City to Host Community Input Talks on Proposed Englewood Nature Trail

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Department of Planning and Development (DPD) are hosting a virtual community framework meeting on Thursday, June 9th at 6 pm for input on the proposed Englewood Nature Trail. The scope of the trail project involves the conversion of an unused railroad corridor in Englewood into a 1.75-mile multi-use path.

Following this initial meeting, the DPD will conduct a total of six community meetings that will be held on the third Thursday of each month through the summer and fall of 2022.

These framework meetings are part of a multi-year effort by the City of Chicago. The project financing and overall timing are pending community input and collaboration between multiple government agencies. That being said, earlier this spring, the City allocated $6 million in phase one design funding toward the proposed trail project.

Englewood is a largely residential neighborhood with a history of commercial uses on arterial streets. The abandoned rail system has been out of use since the 1960s when businesses along the corridor closed or relocated. The City acquired the corridor of land in 2018 from its most recent owner, the Norfolk Southern Railroad.

The proposed plan is the result of extensive public input dating as far back as 2014, which has led to the adoption of the “Green Healthy Neighborhoods Plan.” Collaborators on this project currently envision the proposed Englewood Nature Trail serving as “the spine.” The trail could allow the potential for an urban agriculture district to occupy adjacent land. Community members are encouraged to attend the upcoming Virtual Kick-Off meeting and can register for the event at the provided link.

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