Existing Infrastructure "Can't Handle" Lincoln Yards: Alderman

CHICAGO — After conducting a community survey and facilitating meetings between developer Sterling Bay and community groups, Ald. Brian Hopkins sent a letter to residents Friday outlining the progress made on the Lincoln Yards proposal. The alderman said that transportation and infrastructure improvements are a high priority for residents who live in the area.

"While there are multiple elements that are integral to satisfying a sound master plan, it’s clear that the existing infrastructure, traffic flow, and limited transit options are ill equipped to handle any large-scale development," the alderman's letter read.

After meeting with neighborhood groups and receiving feedback from more than 450 community members earlier this month in the survey, the alderman said he's directed Sterling Bay to fund an independent traffic study, which will be reviewed by the Chicago Department of Transportation.

"I’ve also asked the development team to explore engineering and design solutions similar to the newly realigned Elston, Damen and Fullerton intersection," Hopkins' letter read.

Following the intersection’s realignment, commuters have seen a 70 to 80 percent travel time improvement there, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.

"In a recent meeting with Lincoln Park neighbors, our conversation emphasized the need for improved access and mobility," the alderman's letter read. "There was unanimous consensus that Sterling Bay should plan for transit improvements at both east-west and north-south extensions and thoroughfares, as well as an extension of the 606 and pedestrian bridges."

The next steps in the community feedback process will include soliciting reports from community organizations on their discussions and suggested improvements, the alderman said.

A second public meeting will be planned in future months once Sterling Bay has revised their proposal to reflect the community input, Hopkins said.

Another survey is circulating online to gather community feedback about the proposed Lincoln Yards development. Written by the Sheffield Neighborhood Association, the information will be used to help inform the SNA and other community groups, organizers said.

Top image: a rendering of the proposed Lincoln Yards development. Image credit: Sterling Bay.