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Alderman Reilly Reports 

  


November 20, 2015
   
CPCThis Week at the Chicago Plan Commission...
42nd Ward Proposals Approved in New Eastside and Streeterville Neighborhoods

The Chicago Plan Commission met yesterday and approved development proposals for  Wanda Vista Tower at 381-383 E. Wacker Drive and  the new Apple Store at 401 N. Michigan Avenue.


381-383 East Wacker Drive - Wanda Vista Tower



After almost a year of meetings with the Lakeshore East, LLC development team, their consultants, and the talented City staffers within the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), Alderman Reilly has again successfully negotiated an ambitious skyscraper project for Downtown Chicago.
 
Lakeshore East, LLC proposes to construct Wanda Vista Tower at 381-383 East Wacker Drive, a 1200' building with 410 dwelling units, 210 hotel keys, commercial space and accessory parking. 
 
In addition to fine-tuning elements for the structure itself, the Alderman worked with traffic engineers to dramatically improve vehicular and pedestrian traffic circulation throughout Lakeshore East and the surrounding Wanda development site. 
 
It is also important to mention that a significant list of concessions and public benefits were secured after much negotiation, not just for the residents of Lakeshore East and the New Eastside, but for the entire city and the growing downtown tourist population. 
 
Listed below are some of the more notable benefits:
  • A pocket park at the easternmost end of Upper Wacker.  This area will be publicly accessible, providing a green oasis at the termination of upper Wacker Drive, which is currently a large vehicular concrete turnaround for buses and limousines.
  • The installation of dozens of pedestrian and vehicular calming improvements including new traffic signalization and signage, speed bumps, differentiated paving, and lighting.
  • The creation of a buffer, both visual and physical, from the auto pound at lowest level Wacker.  This will include increased lighting, cladding improvements to the fencing, and where possible, a new coat of paint.
  • Physical improvements to the pedestrian connection to the Riverwalk from the lowest level of Wacker, an area where many Lakeshore East and Near Eastside residents use to access the River. 
  • Creation of a temporary sidewalk on Magellan property, within an undeveloped parcel, as requested by 195 N. Harbor Drive and other neighboring residents, to crease a safe pedestrian access to the Lakefront.
  • A thorough wind study was conducted to address the concerns from residents at the Aqua and other Lakeshore East owners.  The study, performed by aeronautical and wind-speed professionals, confirms the new structure will not adversely impact the usage of their balconies and pedestrian circulation at street level.
  • The creation of a temporary dog park on currently undeveloped Magellan property for area residents to enjoy.    
     

    Alderman Reilly helped negotiate the creation of a very large temporary dog park on the currently undeveloped, eastern-most parcel of the Lakeshore East Planned Development, located directly east of the Lancaster, 201 N. Westshore Drive.  In a neighborhood brimming with four-legged friends, this is a welcome new amenity!




     
    Earlier this week, Alderman Reilly joined Friends of Lakeshore East Park, neighbors and representatives from Magellan at a ribbon cutting to officially unveil the new dog friendly area.
     
     


     (From L to R: Patrick Borzenski, Magellan; Dan Koz, Lakeshore East Resident; David Carlins, Magellan President; Alderman Reilly; 
    Sean Linnane, Magellan Executive VP)
     
    The new temporary dog park measures approximately 8,000 square feet, making it one of the largest enclosed dog-friendly areas in Chicago.  
To download the Wanda Vista Tower slideshow presentation from Plan Commission, click here.


 
401 North Michigan Avenue - Apple Store

 

Alderman Reilly is very pleased to welcome a new Apple flagship store to Chicago.  Apple clearly understands the value of "location" in the real-estate choices they are making at the global level. They've hit the mark again by choosing this prominent location along the Chicago River. 
 
The proposed riverfront retail project at 401 North Michigan Avenue includes construction of a glass enclosed entrance located on the 401 Plaza with descending stairs to the lower concourse level retail space. The concept includes exterior stairs cascading down from the 401 Plaza and Michigan Avenue to the Riverwalk level.
 
However, like every other development proposal that Alderman Reilly has worked through over the past eight years, the development team's initial offering required some adjustments, and those changes are reflected in the revised plans presented at Plan Commission this week.
 
Based upon this highly trafficked location, along one of the most celebrated river views - and public amenities - in the city, Alderman Reilly worked with the development team to refine their design to fit more neatly within the historic and commercial fabric of this corridor developing along the Chicago River.

 
 
Those changes include:
  • The elimination of a large-scale video screen facing the River.  Although intended for educational and tutorial purposes, a large video screen facing the River, its traffic and residents and businesses located south of the River, was not appropriate or established by precedent, and violated the new Riverfront Design Guidelines adopted last year.
  • More substantial transparency in the structure.  It was important for the structure to appear as light and unobtrusive, not only in the at-plaza level of the building, but also the cascading portion down the Riverwalk stairs.  The originally proposed design was bulkier and blocked some vistas from Pioneer Plaza - the new design addresses that concern.
  • Changes to the roof design to create a less-imposing birds' eye presence on the plaza, in addition to the pedestrian experience of the overall building.
  • Publicly-accessible elevator for access between grades.
  • The implementation of a traffic study and plan for large school groups attending seminars or educations presentations at the store.  This site has the benefit of subterranean roadways to accommodate school buses or large groups.

    Alderman Reilly asked Apple to revisit their original plan for drop-off, loading and unloading off the Michigan Avenue vehicular drive.  They agreed by developing a traffic plan to create no additional vehicular traffic at-grade on the Avenue for these larger groups.
To download the 401 N Michigan Avenue slideshow presentation from Zeller Realty Group, which was presented at the Plan Commission meeting,  click here.

The Chicago Plan Commission, comprised of 22 mayoral appointees, is responsible for the review of proposals that involve Planned Developments (PDs), the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, Planned Manufacturing Districts (PMDs), Industrial Corridors and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts.  

LightsFestSpecial Alert: Traffic Advisory for Tomorrow's BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Chicago is home to the nation's largest evening holiday celebration - the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Held this Saturday, November 21, the event will jump start the holiday season with a full day of family friendly activities, live music concerts and holiday shopping.
This beloved holiday tradition begins with a grand evening parade down Michigan Avenue led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The parade concludes with a grand finale fireworks show over the Chicago River, requiring 10,000 firework shells to create the spectacular display. An estimated 800,000 guests will attend the festival.
 
The lighting procession will step-off this year at 5:30 pm from Oak and Michigan.
 
The following MAIN STREET CLOSURES will take place as early as 3:30 pm to 8 pm on Saturday, November 21:
  • Oak Street (State to Michigan)
  • North Michigan Avenue (Oak to Wacker)
  • Upper Wacker Drive (Michigan to east turnaround)
The following ADDITIONAL STREET CLOSURES will take effect at different times:
 
Closed 7am-7pm on Saturday, November 21:
  • Upper Illinois (Michigan, east to Hotel InterContinental side entrance)
Closed 8am to 6pm on Saturday, November 21:
  • Clark (Oak to Delaware, east curb lane only)
  • Delaware (Dearborn to Clark, north curb lane only)
  • Oak (Clark to State)
  • Dearborn (Delaware to Maple)
  • Walton (State to Clark)
Closed 4:30pm to 10pm on Saturday, November 21:
  • Columbus (Wacker to Randolph, curb lanes only)
Closed 6pm to 8pm on Saturday, November 21:
  • Columbus (Wacker to Randolph, full closure)
Schedule of Events:
All musical performances will take place on the BMO Harris Bank Stage, located at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue.


For more information about the 2015 Festival of Lights, including in-business events at Mag Mile stores restaurants and hotels, please visit the official website.

TreeLightingChicago's 102nd Annual Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park



The City of Chicago's 102nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Tuesday, November 24 in Millennium Park at Washington Street and Michigan Avenue. The FREE event begins at 5:30pm with holiday musical performances. The official tree lighting will be at 6:00pm.
 
This holiday season, the tree is moving to Millennium Park to combine with other holiday activities to create Chicago's premier "Winter Wonderland!" Santa Claus will also set up shop in Millennium Park this holiday season. Santa's Midwest headquarters will be open to children of all ages where they can visit and have their picture taken with Santa Claus throughout the holiday season. Parents and caregivers are asked to use their own cameras for photos.
 
Special visits with Santa Claus begin on Tuesday, November 24 immediately following the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony until 8pm and on Thanksgiving Day from noon-3pm. For Santa's regular visiting hours and dates visit cityofchicago.org/dcase  or millenniumpark.org.

ThanksgivingParadeTraffic Advisory for 2015 McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade Thursday, November 26

(Photo: Chicago Festival Association) 

The 82nd Annual McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, from 8:00am to 11:00am, and will run along State Street from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street.  The parade will be broadcast live locally and nationally on Chicago's own WGN Channel 9 and WGN America.
 
Santa Claus, Ronald McDonald, the Harlem Globetrotters and the Jesse White Tumbling Team are just a few of the talented celebrities and entertainers that will join in on the largest holiday parade in Chicago. There will also be a host of local talent, including high school marching bands. The McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade features enormous inflatable balloons of some of everyone's favorite characters, including Arthur, the Cheer Care Bear, Tweety, and more! To view the complete 2015 line up, click here.
 
Several streets in the 42nd Ward will be used during the parade and will have various parking restrictions. Closures will last through November 26.
 
To view a map of the parade, including parade step off, staging areas and disband areas please click here
 
Residents should allow for extra travel time during this event. There will be several traffic reroutes, detours and increased pedestrian congestion.  Please plan accordingly.  Chicago Transit Authority reroutes will be posted on the CTA website.
 
Click here  to visit the official parade website.

Dev300WHuronUpcoming Community Presentation for Development Proposal at 300 W. Huron Street

Alderman Reilly invites you to join him at a public presentation regarding a development proposal for the property located at 300 W. Huron Street.
 
Representatives of the JFJ Development Company team will present their plans and answer questions you may have about the proposal. The applicant has submitted a proposal for the development of a 24-story 71 dwelling unit residential building with approximately 16,000 square feet of retail space. The building will provide 71 individual parking spaces. Of those 71 spaces, 57 will have the ability to accommodate a lift for residents needing parking for two cars. The site is currently undeveloped.
 
WHAT:             300 W. Huron Street
 
WHO:               Hosted by Alderman Brendan Reilly and
                        River North Residents Association (RNRA)
 
WHEN:              Monday, November 30, 2015 at 6:00pm
 
WHERE:            The Godfrey Hotel (Truss Room)
                        127 W. Huron Street
                        Chicago, Illinois 60654
 
Alderman Reilly works hard to provide an open and transparent community review of all local development proposals. Please join the Alderman to engage in a direct dialogue the development team to gain a better understanding of their proposal and receive answers to any questions you may have.

PARKSregChicago Park District Winter Program Registration


The Chicago Park District's 2015-2016 Winter Program Online Registration  begins at 9:00am Monday, November 30 for parks WEST of California Ave. and 9:00am Tuesday, December 1 for parks EAST of California Ave.  In-person registration begins on Saturday, December 5 for most parks.
 
Classes begin the week of January 4 and last through the week of March 7, 2016.  Click here to view available programs. The registration check list can help you be best prepared for registration day.

baglessblueDSS Reminds Residents to Go Bagless When Recycling in Blue Carts

The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) recently launched its GO BAGLESS public education campaign to urge residents to stop using plastic bags to recycle materials in their blue carts.
  
Beginning January 1, 2016, all recyclables must be placed in the blue cart loose without a bag.   Recyclables contained in bags of any kind will no longer be accepted.  This will not only help our environment, but also reduce unnecessary costs incurred by the City as a result of contaminated blue carts.
 
Plastic bags hinder the recycling process by: 
  • Not allowing haulers to see if other non-recyclable materials are in the blue cart;
  • Contaminating the stream of otherwise good recycling material;
  • Damaging the equipment at sorting facilities  
As part of this campaign, the City has partnered with Recycle by City to develop a new educational website that will debut in December.  The Recycle by City Chicago website, recyclebycity.com/chicago , is designed to visually show residents what can and cannot be recycled in a Chicago blue cart.  The site includes common misconceptions about recycling, fun quizzes and additional resources - all to help make recycling easy.
 
Currently, five materials can be recycled in Chicago blue carts.  They include:
  • Plastic (plastic bottles and containers with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 o 7)
  • Glass (jars and bottles)
  • Metal (aluminum, tin, or steel cans, foil and pie tins)
  • Cartons (milk cartons, juice cartons and aseptic containers)
  • Paper (flattened cardboard, office paper, file folders, magazines, catalogs, newspapers, junk mail, telephone books, etc.) 
Yard waste cannot be recycled in the blue cart, and residents should call 311 through November 27 to schedule a separate yard waste collection.  Residents can also recycle household chemicals and computers by taking those items to the Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. North Branch Street.  All other materials should be thrown in the black garbage cart or donated. 
 
To find alternative recycling options and more information about recycling in Chicago, visit: www.chicagorecycles.org.

ConsumerAlertsConsumer Alerts: Fraudulent Check and IRS Phone Scams

The Chicago Police Department would like to increase awareness of a scam which is occurring locally and directed against college and university students.  To learn more, click here to download the informational bulletin.
 
Attorney General Lisa Madigan today alerted Illinois residents to a phone scam in which callers pose as IRS officials in an attempt to con people into sending money to pay for allegedly unpaid taxes.  For complete information on the scam, and the proper way to report it if you have been contacted, click here to read the press release.

DebtReliefChicago Debt Relief Program Now Open

T he City's Debt Relief Program has started as of November 15. The program, passed as part of the 2016 budget process, allows individuals and businesses who owe debt to the City to pay what they owe without additional costs.

Under the Debt Relief Program, individuals or businesses with debt from unpaid parking violations, red light violations, violations imposed by the Department of Administrative Hearings or taxes incurred prior to 2012, will not be required to pay the penalties, interest and collection costs associated with the debt if they pay it off by December 31, 2015. Debt that is currently subject to a payment plan or legal activity is not eligible for the Debt Relief Program.

For more information on the City's Debt Relief Program, click here

If you have additional questions, please refer to the following links: Parking  & Red Light FAQ, Administrative Hearings FAQ, Tax FAQ

CPDhiringNow Hiring - Make a Real Difference by Becoming a Chicago Police Officer 



The chance to become a Chicago Police Officer only comes around every few years. Applications will only be accepted until December 16, 2015. For more information, visit www.chicagopolice.org or click here to download the FAQ.

SnowReminderSidewalk Snow Removal Reminder for Chicago Residents and Businesses

With a winter storm warning expected this weekend, it is important that all responsible parties work to remove   snow  and ice from city sidewalks.  For property owners that live at street intersections, they are also responsible for shoveling   snow  all the way to the street and to include the corners.

Please remember that per Chicago Municipal Code 10-8-180: "...every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground."  The City of Chicago may ticket for violations of this ordinance.
 
For the safety of the entire community, please keep sidewalks free of snow and ice this winter!

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StreetClosuresStreet Closures and Construction Updates

CDOT TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Lake Street Bridge Closed
The Lake Street Bridge will be closed for bridge maintenance work beginning Sunday, November 22 beginning at 2am through Monday, November 23 at 4am.
Traffic Impact: Both sidewalks and the roadway will be closed.
Traffic Detour:
  • Eastbound traffic will be re-routed via Clinton, Washington and Waker.
  • Westbound traffic will be re-routed via Wacker, Randolph, Canal and Lake. Pedestrian will be re-directed to Randolph St. Signage will be present.
Crane Shoring: Wacker Drive Dearborn to State
Date and Time: Saturday, November 21, beginning at 11pm through Monday, November 23, at 6am various portions of Upper and Mid-Level Wacker Drive from Dearborn to State will be impacted for the placement and shoring of a crane.
Traffic Impact:
  • Eastbound and Westbound Upper Wacker Drive will be fully closed Sunday, November 22 from 7am to 9pm.
  • The Eastbound service lanes on the Upper and Lower levels of Wacker will be closed beginning 11pm Saturday, November 21, through 6am on Monday, November 23.
  • One Eastbound Lane of Lower Wacker will be closed beginning 11pm Saturday, November 21, through 6am on Monday, November 23.
Traffic Detour:
  • Traffic traveling on East Upper Wacker Drive will be routed via Clark, Lake, State, and  Upper Wacker
  • Traffic traveling on Dearborn traffic will be routed via Lake, State and Upper Wacker.
Filming Notice: 323 E. Wacker
Date and Time: Monday, November 24, from 1pm to midnight
Traffic Impact:
No Parking/Tow Zone Signs will be in effect on Monday, November 24, from 1pm to midnight at the following locations:
  • Both sides of Upper Wacker from Columbus to Field
  • Both sides of Upper Columbus from Randolph to Wacker
  • Both sides of Middle South Water from Michigan Ave to Stetson
  • Both sides of Middle Stetson from South Water to Lake
Intermittent Street Closures will be in effect on Monday, November 24, from 6:30pm to 9pm at the following location:
  • Upper Wacker Drive from Columbus to Field
Overnight Street Closure of Jackson between Clinton and Canal for Union Station Transit Center Project
Now through Saturday, November 21, Jackson between Clinton and Canal will be closed during the overnight hours for utility work related to the Union Station Transit Center project.
 
The closure will occur overnight from 9pm-5am each night. 
 
Eastbound Jackson Boulevard traffic will be detoured to Southbound Clinton Street, to Eastbound Van Buren Street, to Northbound Canal Street, and back to Eastbound Jackson Boulevard

Lane Closure for Union Station Transit Center Project
Date: Ongoing through end of 2015 
Traffic Impacts:
  • Two lanes of Jackson closed between Clinton and Canal - two east bound traffic lanes will remain open at all times
  • One south bound Canal contraflow lane and one north bound Canal street traffic lane closed - two northbound traffic lanes maintained at all times
  • Please pay attention to all curb usage signs. It is important to stay clear of bus stops and no parking areas.
Water Main Project: Van Buren St. & Wabash Ave.
Date and Time: Now through December 2015
Work Hours are 7:00am to 4:00pm.
Locations: E. Van Buren Street, from S. State Street to S. Wabash Avenue and S. Wabash Avenue, from E. Van Buren Street to E. Congress Parkway
Traffic Impact: Traffic will be allowed to flow on E. Van Buren and S. Wabash Avenue outside of working hours. During working hours the street will be closed. No Parking signs will be posted as needed.

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.

Building demolition has begun and will take approximately two weeks.  Noise from demolition will not be excessive and no additional street closures will be required for this work.
 
Department of Water Management Water Main Replacement on Randolph between Wells and Franklin
Date and Time: Now through November 25/26, 2015
The Department of Water Management is currently replacing a water main that was installed back in 1911. The work is expected to be completely by November 26, 2015. Lanes reduced to 1.5-2 traffic lanes during the work.
 
Chicago Riverwalk Construction 
Phase 3 of the Riverwalk is will continue until fall 2016. Access to the Riverwalk between LaSalle and Lake Street will be closed to the public. 
  • In the coming weeks, the contractors will be exacting and forming concrete foundations from LaSalle to Wells Street. 
  • Some demolition work will continue as well as installation of sewer lines and backfilling behind the new steel sheet pile wall.
Public Way Closures:
  • The west bound curb lane of Lower Wacker Drive between State Street and Post Place will have daily temporary closures between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
  • The west bound curb lane of Upper Wacker Drive between State Street and Wells Street may have daily temporary closures between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM and also from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Lane Closures for Chicago Loop Link
Date and Time:  
Now until further notice. Substantial project completion anticipated by end of 2015
Location:   
Washington Street from Wacker to Wabash    
Madison Street from Michigan to Wacker
Traffic Impacts:
Streets under construction are reduced to two lanes during weekday business hours. Two lanes will remain open for traffic. Additional lane closures may be needed overnight and on weekends. Expect delays in areas where lanes are reduced. No detours are planned and all garages and alleys will remain accessible. Allow extra time when traveling through the construction zone and consider using alternate routes through the Loop.

Please pay attention to all curb usage signs. It is important to stay clear of bus stops and no parking areas as resurfacing operations continue on Washington, Madison, Clinton, and Canal. The work at the new Union Station Transit Center continues with lane closures on Jackson, Clinton, and Canal.

More Information: www.ChicagoLoopLink.com.
  
Street Closure for Washington / Wabash El Station 
Date and Time:  From March 9, 2015 for approximately 18 months 
Location and Traffic Impact:  Wabash between Washington and Madison Street will be closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate construction of the Washington/Wabash Elevated CTA Station.  All business frontage and sidewalk will remain accessible.  Valet and delivery drop-off zones remain open on Madison and Wabash.  
 
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.
 
CAPSINFOYour 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.

No CAPS meetings will be held this week in the 42nd Ward.

If you would like further information regarding upcoming CAPS meetings, please call your Police District's CAPS office.
 
1st District: 312-745-4381
12th District: 312-746-8306
18th District: 312-742-5778


To find your district and beat, please click here.

ward42website42nd Ward Website

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)

Office of Alderman Brendan Reilly 
City Hall
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 300 
(312) 744-3062
In this week's Reilly Reports
42nd Ward Proposals Approved in New Eastside and Streeterville Neighborhoods
Upcoming Events
Important Information
Chicago Park District Winter Program Registration



Contact Us!
Office of Alderman Brendan Reilly
325 W. Huron Street
Suite 510
(312) 642-4242
(312) 642-0420 (fax)
Office of Alderman Brendan Reilly
City Hall
121 N. LaSalle Street
Room 300
(312) 744-3062
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