Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Metropolitan Planning Council

The new warming house at the 111th Street station in Pullman. Photo: Jeff Zoline

Pullman Transportation Access is Improving After National Monument Designation

By Steven Vance | Mar 2, 2017 | 7 Comments

soutYou probably knew that President Barack Obama designated parts of the Pullman neighborhood and the former Pullman Company Porter train car factory as the Pullman National Monument in February 2015. The accomplishment was based on 20 years of campaigning by residents and leaders to get a national park designation. What you probably didn’t know was that […]

The Lockbox Amendment Would Hinder the State Government

By Steven Vance | Oct 17, 2016 | 13 Comments

Note: Streetsblog Chicago’s Steven Vance and John Greenfield have different opinions about the lockbox amendment. Read John’s take here. On every ballot in Illinois right now – early voting and mail-in voting has begun – there’s a question asking if the Illinois constitution should be amended to ensure that money that comes from gas taxes, […]

More Thoughts on the TOD Debate as the Boom Moves Into Its Next Phase

By John Greenfield | May 25, 2016 | 13 Comments

One thing’s for sure: As the current transit-oriented development boom unfolds along Milwaukee Avenue it’s bringing major changes to the affected neighborhoods. Many people agree that adding dense, low-parking development near Blue Line stations is a good strategy for reducing car dependency. But there’s been debate about whether the new wave of high-end TOD buildings […]

It’s a Lobby-palooza! Join MPC’s 43 Minutes for $43 Billion Infrastructure Push

By John Greenfield | May 17, 2016 | 1 Comment

Are you ready for (almost three-quarters of) an hour of power? That’s what the Metropolitan Planning Council has planned for Wednesday, May 18, at 11 a.m., when they’ll hold the 43 Minutes for $43 Billion transportation infrastructure lobbying jam session. They’re asking Chicagoland residents to call their legislators and contact leaders in Springfield to ask them […]

Why Does Ramirez-Rosa Want to Rezone a Parking Lot by the Logan Stop?

By Steven Vance | Apr 7, 2016 | 10 Comments

A parking lot next to the Logan Square Blue Line station that’s ripe for redevelopment is under review for a zoning change. 35th Ward alder Carlos Ramirez-Rosa intends to change the zoning district from a very low-density, mixed-use B1-1 designation to RT-4, a residential district designation. That type of zoning allows only single-family homes and two-flats. Rodrigo Anzures-Oyorzabal, […]

MPC: We Can Solve IL Infrastructure Woes via Higher Gas Tax, Vehicle Fees

By John Greenfield | Apr 4, 2016 | 3 Comments

A new report by the Metropolitan Planning Council finds that Illinois needs to invest $43 billion over the next decade to get its roads, bridges, and transit lines in a state of good repair. This is a daunting number, especially for a state that has gone over nine months without a budget plan. However, the […]

CMAP Launches Input Process for ON TO 2050, Chicago’s Next Regional Plan

By Steven Vance | Mar 8, 2016 | 5 Comments

This is part one of a two-part series about ON TO 2050, the new comprehensive regional plan for Chicagoland. The official planning agency for the Chicagoland region is looking for your big ideas on what the region should look like – and how it could get there – in 2050. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning […]

The Way Forward: Gas Tax, Vehicle Miles Traveled, or Value Capture?

By John Greenfield | May 15, 2015 | 1 Comment

Local leaders agree that Chicago region’s public transit system, and Illinois transportation infrastructure in general, are sorely underfunded. However, it’s clear that the traditional strategy of relying on gas tax revenue to fund projects is no longer working. The state gas tax has been stuck at 19 cents a gallon since 1990, and due to […]

Experts Critique 28 Community Proposals for Logan Square ‘L’ Site

By Payton Chung and Jessica Papanek | Oct 2, 2014 | 10 Comments

On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Planning Council concluded the Corridor Development Initiative, a series of three public meetings that brought area residents together to envision a new development atop the entrance to the Logan Square ‘L’ station. 35th Ward Alderman Rey Colón enthusiastically noted that this was by far the best-attended of the three meetings. The […]

MPC Study Provides Data on the Economic Benefits of People Spots

By John Greenfield | Sep 25, 2014 | 6 Comments

From a quick glance at a People Spot mini park filled with people enjoying the weather on a gorgeous afternoon, it may seem obvious that the extra foot traffic is providing a boost to nearby businesses. A recent study by the Metropolitan Planning Council attempted to quantify this economic benefit, and found that these parklets […]

“Old Place New Tricks” Contest Pushes Neighborhood Placemaking

By John Greenfield | Jun 5, 2014 | No Comments

A video promoting the contest, featuring MPC’s Kara Riggio. The Metropolitan Planning Council has been holding placemaking contests since 2008, but this year they’re going to actually train community members in strategies to enliven underused lots, plazas and corners in their neighborhoods. The Old Place New Tricks Challenge will also reward the most successful placemakers with […]

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