The Metropolitan Planning Council strongly supports the Central Area Plan, particularly the recommendations regarding transportation. In this letter to the Chairman of the Chicago Plan Council, MPC recommends establishing a commission to lead and oversee
Peter Bynoe
Chicago Plan Commission
121 N. LaSalle, Rm 1000
Chicago, IL 60602
Dear Chairman Bynoe:
The Chicago Central Area Plan is a once in a lifetime plan. When as much thought and effort goes into a document as has into this plan, it is likely to stand the test of time. Like the 1909 Plan of Chicago, this Plan will be a living document, profoundly shaping the development of the Central Area for many years to come.
Support for Transit and Transportation Improvements
The Metropolitan Planning Council was pleased to be involved in the Plan’s development and enthusiastically supports it. The Council is particularly pleased by the transportation recommendations, which, when fully realized, will make Chicago the most transit accessible city in the nation. We also recognize that tremendous assistance is needed from the federal and state governments to make those recommendations a reality, and stand committed to lend our support.
The Central Area Plan is based on sound market research and forecasts. City planners have analyzed trends to determine how much space is needed not only for office use, but also educational, retail, cultural and recreational institutions, as well as residential and hotel space, for the next 20 years. Based on these projections, planners have calculated the corresponding demand for transit and road systems that have allowed them to come up with specific targets for increasing capacity on both systems.
Through Business Leaders for Transportation, the Metropolitan Planning Council is already working on planning and funding for the freight recommendations contained in the Central Area Plan. Our recently released report Critical Cargo: A Regional Freight Action Agenda , detailed a plan to address freight traffic, at-grade crossings and coordinated oversight. MPC will continue to advocate for funds through the soon to be re-authorized federal transportation legislation.
Recommendation
The one major recommendation the Council has in regard to the Central Area Plan takes us back to the 1909 Plan of Chicago. Then-Mayor Fred Busse appointed 328 people to serve on the Chicago Plan Commission, which was charged with educating the public on the merits of the Plan and overseeing the implementation of key parts. Today’s Central Area Plan deserves no less oversight. The Metropolitan Planning Council recommends using the 1909 model, including the assignment of key projects to individual groups or departments who would be responsible for leading them and ensuring timely completion. Such an implementation method will ensure that the Central Area Plan realizes its full potential.
Sincerely,
Peter Skosey
Vice President of External Relations