This video was presented at the SOAR July 2021 Land Use and Development Task Force Meeting. This video was presented by Majed Abdulsamad, an Architect and Urban Designer currently working in the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), part of the Bloomberg Initiative for Global Safety in New York. Majed’s brother is Malek Abdulsamad, a member of the SOAR Board of Directors.

This video will take you on a tour of several other cities around the world who are creatively activating their streets. Following the video, Task Force Members discuss ideas about how to activate streets in Streeterville.

Land Use

Assist SOAR President in work on the Future of Chicago Committee
Gather & review of Streeterville 10 Year Plan (2005, 2015 Target Completion in 2025)
Review and monitor new development projects and potential developments on monthly basis such as
400 LSD
Tribune Tower
Tribune East Tower
Northwestern University vacant sites
Outdoor cafés
Urban Kayak’s plans;
Vacant Lots; etc

Traffic & Transportation

Connect with CDOT (Mollie Samadi) & Aldermen (2nd & 42nd Ward) regarding loading study status and funding
Rail to Trails idea for Carroll Avenue Transit-Way-Review status
Emphasize river transportation, water taxi stop at end of Ogden Slip at McClurg and other opportunities
Review Divvy locations and advise Aldermen
Consideration of speed bumps on McClurg south of Illinois
Campus Task Force meetings to annually review TMP

Planning Projects

Revitalize connections with Chicago Department of Planning
Review of CDP webinar for Planned Development Projects
Review of community engagement guidelines from webinar & adapt for SOAR
Redefine the Drive: Presentation to Task Force & Board
Monitor Navy Pier Projects – new harbor, hotel opening, etc

Parks Development: Policy & Development

Ogden Plaza Review: Status from Alderman – then Planning
Liaison with PACS
- DuSable Park
- Lakeshore Park
- Jane Addams Park
- Seneca Park
Assessment of open space needs for residents, children & dogs