (far left) and artist Pal Svensson (right of Reilly), along with representatives of Magellan Development Group and the City of Chicago.

Filed Under: Community
July 28, 2017 By

Taste of River North recap

July 21-23 at Kingsbury & Erie

RNRA celebrated its 20th Anniversary with an interactive booth that showcased the past, present, and future of our neighborhood. Included was a beautiful Visual History of River North mural and more than 40 fun trivia questions.

As part of RNRA’s 20th Anniversary celebration, the first ever Best of the Taste Awards were held, sponsored by The Hudson.  The winners are…

Best Band
Sixteen CandlesBest Unique Menu Item
BIG & little’s Raw Ahi Poke Taco

Best Slider
Hutch American Café’s Black Bean Slider

Best of the Fest
Hutch American Café

Thank you again to our event sponsors, Kids Zone sponsors, Pet sponsors, and Echoes of Chicago, our artwalk partner.

Special thanks to our event production team from Ravenswood Special Events and Duff Entertainment, and to Motor Brand Design for their wonderful creative work.

Download Visual History banner

 

Filed Under: Community
June 28, 2017 By

18th District National Night Out – August 1, 2017

National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to build strong community partnerships that promote safe neighborhoods.

Family Style Barbecue, Kids Activities & Games, Clown Face Painting, Chicago Police Canine, Mounted, SWAT, Chicago Fire Department Engine, Informational Tables:  Cook County Treasurer’s Office, Citizen’s Untility Board Walgreens

August 1, 2017, 18th District, 1160 N. Larrabee, south parking lot:  4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

All are welcome!

Sponsors:  Target, Ala Carte, Pepsico, Jewel-Osco, McDonald’s, Mariano’s, Marriott

Filed Under: Community