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Near West Task Force Meetings, Reports, & Minutes

The Near West study area located near the United Center is co-chaired by Steve DeBretto Industrial Council of Near West Chicago.

Upcoming meetings

Check back in the coming weeks for information about the next public meeting.

11.06.2007 - Kickoff Meeting

Participants in the first Near West 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:

  1. Improve density and create more mixed-use development such as corridor development with retail.
  2. Address the need for additional green line stops, especially at Damen.
  3. Improve open space.
  4. Improve access to full service grocery store.
  5. Address the frequency and reliability of bus service.
  6. Develop a portion of the United Center parking lot (and other area parking lots) as mixed-use and structured lots, for serving the surrounding area and strengthening its regional entertainment value.
  7. Employ sensitivity towards current residents regarding safety concerns, and encourage community involvement.
  8. Restore the pedestrian environment and public improvements within streetscape—especially along Madison where a corridor—could be created with restaurants and mixed-use.
  9. Encourage retail development to bring energy and end the isolation/desolation beyond the United Center.
  10. Address safety issues with access to the Blue Line stations, i.e. the walk to the Western stop.
  11. Expand services for seniors and handicapped individuals.

NEAR WEST REPORTS

PDF 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 »
PDF Composite Report - Near West Study Area - 09.2008 (16 KB)
The following list incorporates development recommendations for the Near West 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 »
PDF Existing Conditions Report - Near West Study Area - 05.06.2008 (5 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 West study area, and also development projects still in the planning stage. Read more »
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