South Side station
In "Politics helped fund new South Side station, Metra says; Auburn Park facility to cost $20 million, potentially serve 400 riders" (News, Nov. 17), long-time Metra Board member Jack Schaffer questioned the value of the proposed Auburn Park Metra station on Chicago's South Side.
On an annual basis, the Metra Board approves upgrades to stations across the suburbs and collar counties with the goal of increasing ridership and spurring economic growth.
Why should the South Side of Chicago be deprived of the same investment?
If you live on the North Shore or in the Northwest Suburbs, Metra is quick to respond when you ask for a new station, or renovated stations, or new viaducts. Such is the case with the new Fox River Grove station at the request of Schaffer. If you live in Beverly and Morgan Park, Metra is pleased to operate eight different train stations for you, so you never have to walk more than four blocks. If you're a White Sox fan, Metra is happy to build a station right near the stadium.
But if you live in many other of the South Side communities, Metra often seems very slow off the mark. When Metra's southbound Rock Island train leaves U.S. Cellular Field, no stops are allowed in Bronzeville, Grand Boulevard, Washington Park or Englewood.
We're somewhat confused that Schaffer apparently wants to criticize the new station, especially since he voted to support it in the past.
Running from the lakefront to the city's western limits, the CTA's 79th Street bus is the busiest bus line in Chicago. That's why CTA planners maintain a Red Line connection to the 79th Street bus. But in a gross example of poor transit planning or insensitivity, Metra's Rock Island train does not directly connect to the busiest of all bus lines; it simply "flies" right over it.
But a direct connection to the 79th Street bus and a more efficient commute is not the only thing good about the Auburn Park station. Through comprehensive planning, we know that transit-oriented developments in conjunction with Metra stations have become major catalysts for economic development and job creation, i.e., Evanston and Oak Park.
According to the study undertaken by the Illinois Department of Transportation's planning consultant, the new Metra station will deliver the same benefits in Auburn Park, especially if Metra markets its services to the community.
For too long, Metra has ignored an underserved community and an untapped market. The new Auburn Park station will deliver the benefits that North Side and North Shore communities have long enjoyed: efficient commuter service that revitalizes businesses and communities.
— State Sen. Jacqueline Y. Collins, D-Chicago
— State Rep. Mary E. Flowers, D-Chicago
— Ald. Latasha Thomas, 17th, Chicago
— Rev. Dr. Michael Pfleger, pastor, Faith Community of St. Sabina, Chicago
— Carlos Nelson, executive director, Greater Auburn Gresham CDC, Chicago