Randolph/Fulton Market area gets
millions for improvements
By Dolly Duplantier
In an era in which funding is being cut left and right, the Randolph Street/Fulton Market Area has reason to celebrate. This year businesses and residents in the area will see a three-fold increase in City funding over last year, from $700,000 to approximately $2.5 million. The area will use the money for much-needed infrastructure repairs and improvements.
According to Roger Romanelli, executive director for the Randolph Fulton
Market Association (RFMA), the announcement came in early March and work
began right away in the 1300 and 900 blocks of west Randolph St.
Romanelli believes the increase shows the City wants to retain jobs and businesses in this corridor. “They are recognizing the need for infrastructure improvements,” he said. “It’s a good testament to our organization and the businesses in the area. We’ve been pushing for substantial infrastructure investment. It’s good to see the city respond.”
“We have been trying to get money for years,” said 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. “Before the TIF (tax increment financing), we had to compete against the whole city. There wasn't that much funding. It’s been challenging over the years.
“Now with the TIF, we don’t have to compete with everyone in the city,” continued Burnett. “We have our own resources. We’ve been able to sit down with the RFMA, the Industrial Council of Near West Chicago, and the City’s Department of Planning and Development. We’re able to plan where we want the money to go.”
Plans for the funding involve three different categories: repairing vaulted sidewalks, diagonal parking, and street resurfacing.
Burnett knows the repairs will not be easy. “A lot of the money is for the infrastructure,” he said. “These streets are not like regular city streets. This has to be major construction because of the delivery trucks. You have to pull out asphalt and concrete, fix sewers, and then put back concrete and asphalt. Many haven't been done in a while.”
The vaulted sidewalks are difficult to repair. Some go down about 15 feet. Many are cracking at the surface level and have become dangerous.”
“When the vaulted sidewalks were opened, we found logistical issues,” Burnett said. “Many of the vaulted sidewalks look the same way since the City began to operate.
We are working with the companies to manage the details and meet their needs.
“Some businesses use the space under the sidewalk,” said Burnett. “They have to remove their belongings, and then a brick wall needs to be built.”
“The vaulted sidewalks have outlived their usefulness,” said Maryellen Graziano, owner of JP Graziano Grocery Company at 901 W. Randolph St. “It’s time to get them fixed.”
Graziano said work on her sidewalk is expected to begin the first or second week in July. “It will be difficult to get through it, but once it’s done it will be better,” she said.
“Years ago, the vaulted sidewalks may have been useful to unload products, but not anymore. My building is over 90 years old. Once they’re fixed, we won't have to worry about dampness caused by vaulted sidewalks.
“It’ll be easier for everyone,” continued Graziano. “We’ll have better access. It’s going to be a lot of work. It’s a massive undertaking, but there’s not anything that can be done about it. Roger has done everything he can to make it less difficult.”
With approximately 3,000 employees from more than 200 companies coming into the area each day, parking is a major concern.
Limited CTA access means business owners desperately need parking for not only their employees, but their customers as well. On May 6, a design was approved for diagonal parking on Peoria Street from Lake to Randolph Streets. The one condition to the design is that the maximum number of parking spaces be created.
“Peoria Street businesses are excited about the design,” said Romanelli. “The city realizes the need for parking. We hope this will increase parking substantially. If it works, then it will be a model for future changes.”
Street resurfacing is the third part of the plan and is scheduled for a number of streets in the area.
Some work has already been completed.
According to Burnett some streets are in very bad condition. The alderman is not sure how long it will take to finish everything, but said work will continue until all the streets are fixed. Improvements will continue to be made until the weather breaks.
One of the biggest challenges facing owners will be access to their buildings during construction.
“We get semis in with pallets,” Graziano noted. “I don’t know how we’re going to do it. We load out the front door. How do you get over the massive holes?”
“We are working with the businesses and are sensitive to their needs,” said Burnett. “We are trying to coordinate with the businesses and do the construction in such a way that they can work around the companies and their customers. I’m not sure when everything will be done, but we?re trying to get it done ASAP.”
“This has been long needed," said George Aralis, owner of Quality Food Products at 924 W. Randolph St. “They are in front of our area now. It’s being done in a timely fashion. The workers are very considerate.”
Aralis believes the area has been neglected for a long time, but he is pleased with the improvement process. “There’s been a lot of communication, no problems, and I’m happy. This will improve parking and give the sidewalks a more up-to-date look. It will improve the area.”
“The businesses are very excited and pleased with the City’s commitment to repairing and revitalizing their infrastructure,” said Romanelli. “It encourages them to invest in their plants, and to stay in Chicago.”
Romanelli could not be happier with the process. “This is a pure, excellent example of economic development,” he said. "The community, the City, and the alderman— all champions for the City and jobs.”
Romanelli also is also excited about plans for a new Chicago Transit Authority station at Morgan and Lake Streets.
“The designs for the new station will be ready at the end of the year,” he said. “We need a strong lobbying effort to the Federal, State and City governments to make sure it gets built. It’s the environmental way to travel and I'm optimistic that it will come as soon as possible. I get the sense that the City understands and is moving quickly.”
One of the largest TIF districts in America, the Randolph/Fulton Market Area covers 1,200 acres. According to Romanelli, it is expected to generate $230 million in its 23-year lifetime. It is currently in its tenth year as a TIF district. Romanelli believes it is important to highlight the significance of infrastructure improvements. The improvements are not just on the surface, but affect job creation, as well as business investment and efficiency.
Created in 1996, the RFMA is an economic and community development organization formed by local wholesale and manufacturing companies to improve business conditions and serve business needs.
