Chris Bentley reports on the complex discussions centered around what to do with the sites of two massive coal plants closing this month in Chicago. As Bentley notes, "what happens to these 132 acres in Chicago could have nationwide implications."
The closing of the Fisk and Crawford coal plants in Chicago's southwest side this month is the result of a variety of factors including mounting concerns from environmental groups and the decrease in natural gas prices. Now the community is faced with the difficult decision of what to do with the two sites, which are owned by Midwest Generation.
A task force set up by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in March has been tackling various reuse ideas that need to address pertinent issues like "historic preservation, environmental cleanup, and unemployment in a rapidly gentrifying area." The project has proven productive thus far, claims Bentley, as negotiations between Midwest Generation and local agencies have been "collaborative and respectful."
"'This is the first brownfield coal site that has engaged in this kind of process with the community,' said Jean Pogge, CEO of the Delta Institute, the Chicago–based non-profit leading the mayor's task force."
Community members have been vocal in their desire to see the sites provide new jobs and green space. Housing was taken off the list due to the sites' industrial zoning and residents' fears of gentrification. The city must determine the toxicity of the areas before any plans move forward.
These plants follow a string of other coal plant closings, as "[m]ore than 100 coal plants have closed nationwide in the last three years, roughly one-sixth the total number of plants in the United States." Worldwide, former coal plant sites have been reborn with a range of inventive uses, from parks to museums. As the discussion over the future of the Fisk and Crawford plants continues, the groups involved "hope the task force will be a model for community engagement, as well as a positive influence on the community in this time of transition."
FULL STORY: New Generation

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service