Survey Asks Lakeview Residents About CTA 'Flyover' Vacant Land

CHICAGO, IL — Aldermen, CTA and the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce have launched a survey asking locals what they want to see in the vacant parcels along the Red Purple Modernization Construction Site in the Wilton and Clark area. The demolition of buildings in Lakeview is set to begin this week for CTA's "flyover" project. The elevated structure will improve train service in the area, CTA officials said.

Ten buildings are scheduled to be demolished by the Cubs opening day April 9, and four more will be torn down following opening day, CTA said.

"CTA is making an extensive effort to mitigate the impacts of demolition work - which includes community partnerships to activate the vacant spaces with installations, markets, parks, and other uses," the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce posted on the survey website.

"Please help us curate this urban oasis of community installations by telling us what you'd like to see "POP UP" in the neighborhood on the vacant parcels..." the chamber posted.

The CTA plans to demolish 14 buildings in the area for the project. The "flyover" is part of the city's $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization Program, the largest capital improvement project in CTA history.

"This major initiative will completely rebuild the nearly century old North Red Line from Belmont to Howard and the Purple Line from Belmont to Linden in Wilmette," CTA posted on its website. "As we rebuild, much needed capacity will be added in this growing residential corridor to accommodate current and future riders, and to deliver faster and smoother rides with less crowding and more frequent service."

Construction for the flyover is expected to start in late 2019. Some Lakeview residents have opposed the project, and went on social media to rally others against it. They said the project will hurt the character of the neighborhood.