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Bridgeport Year in Review: What Had Locals Talking in 2014

By Casey Cora | December 30, 2014 7:14am
 A look back at 2014's biggest stories in the Bridgeport area.
A look back at 2014's biggest stories in the Bridgeport area.
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DNAinfo/Casey Cora

BRIDGEPORT — The year 2014 was transformative for Bridgeport and its surrounding neighborhoods. 

Political campaigns aimed at upending decades of 11th Ward leadership were launched, while some old important buildings were torn down. Ambitious new food and drink businesses are drawing new crowds to Bridgeport and energizing those already here. And Chinatown's influence on the South Side, and the city as a whole, continues to grow. 

Here's a look back at six of the year's biggest stories. 

1. Balcer's Exit Opens Door for a Daley: James Balcer, longtime alderman of the 11th Ward and a Vietnam War veteran, announced he'd ride out his term then step down to seek treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The move paved the way for the candidacy of Patrick D. Thompson — relative of the Daley political dynasty — to make his run. But two challengers, progressive activist Maureen Sullivan and law student John Kozlar, have set out to prove the coveted seat is anything but a birthright. 

2. Heliport Hullabaloo After months of contentious back-and-forth between Bridgeport residents and the management of Chicago Helicopter Express, the helicopter tour company was ultimately given the OK from the City Council to open a heliport at 24th and Canal streets on the bank of the Chicago River. The company promises local jobs, a quiet fleet and a shot in the arm to the local economy. But many residents — already ailing from the buzzing of jets headed to Midway International Airport — are preparing for a new noise intrusion.

3. Bridgeport Gets Brewing: It seems like craft breweries are springing up in every Chicago neighborhood, so it was just a matter of time before Bridgeport entered the fray. And what a splash it's made. Marz Community Brewing, a small-batch brewery started by some of the beer geeks who work and drink at Maria's, is kicking out crazy unique beers — including Umami Stout aged in soy sauce barrels and a spiced porter inspired by Vietnamese Pho soup — which can be found in limited release at Chicago's better beer bars. 

4. Chinatown Prepares for the Future: The neighborhood was already on a roll in 2013, with the completion of two big projects, an architecturally significant boathouse and showcase field house at Ping Tom Memorial Park. But 2014 proved even more transformative. In addition to building a state-of-the-art library in the heart of the neighborhood, the city is unclogging one of the confusing intersections as it creates the Wells-Wentworth Connector, a road giving commuters (and tourists) easy access to and from the Loop.

5. History Gets Demolished: One of the first planned industrial parks in the nation, the once-mighty Central Manufacturing District was a dream come true for the titans of Chicago industry, with its 265-acre acres of connected buildings complete with its own police force, fire department, rail lines and ritzy club for executives. But several of the buildings, including the Wrigley Gum factory, have met the wrecking ball in 2014 leading to a call to arms from preservationist groups to salvage what's left. 

6. The Duck Inn Arrives Chef Kevin Hickey has traveled across the globe, bringing his high-end cooking to fancy kitchens and ritzy hotels. Perhaps none of the Bridgeport native's projects has been met with more anticipation than The Duck Inn, the "gastrotavern" that opened in December. Already, the food, beer and cocktail menus are piling up rave reviews from Bridgeporters and North Siders who've finally found a reason to head south.

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