Last week, I was again reminded how lucky I am to represent the people of Oak Park. I write to thank my thoughtful, active and engaged neighbors for the privilege of serving them in the Illinois Senate and for making our town such a wonderful place to live.
On Oct. 29, I hosted a Town Hall meeting to discuss plans to reconstruct the Eisenhower Expressway and to improve the CTA Blue Line, projects that will have a significant impact on everyday life here in Oak Park. We were pleased to welcome Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Ann Schneider, and CTA Vice President for Planning and Federal Affairs Michael McLaughlin.
The room was full and the questions many. We discussed the four proposals to reconstruct the Eisenhower, including possible carpool lanes, relocated exit ramps, wider bridges and amenities for bikes and pedestrians. We reaffirmed the essential points that no more homes or land will be taken outside the current “ditch” and that there’s room enough for the long-term vision of a Blue Line extension. We learned what to expect from Blue Line modernization.
Of great importance, we talked through many community concerns, such as noise and air pollution mitigation, construction traffic and cost. We advocated for design details and livability enhancements to better “bridge” south and north Oak Park and provide meaningful benefits to all commuters, not just those in cars. I am forwarding all the questions from the Town Hall to IDOT and CTA for formal response and to be made part of the public record.
Both Secretary Schneider and our CTA partners commended the engagement of Oak Parkers — the obvious desire to understand and influence changes that will impact their homes, friends and neighborhoods. I could not agree more and cannot thank you enough for taking the time and caring enough to be a part of this discussion.
I hope we all left the gathering having learned something new. IDOT and CTA pledged to return to answer questions and to collaborate with us to determine what’s best. I intend to hold them to that promise, and I know you will too.
What was not a new point for me is just how lucky I am that you elected me to serve, and that I can count you as neighbors. Thanks for the reminder.
Don Harmon of Oak Park is state senator of Illinois’ 39th District.
