Ashland Avenue Runs Through It and So Might BRT

West Town residents are learning more about the Ashland Ave. BRT (bus rapid transit) route because Ashland Avenue runs through their community.

“The CTA’s preferred plan for high-speed buses will slow traffic on Ashland Avenue and a half-dozen parallel streets,” according to a federally required environmental assessment.

“Ashland Avenue traffic will get 10 percent slower and Damen Avenue 3 percent slower, and Wood Street and the smaller north-south streets nearest Ashland were not considered,” according to Stephen Rynkiewicz reporting for the East Village Association.

The East Village Association has represented a civic voice for the neighborhood since 1982; bounded on the north by 1200 North Division Street, on the south by 800 North Chicago Avenue, on the east by the 800 to 1600 Blocks of Milwaukee Avenue, and on the west by 2000 West Damen Avenue.

The East Village Association is sharing this video that explains what an environmental assessment means when it comes to a big transit improvement like the proposed Ashland Avenue BRT. However, now is the time to speak up if you have ideas or comments about the plan.

Chicago residents can download the plan and email their comments to the Chicago Transit Authority until Dec. 20.

via YouTube

If you are from East Village, you can attend the meeting Monday and hear Catherine Garypie give an update on the project. There will be additional hearings at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at Benito Juarez Community Academy, 1450 W. Cermak Rd., and 6 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk St. Each will provide more information more about the plan and give residents the chance to comment.

Comments can also be sent by snail mail to the Chicago Transit Authority, Attn: Joe Iacobucci, 567 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60661. The plan is on file at the West Town branch library, 1625 W. Chicago Ave.