I read the latest installment of the Madison Street Development Newsletter with curiosity. I had hoped to learn something new. Instead, no news — just word salad.
The author claims our village will continue to “focus on investing in projects that support our long-term goal of a sustainable, walkable, and transportation-oriented community.”
Sustainability: laudable, as our planet struggles under the weight of global warming and climate change. But “walkable” and “transportation-oriented” in the same breath?
The author claims the address of this proposed high-rise building scores an enviable 91 out of 100 “Walk Score.” This so-called “Walk Score” is slippery. Type in any River Forest address not within blocks of our borders with Oak Park, Forest Park, or Elmwood Park and the “Walk Score” drops precipitously, with the website conceding the address is “car-dependent” and that “most errands require a car.” It’s unclear what algorithm Walk Score, “a walkability services company,” uses in arriving at a number.
All that aside, the author asserts residents of a high-rise building on Madison could “accomplish most of their daily errands and activities such as shopping, visiting the bank, going for coffee and dining out without relying on a car.”
Let’s look at that statement: Sure, Forest Park has an enviable array of eateries, but what kind of commodities do consumers need on a regular basis? Groceries and pharmacy. The nearest supermarket/drugstore combo is a mile away. (Have you ever toted bags of groceries for a mile? I did, and only because I had no choice: I was a 20-year-old student without a car.) When you dig deeper, claiming this address is walkable is illusory.
A village that promotes sustainability: admirable. A walkable village? Maybe, for some folks living near the borders. Transportation-oriented? Well, yes: we’re equidistant to both major Chicago airports, we can get downtown in 18 minutes on Metra, etc.
But lump it all together and say this ill-conceived rabbit warren serves what she claims is River Forest’s long-term goal? As the saying goes, “Don’t ___ on my leg and tell me it’s raining.”
Kathryn Jandeska
River Forest