UPDATE: Englewood community leaders are celebrating a monumental breakthrough as the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act was just signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker. This historic legislation includes a staggering $1.5 billion funding package aimed at revamping public transportation across the region, with a key highlight being the reopening of the long-closed 63rd and Racine Green Line station by January 1, 2029.
This development is a significant victory for Englewood residents who have tirelessly advocated for the reconstruction of their local train station, which was shuttered over 30 years ago. The community has faced years of disinvestment and neglect, and the new law signals a renewed commitment from state leaders to restore hope and opportunity in the area.
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act mandates the renovation or construction of a new station within the Englewood area. This initiative is not only about transportation; it’s about revitalizing a community that has seen better days. Local organizers, including the Go Green On Racine team, have been pivotal in this fight, gathering over 1,000 signatures to support a referendum on the station’s reopening.
Community voices have echoed the importance of this project.
“When the CTA closed the 63rd and Racine station permanently, they killed the hope of our community,”
stated Taqi Thomas, associate director of community engagement at the Inner-City Muslim Action Network. “This transit bill is a sign that our state leaders are dedicated to believing in the promise of Englewood.”
The station’s reopening is expected to complement ongoing community revitalization efforts. Highlights include the $5 million Go Green Community Fresh Market and the transformation of a dilapidated building into a $7.1 million dining destination. These developments reflect a growing movement to restore vibrancy to the 63rd Street corridor.
The implications of this funding are profound. Local activists have pointed out that the total cost for overhauling the station could reach up to $100 million. Earlier this year, outgoing U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush allocated $2 million for a feasibility study, marking an important step toward making the station a reality again.
Community members are excitedly envisioning a new station that represents the spirit and resilience of Englewood. “I hope this can respark hope in our community,” Thomas said, emphasizing the need for reinvestment in their future. As the plan unfolds, the residents of Englewood are rallying together, ready to embrace this new chapter.
For those who remember the bustling days of the former station, the news brings a wave of nostalgia and optimism. “Englewood has a bad reputation, but it has some of the most beautiful and caring people,” Thomas added. With renewed access to public transportation and a surge of local businesses, the community is poised for a renaissance.
As the plans for the 63rd and Racine station take shape, all eyes are on Englewood. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and informed as further developments are anticipated. The journey toward revitalization is just beginning, and the community’s hopes are riding on the tracks of change.
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