CTA’s first public meeting on Red Line closures draws a crowd, and complaints

The first of two scheduled public meetings this week on the planned five-month closure of parts of the Red Line was held Monday night at the South Shore Cultural Center. 

Many Chicago Transit Authority representatives, including President Forrest Claypool and Chairman Terry Peterson, were in attendance, ready to hear the concerns of various CTA riders.

There has been significant outrage over the plan to completely shut down a big chunk of the line for months, including nine stations, rather than force only part-time closures as has been done during renovations on other parts of the subway.

Residents have complained about the problems they forsee in getting to work, not to mention safety concerns. Plus, they’re annoyed the CTA never consulted local residents before announcing the big project.

Some businesses worry they may have to shutdown during the construction work, throwing people out of work.

Another meeting will be held Thursday at the Kennedy-King College Gymnasium, 6343 S. Halsted St., from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

[Photos by William Camargo]

More than 60 people attended the first of two public meetings this week on the planned renovations to the Red Line. Monday’s meeting was held at the South Shore Cultural Center. Another meeting is scheduled for Thursday.

Posterboards outlined the necessity, and benefits, of the five-month plan to overhaul the Red Line from Cermak/Chinatown to 95th/Dan Ryan.

John Evans looked over the handouts that were given out at the public meeting, explaining the alternative routes available to CTA riders impacted by the construction project. 

Forrest Claypool, CTA president, spoke to the crowd of more than 60 citizens who attended the first public meeting and explained why the renewal of the Red Line is needed.

Kevin Peterson voiced his concerned about areas that will suffer from closures. 

Derrick Jones wanted to know what will happen if the five-month plan runs into delays.

William Scott recorded the public meeting as CTA Chairman Terry Peterson answers questions from the crowd on Monday night.

CTA riders lined up to ask questions and voice their concerns. Terry Peterson of the CTA fielded their questions.

Karen Youngblood, project manager, voiced the concerns that many of the CTA riders have brought up, and what can be done in order to help many of them.

Wallace Gator Bradley, urban translator and activist, gave his many concerns and talked about the difference this renewal project is to the ones in the past.