CDOT, Rogers Park Community Leaders, Alders Vasquez, Hadden, and Manaa-Hoppenworth Unveil Redesigned Clark and Devon Streetscape

Chicago - Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner Tom Carney, alongside 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden, 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, and 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez, celebrated the completion of a transformative streetscape redesign and improvement project along Clark Street, from Devon Avenue to Arthur Avenue. Joined by the Rogers Park Business Alliance and other community members, the group highlighted the project's improvements to traffic safety, walkability, and beautification, including the conversion of a segment of Arthur Avenue into a community gathering space and the revitalization of the plaza at Clark Street and Schreiber Avenue.

"The completion of the Clark and Devon streetscape project marks a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to enhance Chicago's infrastructure in a manner that prioritizes pedestrians and improves quality of life for residents," said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. "We're grateful for the collaboration of Wards 49, 48, and 40, along with the Rogers Park Business Alliance, throughout the design and construction of this transformative project."

The streetscape improvement project is a key milestone in the Vision Clark Street Corridor Master Plan, which seeks to transform Clark Street into a lively commercial corridor that serves as a gateway to Rogers Park and Edgewater. The project includes several significant enhancements:

• New public open space between Clark Street and Ashland Avenue. By closing one block of Arthur Avenue to motor vehicle traffic, the area has been converted into a pedestrian space featuring a landscaped walking path, decorative pavers, and benches.
• Renovated plaza space at Clark Street and Schreiber Avenue, in front of the Chicago Police Department's 24^th District station, featuring decorative pavers, landscaping, trees, seating, and a neighborhood identifier.
• New sidewalks, pavement markings, street trees, and lighting to create a more welcoming and vibrant corridor.
• Shortened pedestrian crossing distances and new mid-block crossing near Arthur Avenue.
• Roadway resurfacing, drainage improvements, and new curb and gutter to address longstanding infrastructure needs.

"The nonprofit Rogers Park Business Alliance initiated the Vision Clark Street Master Plan in 2018 to elevate Clark Street into a more vibrant and sustainable commercial corridor. We are proud to see the development on Clark Street come to fruition as part of the multi-year strategic plan," says RPBA Executive Director Sandi Price. "During this process, we worked with community members and key stakeholders to bring authentic branding, streetscape improvement and public space beautification that serve Clark Street's top priorities. Clark and Devon are both critical arteries within our community, home to many entrepreneurs and small businesses. We are confident the new improvements will bring vital business energy and an enhanced sense of living to this thriving intersection."

"This streetscape improves the plaza in front of the 24th Police District, making the space more accessible to all, and also adds a community space between Clark and Ashland," said Alderman Vasquez. "By creating the opportunities and environments for our neighbors to come together, increase safety and connect our community!"

"I am proud to support investments in our pedestrian environment by making our streets safer, more inviting, and strengthening our local small businesses. Projects such as this get us to those goals," said Alderwoman Hadden.

"I'm proud to support investment in infrastructure that centers pedestrians and celebrates our local communities. We all deserve a safe and beautiful place to live," said Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth.

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