January 24, 2017 By

Bring Your Own Bag – Chicago Checkout Bag Tax Effective 2-1-17

On November 16, 2016, the City of Chicago adopted the Chicago Checkout Bag Tax, a $.07 tax on the retail sale or use of paper and plastic checkout bags in Chicago. Retail merchants are entitled to retain $.02, and the remaining $.05 is remitted to the City.

After passage, the Department of Finance heard from many businesses who asked for a delay in the implementation in order to properly program the tax into their point of sales systems.  In order to allow for seamless start, the implementation of the Checkout Bag Tax was delayed until Wednesday, February 1, 2017.  (Source:  42 Ward Report of 1-6-17).

For more information about the Checkout Bag Tax, click here.

Filed Under: Community
January 24, 2017 By

Updated Chicago Recycling Ordinance effective 1-1-17

The City Council recently amended the Chicago Recycling Ordinance to reflect the most current standards within the recycling industry.  Under the new ordinance, which took effect January 1, 2017, property owners of multi-unit residential, office and commercial establishments are mandated to provide source-separated, single stream recycling (separating recyclable materials from waste before the point of collection) which is the most commonly used collection method in the industry. Property owners are also responsible for implementing an ongoing educational program that includes posting signage, providing adequate carts and sending written notice to tenants about the changes.

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation will handle enforcement of the ordinance that includes a 30-day warning period and graduated penalties for non-compliance after an inspection. These penalties include: $500-$1,000 (first offense); $1,000 to $2,500 (second offense within 12-month period); and $2,500-$5,000 (third and each subsequent violation occurring within 12-months of the most recent violation).  (Source:  42 Ward Report of 1-6-17).

For more information on recycling in Chicago, visit www.chicagorecycles.org or call 312-744-2413.

 

Filed Under: Community
December 28, 2016 By

2017 RNRA Membership

Is your building a member of RNRA?  If not, talk to your Property Manager today about joining RNRA.  Once a building becomes a member, all of its’ residents become members.  It’s simple and easy to join/renew.

Stay tuned for the launch of our members only RNRA mobile app “My River North” which will be launched in Q1 2017 providing discounts for members at River North businesses.

 

Filed Under: Community
December 28, 2016 By

2016 RNRA Charity Awards

RNRA provides financial and promotional support to five local charities serving the homeless, the environment, those with concerns and animals.

Check out their sites! Lend a hand to help!

 

Filed Under: Community
October 6, 2016 By

Phase II of Wolf Point Development

Alderman Reilly has asked River North Residents Association to share the latest information on the Wolf Point Development. Below is an excerpt from the Alderman’s letter on the subject, which can be viewed in its entirety here.

wolfe-point-ii-vertical

In early 2013, after nearly two years of extensive work by Alderman Reilly, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), our River North neighbors (RNRA) and the project developers, an amendment to PD 98 for the Wolf Point site was approved by the Chicago Plan Commission. This approval granted development rights for three phases to contain three separate structures in addition to dozens of public improvements and amenities—with more to come!

At that time, the Alderman negotiated with the developers via the planned development process to maximize the amount of publicly accessible open green space, gain traffic improvements and fund infrastructure projects on and around the Wolf Point site that the city would not have been able to fund or afford.

Following over a year of intense negotiations—including 2 project deferrals at the Alderman’s request in order to finalize many important details—dozens of public benefit items were added to the project scope.

Phase 2 of the project, Wolf Point East, will be presented to Chicago Plan Commission at the next meeting on October 20th for public view.  As stated at the initial Plan Commission hearing in 2013, the remaining process for the next two phases is an administrative approval through the Department of Planning and Development called “Site Plan Approval”.  Although there is no required public process per ordinance, Alderman Reilly insisted upon a public presentation where residents can attend to better understand the plan.  A preview of the Plan Commission submittal is available for download here for 42nd Ward residents.

Alderman Reilly worked to ensure that this next phase is in conformance with the existing planned development approval and that certain elements were revisited as the site has further evolved with the construction of the first phase.  The Alderman asked the developers to reconsider the height, density and site coverage based upon ever-increasing traffic in River North and the fact that the Wolf Point site is landlocked.  The final plan package to be presented will show a reduction in height, density and site coverage in addition to an updated traffic plan which contemplates changes on and around the site since 2013.

This upcoming phase will include a 660′ tall building with 700 residential apartment units, amenity retail space and accessory parking at 313 W Wolf Point Plaza.

Alderman Reilly and RNRA encourage you to review all of the project plans as well; as the traffic study and provide feedback on the proposal to his office (office@ward42Chicago.com) and the RNRA (info@RNRAChicago.org).

Of course, all are welcome to attend the Chicago Plan Commission presentation on October 20, 2016 at 10:00am in City Hall Chambers on the 2nd floor.

To access Alderman Reilly’s complete letter on the Wolf Point Development, click here.

Filed Under: Community
September 10, 2016 By

Deadline for RNRA Green Streets Initiative 2016 Nominations – Sept. 15th

GSI Logo 1-mdRNRA is currently compiling a list of River North properties that have contributed to our quality of life by creating, expanding or enhancing public spaces, streetscapes or facades through innovative landscaping.
Do you know a commercial, residential, municipal or other property that deserves recognition? Let us know! To nominate a property, click here! We will present awards at our Annual Meeting in the fall.
Deadline September 15th. Good Luck!
Filed Under: Community
September 7, 2016 By

28th Annual Oyster Fest – Shaw’s Crab House – September 30

The 28th Annual Oyster Fest presented by Shaw’s Crab House combines seafood and live music.   River North’s original Oyster Fest offers oysters, seafood, LIVE blues and more on Friday, September 30.

Buy your tickets today for this delicious event here in River North! Shaw’s is offering $5 OFF tickets to all RNRA members.  Enter the code:  OYSTER (all caps).

For tickets and information, click here.

Filed Under: Community
August 2, 2016 By

Thank you all who attended our 15th Annual Taste of River North

Our 15th Annual Taste of River North was a little stormy this year, but we thank all the thousands who braved the heat and weather to celebrate River North.  Thank  you to all the restaurants, merchants and bands that made this year’s ToRN so very special.

Going into our 19th year, we are looking for more volunteers to help our wonderful neighborhood association. If interested, contact us at info@rnrachicago.org.

Already planning for ToRN 2017!
TasteOfRiverNorthIMG_4966

imageIMG_2715IMG_4908 IMG_4910
FullSizeRender (2)IMG_4051IMG_4039 (1) IMG_4091 IMG_4092 IMG_4093

Filed Under: Community
June 23, 2016 By

RNRA Announces our 15th Annual Taste Of River North Music Lineup

TORN 15th Anniversary logoRNRA is proud to announce our band schedule for the 15th Annual Taste of River North July 22nd-24th.

Band Schedule
Friday 7/22:
8:30pm – 10:00pm – Lucky Boys Confusion…
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Sidewalk Chalk
6:00pm – 6:45pm – Sleep On It
5:00pm – 5:45pm – Armitage

Saturday 7/23:
8:00pm – 10:00pm – sixteencandlesband
6:00pm – 7:30pm – Boy Band Review Chicago
4:00pm – 5:30pm – Run Forrest Run
2:00pm – 3:30pm – Nick Lynch
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Band Called Catch

Sunday 7/24:
6:00pm – 8:00pm – Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press
4:30pm – 5:30pm – ‘Stache!
3:00pm – 4:00pm – The Funk Crusaders
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Chris Buehrle Band
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Fletcher Rockwell

Filed Under: Community
June 1, 2016 By

New Grace Period Rules for Chicago City Vehicle Stickers Effective July 1st

Chicago City Clerk Susana A. Mendoza is urging Chicago motorists to be aware of a change in grace period rules regarding deadlines for purchasing and displaying their Chicago City Vehicle Sticker.
Beginning July 1, 2016, changes to the Chicago Municipal Code regarding the grace period will make motorists eligible to be ticketed immediately following their vehicle sticker’s expiration.
For example, if your vehicle sticker expires on June 30, you are eligible to be ticketed on July 1. The $200.00 ticket can be issued daily.
The grace period for late fees will be extended from 15 to 30 days effective July 1. A motorist with a vehicle sticker expiring June 30 will have until July 30 to purchase a sticker without paying an additional $60.00 late fee.
The Office of the City Clerk wants motorists to avoid tickets and additional fees at all costs. Please purchase and display your vehicle stickers in a timely manner. Also remember that the City Clerk’s office has over 350 community partner vendors, including currency exchanges, which are open on weekends and holidays.
Please visit ChiCityClerk.com to conveniently purchase your Chicago City Vehicle Sticker online via EZ>BUY or to find the nearest location to buy in person.
Filed Under: Community