Openlands Group Interview

During this meeting, we discussed…

Key Concerns/Challenges:

• People cannot enjoy Chicago’s rivers at their fullest capacity
• Invasive species, especially the Asian carp
• Water quality and the standards for measuring water quality

Key Priorities/Opportunities:

• Revegetation of stream bank, buffer, landscaped natural areas, including benches where people can sit and enjoy the river and waterfront area
• Consistency across regulatory bodies
• Better wayfinding online and on the ground

Big Ideas:

• The river has the potential to be a unifying system for the region that connects neighborhoods throughout the city
• Pedestrian bridges connecting trails along the north and south ends of the North Branch of the Chicago River