A pair of open space improvement projects on the South and North sides will be made possible through financial measures approved today by City Council.

North Branch Trail Extension
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County will construct two pedestrian bridges as part of the planned 4.2-mile southern extension of the North Branch Trail through $192,000 in Open Space Impact Fees. The financial assistance will help the district construct one bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River and the other over Metra railroad tracks, both in Lechowicz Woods. The balance of the $2.7 million construction cost will be paid by a federal grant and the Forest Preserve District. The trail is planned from Devon and Caldwell avenues to Foster and Kostner avenues.

Open Space Impact Fees are collected from new residential developments to help finance public open space improvements within each of Chicago’s 77 community areas.

Near South Side Athletic Field
The Board of Education will be reimbursed with $4.6 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance for the construction of a new athletic field at 2300 S. Dearborn Ave. on the Near South Side. Completed in 2014, the 3.8-acre project includes an artificial turf field and running track for use by Jones College Preparatory High School, National Teachers Academy and area residents. The balance of the $5.6 million project was paid by the Board of Education.

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