Chicago’s $7-billion 1901 Project will revitalize the neighborhood around the United Center. New residential buildings, restaurants, entertainment venues, public spaces and pedestrian connections have the potential to improve the local economy and foster a more active community. The growth and increased traffic this development will bring, however, will also pose safety concerns for property owners, businesses and government authorities.
Changing conditions on sidewalks, roadways, parking and public spaces will affect not only residents or workers, but also people passing through the neighborhood
Modifications to the built environment can alter traffic patterns and raise safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists.
A Changing Neighborhood
The 1901 Project will transform the area around the United Center into a more developed entertainment district. Beside hosting large-scale events at the United Center and other venues in the development, the area will draw out-of-town visitors and local residents alike to its restaurants, shops and other businesses.
This increase in activity will generate new opportunities for local residents and entrepreneurs, but will also alter traffic patterns on local roadways and sidewalks.
New development projects can be unpredictable for pedestrians and motorists. Road closures and work zones can redirect traffic flow and create blind spots. Entrances, driveways and new pedestrian connections can modify traffic patterns in ways that are not always obvious. Even when a specific construction project is complete, it can create new conditions that present potential for accidents or injuries.
Sidewalks and other pedestrian connections are of particular concern in a developing entertainment district. Increased foot traffic will demand new entrances and connections between the United Center, parking, restaurants and residential buildings. Without proper planning, pedestrians may be forced to take long, circuitous routes to their destination. This can encourage unsafe behavior, such as shortcuts through driveways or parking lots.
Pedestrian safety will also be closely tied to lighting conditions. Poorly lit sidewalks or uneven ground can endanger elderly residents, those with mobility issues and parents with young children. Lighting will be especially important for residents and workers who need to return to their vehicles after late-night entertainment offerings.
The effect of the changing neighborhood on residential streets will be determined by both the development itself and the resulting traffic patterns. New construction projects and entrances can create safety concerns, as can increased pedestrian traffic on local streets.
Traffic and Parking Changes
An entertainment district can wreak havoc on vehicular traffic, even if its various venues are relatively close together. Visitors to restaurants and sporting events will arrive by car, rideshare or public transportation. Delivery drivers will also contribute to the mix on local roadways as they service local restaurants and shops.
These considerations can combine to create potential for conflicts at intersections, driveways, parking lots and other major access points. With higher traffic volume at these locations, motorists and pedestrians can encounter blind spots or other safety concerns as they navigate the development.
Drivers may also enter driveways or parking lots unexpectedly, creating potential for conflicts with other motorists and pedestrians. Parking lots and curbside access points for deliveries can also present potential safety concerns if motorists turn suddenly to pull into a space or enter traffic without proper awareness of surrounding pedestrians.
Residential streets will also be impacted by the increased interest in the entertainment district. Residents may use local streets to navigate between destinations, especially if other roadways are closed for construction or to accommodate increased traffic. As a result, residential streets may encounter some of the same safety concerns as commercial streets, including blind spots and altered traffic patterns.
The long-term impact will be determined by entrances and exits to the development, as well as the traffic patterns of local residents, delivery drivers, visitors and rideshare services.
Safety Around Residential Buildings
New development also creates safety concerns around residential buildings. These structures typically have entrances and exits, driveways, parking areas, service entrances and stairwells that are used by residents, delivery drivers and other visitors.
These assets will see increased utilization as the local economy and population grow, potentially creating new safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists. Congestion around building entrances can create blind spots or hazards on the roadways. Parking garages can also introduce safety concerns, depending on entrances and exits. Sidewalks can become uneven or otherwise hazardous as a result of development.
Property owners and managers are generally responsible for maintaining building entrances, exits, parking areas and other elements under their control, subject to applicable laws and regulations. They should take note of any reported maintenance concerns and address any hazardous conditions that could endanger pedestrians and motorists.
Mixed-use buildings also present potential safety concerns. While they represent economic opportunities, they also create challenges for pedestrians and motorists. Customers and delivery drivers must share space with pedestrians, and insufficient sidewalk clearance or light levels can create additional hazards.
As the population grows around the United Center, residential building owners and managers should consider the potential hazards presented by entrances, exits, stairs, walkways and the changing built environment.
Responsibility for Public and Private Spaces
The redevelopment around the United Center could complicate determinations of responsibility for pedestrian and motorist safety.
A sidewalk may extend from a public roadway to a private building entrance. Walkways may connect multiple buildings or provide access to different entrances within a single structure. These considerations can make it more difficult to determine responsibility for maintaining a specific space.
When an accident or injury does occur, responsibility should be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances and applicable laws.
Construction projects can further complicate these determinations. Property owners, general contractors, subcontractors and other entities may share responsibility for an injury depending on their involvement in the project, applicable contracts and other considerations.
Residents and pedestrians should take note of hazardous conditions when they encounter them. Photographs and written descriptions of unsafe or poorly maintained sidewalks, walkways, lighting or other concerns can be valuable in determining responsibility in the event of an accident or injury.
These questions can become particularly relevant when a pedestrian is injured by a hazardous sidewalk, poorly maintained walkway or unsafe construction area, as determining liability may require examining the responsibilities of multiple parties, an issue that may arise in cases handled by a Chicago personal injury lawyer.
Planning for Long-Term Safety
The 1901 Project provides an opportunity to plan for pedestrian and motorist safety as development proceeds. Proper planning for entrances and connections, street lighting, traffic patterns and construction safety can help to mitigate potential concerns.
Maintenance will also be important as sidewalks and streetlights are installed or modified, and traffic patterns change as businesses open and residential buildings fill. Current traffic patterns should be considered when planning new entrances and connections to help avoid potential safety concerns.
Public authorities, business owners, property managers and residents should also consider traffic patterns and the potential hazards presented by specific entrances, exits and connections. A given route may be appropriate on a quiet weekday morning, but could present potential safety concerns on a busy weekend afternoon when large crowds are present, a commercial truck is blocking the way or a driver must back out of a driveway into an oncoming stream of traffic.
The long-term impact on local streets will become apparent as development proceeds. Its overall success will be determined not only by increased interest in local restaurants and shops, but also by how well it integrates with the daily lives of residents.
A Safer District as Chicago Grows
The development around the United Center has the potential to make Chicago’s Near West Side a more active community. Increased investment and interest in the local economy can encourage new residents and businesses to move into the district. This development, however, will also impact residential and commercial streets, creating new safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists.
Of particular importance will be efforts to balance the potential for increased business with the safety of the surrounding neighborhood. Thorough planning and appropriate maintenance can help to accommodate new development in a way that considers the concerns of existing residents and businesses. Most important for residents, an essential measure of ongoing safety will be whether residential streets remain safe and accessible despite the increased traffic and large-scale public events taking place nearby.
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