Congratulations to Blair Kamin for his incisive article (Tempo, Aug. 1) on River East, Daniel McLean’s proposal for development of 13 acres of Cityfront Center. This huge project will have ramifications far beyond the immediate Streeterville neighborhood and will affect the skyline, riverfront and vital traffic arteries of the city.
Major changes have occurred in southern Streeterville in the 12 years since the city approved the Planned Unit Development for Cityfront Center. Many homes and apartment buildings have been constructed, as well as a new convention hotel, the NBC Tower and the University of Chicago’s Gleacher Center. The area’s streets have become a passageway for millions of motorists destined for the attractions of the new Navy Pier or seeking access to Lake Shore Drive. These changes have significantly altered the premises on which the 1985 Planned Unit Development was granted.
The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) believes, in light of these major changes, that River East should receive the full evaluation process required of new developments. We have written to the Department of Planning requesting such a review. Public hearings would afford the business community and neighborhood groups an opportunity to ensure that River East will be a successful addition to Streeterville. The legacy and vibrancy of North Michigan Avenue must continue into River East, both in architectural design and in business/residential compatibility.
