Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Red and Purple Modernization

Last Friday's public meeting on TOD plans for the Broadway corridor. Photo: Jessica Papanek

Residents Want More Affordable Housing Along Broadway as Part of Red/Purple Rehab

By Jessica Papanek | May 16, 2017 | 3 Comments

Instead of focusing on higher-end shops, restaurants, and housing, many neighbors along this corridor expressed strong support for affordable housing to help maintain a diverse community.

Rendering of redevelopment after the construction of the flyover. Image: CTA

Former Belmont Flyover Opponents Vow to Work for Best Possible Outcome

By John Greenfield | Jan 20, 2017 | 3 Comments

Now that the flyover is a done deal, neighbors are pushing for the gaps created by demolitions to be filled in with quality transit-oriented development and other creative uses of the new open space.

CTA president Dorval Carter signs a giant funding agreement at this morning's event. Photo: CTA

Thanks Obama: Feds Award $1.1 Billion for Red and Purple Line Modernization

By John Greenfield | Jan 9, 2017 | 14 Comments

It came as no surprise, but it was still a relief, when officials announced today that the $1 billion federal grant for the CTA’s Red and Purple Modernization project has been approved.

Crowded conditions on a Red Line train this morning. Photo: John Greenfield

Transit TIF Passes, Making It Likely RPM Will Be Funded Before Trump Takes Over

By John Greenfield | Nov 30, 2016 | No Comments

Chicago straphangers can breath a sigh of relief. Aldermen voted to pass the tax-increment financing district that will fund the needed "L' improvements.

Rendering of the 103rd Street station for the Red Line extension, if the eastern route is selected. Image: CTA

As CTA Pushes to Pass TIF for RPM, $75M Earmarked for South Red Extension

By John Greenfield | Nov 28, 2016 | No Comments

Yesterday the CTA announced a new $75 million investment towards the $2.3 billion Red Line Extension on the South Side transit.

Ben Joravsky’s an Astute Pundit, But His Transit TIF Takedown Is Misguided

By John Greenfield | Nov 23, 2016 | 3 Comments

Joravsky's column about the CTA’s rush to get a transit TIF passed in order fund the Red and Purple Modernization while Obama is still in office contains some questionable logic that needs to be addressed.

Transit TIF Districts Pass State House and Senate, Would Fund CTA Projects

By Steven Vance | Jun 30, 2016 | 32 Comments

A new bill that would generate more funding for four large-scale Chicago transit infrastructure projects, without diverting tax revenues from schools, passed the Illinois House and Senate today. The original bill was introduced in January 2015, spearheaded by the Metropolitan Planning Council. It awaits Governor Bruce Rauner’s signature, who is expected to sign a budget […]

It’s Getting Real: $281M in Funding Earmarked for Red and Purple Rehab

By John Greenfield | Feb 10, 2016 | 23 Comments

The first phase of the Red and Purple Modernization Program – including the hotly contested plan for the Belmont flyover – took a step closer to becoming a reality yesterday. Officials announced that $281 million in federal funding has been earmarked for the initiative, which also includes rebuilding the track structures, viaducts, and stations between […]