The Southeast Region Economic Strategic Plan Steering Committee

Seven African-American communities on the south side of Chicago: Chatham, Avalon Park, Burnside, Greater Grand Crossing, Roseland, South Shore and Calumet Heights are individually recognized as thriving African-American communities. The Southeast Region is filled with solid neighborhoods and communities and houses many of the middle-class African-Americans living in Chicago. In most of the region, there are comparatively more homes than apartment buildings, many two-flats, and large areas of ‘those badges of respectability, bungalows’.

However, the struggle to maintain economically viable communities in the south east region of Chicago is increasingly more difficult. These communities, like many others across the nation, are experiencing a need to reevaluate and revitalize because of both external and internal factors. These factors include a growing senior population, increasingly newer residents that have different needs, loss of living wage jobs, increase in crime, and community businesses requiring new plans for sustainability.

BERA, the University of Illinois Extension, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Chicago State University formed the Southeast Region Economic Strategic Plan Steering Committee to fulfill the vision: “Chicago’s Southeast Region:  Gateway to developing commerce, enriching culture and empowering communities”.

Currently the Committee is seeking funding to begin the strategic planning process, holding regular planning meetings, and hosting educational sessions for committee members and other interested stakeholders.

Greater Grand Crossing Strategic Planning

Currently, there is no strategic plan for this community. Two plans have been developed for this community to improve physical conditions: 71st Street Redevelopment Plan and the 87th/Cottage Grove TIF plan. A strategic plan does not duplicate these efforts—it aims to enhance and build on these other plans.

The working group consisting of BERA, the Nathalie P. Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement-University of Illinois at Chicago, and several other community groups has decided to take on three major tasks:

-Complete a resident input survey
-Complete an inventory of programs and services in Greater Grand
-Provide survey results and discussion to local stakeholders.

This project is still in progress.

The 87th and Cottage Grove TIF was approved in 2002 to “improve retail, commercial, and housing conditions; improve the relationship between the area’s diverse land uses; and attract private redevelopment.  This goal is to be achieved through an integrated and comprehensive strategy that leverages public resources to stimulate additional private investment.”

BERA organized the 87th and Cottage Grove TIF Advisory Council  which envisions itself strengthening  economic vitality via business focused programs and initiatives, community involvement, building improvements and landscaping, making the area a favored destination for businesses and people.

To help accomplish this vision, the Council completed a Business Survey, in conjunction with the University of Illinois Extension, Chicago State University: Illinois Small Business Development Center and the College of Business, and BERA. This information will help to identify training needs and workshops that will aid businesses and their employees in achieving continued success.

The Small Business Increment Financing (SBIF) Program is now available to small businesses within the 87th and Cottage Grove TIF. SBIF provides a matching grant of up to $150,000 to each eligible business located within this TIF district. Nearly $500,000 has been approved and allocated for seven businesses within the 87th and Cottage Grove TIF.  The goal is to see a million dollars worth of business improvements expended within this TIF district.

BERA is proud of establishing new leadership for the Council, while its Executive Director continues to serve in a consultative capacity.

71st Street Redevelopment

Redevelopment along the 71st Street Corridor was planned to” meet the needs of the current and new businesses, projects, and institutions within the area and be harmonious with those in the surrounding neighborhoods.” BERA organized the 71st Street Advisory Council to work with the 6th Ward Alderman and the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development to identify resources and develop strategies for the implementation and completion of the redevelopment plan. The Redevelopment Plan will assist in stimulating economic development for the Greater Grand Crossing Community.

The 71st Street Advisory Council helped to establish the 71st Street Design Guidelines and planned for Phase I of the 71st Streetscape Project. New light poles now gallantly frame 71st Street from State Street to King Drive. New curbs and sidewalks strategically house new tress and flower beds managed by BERA,  A. A. Rayner Funeral Home and St. Columbanus Church. Volunteers for this project are always welcomed. Phase IIa is currently underway-King Drive to St. Lawrence (expected completion date is summer 2009). The Advisory Council continues to work with the Department of Community Development for the completion of Phase III of the streetscape which extends from St. Lawrence to Cottage Grove.

Emmett Till Memorial Bridge

BERA is meeting with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Transportation to develop the ornamental and plaque design for the Emmett Till Memorial Bridge located at 71st Street and the Dan Ryan. The plaque was completed and installed September 2008.  A third public artwork for Emmett Till Road was installed spring of 2009 at 71st and Lafayette.  The Emmett Till plaque and the Lafayette identifier were designed by a local artist, Kymberli Yancey of Jkym-nissi Art & Design.