PILSEN — A potential city beautification project could close down part of Laflin Street, turning it into a walkway benefiting Benito Juarez students and Pilsen residents, according to the city's Department of Transportation.
In addition to beautification along Blue Island Avenue between 19th and 21st streets, the $1.2 million project would convert Laflin Street into a cul-de-sac where it intersects with Blue Island and 21st at the north end of Benito Juarez Community Academy, 1450 W. Cermak Road.
Bike lanes would also be added along Blue Island Avenue, which would be converted from a two-way street to a one-way southbound street.
The proposed street beautification falls in the ward of Ald. Danny Solis (25th).
According to plans on the 25th Ward's website, the beautification would "link Benito Juarez Academy campus to the 18th Street Commercial Corridor" via a plaza and decorative pavement with planters.
The project has been submitted the Illinois Department of Transportation for approval. Currently there are no public meetings scheduled on the plan — a public meeting in January at Juarez was attended by approximately 40 people, according to Gerardo Garcia, project manager for the city department of transportation.
If approved, construction on the project would start in 2015.
