AndrewFinlayson's Blog

OAK STREET-MICHIGAN AVENUE PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS

This vital underpass has been barricaded since last year. I asked 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly why. Here’s his 30Jun08 response:

"FEDERAL LAWS REQUIRE ALL CITY FACILITIES TO BE COMPLIANT WITH ADA STANDARDS. THE UNDERPASS STRUCTURE AT OAK STREET AND MICHIGAN AVENUE IS HANDICAP INACCESSIBLE, AND THEREFORE, VIOLATES CODE. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS IN THE AREA, THERE IS NOT ADEQUATE ROOM FOR EXPANSION TO ACCOMMODATE AN ADA-ACCESSIBLE RAMP TO BRING THE STRUCTURE UP TO CODE.... THE DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION INFORMED MY OFFICE THAT THE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY, WHICH WAS CLOSED IN EARLY 2007, WILL BE PERMANENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC AND SEALED SHUT."

I find it outrageous that a government agency would mandate destruction of a functioning access route because it cannot be made handicap-accessible. The Division Street-LSD underpass, only two blocks north, is structurally identical. Is it the next to go?

Some one needs to investigate the !B Board Association at the Park of River Oaks Condominium Complex in Calumet City. A lien is placed on the units and the city is threatening to shut off the water due to nonpayment of bills. It does not take a genius to figure something is wrong with the handling of our monthly assessments. Pressure must be put on the Board members to step down and possibly hire an outside agency to handle the assessment money. Many residents want to either refinance or move but we are stuck. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dear fox special reports stop reporting on the hiring process for summer jobs in this city its about who you know not who you know.Its always been this way. If i wanted to get a job i would just have to make a few phonecalls. Get Over It. (its Chicago)