Near North Task Force Meetings, Reports, & Minutes
The Near North study area is co-chaired by Charles Smith, Smith and Smith Associates, Inc.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
In 2008, the Reconnecting Neighborhoods community planning project talked to many Near North Side residents who said improvements like a new CTA Brown Line station at Division and Orleans, the return of the Clybourn bus, and better pedestrian and bicycle routes on Halsted, Chicago, and Division would make the Near North neighborhood a better place. Come to the final meeting to learn how you can help turn top recommendations into reality.
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Near North Public Library, 310 W. Division Street
Parking is limited; walking and public transit is encouraged.
To learn more about the meetings, please contact info@reconnectingneighborhoods.org or call 312-922-5616.
11.06.2007 - Kickoff Meeting
Participants in the first Near North Task Force Meeting held on November 6, 2007 discussed the transit and service needs of the area and presented their thoughts to the other study area task forces and an intergovernmental advisory committee.
The Task Force listed and ranked the following issues as most important:
- An over-emphasis on auto-oriented planning, i.e. big boxes and parking lots.
- Lack of community input for planning for remaining redevelopment sites.
- Need for consensus on appropriate future residential density.
- Division and Clybourn area has retail and transit, but does not act as a neighborhood center.
- Need to integrate streetscapes.
- Lack of connectivity of street grid and sidewalks.
- Traffic congestion, especially at Division and Clybourn.
- Lack of CTA station at heart of area.
- Need bicycle facilities, including parking.
NEAR NORTH REPORTS
Final Recommendations Report - 12.12.2008 (12 MB)- Reconnecting Neighborhoods is part of the City of Chicago’s ongoing efforts to transform how public and affordable housing are integrated into their neighborhoods. Read more »
- Composite Report - Near North Study Area - 09.2008 (16 KB)
- The following list incorporates development recommendations for the Near North Side and additional input from community members at public meetings for three areas of planning: commercial development; transit service; and pedestrian access & urban design. Read more »
- Existing Conditions Report - Near North Study Area - 05.06.2008 (9 MB)
- In order to understand the market for new transit facilities and new retail space it is necessary to account for recent development projects in the Near North study area, and also development projects still in the planning stage. Read more »
