I’m most proud that we have been able to accomplish what I urged as our sole legislative priority in Springfield in 2008, namely, State funding for the widening of Route 59, one of our most important north/south arterials. The project should break ground in the 2011-12 time frame and provide welcome relief for our southwestern residents who drive to the Route 59 train station and beyond. 

I continue to advocate for additional Park ‘n Ride locations to ease commuter parking at both our train stations. I’m especially proud that we have secured our first such facility to serve the Downtown 5th Avenue train station at no cost to the City. As a rail commuter myself, I consider improved off-hour shuttle and cab services and more dedicated commuter parking as a priority, and I will continue to advocate for those amenities as the redevelopment of the Fifth Avenue area evolves in the coming years. We also must expand the capacity of the Chicago Avenue parking deck, particularly as we see improvements in amenities in the Downtown like North Central College’s Wentz Hall and the concert facility in Central Park.