In Paul Casey’s letter (March 12), he states that “Chicago has no city planning policy to improve the transit station/neighborhood interface.”
I would like to “show and tell” Casey what Ald. Mary Ann Smith of the 48th Ward has done. The Berwyn Station has been completely updated beautifully. There are numerous stores, including a Jewel and Crate & Barrel, within a few feet of the Berwyn Station.
At Bryn Mawr, Smith has been instrumental in bringing in a Farmer’s Market, Woolworth’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. At Thorndale, there is a large Maytag laundry, deli, two restaurants, cleaners, etc.
I would like to add that the development has not stopped at the CTA stations. Casey is certainly right that the rail transit stations are “an unexploited urban resource. . . .”
