The 78 and Lincoln Yards are two megadevelopments that are being built in Chicago that undoubtedly will have major impacts on the city at large and neighboring communities.
Unfortunately, both projects currently lack a good vision for transit, biking, and walking access. Without a coherent plan for good transportation options, these developments inevitably will be a hindrance to building livable, equitable, and healthy communities.
The good news is that you now have an opportunity to provide direct input on the details of these developments, including walking, transit, and biking infrastructure.
If you live in the vicinity of either development, you can apply to serve on the 78 Community Advisory Council or the Lincoln Yards Advisory Council.
The community advisory councils will advise on the impact of construction, open space community needs, modes of transportation, affordable housing, and local connections to arts and culture, among other issues as they relate to the neighboring communities and the megadevelopment itself.
78 needs bus improvements and divided trail
If you live in the 25th Ward or if you live in Pilsen, Chinatown, University Village, Printers Row, the Prairie District, or Roosevelt Square and have concerns or ideas about the 78’s impact on your community — especially when it comes to getting around — apply today to be on the 78 Community Advisory Council.
While the plans for the 78 currently include a setback from the Chicago River for a walking and biking trail, Active Trans feels there’s a need for a separated path like on the Lakefront Trail — one for people walking and running and another for people biking.
The 78 should also enhance rail and bus service in the area. In a positive step, the plan calls for adding a CTA Red Line Station at Clark and 15th Street, filling in a one-mile gap in service between the Roosevelt and Cermak-Chinatown Stations. However, details on bus service improvements like dedicated lanes, transit signal priority, and pre-paid boarding are missing from the plan.
Lincoln Yards needs better bus service
If you live in the 2nd, 32nd, or 43rd Wards or in Bucktown or Lincoln Park, then you can apply to be a member of the Lincoln Yards Community Advisory Council.
While we are pleased that Lincoln Yards’ plans include space for a continuous Chicago River Trail, the building of the development should also provide an opportunity to improve transit, especially local bus service. However, bus improvements like dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal prioritization, and pre-paid boarding are currently absent from the master plan.
The 78 and Lincoln Yards Community Advisory Councils provide an important opportunity for people who care about better walking, biking, and transit to make sure these transportation modes are well represented in the finished versions of these large-scale developments.
Let’s make sure these new developments have a positive impact on transportation for the countless Chicagoans who live, work, and play in these areas.
The deadline to apply to be a member of both community advisory councils is Friday, January 17, 2020.
Photo courtesy of Sterling Bay