In the ongoing dialogue about the future of DuSable Lake Shore Drive, it’s clear that there are competing ideas on what should happen, and it’s also clear that public discourse is essential for the progress and vitality of Chicago. While there is much debate and negotiation, one fact remains indisputable: We can agree on the immediate need to improve our lakefront.
Chicago’s rich history of innovative and bold projects, such as the raising of our streets for improved sewer systems and the reversal of the Chicago River, required the collaboration and input of all stakeholders. These transformative feats were driven by a shared vision for a better city. Today, as we contemplate the redefinition of DuSable Lake Shore Drive, we must embrace a similar collaborative spirit.
Unfortunately, the conversation has often been framed as a battle between cars and nonmotorized modes of travel. This dichotomy misses the broader point. Our primary focus should be on the lakefront itself — the foundation upon which any future improvements to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will rest.
The roadway portion of the project requires coordinated efforts between the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago, and while some, including me, eventually envision a true boulevard, we should not delay in advancing improvements to our lakefront. Enhancements such as better beaches, improved bike paths and increased greenspace are essential, regardless of the ultimate design of the drive itself.
Why not undertake the critical work of improving the lakefront first, with trail upgrades and more greenspace that has near universal support now? By doing so, we can get to work sooner and lay the groundwork for a more modest, environmentally conscious and transit-focused lakefront boulevard. This approach allows us to demonstrate the benefits of such improvements, making it easier to build consensus over time.
The Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with city and state efforts, can support many of these initiatives. For years, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and then-U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush advocated for the restoration of our lakefront, including rebuilding old stone revetments and adding park space. The state and city should work with the Corps and our congressional delegation to develop the design and funding plan to make these improvements. Creative financing and use of transportation funding to improve the busy lakefront trail and make the entire corridor more climate resistant should be considered.
These projects are not just enhancements; they are necessities. Any comprehensive plan for DuSable Lake Shore Drive will require modernizing and protecting the lakeshore. Consider the awkward 45-degree angle on the bike path atop the drive — this issue and others necessitate pushing infrastructure out into the lake, creating new greenspaces and trails in the process.
As a founding member of the Illinois General Assembly Lakeshore Caucus, a bicameral group of state legislators who represent the lakefront and its adjacent communities, we are committed to ensuring the vision for DuSable Lake Shore Drive is inclusive and sustainable. This process will take time, and it requires a shared commitment to improving our lakefront now while building a vision for the future.
Let’s prioritize the essential work that enhances our lakefront today. By doing so, we set the stage for a DuSable Lake Shore Drive that is a model of environmental stewardship and urban planning. Together, we can create a lakefront that exemplifies the best of Chicago — united, visionary and forward-thinking.
State Rep. Kam Buckner a Chicago Democrat, represents the 26th District.
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