Mayor Emanuel, Alderman Thompson Announces Streetscape Plan to Modernize Morgan Street Retail Corridor
March 27, 2017
$3.8 Million Project Will Beautify Neighborhood and Support Local Businesses
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Patrick D. Thompson (11th Ward) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) today announced a streetscape improvement project that will support local businesses by upgrading a four-block stretch of Morgan Street from 31st to 35th Streets. The project will bring new lighting, landscaping and other amenities designed to encourage retail traffic and increase pedestrian safety.
“This type of investment not only improves the neighborhood’s infrastructure but improves quality of life and encourages economic growth,” Mayor Emanuel said. “With new lighting, landscaping widened sidewalks and clearly marked intersections, we are making the neighborhood safer and more inviting for everyone who lives and shops along Morgan Street.”
The $3.8 million project was planned and designed by CDOT and community representatives, and funded mostly through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Under Mayor Emanuel’s Building a New Chicago program, the City has completed 38 Streetscape projects in neighborhoods across Chicago.
“This streetscape project will help to revitalize the Morgan Street corridor and encourage the growth of new businesses,” said Alderman Thompson. “I am pleased to reinvest city funds into our neighborhood.”
The project highlights include:
- Street resurfacing
- Pedestrian safety improvements:
Pedestrian bump-outs to shorten crossing distances
Crosswalks at new locations and improvements to existing crosswalks
- Bicycle racks
- New energy efficient street lights
- Curb and gutter repair
- Filling of sidewalk vaults
- Decorative pavers
- New trees and grates
- Trash receptacles
“The Morgan Street Streetscape Project demonstrates CDOT’s commitment to working with community stakeholders and delivering investments that make it safer and easier for people to live and do business in neighborhoods all across Chicago,” CDOT Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld said.
Throughout construction, Morgan Street will remain open to motorists and pedestrians and access to businesses and residences will be maintained. Parking will not be allowed in the area of active construction and there will be periodic parking restrictions on some side streets.