Illinois

'Biking While Black?' You're More Likely to Get a Ticket in Chicago
Majority-white neighborhoods like West Town and Lincoln Park are among the most popular for biking in Chicago, but they’re not in the top ten neighborhoods for bike tickets.

Apartments Zoned Out of Near North Side Chicago Train Stations
Zoning around Chicago's public transit in relatively affluent areas won't allow for density or any kind of housing other than single family homes.

Increased Demolition Fee Proposed for Developers Near Chicago's 606
A bill with anti-gentrification goals would charge developers who intend to knock down homes along the city’s new bike trail.

Wicker Park, Bucktown Gets New Master Plan
The Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods in Chicago will update their master plan to keep pace with the north side Chicago growing wealth and popularity.

Proposal: Bury a Section of Chicago's Lake Shore Drive
In an ambitious plan dating back to the early 20th century, some Chicagoans want to build out park space over Lake Shore Drive's Oak Street S-bend. The project wouldn't be a straightforward one.

Money for Retailers on Chicago's South and West Sides
In Chicago, which has seen closures by retailers like Sears, Macy's, and others, Mayor Emanuel is offering some relief in the form of grants.

The Realities of Black Homeownership
Natalie Moore details her experience in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood as the child of black home owners in a segregated city.

Chicago's 'People Plazas' Lacking a Key Ingredient
Launched with neighborhood-friendly ambitions, Chicago's people plaza program was meant to create revenue-generating gathering places. A Chicago Tribune editorial says it's hard to find any people at the plazas, however.

Mixed-Income Development in Chicago's Jefferson Park Faces Protest
A development on Chicago's Northside faces protests and picketers who don't want new density, height, or low income residents.

An Ordinance to Curb Street Performance in Chicago Draws Criticism
Chicago Aldermen are considering an ordinance to outlaw street performances audible from more than 20 feet away, but in a segregated city, some fear that a quieter downtown might be more unwelcoming.

Large Mixed-Use Development the Latest Step in Cabrini-Green's Complete Redevelopment
The process of redeveloping the site of one of the country's most infamous public housing complexes, Cabrini-Green in Chicago, will soon take another substantial step into the future.
Cook County Land Bank Expands Vacancy Program, Offers 4,400 Lots for Sale
The vacant lot program at the Cook County Land Bank Authority recently kicked into high gear—offering a huge number of vacant lots for sale, located around 27 neighborhoods and suburbs in the Chicago region.

Not One Driver in Chicago Has Ever Gotten a Ticket for Driving in Bus Lanes
A $32 million infrastructure project in downtown Chicago to create dedicated bus lanes and improve bus shelters is done, but the city of Chicago and its police are not enforcing the laws they made to make that system run.

Mapped: The Ghost Bikes of Chicago
Ghost bikes, sad, silent tribute to those killed while riding bikes, are more controversial than seems possible. The Chicago Tribune has a map that endeavors to track their locations around the Chicago area.

Chicago to Get a New L Station at the United Center
The United Center, which is home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will get a new elevated train station.

Friday Eye Candy: A Minecraft Duplicate of Chicago
An exemplary display of Minecraft prowess.

Fortress No Longer: What's in Store for Willis Tower
Designed for a different era, Willis Tower's pedestrian-phobic base is in line for a complete overhaul. The goal is to open the immense tower to the street.

Know of Any 'Suburbs in Name Only'?
No cities are entirely urban, or even similar from one neighborhood to the next. The Corner Side Yard has some fun thinking about which Chicago neighborhoods we "Chicago in Name Only" and which of its suburbs are "Suburbs in Name Only."

Homes Near Chicago's Midway Airport to Receive Soundproofing
The city of Chicago intends to soundproof more homes this year than any in the 20-year history of the city's soundproofing program, insulating homes from the noise generated by the city's south side airport.

Using Data to Curb Pedestrian Fatalities and Slow Profiling
Chicago Department of Transportation Chief, Gabe Klein, suggests that crash hot spots should guide efforts to make streets safer.
Pagination
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