South Side infrastructure and development (Chicago, Rock Island: transfer, neighborhood, cost)

[OyCrumbler]

I looked into a couple articles recently which seemed like they can be promising jumping off points for recovery on the South Side.

One is about how Finkl Steel moved itself from Goose Island to Burnside, Chicago as part of the general push to rezone industrial areas on the North Side to accomodate demand for housing, non-industrial or light industrial uses in the general area. This follows on the heels of Vienna Beef having shifted its production facilities to Bridgeport. It seems that the city can do well by helping scout and arrange for companies to relocate to roomier quarters on the South Side with good access to the Port of Chicago as well as access to Midway and Gary airports and the potentially large labor pool available there.

Part of what would make this more tangible would be if mass transit access were improved for the South Side. The Crossrail Chicago plan would do a good deal to help that especially along the southern lakefront, but another faster intermediate step is allowing Chicagoans to embark and disembark South Shore Line trains within the city itself which means that people and businesses suddenly get a much increased train frequency (and with virtually no infrastructural cost because the traincars, stations and tracks are already there and currently stopping at the Chicago stations). This follows on an article from last month about NICTD getting the ok last month to extend its line and also run with greater frequency--and with cross-honored fare, this would mean an uptick of frequency for Chicagoans on the southern lakefront as well.

A connector rail on 16th street, with a Red line exchange station on 16th st, that passes into both LaSalle and into Union Station and from Union Station a pass through to one or several electrified Metra lines headed north, northwest or west would be the goal especially as greater frequencies are added and Millennium Station can no longer smoothly accomodate, but a cross-honored fare would be a good and quick start to making parts of the south side more attractive for industrial businesses moving out from the North Side and Near West Side which in turn can provide more business to the rather neglected port.

In terms of what's actionable, it makes sense to call your alderman or other local representative and request the following:

- setting up a structured plan to help North Side industrial businesses under development pressure relocate to the South Side, especially highlighting port access
- requesting Metra look into cross-fare honoring on South Shore line trains when travelling within Chicago
- Pursue Crossrail Chicago especially the portions allowing a connector to run on 16th st that would allow Rock Island, Metra Electric, and the South Shore Line to go into LaSalle and Union Station with a Red Line transfer station at 16th street and ultimately have a full electrified combined route that uses a current Metra route

[urbanchillage]

Thanks for this post; good summary of information. As a new resident of Bridgeport I will keep these points in mind as I begin to network and get to know the neighborhood and alderman.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by Brandon010181

Thanks for this post; good summary of information. As a new resident of Bridgeport I will keep these points in mind as I begin to network and get to know the neighborhood and alderman.

I remember you posting about moving to Bridgeport--appears you did do it. Have you had a chance to visit the new boathouse or Palmisano Park?

[urbanchillage]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

I remember you posting about moving to Bridgeport--appears you did do it. Have you had a chance to visit the new boathouse or Palmisano Park?

yep, I am just a few blocks away from both. Very lovely.. I am also continuously amazed to be so close to the lakefront and the South Loop shopping areas around Roosevelt, like 5 minutes by car. The value here when considering this close proximity to the Loop/LSD with walking/public transit/biking options is just superb.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by Brandon010181

...
to be so close to the lakefront and the South Loop shopping areas around Roosevelt, like 5 minutes by car. The value here when considering this close proximity to the Loop/LSD with walking/public transit/biking options is just superb.

Car? What is that?

[NealIRC]

And a reverse story, Wrigley Gum moved from the South side manufacturing district, to the North side, well Goose Island.

Any idea where Vienna Beef moved from?

[urbanchillage]

Originally Posted by emathias

Car? What is that?

Near Southside/SW area is surprisingly spacious and easy to drive around in. Northsiders wouldn't know what that's about

[NealIRC]

Nvm, found out Vienna Beef was from Fullerton/Damen.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by NealIRC

Nvm, found out Vienna Beef was from Fullerton/Damen.

That's the old location. I believe they are moving to the southside somewhere.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

That's the old location. I believe they are moving to the southside somewhere.

Yes, it's in Bridgeport now.

It's here and it's beautiful.