This bioswale and curb bumpout is located at the southeast corner of Cermak Ave and Princeton Ave in Chicago’s Chinatown.
It makes use of existing curb and drain without completely reconstructing the existing curb profile. The bioswale traps water and filters it from the street, overflow then goes to the sewer. The addition of this bioswale also narrows the road on Cermak Ave, slowing traffic and shortening the distance that pedestrians need to cross the street.
One of the neighborhoods I am focusing on is South Chicago. This neighborhoods history is embedded in the story of Chicago’s steel mills. A better synopsis about the neighborhood can be read, here.
I enjoy doing outreach and field work because it allows me to explore neighborhoods I have never visited. South Chicago is one of those neighborhoods that has left a really positive impression on me. The local chamber of commerce and development corporation are running some very progressive programs in the area. The main commercial corridor is walkable and pedestrian friendly. The Metra Electric line brings you straight from downtown on a very frequent schedule and the fare is only $2.50, which is the same as a CTA fare. It is a short walk to Calumet Fisheries. I really dig this neighborhood and look forward to spending more time there.
South Chicago is trying to catch the momentum of the sustainability movement, and the neighborhood’s efforts are visible and sincere. The local development corporation, Claretian Associates , is creating affordable housing units that are highly efficient in their design and even include expensive features like solar panels. Their executive director was recently honored by Chicago Magazine for their 2010 Green Awards. They have an article and video linked on their website, I would highly recommend looking at it.
While driving around looking for some examples of these new units, we stumbled upon this corner and saw these wind turbines. I’ve tried to find out information about who owns them and when they were install but I haven’t found any information yet. If you have information regarding this wind turbine installation, please contact me.
A large part of my job is going out to speak with older adults about pedestrian safety. One of the neighborhoods I’m focusing on this summer is Chicago’s Chinatown area. This photo is from a presentation I gave at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Chicago’s Golden Diners Lunch Program.
The presentation covers situations that older adults should be aware of and tips on how to take control of their own safety. Also, we discuss problem areas in the neighborhood and the best ways to resolve pedestrian safety issues.
Giving the presentations to senior groups is one of my favorite aspects of my job.
I work with some pretty talented people. This video was created by my co-worker at CDOT.
Sign up for Bike the Drive! Enjoy the lakefront on a completely car free Lake Shore Drive.
People are up in arms over the proposed CTA fare increases. I think we to think about what we getting upset about. Here are a few bullet points to ponder.
- Not without its problems, mass transit in Chicago is still really convenient compared to a majority of areas in the United States. Visiting a friend in Sacramento, I found that the normal frequency for buses was on average 20 -30 mins. Visiting my parents in the suburbs from where I live in the city, costs me under 10 bucks and is very reliable.
- For the most part you can get anywhere in the city for under 5 bucks. Even with the fare increases, the mass transit in Chicago is a viable cost effective way to get around.
- Create fare increases that target one time users or tourists. Many people say that fare increases will create an undue burden on those who rely on it to get to work. If this is the case, don’t increase the fares on multi-day pass.
- Habitual users won’t be affected.
- More people who were originally cash users will now purchase multi-day passes.
- Multiday passes makes it easier for users to budget their money. Instead of paying per use, they know they have their transportation covered for the month on the 1st or whenever they buy it.
- CTA can leverage the up front money of a multiday pass to their advantage.
- Nothing is free, reduced fares for seniors, but no free rides. Let’s get ride of this well-intentioned but clearly unfeasible program
- In the same spirit of the last bullet point, a system costs money to run, in a tough economy running this system is even more difficult. Either we buck up and pay the fare increase or we lose service. I honestly do no believe we are being gouged by CTA, I believe we have been spoiled by an undervalued system for so many years and now we balk when its falling apart or they need fare increases to keep running.
From the few years I have spent in Chicago, I can say I have seen improvement and initiative out of the CTA. Rider information has become more accessible and transparent. The buses are now all tracked which helps with trip planning and more effective use of the system. Stations are being upgraded, lines have been improved. I would complain about fare increases if I didn’t see any of these changes.
The bottom line is the CTA is doing the best they can with limited resources, I will gladly give them an extra 50 cents to ensure continued improvement efforts.