 Alderman Reilly Rejects Dana Hotel's "Erie Street Hotel" Expansion | |
Dear Neighbor:
I am writing to provide an update regarding the "Erie Street Hotel" development proposed for 12-22 West Erie Street in River North. The proposal would use the property's DX-5 zoning classification to qualify for the purchase of an additional 3.1 FAR in density bonuses to construct a 14-story, 178-key, 163' tall hotel, with outdoor amenity space & liquor licenses connected to the existing Dana Hotel.
Based upon my review of the proposal, and the continuing neighborhood quality-of-life concerns surrounding the Dana Hotel's operations, I have informed the Developer that I will not support their proposal and it will not move forward.
The recent community presentation hosted by the River North Residents Association (RNRA) was well attended by a large number of residential neighbors from several nearby homeowners associations. The meeting lasted several hours, was contentious, and all present were given the opportunity to ask questions and share opinions.
During the meeting, a number of valid concerns were raised about the impact that a significant increase in hotel room accommodations would have on this predominantly residential block. It was noted the Dana Hotel's current curbside operation is a failure.
Neighbors complained that the Dana Hotel is currently doing a "poor" or "apathetic" job managing its curbside frontage, resulting in taxicabs, UBER, limousines, trolleys & charter buses backing-up traffic on both Erie & Dearborn streets. At the meeting, we were informed that "private charter buses" and "tour buses for music groups" routinely block traffic on the block; have been seen driving the wrong-way on a one-way street to access Hotel lots and then idle with engines running for hours: adjacent to the Dana Hotel's residential neighbors.
It was also noted that the Traffic Study prepared to evaluate future curbside loading and valet service impacts on the surrounding neighborhood inaccurately depicted Dearborn Street (one-way, northbound) as a two-way street to absorb additional valet routes.
Concerns were also raised about the proposed design of the new structure to be attached to the existing Dana Hotel. We received design concerns about the West and North elevations: (1) the large amount of exposed concrete on the West elevation of the building makes it appear "unfinished;" and (2) the "Banquet Hall" which protrudes from the North Elevation of the proposed structure is unattractive and extends "too close" to neighboring residential units.
Much of the community meeting focused on the numerous, current and long-time quality-of-life complaints about the Dana Hotel operators being "consistently bad neighbors" and showing "total indifference" when residential neighbors asked them to address concerns. Since the Community Meeting, I have received new reports that, when neighbors have reached-out to the Dana Hotel to report quality-of-life concerns, they have been ignored.
Frankly, reports of new quality-of-life abuses coming from the Dana Hotel property - at the very same time they are seeking community support for their significant expansion - do not surprise me at all. When the Dana Hotel was in the middle of the Deleterious Impact Public Hearing Process regarding community complaints about its liquor licenses; the City of Chicago and Police continued to receive numerous complaints about ongoing abuses. And yet, we have received and continue to receive neighborhood complaints regarding the current operations at the Dana Hotel.
While the 42nd Ward is home to tens of thousands of hotel rooms and the majority of hotels in the City of Chicago, we have never received such unprecedented, negative feedback about the impact of one hotel's operations on the surrounding neighborhood. This is truly a first.
Having considered this proposal; the Dana Hotel's poor track record (past and present); significant negative feedback; and recent, disturbing reports from neighborhood residents, I will not support this proposed Planned Development or the Developer's zoning request to purchase 3.1 FAR in density bonuses.
Because I will not support this Planned Development proposal or the additional FAR the Developer wishes to purchase through density bonuses - I encouraged the Developer to consider other options for this site, including:
(1) Spend the next 12 months working to improve operations: (a) acknowledge (rather than deny) & address chronic quality-of-life complaints about the Dana Hotel; (b) improve neighbor relations with permanent removal of nightclub/dance operations; and (c) better manage curbside loading/double parking/traffic flow issues stemming from Valet, Taxicab, UBER, Party Buses and Trolley conflicts.
(2) Forgo a Planned Development and determine what can be developed under existing development entitlements and zoning limitations that apply to a DX-5.
I would like to recognize and thank the River North Residents Association (RNRA) for their partnership and assistance in facilitating our open and transparent community review process for this proposal.
Sincerely,
Brendan Reilly
Vice Mayor of Chicago
Alderman, 42nd Ward
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42nd Ward Earth Day Clean-Up in River North and Streeterville
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This past Saturday, April 22, neighbors in River North and Streeterville participated in the annual spring "Clean and Green" event sponsored by the City of Chicago. Clean and Green has become an honored spring tradition within the 42nd Ward, where area residents generously volunteer their time to clean and beautify their neighborhoods.
Over 50 community volunteers from the River North Residents Association (RNRA) and Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) spent the day beautifying Montgomery Ward Park, Ohio Street Dog Park and Jane Addams Park. They removed litter and garbage, swept gravel and leaves, and picked up branches and debris. The Department of Streets and Sanitation provided garbage bags and other tools to aid in the effort.
Montgomery Ward Park:
Jane Addams Memorial Park:
Alderman Reilly would like to thank the ward residents who participated in this year's event. Special thanks goes out to community organizers from RNRA and the Jane Addams Memorial Park Advisory Council who coordinated efforts in their respective neighborhoods.
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CDPH Raises Awareness for Whooping Cough Prevention During National Infant Immunization Week: April 22-29
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CDPH recommends that individuals receive vaccinations from their own doctor or health care provider. For those without a healthcare provider, there are also other convenient, affordable opportunities to get a Tdap shot, including retail pharmacies and the CDPH Fast-Track Clinics.
What you need to know about whooping cough:
- Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The disease is characterized by uncontrollable, violent coughing, which makes it hard to breathe and often results in a "whoop" at the end of a coughing fit.
- Even though babies can be vaccinated with a whooping cough vaccine starting at two months of age, they are not fully protected until they are older.
- Pregnant women should receive a Tdap during every pregnancy.
- Healthcare providers should get a Tdap every 10 years so they do not spread whooping cough to their patients.
- Chicago Public Schools requires one dose of Tdap vaccine before 6th grade or before 7th through 12th grades if the dose before 6th grade was missed. CDPH encourages parents across the city to check their children's immunization records and make an appointment to get them vaccinated.
- National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is held annually to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases.
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New Spring Issue of the Senior Life Enrichment Guide Now Available
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The Spring 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 spring.
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.
Each year in May, seniors are invited to one of the DFSS regional and satellite senior centers in celebration of Older Americans Month, marking the 52nd anniversary of the federal Older Americans Act, which continues to positively impact the lives of millions of our older citizens. This year's theme, "Age Out Loud," emphasizes the ways older adults are living their lives with boldness, confidence, and passion while serving as an inspiration to people of all ages.
The contents of the Spring 2017 guide are also posted online:
DFSS has also issued a special program schedule for exhibitions and activities specific to Renaissance Court, located in the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington Street. Membership is FREE, and open for all persons 55 and older.
The Renaissance Court Winter 2017 Brochure is available online:
Further information about DFSS services and programs is available by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Network (ADRN) at (312) 744-4016.
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| Small Business Expo: May 4 at 1871 at theMart |
The Small Business Center on the Road Expo will be hosting an expo in the evening for the first time. The expo will be at 1871 at theMart (Merchandise Mart) on Thursday, May 4th from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. The expo is free and open to the public.
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One Summer Chicago 2017 Registration REMINDER
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Mayor Emanuel's One Summer Chicago is an initiative that provides over 30,000 youth with employment and enrichment opportunities during the summer months. OSC offers summer employment to youth between the ages of 14 and 24, as well as a range of enrichment activities for children and youth of all ages, including camps, sports, arts, and recreation programs. Most programs are between 20 and 25 hours per week. Applications are being accepted now through May 15th at OneSummerChicago.org.
New this year, through the City's partnership with the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, the "One Summer Chicago 2017 Fund" crowdfunding page will for the first time enable the general public to support positive summer opportunities and safer communities through the OSC program. To enhance this year's One Summer Chicago experience, the Fund will focus on donations for four key areas: neighborhood beautification, college access, youth-led anti-violence initiatives and summer opportunities and supports.
Sponsorship ranges from financing work supplies and transportation for participants, to major community beautification projects, like murals and planters; donations can also support FAFSA workshops for students and families, and stipends for books for first-time college students. A top-tier donation can support an entire summer job to serve an additional youth in the program, and all donations made to the One Summer Chicago Fund will directly benefit the youth participants through added opportunities to contribute to their communities and build new skills. Sponsors can make a donation for the youth of Chicago at:
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University Student Applications Now Accepted for ThinkChicago: Lollapalooza 2017
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ThinkChicago: Lollapalooza is now accepting applications for the fifth annual installment of the city's premier program connecting rising talent with Chicago's tech scene. Mayor Emanuel, World Business Chicago, the University of Illinois System and Lollapalooza will welcome 200 students from the nation's top universities to Chicago for an opportunity to visit business headquarters and innovation hubs, directly engage with local tech entrepreneurs and meet the leaders of some of today's most innovative companies. Admitted students will also receive a four-day pass to attend the Lollapalooza music festival.
ThinkChicago: Lollapalooza is seeking students who are considering Chicago for the next phase of their career, whether as an entrepreneur, part of a startup team or by contributing their tech skills to a large corporate enterprise. Candidates should be enthusiastic about technology, innovation and entrepreneurship and have demonstrated a commitment to achievement and excellence in their field.
ThinkChicago: Lollapalooza will prioritize applications received from undergraduate or graduate students from the engineering, computer science, design, information technology, entrepreneurship or business administration disciplines. Candidates with relevant work, internship, leadership and entrepreneurial experience are especially encouraged to apply. Students can apply by visitingwww.thinkchicago.net. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm on Sunday, May 21, 2017.
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Chicagoans Reduce Disposable Bag Use by Over 40%
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Chicagoans significantly reduced the average number of disposable bags used per shopping trip in the first month of the Checkout Bag Tax, demonstrating measurable success in the City's effort to reduce paper and plastic bag use in Chicago. Results from a preliminary study by ideas42 - a behavioral design lab - and researchers from New York University and the University of Chicago Energy & Environment Lab show that the bag tax has already decreased the number of disposable bags used per shopping trip by 42 percent. These results are similar to the decrease in disposable bag use other municipalities saw following the implementation of a bag tax. The City of Chicago commissioned this study to evaluate consumer behavior following the implementation of the Checkout Bag Tax. The study tracked bag use of customers at several large grocery chains in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs before and after the tax was implemented to compare consumer experience and determine the possible environmental impact. Preliminary results from the study demonstrate that after the seven-cent tax was implemented in Chicago: - Disposable bag use per trip decreased by 42 percent;
- Residents using disposable bags decreased by 33 percentage points;
- About half of customers who stopped using disposable bags switched to using reusable bags while others used no bags at all.
The preliminary study by ideas42, New York University, and the University of Chicago Energy and Environment Lab is available at: www.ideas42.org/cbdt
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Street Closures and Construction Updates
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Sidewalk Replacement on Jackson between Clinton and Canal THIS weekend
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that the southern sidewalk and bus lane on Jackson St. between Clinton and Canal will be closed for sidewalk replacement.
The work requires the closure to begin at 7pm on Friday, April 28, through 5am on Monday, May 1. Pedestrians should use the north sidewalk.
Assembly Time: 12pm
Step Off Time: 1pm
Assembly Area: 100 N Ashland
Parade Route: Step off from 100 N Ashland, proceed east on Washington into Daley Plaza
Disbanding Area: 50 W Washington
Filming Notice: Illinois from LSD Overpass to North Streeter On Tuesday, May 2, MJ68 Productions will be filming scenes for a commercial along Illinois street. No Parking/Tow Zone signs will be in effect from 2:30am to 4:30am along both sides of Illinois, from the Lake Shore Drive Overpass to North Streeter. An intermittent closure of US-41 Lake Shore Drive, Northbound Exit to Navy Pier may occur during the hours of 2:30am to 4:30am. Filming Notice: Wacker, from State to Dearborn On Tuesday, May 2, MJ68 Productions will be filming scenes for a commercial along Wacker. No Parking/Tow Zone signs will be in effect from 10pm to 3am on the north side of Wacker, from State to Dearborn. An Intermittent closure of the Dearborn Bridge, from 315 N Dearborn to Wacker Drive may occur during the hours of 10pm and 3am Filming Notice: River North Neighborhood On Tuesday, May 2, MJ68 Productions will be filming scenes for a commercial in the River North Neighborhood. Please click here to view the intermittent street closures and parking restrictions. Filming Notice: 220-298 North Garland Court On Saturday April 29, from 5pm until Sunday, April 30 at 4am, Garland between Haddock and Wacker will be closed to allow for filming. Please be advised special effect blood will be in use, please do not be alarmed.
2017 Spring Bridge Lifts
Each year, in the spring and fall, CDOT raises the movable bridges along the Main and South Branches of the Chicago River on a twice weekly schedule on Saturdays and Wednesdays to accommodate recreational boats traveling to and from their storage yards.
During these "boat runs," the bridges are raised sequentially, typically one at a time. Each bridge lift takes an average of 8-12 minutes. A total of 27 bridges will be lifted in succession from the Ashland Avenue Bridge on the South Branch to Lake Shore Drive.
The Spring 2017 bridge lift schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, May 3 at 9:30am
- Saturday, May 6 at 8am
- Wednesday, May 10 at 9:30 am
- Saturday, May 13 at 8am
- Wednesday, May 17 at 9:30am
- Saturday, May 20 at 8am
- Wednesday, May 24 at 9:30am
- Wednesday, May 31 at 9:30am
- Saturday, June 3 at 8am
- Wednesday, June 7 at 9:30am
- Saturday, June 10 at 8am
- Wednesday, June 14 at 9:30am
- Saturday, June 17 at 8am
- Wednesday, June 21 at 9:30am
- Saturday, June 24 at 8am
- Wednesday, June 28 at 9:30am
There will be no lift on Saturday, May 27
Clark Street Bascule Bridge Sidewalk and Roadway Deck Repairs
From now until mid-August 2017, the Clark Street Bascule Bridge will be narrowed to one lane of vehicular traffic for sidewalk and roadway deck repairs. Additionally, one sidewalk at a time will be closed for repairs, beginning with the sidewalk on the southwest side of the bridge.
This project makes repairs to the road decks and sidewalks across the bridge span. During the project, residents and motorists can expect to see the removal of the existing concrete sidewalk, which will be replaced with fiberglass grating; and removal and replacement of the roadway deck along the curb.
Detour Information: Motorists traveling southbound on Clark and seeking to avoid delays should turn west on Grand to southbound Wells and then eastbound on Wacker back to Clark. Alternately, motorists can travel eastbound on Illinois to southbound State and then west on Wacker back to Clark.
Bus routes will be maintained and will not be re-routed.
Water Main Replacement: Clark Street Project
The Department of Water Management is installing 3,330 feet of new 12-inch water main on Clark, from Superior to Kinzie. The old water main dates back to 1873 and needs to be replaced. Work hours will be 7am-4pm.
- No Parking/Tow Zone will be in place during the work hours. Outside of work hours, parking will be allowed.
- During work hours, intermittent street closures may be required, however, access to homes and businesses will always be allowed. Outside of working hours, a travel lane will be left open for local traffic only.
- To receive regular email updates about the progress of the project directly from the Department of Water Management, please go to: BuildingANewChicago.org to register for the WaterALERT program-enter your name, email address and the project identification number 1501098.
- For further information or questions about the project, please call the Department of Water Management's Office of Public Affairs at 312-744-6635.
Traffic Impact for Wanda Vista Construction
Now through project completion, Field Boulevard from Lower Wacker to South Water Street will be closed. Please plan accordingly.
Traffic Impacts for Hubbard and Wells Development
Now through project completion, there will be a curb lane and sidewalk closure of the west side of Wells, from Hubbard to Kinzie. No Parking/Tow Zone signs will be in effect along the west side of Wells, from Hubbard to 400 N Wells. No Parking/Tow Zone signs will be in effect along the south side of Hubbard, from Franklin to Wells.
Traffic Impacts for 151 N. Franklin Development
Now through project completion, there will be a curb lane closure on Franklin, from Randolph to Couch Place, and a single traffic lane closure on Randolph, from Wells to Franklin. Fencing and traffic barricades have been set up for safety.
Traffic Impacts for 167 W. Erie Development
Now through project completion, there will be a single lane closure on Ontario between LaSalle and Wells beginning mid-block. There will also be sidewalk and single lane closures on Erie, between LaSalle and Wells, and Wells, between Erie and Ontario. Fencing and traffic barricades have been set up for safety.
Traffic Impacts for 640 N. Wells Development
Now through project completion, the parking lane on the west side on Wells, between Erie and Ontario, will be closed. Fencing and traffic barricades have been set up for safety.
42nd Ward Construction Updates
To read the most recent construction updates for current development projects in the 42nd Ward, please visit the " Major Projects" page on Alderman Reilly's website.
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| Your Upcoming CAPS Meetings |
CAPS meetings offer city residents an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat officers who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which help the police to monitor crime issues.
Beats 1814, 1824, 1834 will hold a joint meeting Tuesday, May 2, at 6:00pm at Latin Upper School located at 59 W. North Ave.
Beats 1831, 1832, 1833 will hold a joint meeting Thursday, May 4, at 6:00pm at the Access Living Center, located at 115 W. Chicago Avenue.
Please make sure to check the details for upcoming meetings with your Police District's CAPS office. Some beat meeting details may have changed meetings in 2017.
1st District: 312-745-4381
12th District: 312-746-8306
18th District: 312-742-5778To find your district and beat, please click here.
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42nd Ward Website
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The 42nd Ward website is designed to help local residents, businesses and community groups find quick answers to questions about city services and programs. On this site you'll find links to the most requested city services and other useful resources located within downtown Chicago's 42nd Ward. Please visit Alderman Reilly's "virtual office" at www.ward42chicago.com.
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Office of Alderman Brendan Reilly
325 W. Huron St., Ste. 510
(312) 642-4242
(312) 642-0420 (fax)
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Office of Alderman Brendan Reilly
City Hall
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 300
(312) 744-3062
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| In this week's Reilly Reports | |
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