New CDOT initiatives may be answer for revitalization of the Polish Triangle

"People Plazas" is a new program the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is working on to allow vendors to operate on CDOT properties. Two other initiatives to make better use of  leftover and orphaned CDOT properties are "People Spots" and "People Streets."

Next week a task force of city agencies will be reviewing the implications of the three proposed programs. According to Scott Rappe, who is part of the Polish Triangle Coalition, it is believed that the meeting will result in refinements to the proposed programs. Assuming a plan emerges, Requests for Proposals (RFP) to find a private program manager for one or all of the programs will probably be issued in spring 2012.

A private program manager would be responsible for cleaning, maintaining and developing pilot parcels as vendor spaces. The manager would be required, under the RFP, to establish local partnerships and engage local businesses as vendors. The initiative, focused on supporting local economic development, would exclude franchises and national chains from the partnerships..

Any businesses interested in participating in vending opportunities in this space may contact Jessica Wobblekind, WPB's Program Manager, by email or call 773.235.6385. The WPB initiated a Market Place in the space this last summer and is planning to enhance those efforts in 2012.

Making the historically important triangle location a pleasant, eye pleasing site with information and activities appropriate for the gateway to the vibrant commercial districts along Division, Milwaukee and Ashland have been the goals of the WPB (SSA #33), the Metropolitan Planning Commission, the 1st Ward and other local groups in addition to the current Polish Triangle Coalition. These potential CDOT initiatives have the possibility of bringing to fruition the years of all their work.