As Chicago embarks on the second phase of its Grand Avenue redevelopment project, a number of residents and business owners are calling for a fresh evaluation of the plans. However, city officials assert that the window for such reassessment has already closed.
“What we’re asking for is to avoid a significant mistake. We need to listen to everyone involved,” urged Douglas Van Tress, a resident of the 1st Ward and co-owner of the Golden Triangle.
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Conversely, James Anderson from Chicago Bike Grid Now! expressed a different view, stating, “Those opposing the decisions made shouldn’t be granted veto power.”
Concerns are mounting among some organizations about the Grand Avenue “Complete Streets” initiative. They are requesting a meeting with city leaders, worried that the redevelopment could adversely affect local businesses and the community.
Peter Rios, owner of Alliance Bakery, voiced his frustration, saying, “I was unaware of the impending construction. Had I known, I would never have opened my business in this location.”
“I didn’t know anything about the construction that was coming my way. And if I did, I would not opened where I’m at now,” Alliance Bakery owner Peter Rios said.
The next phase of construction focuses on a 1-mile stretch of Grand between Ogden and Damen avenues.
The plan includes protected bike lanes and bus boarding islands, while reducing traffic lanes and eliminating parking.
“We need to provide some type of parking for these customers or these services. Otherwise, trucks like UPS, Amazon, they’re not going to go down the block. They’re going to stop right in front of the business, and they’re going to jam up traffic,” Rios said.
The Grand Avenue Committee proposed alternatives, including a combined bus and bike lane, like what’s seen on Chicago Avenue.
“I try to avoid Chicago Avenue when I can because the bike lane is a bus lane. I don’t want to get in the way of buses. I don’t want to have a CTA bus breathing down my shoulder,” Anderson said.
The city hosted two community meetings in 2023.
The Grand Avenue Committee alleges city leaders are now refusing to meet again.
Alderman Daniel La Spata’s office responded with a statement that said in part, “Alderman La Spata and our staff have been in regular correspondence with neighbors over the last few weeks, with no requested follow up from concerned neighbors.”
The Grand Avenue Committee says they declined to meet with the aldermen after he told them a comprehensive redesign of the project at this point would not be possible.
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