Mayor Rahm Emanuel, busy on the campaign trail for re-election this week, made a big push for infrastructure investments at the neighborhood level.
"In his fifth and final policy address laying out his second term agenda, Mayor Rahm Emanuel today outlined his plan to continue critical infrastructure investments in neighborhoods across the city," according to an announcement from the Rahm campaign website.
"Looking ahead, Mayor Emanuel highlighted three key areas for infrastructure improvements: providing safe and efficient transit options; expanding access to parks and recreational areas; and creating more anchors for economic growth in Chicago’s neighborhoods."
The announcement specifically mentions the following proposals, including some with very recent developments:
- The $500 million rehabilitation of Union Station, which recently received a $12 million promise for funding from Amtrak.
- New and rehabilitated stations along the Red Line and the Blue Line.
- 50 miles of new "better bike lanes."
- Expansion of Divvy bikeshare.
- Opening Chicago Public School playgrounds after school and on weekends in addition to building more than three-dozen parks in underserved neighborhoods.
- A new rails-to-trails project targeted for Little Village, Pilsen, or Englewood.
FULL STORY: PRESS RELEASE: Mayor Emanuel Unveils Next Phase of ‘Building a New Chicago’
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