Additional changes recommended for intersection

Proposed changes to intersection

Improvements for the intersection of Milwaukee, Wood and Wolcott were the focus of the meeting at that site on Tuesday evening beginning at 7 p.m.  Participants recommended additional changes.

Jamie Simone introduces proposed changes

Jamie Simone, Program Director of WPB (SSA #33) led off the meeting with a quick description of the area, pointing out that a handout is a preliminary drawing of possible changes (above illustration). After a few questions and answers, Karin Sommer, Program Associate from the Metropolitan Planning Council, explained the "Place Performance Evaluation" which is a tool used in engaging participants in a process of working on creation or change of public spaces.

Comments and recommendations from the approximate thirty person group who participated in the process resulted in the following, for which WPB will advocate:

• Landscaping - with storm water management potential
• Rotating/seasonal artwork - completed by local artists to bring attention to the area
• Information kiosk - encourage people to continue south on Milwaukee for more businesses, maps to show Division Street blue line station in particular
• Neighborhood branding - the intersection has no identity.  Provide some type of neighborhood identifier which could be incorporated into kiosk, landscaping, etc.
• Bike racks - support Milwaukee Avenue bike traffic with bike racks

These improvements are to be phased in over time as funding is secured and are in addition to the current proposal.

Improvements currently proposed are:

• Replacement of the traffic signals (red lights) with new masthead signals that will hang over the street and be much more visible
• Freshly striped crosswalks at all corners
• Pedestrian countdown lights (similar to those found at Milwaukee, Ashland and Division)
• Extended curbs at Milwaukee and Wood to create a new pedestrian area at the northeast corner (adjacent to Clear/Wolf's Diner)
• Removal of the pedestrian island on Wood

Participants in animated discussion about local issues

All of the above will improve traffic flow and navigation in the area, and improve the safety of all users.  The improvements will also make the intersection feel less like a barrier, and will help Milwaukee flow more smoothly. It is hoped that improvements will be started in 2011.

Last minute organization by the WPB for this event was due to short notice from Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) which in turn had short notice of a Federal budget deadline. CDOT's funding for the $500,000 to cover the traffic light changes is to be covered by Federal dollars.  Additional local funding commitments are currently from the WPB and 1st Ward Alderman Moreno