For some, the last 12 months might well be considered a year of recovery. For others, including myself, it was more a year of treading water.
This is not, however, a time for cynics but a time for optimists.
Among strides taken that will reap dividends on both sides of the state line in 2014:
– Third airport legislation: Yes, folks, Springfield may have actually broken the logjam with public private partnership legislation and a state agency to take the lead. And this, like many projects to follow, can benefit the bistate area.
– Illiana Expressway action: Illinois and Indiana approvals will bring the project to a near-term decision on private involvement and public commitment.
– Brownfield Redevelopment Intermodal Promotion Act: Establishing a multi-municipal planning council in south Cook County to collectively move on complementary development adjacent to the Canadian National intermodal operations in Harvey/Markham/Homewood. And the groundbreaking in Homewood of CN’s North American training center…
Please click here to read Michael Scholefield’s editorial in the Times. Mr. Scholefield is the chairman of the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corp. (CSEDC).