CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- City planners have come up with a major outline for how to make a five-mile stretch of Western Avenue on the North Side more friendly from a business, pedestrian and commuter standpoint.
A lot has changed in the retail world in the 21st Century and city has come up with a Big Picture plan for Western Avenue from Addison to Howard Streets.
It envisions neighborhood centers that have heavy housing density with key businesses within walking distance.
City Planner Katharyn Hurd says, “Locating most of our daily destinations within a 15 minute walk from neighborhoods along the corridor is critical to having more livable neighborhoods”
Alderwoman Debra Silverstein has been a major proponent and says, “We’ve got to turn this vision into a reality.”
Because most of the property along Western Avenue is privately owned, the project would kick in when property owners request zoning changes.
The Chicago Plan Commission is expected to vote on the proposal next month.
The city is looking for feedback to its plan with a survey that residents can find at Chicago.gov/western.
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