Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Hyde Park

Metra has proposed to adopt a major schedule change this summer for the Electric District services. Photo: Jim Watkins

Metra’s Plans to Decrease Electric Service Outside of Hyde Park Has Some Problems

By Steven Vance | May 25, 2017 | 40 Comments

Metra has proposed sweeping schedule changes on the Electric District services that will increase service to one neighborhood, decrease service to other comunities, and fully eliminate weekend service on the Blue Island branch.

The 5th Ward’s Leslie Hairston: Chicago’s Most Auto-centric Alderman?

By John Greenfield | Feb 7, 2017 | 22 Comments

It was no surprise that read that Hairston opposes pedestrianizing streets in Jackson Park. She’s shown time and time again that she prioritizes easy driving above all other transportation modes.

There's no need for drivers to use Cornell or Marquette (southernmost east-west street in Jackson Park) to continue south on Stony Island. The Obama Library will be located on the patch of land currently occupied by a running track and baseball diamonds. Image: Google Maps

Why Pedestrianizing Jackson Park Roads Won’t Cause Carmaggedon

By John Greenfield | Feb 1, 2017 | 18 Comments

The Chicago Tribune recently reported that the Obama Foundation has proposed pedestrianizing stretches of the highway-like roads that run through Jackson Park, the future home of Barack Obama’s presidential library, to create a museum campus. The tone of the article, and quotes from some community members, suggest that this change would cause strangle transportation on […]

“Gray Line” Advocate Mike Payne Wants Rapid Service on Metra Electric Line

By Steven Vance | Feb 17, 2016 | 15 Comments

The idea of Metra running its Hyde Park and South Chicago-bound Electric District line more like a CTA ‘L’ line may be gaining traction. If so, much of the credit goes to advocate Mike Payne, who has been tirelessly promoting the concept online and at public meetings. He calls this proposed rapid transit service as […]

No Longer Marooned: U. of C. Unifies Campus With New Pedestrian Spaces

By John Greenfield | Aug 20, 2014 | 4 Comments

[This piece also ran in Checkerboard City, John’s column in Newcity magazine, which hits the streets on Wednesday evenings] I’ve long thought that the gray, Gothic confines of the University of Chicago were designed as a fortress against the outside world. However, in recent years, the school has made an effort to physically open up […]