Is there any possible scenario in which Chicago would Annex a bordering burb?

[emathias]

Most of Chicago was annexed suburbs at one time. Even Hyde Park, for example. Currently, suburbs that Chicago would want, do not want to become part of Chicago, and suburbs that would want to be part of Chicago are not desirable for Chicago. So, until/unless Chicago has safe neighborhoods with great schools in areas adjacent to desirable suburbs, or currently shady adjacent suburbs become more desirable, I don't think any more annexing will happen. But, if Austin or Lawndale or West Ridge or Rogers Park became really nice and safe with excellent neighborhood schools, and Cicero got nicer then maybe Cicero and/or Berwyn and/or Oak Park and/or Evanston and/or Skokie could join up. I guess it's concievable that a few southwest suburbs might be possible, places like Stickney or Burbank, or south like Blue Island or Calumet Park. Not likely, but maybe possible. Personally, absorbing a few dense suburbs that aren't doing too badly but would see their property taxes go down by joining Chicago might be possible and if done well could be an easy route to getting population back over 3 million.

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by emathias

Most of Chicago was annexed suburbs at one time. Even Hyde Park, for example. Currently, suburbs that Chicago would want, do not want to become part of Chicago, and suburbs that would want to be part of Chicago are not desirable for Chicago. So, until/unless Chicago has safe neighborhoods with great schools in areas adjacent to desirable suburbs, or currently shady adjacent suburbs become more desirable, I don't think any more annexing will happen. But, if Austin or Lawndale or West Ridge or Rogers Park became really nice and safe with excellent neighborhood schools, and Cicero got nicer then maybe Cicero and/or Berwyn and/or Oak Park and/or Evanston and/or Skokie could join up. I guess it's concievable that a few southwest suburbs might be possible, places like Stickney or Burbank, or south like Blue Island or Calumet Park. Not likely, but maybe possible. Personally, absorbing a few dense suburbs that aren't doing too badly but would see their property taxes go down by joining Chicago might be possible and if done well could be an easy route to getting population back over 3 million.

I can't see any of those south or southwest suburbs being annexed any time in the near future. Burbank incorporated as a separate city as recently as 1970 to avoid annexation. They all have their own local governments - police, fire, public works, etc. and don't have the same financial mess as Chicago. Why would they want to be annexed? Calumet Park is likely the least financially stable of the 4, but I have trouble seeing the incentive they have to join Chicago.

[PILMAN]

Originally Posted by pvande55

Schaumburg? Downtown Houston is pretty dense. And of course, it has sports teams, two airports, even light rail.

I agree, most of Houston outside downtown feels very suburban and spread out.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by fusillirob1983

I can't see any of those south or southwest suburbs being annexed any time in the near future. Burbank incorporated as a separate city as recently as 1970 to avoid annexation. They all have their own local governments - police, fire, public works, etc. and don't have the same financial mess as Chicago. Why would they want to be annexed? Calumet Park is likely the least financially stable of the 4, but I have trouble seeing the incentive they have to join Chicago.

I agree - I did qualify my statement as "not likely," but the contrast isn't as great as with Oak Park or Evanston.