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Logan square

How can a traffic circle impact racial equity?

In 2018, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) proposed a redesign project for North Milwaukee Avenue from Logan Square to Belmont, aimed at increasing safety for residents using varied forms of mobility. The proposal inspired urgent questions from residents and advocates who were simultaneously excited about the new streetscape and concerned about its potential impact on local residents.

 

Organizers from the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) and Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) invited CUE to conduct an REIA on the project, leading to a series of REIA community meetings that engaged over 140 residents. Collectively, they reviewed data, shared neighborhood history and narratives, and generated recommendations in these four areas: 

  • Explicitly include racial equity as a goal of this Complete Streets project

  • Develop an inter-agency neighborhood preservation plan

  • Support the creation and preservation of affordable, family-sized housing 

  • For future projects, proactively incorporate racial equity considerations into all CDOT decision-making

After this REIA was published, its findings were used to support a public push to create a 100% affordable housing development on Emmett Street, one block from the proposed development. With the efforts of local organizers, the development easily earned support from local elected officials.

Project Leaders

Juan Sebastian Arias, Ellie Mejia, Sara Shaw, Adam Slade, Sendy Soto, and the 2018 CUE Fellowship Cohort.

Learn more

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July 26, 2018

LoganSquarist: Don’t Let Logan Square Street Upgrade Worsen Gentrification, Groups Say

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August 1, 2018

StreetsBlog: Residents Discuss Potential Equity Impacts of the Logan Traffic Circle Redesign

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December 5, 2018

StreetsBlog: CDOT’s Progressive Remix of the Logan Traffic Circle Is Close to Becoming a Reality

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April 24, 2019

StreetsBlog: Prior to Tonight’s Logan TOD Hearing, Supporters Make Their Final Case

EXPLORE MORE REIAS

How can mega developments benefit or burden Chicagoans?

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