Businesses want Grand Avenue redevelopment plan changed, city says it’s too late

As Chicago gets ready to start construction on the second phase of a redevelopment project along Grand Avenue, some residents and business owners say it’s time to reassess

But the city says that time has passed.

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“What we’re asking for is not to make a big mistake. Let’s listen to everybody,” said Douglas Van Tress, a 1st Ward resident and co-owner of the Golden Triangle.

“People who are against what’s been decided shouldn’t be able to have veto power,” said James Anderson, with Chicago, Bike Grid Now!

One organization concerned over the Grand Avenue “Complete Streets” redevelopment program is demanding a meeting with city leaders over what they say will negatively impact businesses and their neighborhoods.

“I didn’t know anything about the construction that was coming my way. And if I did, I would not opened where I’m at now,” Alliance Bakery owner Peter Rios said.

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The next phase of construction focuses on a 1-mile stretch of Grand between Ogden and Damen avenues.

The plan includes protected bike lanes and bus boarding islands, while reducing traffic lanes and eliminating parking.

“We need to provide some type of parking for these customers or these services. Otherwise, trucks like UPS, Amazon, they’re not going to go down the block. They’re going to stop right in front of the business, and they’re going to jam up traffic,” Rios said.

The Grand Avenue Committee proposed alternatives, including a combined bus and bike lane, like what’s seen on Chicago Avenue.

“I try to avoid Chicago Avenue when I can because the bike lane is a bus lane. I don’t want to get in the way of buses. I don’t want to have a CTA bus breathing down my shoulder,” Anderson said.

The city hosted two community meetings in 2023.

The Grand Avenue Committee alleges city leaders are now refusing to meet again.

Alderman Daniel La Spata’s office responded with a statement that said in part, “Alderman La Spata and our staff have been in regular correspondence with neighbors over the last few weeks, with no requested follow up from concerned neighbors.”

The Grand Avenue Committee says they declined to meet with the aldermen after he told them a comprehensive redesign of the project at this point would not be possible.