The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is rolling out a great initiative for the people of Chicago. The Make Way for People initiative aims to open up public ways such as streets, parking spots, plazas and alleys for programming that promote safer and more walkable communities while encouraging economic develop in Chicago neighborhoods.
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Make Way for People includes four programs:
- People Spots use existing parking lanes to expand the sidewalk for seasonal outdoor seating and dinning spaces.
- People Streets convert unused parts of the public way (e.g. areas of excess pavement) into public spaces that offer programming and encourage walking.
- People Plazas activate existing malls, plazas and triangles with programming and retail opportunities.
- People Alleys use alley ways for artwalks, seating and other purposes.
Kudos to CDOT and the city for thinking of new ways to cultivate walkable communities in Chicago.