South Side lakefront Plans On The Move
South Side lakefront project needs to succeed
December 28, 2006
There has been plenty of talk, for a long time now, about rehabilitating and developing the lakefront on the South Side, where various civic groups have envisioned creating beaches, recreational opportunities and other amenities that are in short supply there. But even as stretches of lakefront on the North Side have been treated to expensive face-lifts and ecological boosts, nothing similar has materialized on the South Side lakeshore.
With public funds being at such a premium, it's difficult to say whether Friends of the Parks' ambitious new plan for the South Side shoreline will ever become a reality. As demonstrated by the epic battle between Hyde Park residents and the Chicago Park District over the city's plans for replacing Promontory Point's limestone embankment with concrete, emotions can fly over such land interests. In fact, the Friends have not yet said how much their project will cost.
But if there is religion in the details, the citizen group's grand design should receive the blessings of the park district. The design, which includes an offshore island 100 feet from the stretch of land between 71st and 75th Streets and hundreds of acres of beaches and park facilities, would demonstrably improve the quality of life for many South Side residents and visitors. As excited as we are about the prospect of getting an Olympic stadium built in Washington Park -- with private funds but extensive city involvement -- we believe this shoreline project might have an equally positive long-term impact.
Devised during a year's worth of community meetings, it would double the 123 acres the city controls at the former U.S. Steel plant at 79th Street. It would expand Calumet Park south of the Calumet River. The island would be connected to the shore by bridges. Runners and bikers who currently are diverted from the privately held stretch between the South Shore Cultural Center and Rainbow Beach Park would be provided with a more enjoyable path.
Predictably, condo owners concerned about their view being impeded are loudly opposed to the plan. You have to figure compromises will be made to ease their pain, but their individual needs are overwhelmed by the greater public benefits of this project. The excitement it would bring to this long-neglected area might even compete with the breath of fresh air Millennium Park brought to Grant Park. It would spur real estate development, building on the recent initiative to erect a $60 million condominium overlooking Jackson Park -- the South Shore's first high-rise in some 30 years. If the price is right -- or even if it's a bit of a stretch -- the Friends' plan should be given every chance to succeed.
suntimes.com
posted by Calumetman @ 9:32 PM
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