Alderman Reilly Reports
May 7, 2012
Alderman Reilly Views on Chicago Infrastructure Trust
Credits Mayor for Ambitious Proposal; Cites Need for More Accountability
Dear Neighbor:
As you may know, the City Council recently approved the creation of the Chicago Infrastructure Trust by a vote of 41-7. As one of the seven aldermen who voted "No" but one who considers himself a supporter of Mayor Emanuel and his vision for fiscal reform in Chicago, I want to explain why I voted against the proposal.
Mayor Emanuel deserves praise for his aggressive pursuit of creative new ways to fund city government and repair our aging infrastructure. In fact, I support the concept of the Infrastructure Trust and agree with the Mayor that it has the potential to serve as a powerful and effective new financial tool for Chicago.
That said, when the Mayor unveiled this proposal in March, I expressed a sincere interest in finding a way to address the need to ensure the Trust would be directly accountable to Chicago taxpayers.
I believe Mayor Emanuel has the best intentions for the Trust and agree that it could serve as a creative new financial instrument for the City of Chicago and its sister agencies to fund exciting new infrastructure projects that will transform our city and put people back to work. In fact, with the addition of some key accountability provisions, I believe the Trust could emerge as a national model.
After carefully reviewing the Ordinance; the Mayor's subsequent Executive Order; and conducting my own research into alternate public-private partnership models, I identified three important changes that I believe would have greatly improved the Infrastructure Trust proposal.
First, I thought it important to codify the commitment the Mayor expressed in his Executive Order requiring a detailed independent financial analysis be conducted for every project that includes a risk assessment, cost analysis and determination of economic benefit to the City of Chicago or its coordinating units of government. I believe that the Mayor's commitment, made via Executive Order, should have been integrated into the text of the Infrastructure Trust Ordinance.
Second, I agree with the Better Government Association and others that Trust obligations should not confer any obligation to the City or the City's sister agencies (CTA, CHA, CPS and Park District) not expressly stated in a grant agreement. It is important that all obligations be fully disclosed in grant agreements before the Trust approves the funding for these large projects.
My third and greatest concern about the Trust proposal focused on accountability to Chicago taxpayers. I believe it is critical for the City Council to review each project proposed to be funded by the Trust - whether it is a City of Chicago initiative or a project benefitting one of our sister agencies.
By requiring the City Council to review and approve each Trust project, the Trust's Board would be expected to package the deal and present it before the City Council for a simple "Yea" or "Nay" vote to ratify the project - with no opportunity for Council amendments or other changes to the original proposal.
I acknowledge the fact that the City Council has no appropriation authority over sister agencies like the Public Schools, CTA or Park District. However, I believe the Council, by voting to create the Trust and its related governance structure would be essentially endorsing the creation of a relatively untested new financial vehicle - the bulk of which would be used to fund projects approved by appointed boards at sister agencies, not by elected officials who are directly accountable to voting Chicago taxpayers. This was a very serious problem for me.
As the Mayor has stated repeatedly, the Trust is intended only to be used to launch transformative infrastructure projects that benefit the city and provide a value to Chicago taxpayers. Based on that rationale, requiring the City Council to provide a simple "Yes" or "No" vote on these projects would not pose any unnecessary burden that could reasonably jeopardize these proposals.
Because Illinois statute prohibits the City Council from having appropriation or spending authority over the City's sister agencies, I suggested the City of Chicago invest a nominal sum of money in every Trust project (City or Sister Agency related) - to serve as a trigger for City Council review and approval. Unfortunately that suggestion was not integrated into the final proposal that was approved by the City Council. As such, I had no choice but to vote "No."
I consider myself one of Mayor Emanuel's stronger supporters on the Chicago City Council. I share his goal to reform the City Budget and restore discipline to our city's financial practices. More importantly, I want to see our Mayor successful in every way, because the future of the City of Chicago is depending on strong, principled leadership during these difficult and uncertain times.
We are very fortunate to have a Mayor leading city government who is not afraid to propose bold new approaches to solving old problems. I believe old proposals deserve careful, open review before implementation. Taxpayers deserve to know the details of these exciting plans are subject to review, analysis and public scrutiny in the light of day.
This policy disagreement aside, I very much look forward to continuing my work with Mayor Emanuel to stabilize the City of Chicago's finances and erase our long-time structural budget deficit once and for all.
Sincerely,
Brendan Reilly
Alderman, 42nd Ward
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NATO Security Restrictions and Transportation Plan for May 20-21, 2012
Late last week, the United States Secret Service released the security and transportation plans for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit, scheduled for Sunday, May 20 and Saturday May 21, 2012 at McCormick Place.
The plan was developed by a partnership of local, state and federal agencies, and provides a general outline for expected road closures, vehicular restricted zones, public transportation and pedestrian routes.
Click here to view the full press release.
Public officials highlighted: For ALL Chicago neighborhoods, there will be MORE police on duty than usual and CTA will be running weekday schedules on the NATO weekend to help alleviate traffic concerns.
Important places to find more information:
Notifychicago.org for email and text updates
Cityofchicago.org/transportation (CDOT)
Transitchicago.com (CTA)
Hillardheintze.com
If you have further questions, specific to your property, please contact the NATO Host Committee via email: info@chicagonato.org or visit their website for the most up-to-date information www.chicagonato.org. You can also signup for real-time street closure and event information at https://webapps.cityofchicago.org/NotifyChicago/.
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Alderman Reilly invites you to an Upcoming Community Presentation TOMORROW for the REVISED Development Proposal at 435-463 N. Park Drive
Alderman Reilly invites you to join him at a follow up public presentation for the revised 435-463 North Park Drive development proposal, commonly referred to as the former Waldorf-Astoria site. Per the Alderman's direction, the new owners, New Water Park, LLC (principally owned by DRW Real Estate Investments, LLC) will present their revised development proposal, as well as answer any questions you may have.
As you are aware, a preliminary project review meeting was held on March 22nd where Alderman Reilly gathered valuable feeedback. In response to those community concerns raised, several changes were made at the Alderman's request, creating a more compatible development proposal for the Streeterville neighborhood. Please join us to review this revised proposal.
WHAT: 435-463 N. Park Drive
WHO: Hosted by SOAR and Alderman Brendan Reilly
WHEN: Tuesday, May 8th at 5:30 pm
WHERE: Embassy Suites
511 N. Columbus Drive
Salon A, B and C
Please click on the following link to view the revised PD Application, Lakefront Application and Traffic Study.
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Central Loop Bus Rapid Transit Project Unveiled!
Last week, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) co-hosted a public presentation to share plans for the Central Loop (East-West) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project.
The new bus service will provide riders with fast and reliable connections throughout the central business district - from Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center, through the Loop and up to Streeterville and Navy Pier.
To review CDOT's power point presentation from the meeting, please click here. Public comments on this project are welcome and needed. Please email your thoughts to CentralLoopBRT@cityofchicago.org.
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NATO Events and Programming
2012 Athletic Crossroads
World Sport Chicago, Chicago NATO Host Committee and the City of Chicago will host Athletic Crossroads. Local teams in basketball and soccer ages 11 - 13 across Chicago will play under the name of a country participating in the Summit and have the opportunity to learn about that country's culture and people.
2012 Athletic Crossroads: Connecting the World through Sports
Saturday May 12, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Washington Park
5200 S. Cottage Grove Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
The event is free and open to the public. Spectators will also be able to join participants in all-ages sports clinics taking place thought the day, and enjoy the International Festival and Pavilion to take part in arts and cultural activities representing over three dozen countries. For more information, please email crossroads@worldsportchicago.org or call 312-861-4850.
Chicago Kids and Kites Festival
As part of the public activities to mark the NATO Chicago Summit, NATO is partnering with the City of Chicago to present the 14th Annual Kids & Kites in Lincoln Park.
Chicago Kids and Kites Festival
Saturday, May 19, 2012
10:00am - 4:00pm
Lincoln Park, Cricket Hill
(Near intersection of Lake Shore Drive and Montrose)
NATO is providing 5,000 kite kits for children as well as pictures of flags and fun facts about representative countries to help inspire children as they decorate their kites. In addition, the festival will also feature a workshop on the history and tradition of Afghan fighter kites.
Chicago Kite, a Chicago-based retailer that specializes in kites, will sell kites, give tips and advice on how to fly kites and its professional flyers will demonstrate their skills with oversized and amusingly shaped kites. Also, the Big Kite Candy Drop will take place during the afternoon, weather permitting.
Other activities include painting a kite-shaped refrigerator magnet, face-painters and balloon artists. Brookfield Zoo will be on site with fun games and prizes related to the zoo's new Xtreme Bugs exhibit. Click here for more information.
Chicago's Culinary Crossroads
The Illinois Restaurant Association is pleased to announce Chicago's Culinary Crossroads. This citywide dine-around program will run Tuesday, May 1 through Friday, May 25 to celebrate the G8 NATO summits and place a spotlight on Chicago's diverse, world-class restaurant industry. The dine-around will encourage both residents and visitors to patronize our city's great dining establishments and experience the warm, welcoming hospitality that can only be found in Chicago.
For more information, please contact Mike Howlett at 312-380-4145 or mhowlett@illinoisrestaurants.org.
Educational and Public Policy Programming from Chicago Council on Global Affairs
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs - an independent, nonpartisan, public education organization - has planned a range of activities to engage Chicagoans on learning about the NATO Summit. The Chicago Council has organized a three speaker series: the first to focus on the future of the transatlantic alliance, the second will examine American leadership in the 21st Century, and the 3rd will give Chicagoans an opportunity to hear from visiting NATO leaders. All events are open to the public.
Click here to learn more.
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Streets For Cycling Plan 2020 - 2nd Round of Hearings Scheduled for Public Review
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), in partnership with the Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Council, announced today that it is hosting another round of public meetings for the Streets for Cycling Plan 2020 to give Chicagoans an opportunity to review and comment on the draft 2020 network.
The purpose of the Streets for Cycling Plan 2020 is to identify roadways throughout the City for innovative bicycle facilities so that all Chicagoans, from children riding to school to senior citizens riding to the grocery store, can feel safe and comfortable bicycling on our streets.
In addition to viewing the draft 2020 network, those attending the public meetings will see possible street treatments and proposed bike facilities, and hear about the remaining challenges and next steps for the Streets for Cycling Plan 2020.
The four public meetings and two online webinars are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
Tuesday, May 22nd, Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., 4 - 8 p.m., presentation with Q&A at 4:30 & 6:30p.m.
Thursday, May 31st, Gary Comer Youth Center - Exhibition Hall, 3rd floor, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave., 4 - 8 p.m., presentation with Q&A at 4:30 & 6:30p.m.
Wednesday, June 6th, Douglas Park Cultural and Community Center - Ballroom, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr., 4 - 8 p.m., presentation with Q&A at 4:30 & 6:30p.m.
Saturday, June 9th, 77 S. Dearborn - Building Lobby, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Open House
Monday, June 11th, Webinar #1, 12 - 1 p.m., Reserve your Webinar seat now at: http://goo.gl/6JRQc
Wednesday, June 13th, Webinar #2, 6 - 7 p.m., Reserve your Webinar seat now at: http://goo.gl/CQSS9
Webinar space is limited. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
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Never Too Old To Play: Chicago Celebrates Older Americans Month with Weekday Events in May
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is celebrating Older Americans Month in May by offering area seniors a series of events and activities designed to keep them active mentally and physically.
The theme of this year's national observance is "Never Too Old to Play," and it recognizes that older Americans are actively contributing to our communities while having fun in the process.
Among the activities offered are dance fitness classes such as Zumba and Dancercise, sports competitions, continuing education, classes on art and gardening, health screenings and formal gatherings that allow seniors to keep fit and stay active in their communities.
Seniors interested in participating in Chicago's Older Americans Month Activities can consult the calendar link below showing an overview of all of the planned weekday events in May or contact the DFSS Senior Services Information and Assistance line at 312-744-4016.
DFSS Older Americans Month Calendar
This month-long national celebration was launched by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and was first called Senior Citizens Month. President Jimmy Carter renamed the commemoration Older Americans Month in 1980, and it has gone by that name ever since.
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Celebrate National Train Day at Union Station
Now in its 5th year, National Train Day is back to celebrate train travel and the ways trains touch the lives of people with events across America. This year, festivities will highlight the unique perspective passengers enjoy as they take in the vastness and beauty of the American landscape, from cities big and small, to country vistas and everything in between, when traveling by rail.
Families can enjoy FREE live entertainment, interactive and educational exhibits, kids' activities, model train displays and tours of Amtrak equipment, freight and commuter trains, and notable private railroad cars.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
11:00am - 4:00pm
Union Station
225 N. Canal St.
Chicago, IL 60608
Click here for more information on National Train Day exhibitions and activities.
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Save up to 50% with Rebates through the 2012 Chicago Sustainable Backyards Program!
The Chicago Sustainable Backyards Program returns this spring planting season to give residents information and incentives for more environmentally friendly landscapes in their front, side and back yards.
Rebates are available to Chicago residents for up to 50% back from their next local purchase of:
Trees - up to $100 back
Native Plants - up to $60 back
Compost Bins - up to $50 back
Rain Barrels - up to $40 back
More than 50 local retail outlets have rebate forms available, along with Alderman Reilly's Constituent Service website and from the City's website at www.cityofchicago.org/rainbarrel.
The Chicago Sustainable Backyard Program rebates are funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency's Pollution Prevention Program and a USDA Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant.
More information can be found at www.cityofchicago.org/rainbarrel. Questions can be directed to RainBarrel@cityofchicago.org or by calling 312-743-9283.
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West Loop - LaSalle Street Historic District Nomination
The Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED) is preparing a nomination of Chicago's historic West Loop to the National Register of Historic Places. This proposed National Register historic district (containing approximately 70 properties) is centered on LaSalle Street from the Chicago River to Van Buren Street and includes properties as far east as Dearborn Street and as far west as Franklin Street. Click here or on the image below to view a map and list of buildings to be in the proposed historic district.
The purpose of the nomination is to recognize the historic significance and importance of the West Loop's historic buildings, as well as to qualify them for historic rehabilitation incentives.
National Register listing is primarily honorary. Unlike Chicago Landmark designation, it does NOT place any additional requirements or restrictions on private property owners. It does NOT involve any kind of mandatory building permit review by the City of Chicago. National Register listing would, however, encourage preservation through available preservation incentives and enhance public awareness of the West Loop's historic significance.
For more information please click on the following links: General Information, FAQ, Fact Sheet, Photographs and Map.
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May 2012 Business Education Workshops
The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) will host the following FREE workshops in their City Hall office, located at 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 805. Space is limited, so please reserve your attendance by calling 312-744-2086 or emailing OEBACP@cityofchicago.org.
To learn more about BACP's workshops, please visit the BACP website or click here for more detail on this month's workshops.
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Save the Date! City Sticker Sales at Alderman Reilly's Constituent Office
It's almost time to buy your 2012 - 2013 Chicago Vehicle Sticker! The 2011-2012 vehicle sticker expires on June 30, 2012.
On Friday, June 8th, one day only, the Chicago City Clerk's Office will be selling City of Chicago Vehicle Stickers, Residential Zone Parking Passes and Daily Guest Pass Booklets at the 42nd Ward Constituent Office located at 325 W. Huron Street, Suite 510.
Residents can also purchase their Vehicle Sticker on the City Clerk's website or in-person at the City Clerk's City Hall office beginning on Tuesday, May 1st. Click here for more information.
Additionally, Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford's office will be sending a representative to assist residents with their Cash Dash unclaimed property searches and their Bright Start college savings programs. This face-to-face help will coincide with the sale of city vehicle stickers on Friday, June 8th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The Cash Dash program reunites Illinoisans with their unclaimed property held by the state. Patrons are usually excited to learn whether they have unclaimed property, and are able to claim their belongings by filling out a simple form that we will have available for them.
Bright Start is a 529 education savings program sponsored by the state of Illinois. That's the official way of saying it's a simple and tax-advantaged way to save and invest for a child's education. Informational pamphlets will be available for you to take home too.
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Pay Less for Energy through the Clean Air Counts Energy Savings Program
The Clean Air Counts Energy Savings Program can save you up to $200 over sixteen months and reduce pollution.
The Energy Savings Program (ESP) allows you to pay less for you energy guaranteed through 2013 by providing energy at a lower cost. The only difference is that your ComEd bill will state that the energy is supplied by Integrys and the amount you pay will be significantly lower.
In addition to paying less, all households and small businesses will be eligible to receive 4 CFL light bulbs, which use 25% less energy than 60 watt bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer. If installed, the CFLs will save you $40 this year!
Sign up now at www.integrysenergy.com/ESP-chicago to reduce your energy costs and visit www.energysavingprogram.net to learn more.
Clean Air Counts is a six-county Chicago regional initiative of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, US EPA - Region V, Illinois EPA and City of Chicago. It seeks significant reductions in smog-forming pollutants and energy consumption. For more information, please visit www.cleanaircounts.org.
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Chicago City Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 9th
The next meeting of the Chicago City Council will be held on Wednesday, May 9th at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago. A live video stream is viewable on the Chicago City Clerk's website and archive videos can be seen on the Clerk's Legislative Information Center.
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Street Closures and Construction Updates
Chicago Film Office Notices
Location: 52 W. Illinois St.
Date and Time: Sunday May 6, 10:00pm - Monday May 7, 1:00pm
Parking Restrictions:
Both sides of Dearborn from Illinois to Grand
Location: 333 N. Canal
Date and Time: Sunday May 6, 8:00pm - Monday May 7, 10:00pm
Parking Restrictions:
Both sides of Fulton from Canal to Clinton
Both sides of Clinton from Fulton to Kinzie
42nd Ward Resurfacing
Beginning in late March, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) began resurfacing initiatives on several highly traveled streets in downtown Chicago. With the unseasonably warm temperatures that the City experienced this winter, CDOT was able to get a head start on several long planned infrastructure projects earlier in the year than is typical.
That said, the following streets are currently in the process of being resurfaced:
Delaware Place, from Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive
Pearson Street, from Mies Van der Rohe Way to DeWitt Place
DeWitt Place, from Chestnut Street to Walton Place
Mies Van der Rohe Way, from Chestnut Street to Walton Place
Fulton Street, from Des Plaines to Clinton Street
Upon completion of the resurfacing projects, expected in early May, the street markings will be re-installed and street usage will return to normal. Alderman Reilly appreciates your patience as the work continues on these locations.
2012 Spring Chicago River Bridge Lifts to Begin May 2nd
Due to the continuation of repair work on the Chicago Lock by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through April, the Spring 2012 lift season for the movable bridges over the Chicago River will begin later than usual on Wednesday, May 2nd.
In order to address the abbreviated schedule caused by the repair work on the lock, CDOT will conduct additional lifts on select Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings in May.
Each year, in the spring and fall, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) raises the movable bridges along the South and Main Branches of the Chicago River to accommodate recreational boats traveling to and from their storage yards.
During these spring and fall "boat runs," the bridges are raised sequentially, typically one at a time. Each bridge lift takes an average of 8-12 minutes. This spring, 27 bridges will be lifted in order beginning in the morning at the Ashland Avenue Bridge on the South Branch to Lake Shore Drive. The flotilla of boats usually arrives downtown at the bridges on the Main Branch around noon or 1p.m.
Click here to view the schedule for Spring 2012 Bridge Lifts.
Children's Memorial Hospital Move for Kids Run/Walk 5K
The Children's Memorial Hospital Move for Kids 5K will take place on Saturday, May 12, 8:00am. Participants will run or walk the 3.1 miles starting from Children's Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Lincoln Park and ending at Lake Shore Park, 808 N. Lake Shore Drive for the post-race celebration.
The 5K runners and walkers will receive an exclusive t-shirt, enjoy complimentary food and beverages, listen to live music and entertainment, and be among the first to receive a tour of the new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Memorial Hospital!
More information about the event is available here: www.childrensmemorial.org/moveforthekids.
Traffic Impacts:
No streets in Streeterville will be closed to accommodate this event.
Approximately 3,000 participants are expected in the Move for the Kids 5K Run/Walk. Attendees are encouraged to take public transportation or taxis to the event. Those who are driving will be instructed to park in Lincoln Park at the start of the race. CMH will provide shuttle service to return participants to their cars. Traffic flow and related plans have been coordinated with the City.
In preparation for the post-race celebration, tents and a stage will be erected in Lake Shore Park on Friday, May 11 at 2 pm. The tents and stage will be removed at noon on Saturday, May 12. Additional security will be present in Lake Shore Park overnight. No work will be done after 6 pm on Friday, May 11.
If you have any questions, please contact Ken Labok, Community Relations Manager, at klabok@childrensmemorial.org or 773-880-6851.
Loop Track Renewal Project
Last week, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) began work on the Loop Track Renewal Project at multiple locations throughout the Central Business District. The purpose of the work is to remove the existing railroad ties that date back to the 1980's with newer, modern ties designed to eliminate current levels of expensive maintenance work; prevent the creation of additional "slow zones" due to antiquated infrastructure; and accommodate expanded CTA ridership in downtown Chicago.
Please note that while the CTA will take every effort to minimize the construction impact, the construction will require the use of significant heavy machinery and will involve considerable noise as the existing ties are removed and replaced with the new equipment.
The portions of the Loop that will undergo renewal work include the track and structures at the following locations. Please see the following schematic for a visual rendering of the project:
Wells and Van Buren Streets
Portion of the elevated track along Wabash Avenue, between Adams and Van Buren Streets
The Hubbard Street Curve (located just above the Merchandise Mart Station)
Tower 18 Junction at the Lake/Wells Station
Tower 12 Junction at the Wabash/Van Buren Station
The construction work will occur during weekends only, between the hours of 9 pm Friday and 4 am Monday. The work is expected to take 16 weekends, with the last proposed weekend being Friday, November 9th, 2012. Please note that the CTA will not be working during special event weekends.
As part of the project, the CTA will be sending out notifications at least one week prior to any work that will result in significant impacts to CTA service or street access. Addtionally, information will be available to customers via posters and fliers at the affected rail stations and will also be posted on the CTA website (www.transitchicago.com), their twitter handle (@cta), their facebook page and on CTA subscription text/email alerts.
Should residents have any concerns or questions, they are encouraged to contact Jeff Wilson, Government and Community Relations Liasion for the CTA, at (312) 681-2712 or via email at jwilson@transitchicago.com.
AT&T Distributed Antenna System Installation Project
Starting in early April and lasting throughout the remainder of the spring, AT&T Mobility will be engaged in Phase II of the Distributed Antenna System (DAS) project to expand their existing wireless network.
The project will require the equipment to be mounted at several locations-including street light and traffic light poles-throughout downtown Chicago, and the work on each location will take approximately 7 days to complete (weather conditions permitting).
While the work is expected to be noiseless, it will take place between the standard construction hours of 8 am and 8 pm. AT&T will be working closely with the Chicago Department of Transportation to monitor the observation of all safety protocols as well as to ensure that no residential disruption occurs.
St. James Commons Construction Update - 65 E. Huron
The renovation project at 65 E. Huron, the home of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and St. James Cathedral - St. James Commons - continues to progress. The North Plaza continues to take shape with the installation of pavers on the upper level, pouring of concrete on a portion of the lower level, and continued demolition of the old plaza as it extends toward Huron. The new flue pipe (attached to The Murphy Auditorium) is being installed and scaffolding will be removed in the coming week. With the completion of the flue pipe installation, additional steel will be delivered to complete the link (Welcome Center) between the Cathedral and the office building. Interior work continues to progress as well with ongoing installation of drywall, fireproofing of the new elevator shafts, installation of ceilings, and preparation for the new air handling unit.
Weekly updates on the project can be found on at this website: http://theplazarenovationsat65east.blogspot.com/.
The anticipated completion date for the project is February 2013 with the majority of exterior work being completed by October 2012. For more information, please contact the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago at 312-751-4200 and ask to speak with the Director of Operations.
Ritz Carlton Construction Update - 664 N. Michigan
Prism Development Group continues construction on the Ritz-Carlton Residences located at 664 N. Michigan Avenue. The project is in its final phase and is anticipated to be complete by the end of May.
They have completed the earth retention system sheeting, and are in the process of excavating the soils within the sheeting. Site work continues with the grading of the private alley-way. Recently, the construction barricades were moved north to increase the size of the Erie Street lane and the sidewalk work will continue as planned.
Should you have additional questions, please contact Lori Smuckler at lsmuckler@rubloff.com.
Wacker Drive Reconstruction Part 2
Please be advised that demolition for Stage 3 of the Wacker Drive Reconstruction project has begun. This new stage of construction will close the Monroe Street and Adams Street intersections until summer, and the Madison Street intersection will be re-opened to all traffic.
In order to complete the project as quickly as possible, work will be continuous, 24 hours a day. For more information on the project, please visit the project website or the project hotline: (312) 878-1830.
Burberry Store Construction
Location: 633 N. Michigan Avenue
Date: through October 2012
Project Details: Construction is expected to last approximately 13 months, and will be conducted between the hours of 8 am - 8 pm. The sidewalk will be closed - with a protected canopy to allow pedestrian access-in front of the job site for the duration of the project. The contractor will make every effort to minimize pedestrian and retail disruption during the construction phase, and the construction is expected to end in late October of 2012.
NMH Parking Garage Construction UPDATE
Northwestern Memorial Hospital continues its construction of the Childcare/Parking Garage located at 441 E. Ontario.
NMH is pleased to inform you that this project is nearly complete and the primary focus this month is exterior site work (e.g. planting, sidewalk and street paving). The City of Chicago requires that NMH repave portions of Ontario and Ohio Streets that were negatively impacted during construction.
The typical work hours for May (and throughout the project) will occur Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All work will be performed consistent with City of Chicago ordinances.
For additional information, or to be added to the NMH e-mail distribution list, please contact Sarah Burke, Director of External Affairs for Northwestern Memorial Hospital, at 312-926-4103 or saburke@nmh.org.
NMH OCP Construction Update
Northwestern Memorial Hospital continues its construction of the Outpatient Care Pavilion ("OCP") located at 259 E. Erie.
The caisson work will continue until mid month and the rigs will be removed around the 3rd week of May. Next, installation of the earth retention system will begin. Earth retention is a sheet pile system which is driven by a vibratory mechanism. Once the retention rigs are on site we will begin sheeting and excavation along the perimeter. Please be aware that you will notice increased vibrations and truck traffic.
All construction activities will occur Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All work will be performed consistent with City of Chicago ordinances.
Children's Memorial Construction UPDATE
Children's Memorial Hospital is nearing completion of construction on the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago at 225 E. Chicago Ave.
Way finding signage installation:
Way finding signage for vehicular and pedestrian traffic as well as within the parking garages on the medical campus, will all be receiving updates. This update is necessary in order to appropriately direct patients to the correct facility after Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago opens.
All work has been coordinated through the City of Chicago's Department of Transportation. Working hours will be restricted during rush hour to limit impact on traffic flow, and in addition, performed consistent with the city noise code requirements.
From May 7-11, there will be signage installers updating the existing pedestrian kiosks. These installations may at times reduce vehicular traffic flow patterns within the campus briefly as the kiosk is installed. All efforts are being made to make as little disruption as possible to normal traffic flow on our campus. A flagger will be posted to assist in traffic flow around these workstations.
Superior St. Sidewalk restriction:
April 16 through May 11, louvers will be installed along the Superior St. elevation of Lurie Children's at the 1stFloor. To facilitate the work, a partial sidewalk closure will be implemented along the face of the building with panel fence leaving approx. half the width of the sidewalk open. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be maintained at all times during work.
They will continue to update everyone on their construction progress. Construction update and other information are posted at www.childrensmemorial.org/newhospital. Please feel free to forward this message to others and encourage them to be added to the Children's Memorial email database by contacting Ken Labok, Community Relations for Children's Memorial Hospital at 773-880-6851 or klabok@childrensmemorial.org.
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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.
Beat 1824 will be meeting on Tuesday, May 8th at 7:00pm at the Public Hotel (former Ambassador East), located at 1301 N. State Parkway.
Beats 121, 122, 123 and 124 (20 Sector Residential) will be meeting this week on Wednesday, May 9th at 7:00pm at 565 W. Quincy Street room Q.
Beats 111, 112, 113 and 114 (10 Sector Residential) will be meeting this week on Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 pm at 400 E. Randolph Street.
PLEASE NOTE - the Beat boundaries in the 1st District have changed as of March, 2012. To view the new map, please click here.
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
13th District: 312-746-8355
18th District: 312-742-5778
To find your district and beat, please click here .
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