The recent editorial (“Downtown Chicago needs reimagining. It’s OK (this time) to think small.,” Dec. 8) on reimagining the Loop and downtown Chicago overlooks a critical issue: For the past 50 years, the city’s focus has been disproportionately on the Loop, while neighborhoods across Chicago, particularly on the South and West sides, have been neglected. The tale of two cities is real, and as a resident of Bronzeville, I’m tired of hearing the same promises about development in our communities, only to see resources and attention funneled back downtown.
Every administration makes grand promises about revitalizing the South and West sides, but little changes. This isn’t a problem created solely by the current administration under Mayor Brandon Johnson — it’s the culmination of decades of poor leadership and financial mismanagement. For more than 20 years, Richard M. Daley’s administration prioritized vanity projects for the Loop, depleting resources that could have been used to uplift neighborhoods in desperate need. Subsequent administrations have done little to correct this imbalance, perpetuating cycles of inequity.
The blame doesn’t lie solely with mayors. Chicago’s fragmented political landscape, in which aldermen wield outsize control over their wards, has also hindered progress. These “mini-fiefdoms” often prioritize short-term, insular gains over citywide planning and equity. This piecemeal approach has left entire communities without the investment, infrastructure or resources necessary to thrive.
The Loop is already brimming with parks, attractions and investments. It’s time for Chicago to adopt a holistic renewal plan that addresses the needs of all its neighborhoods, not just downtown. Economic development, affordable housing, improved transportation and public safety must be equitably distributed across the city. The South and West sides deserve the same level of attention and investment that has transformed the Loop into a world-class destination.
Reimagining the Loop is not the solution to Chicago’s struggles. The city will thrive only when its leadership prioritizes comprehensive and inclusive growth that uplifts every resident, regardless of ZIP code.
It’s time for Chicago to reimagine itself — not just the Loop.
— Joseph Harrod, Chicago
More high-quality shops
My husband and I were just in Portland, Oregon, for the weekend, and that city has a very welcoming feel. People were very friendly, and there are so many independent shops, even downtown where we were staying. There were very few chain stores or restaurants. Many shops were very creative and high-end. It was so nice to see that and of course the famous Powell’s City of Books, which takes up a whole city block.
I think Chicago would benefit from more independent, high-quality shops in every neighborhood. Some other ideas in the editorial about reimagining the Loop were interesting as well.
— PKaye Hanifee, Chicago
Train station needs help
I enjoyed the ideas that sprouted from the Chicago revitalization group that the Tribune Editorial Board brought together recently. As the accompanying Scott Stantis cartoon notes, you have to start somewhere.
My “somewhere” would be the Millennium Station entry on Randolph Street. This entry to the city deserves as much attention as Midway Airport or O’Hare International Airport. When you walk out of the station proper, you are immediately given the impression that the city doesn’t care and it hasn’t for years!
— John McDonald, Chicago
Plan to lower homicides
Mayor Brandon Johnson recently said “in 2025 we have the opportunity for the first time in over a decade to have less than 500 homicides.”
Having fewer people murdered is a laudable goal. No person deserves to be murdered.
I look forward to learning how the mayor intends to accomplish this goal. There needs to be a well-thought-out plan to achieve it. Further, the plan needs to be publicized and implemented effectively.
As a resident of Chicago, I sincerely hope the mayor and his staff can accomplish this.
— James R. Lannen, Chicago
Cold disregard for others
I have questions about the clearing of the encampment of unhoused people in Humboldt Park. Why was this done during a week of cold and windy weather, and why wasn’t it postponed until individuals had time to relocate? Who had the authority to order the camp cleared in such a cruel and badly timed manner? It seems to be an example of heartlessness and incompetence.
Those of us who vote and pay taxes in Chicago should remember this callous and inhumane disregard for others.
— Tonia Liss, Chicago
Services over jailing
Regarding the editorial on the topic of Eileen O’Neill Burke’s inauguration (“O’Neill Burke’s stirring inauguration brings us hope that Chicago soon will rise again,” Dec. 4), my prayer is that the Cook County state’s attorney and city of Chicago leaders will be more interested in services for those with substance use problems and those who are impoverished than taking them out of the community and isolating them in jail.
— Janice Gintzler, Crestwood
Lake Shore Drive cameras
Up until now, Mayor Brandon Johnson has appeared misguided, reeling from one misstep/misspoken word to another. However, the mayor finally proposed a plan that makes sense and that I fully support: Increase and install speed cameras throughout the city.
As an initial step, I urge the mayor to focus on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. There, motorists largely ignore the posted speed limits (40 mph on the north and 45 mph on the south) without any consequences.
I believe additional speed cameras, particularly on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, would generate revenue and reduce the city’s budget deficit, as well as promote public safety.
— Ava Holly Berland, Chicago
Early ed teachers’ wages
As a early childhood educator now in my 51st year of teaching, I have seen so many changes in our field over the years. I’m thrilled that Gov. JB Pritzker knows the importance of early childhood education for young children. A quality education in the long run will enable children in their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
I was happy to see that Pritzker has a new Early Childhood Department. I’m looking forward to the department overseeing the licensing of the schools.
I was, however, quite surprised to see the salary for Teresa Ramos’ new position. Those of us in early childhood education receive below-par salaries and often no benefits. Many early childhood educators have to work more than one job to support ourselves or get benefits.
It’s time for us to also have salaries/livable wages at the same rate as public educators. Maybe then our field won’t be in a crisis of too few early childhood educators.
— Ellyn Weisz, Hoffman Estates
Connecting with op-ed
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Dr. Smitha Vishveshwara for the gift of her shared erudition and her humanity (“What connects us in this polarizing moment through space and time,” Dec. 7).
The light in me recognizes and truly honors the light in her. We are, indeed, all one.
— Olga Vilella, Downers Grove
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