by Larry Lagarde
Right on the mass transit corridor just 10 miles due west of Chicago's downtown loop is Oak Park, Illinois. 30 years ago, a short section of street directly across from Metra's Oak Park station and the L's Harlem/Lake station in downtown Oak Park was rebuilt as a pedestrian mall excluding motor vehicles. Now, the village has voted to turn back the clock and revert this urban pedestrian haven into a street again.According to village president David Pope, "We want to have a vibrant downtown. At the same time, we want to have it be pedestrian oriented and pedestrian friendly."
Protesters find it ironic that the village is prepared to spend $5 million ripping up the mall so cars can again drive the 100 block of North Marion Street. Since the construction is expected to take a year to complete, business owners on the mall are unhappy too and at least one is planning to move away so they won't go bankrupt during the street work.
Given the cost in taxpayer dollars and lost business revenues, the proximity of ample parking, major thoroughfares and the mass transit station across the street, it's surprising that a village that calls itself progressive towards bicyclists and walkers would take such action.Map: The affected area of Marion Street runs between Lake St & North Blvd just 1 blk east of N. Harlem Ave. in Oak Park.
Relevant Links In Chicagoland:
Oak Park- one of the most progressive bike-friendly communities in Chicagoland
Downtown Oak Park's Website
Oak Park Cycle Club
Parks & Facilities in Oak Park, Illinois
Maps & Trail Info - League of Illinois Bicyclists
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
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