Gateway to Midway Committee
Improvement Plan for the S. Cicero Avenue Corridor 55th Street North to the Stevenson Expressway
October 25, 2017
Identified by Ward Boundaries

Departments of Planning and Economic Development to start aggressively marketing the Cicero Corridor and incentivizing businesses to build in the area. Wards 13 – 14 – 22 – 23

City acquisition of all empty lots and installation of landscaping pending serious proposals for redevelopment. Use of eminent domain to seize empty lots and condemnation of derelict buildings. Committee to provide a list of addresses. Ward 14 – E Side/47th to 53rd, 22 – W. Side Stevenson to 51st, 23 – Archer S. to 55th

Secure agreement with Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to cease purchasing and banking land east Cicero Avenue. CHA purchases are removing prime parcels of land from active property tax rolls and future retail/use tax revenues. Ward 22

Cleanup and improve landscaping of current grassy/tree areas along all four Stevenson Expressway ramps plus grassy knoll areas on both sides of Cicero from the Expressway south to 43rd St. and continue maintenance of same. These are very high profile ramps. Bring in Cook County SWAP participants for cleanups on a weekly basis. Ward 22 E. & W. Sides Stevenson to 43rd St.

^{Eliminate CTA Bus Turn-around at Cicero/Archer and move terminus of 47th Street bus to the Midway Airport Transit Center (59th Street) – a convenient six blocks away. Current turn-around used solely by one route – 47th Street. Exiting busses tie up six lanes of Cicero traffic and west bound Archer traffic turning south. This is especially problematic during rush hours. Ward 23 = COMPLETED}

Collaboration with IDOT/Federal Highway Administration to erect a large green/white “Expressway/Interstate” overhead type sign for north bound traffic that clearly states “I-55 Stevenson Expressway – One Mile. North – Chicago – Right lane South - Springfield – Left lane”. Sign to be erected in the 5000 or 5100 block of Cicero. Purpose: to eliminate congestion from cars stopping and jockeying for position to access Stevenson Expressway entry ramps. Current signage for Stevenson extremely inadequate. Wards 14 & 22 & Congressman Lipinski

Replacement of 182 rusted and corroded street lights (55th Street north to the Stevenson) with decorative black metal street lights as used in other parts of the City. Wards 13 – 14 – 22 - 23

Banners touting ALL Chicago cultural institutions, major events such as the Chicago Marathon – Taste of Chicago – Gospel Fest, etc. and neighborhood festivals to be installed on every street light. Make entire length of Cicero Avenue look festive and welcoming. Wards 13 – 14 – 22 - 23

Replacement of rusted and corroded traffic signals at Cicero/55th Street, Archer Avenue, 50th Street, 47th Street and 43rd Street with decorative black metal fixtures. Ward 13 – Cicero/55th, Ward 14 & 23 – Cicero/Archer, Ward 14 & 22 – Cicero/47th, Ward 22 – Cicero/43rd.

Intersections of Cicero/Archer, Cicero/47th and Cicero/43rd to be improved with faux cobblestone pedestrian crossings. Ward 14 & 23 – Cicero/Archer, Ward 14 & 22 – Cicero/47th, Ward 22 – Cicero/43rd.