Reconnecting Neighborhoods in the News
Reconnecting Neighborhoods is building buzz in Chicago – check here for news stories and blog posts about the program.
08.13.2008
- “Another report calls for new transit, retail for Westhaven,” story by Linda Lutton in Chicago Journal
A new El stop at Damen and Lake streets. A commercial corridor bustling with small cafes and restaurants, copy shops and dry cleaners along Damen south to the United Center. New curbs and planters, park benches and quaint plazas. That's the vision for Westhaven presented to community residents last week as part of the Reconnecting Neighborhoods project, an initiative of the City's Department of Planning and Development. Read more »
06.16.2008
- “Bus Lines from East to West,” story by Sarah Klein in Crain's Chicago Business
If Chicago wins the 2016 Olympics bid, public transportation could be expected to get a much-needed boost. One of the top priorities likely would be a plan that's been simmering for a long time: the Circle Line, which would connect the Chicago Transit Authority's el lines and Metra's train lines on the West Side of the city.
That won't have a dramatic impact on Bronzeville, which is connected to downtown by two CTA train lines and buses that travel along north-south routes. Instead, what most residents want — games or no games — are more buses traveling east and west, says Brandon Johnson, project manager with the Metropolitan Planning Council, a Chicago-based civic group that is reviewing transit needs in areas transformed by the housing projects' demolition.
It's a concern shared by builders, Mr. Johnson says. "Developers have a problem in trying to attract people to these neighborhoods where (transit) services are not on par with the neighborhoods (buyers) are leaving," he says.
The CTA increased the frequency and length of service on one east-west route in March and will continue to evaluate the area's needs, a spokeswoman says.
Residents hope to persuade Metra to do the same by creating a stop on the Electric Line, which runs along Lake Shore Drive, says Bernita Johnson-Gabriel, executive director of Quad Communities Development Corp., a Chicago non-profit that focuses on economic development in the Bronzeville area. The Metra line now stops at 47th and 27th streets, nearly bypassing Bronzeville altogether. The Regional Transportation Authority is considering another stop as part of a review of overall transit needs, an agency spokeswoman says.
03.27.2008
“New program reconnects neighborhoods to transit,” story by Claire Bushey in Chi-Town Daily News
The City of Chicago is trying to reverse a decades-old policy of isolating public housing with a new program to improve and expand public transportation in three neighborhoods near downtown. Read more »
03.20.2008
“Community retail needs begin to be met,” story by Marisol Rodriguez in Medill Reports
Housing redevelopment in Bronzeville/Mid South has been followed by initiatives for improved quality of life for the residents of this area, specifically in the realms of transportation, retail and amenities. Read more »
- “Project to reconnect neighborhoods,” story by Hayley Graham in Chicago Journal
- The Near West Side is among three neighborhoods being targeted in a recently launched redevelopment program called Reconnecting Neighborhoods. The project is an initiative led by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development with support from the Regional Transportation Authority. Read more »
