Chicago's 'Chance for Change'

There are a lot a mixed emotions about Chicago's loss to Rio for the 2016 Olympics. People worried about the millions of dollars of lost revenue and the tax implications placed on the city's taxpayers are looming issues. While many thought that an 80,000 seat Olympic sports stadium was not exactly what Chicago needed, others saw it as an opportunity to draw attention to a city, little known by the world, as one of the greatest cities in the Country. But now with the Olympic plans gone, what future plans could Chicago have for a second 'Chance for Change'? Unfortunately, demolition had already begun on the Michael Reese Hospital's property, bulldozing a formal designed landscape feature. Also, a large piece of land was already being cleared for what was going to be the Olympic Village, which now poses a dilemma for the city.

Some issues and benefits are apparent with the Olympics not being held in Chicago: the lessening of traffic congestion, the lessened threat of international and/or homegrown terrorism, the elimination of the threat to the integrity of our lake front parks, and freedom of movement by the average citizen, e.g., being able to "cross a bridge" (Katrina). On the other hand, by not having the 2016 Olympics would mean fewer job opportunities, loss of tourism revenue to restaurants, hotels and the general hospitality industry throughout Chicago. Also, both the long and short term loss of general business and real estate investment opportunities that would have given the city yet another outlet to show off the city.

But, now that the city's taxpayers don't have to worry about the huge cost that would have been needed in infrastructure, and in industrial and residential building construction, maybe we do have another real 'Chance for Change' in that the focus could now be on meeting the basic needs of the people of Chicago that have long been forgotten, e.g., housing, transportation, education, and homelessness. Chicago's bus and rail lines need improvement, such as environmentally cleaner CTA buses, and bringing the "L" system up to the 21st century. Currently, the city has trouble handling the transportation issues for Chicago's population of 9.6 million, a rise of 73,000 between 2007 and 2008.

So, we now have another opportunity to show the world what can be accomplished by "NOT" getting the bid for the Olympics. It is that our city takes pride in its people and not just big corporate conglomerates. Yet another 'Chance for Change.'