I’d really like to see fiber and banking as services at the municipal level that could lilely pay for themselves. However services needing to support themselves encourages short term solutions. Libraries, parks, and schools are unlikely to turn a profit but are critical to providing a minimum quality of life. Public transportation investment pays off over decades not a financial quarter and provides long term tangible benefits to the city beyond the fare box. If it pays for itself it’s a no brainier, but many things that cost more than they make or have long term payoffs that are hard to measure are critically important.

I agree. Let’s keep trying to figure out how to make that a reality in addition to this.

Update - https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/08/25/as-neighbors-fight-to-save-damen-silos-mckinley-park-alderwoman-calls-for-demolition-permit-delay/

For anybody who doesn’t know, the company who bought this lot was able to build an asphalt plant next to a park, school, and people’s houses without any notice or public input. Part of their site was rezoned by the previous alder after receiving large donations.

As a workaround bringing your own alcohol is usually permitted on Metra, please remember to act responsibly. https://metra.com/whats-allowed-metra-trains

How do you calculate she did the correct thing based on data? She pushed to reopen schools during a time with some of the highest case and death counts recorded - https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/12/30/cps-will-return-to-in-person-learning-monday-despite-covid-surge-officials-say/

I agree with a lot of people that suggest voting and holding your representatives accountable and the mass pollutors responsible will be the most important part but I also think there’s no reason not to lead by example in this situation. Reduce your carbon usage when you can by buying fewer consumer goods, eating less meat, avoiding single use products, and more frequently using public transportation, walking and cycling to get around.

There is ideological diversity within the democratic party, especially at the local level. As part of a representative democracy, the electorate needs to be engaged with their representatives. You should start looking closely at your most local representatives.

The Johnson transition team recommends 20mph for through roads and 10mph for residential. Traffic enforcement is low but these speed limit adjustments would raise the amount of drivers being considered criminal drivers with serious consequences. Right now you can be going 55 mph on a city street and still only be considered for a trivial fine despite creating violent and dangerous situations. The signs indicate the maximum speed you are supposed to go but most drivers treat it as a minimum. It’s almost like people consider driving a right. It’s a privilege and you should have to strictly follow the rules of the road of you want to keep a license.

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It sounds like you might have misunderstood them. To me, it’s sounds like they are telling you to just BIKE. I’d suggest a used bike from a reputable manufacturer, in my city that will set ya back about 200, less than you’d pay for JUST insurance. On a simple bike like this any problem you might experience will be easily diagnosable and self fixable or you can go to a shop and pay a little extra. If you live in an area where things are far apart you might want to look into an e bike, those range from about 1k or more. They can go from 20-30mph and should be treated more seriously as you ride as on a regular bike you will probably only achieve 10-15mph averages. That will have the negative tradeoff of being harder to work on, more expensive, and perhaps frowned upon by “sport” cyclists. Check out this resource for more safety information.

Mass incarceration is a total disgrace and spits in the face of the USA’s motto “land of the free.” It makes us look like foolish suckers. So proud of our state and so glad this is being implemented.

They also acquired and still run the business previously done by Monsanto known for things like agent orange and eliminating corn biodiversity. Their legal department is also infamous for bankrupting small farmers.

Automobiles. Especially in the USA they are causing a public health crisis, environmental crisis, qualify of life crisis. I grew up loving them and they have uses but I’m fully convinced in the future they should be a luxury used for specific tasks or trips rather than the only form of transportation available.

Loved this stuff back in the day as well. I still do. I got to see Slipknot live at a festival a few years back and they put on one of the more impressive shows I’ve seen.

I’m optimistic about my city. It’s not perfect but we’ve had substantial political victories recently, growing demand as well as some investment in better cycling / public transit infrastructure, and great existing amenities. We have a ton of diversity and affordable neighborhoods.

I’m conflicted on Airbnb. Their product really is superior to corporate hotel chains and they’ve opened up areas previously unserved by traditional hotels. In my city corporate landlords, foreign investors, and disinvestment in public housing seem to be much bigger problems than Airbnb.

Love to see it. I really wish we could use some of this federal funding to add additional new L lines, L stations, or BRT to the CTA.

Make sure you’re taking the L, it’s the safest and least stressful way to get around. Google maps should route you through it pretty intuitively along with the signs. I’d recommend getting out of the loop. Wicker Park and Chinatown are fun places to walk around, eat, drink, etc. Rent a bike or just walk the lake front trail and hang out at the beach for a bit. I personally prefer Lou’s for deep dish. Enjoy the event, I’m curious to see how it plays out.

If they had the time to take this down, they had the time to replace it with their equivalent infrastructure which I believe currently consists of paint and either a post or a curb.

Probably the beach. The public pools are great to cool down and swim. Usually the times are scheduled in blocks such as adult, family, team. I suggest looking up your closest outdoor pool and going to that one during an appropriate block.