CTA: Will you help Bridgeport?

Diana.

 The folks at First Lutheran Church of the Trinity in Bridgeport think the 31^st St. Bus is a great idea.  In fact, they want more of it.  More hours, a longer route, and especially access to the beach. 

Folks remember this bus from way back.  Diana, in fact, used to take it when she was a lifeguard at the 31^st St. Beach.  Now, she says, “I wish it came on the weekends.  I wish it ran for the summer months, for the kids.”  The proposed route provides only weekday service and will likely run from September to February. 

Eva, who was visiting the weekly clothing and food pantry at the church, thinks the bus would be great for the economy of Bridgeport—and beyond. ““I’m lucky, I live on 35^th . . . , but sometimes I happen to be over here [because of] the park or the store. . . . The college kids would probably need it to go from the college to the store. Or to go to Midway [via the Orange Line].”

Eva and daughter Anjeli.

The bus might be more help to the community without its current proposed hours, however, which stretch from 10am to 7pm.  Linda, another Bridgeporter who remembers the old route, says, “I remember, a long time ago, they used to have it.  I used to catch it all the time. . . . When I was, like, 16, 17 years old.  I used to work for the Jewel on the corner here [of Halsted and 31^st].”  But could today’s teenager working at Cermak produce or Walgreen’s fit a busy work/school schedule into these nine awkwardly timed hours of bus service?

But the really resounding desire, on this sticky day in July, is for an extended route that goes all the way to the 31^st St. Beach.  All three women agree on the biggest failure of the route. Says Linda, “Summer, winter, sometimes people just want to go to the lake.  Instead of walking. . . . Some elderly people can’t drive, you know? . . . It’s hard for the elderly people.  It’s hard for them.  It would be nice for them to have a bus to ride.” 

Linda.

But perhaps Linda sums it up best: “They should start thinking more within the community, what the people really need.”

Chicago Transit Authority, will you help Bridgeport get what it needs?

Want to get involved in the campaign for better public transportation in Bridgeport?  Here's what you can do:

• Attend a Bridgeport Alliance general meeting on last Thursdays at 7pm at First Trinity's Community Hall.
• Call 11th Ward Patrick Daley Thompson at (773) 254-667.
• Or just e-mail Bridgeport Alliance at BridgeportAlliance@gmail.com!
  
  Article by Theresa Rothschadl, photographs by Brendan Brown. 

Press Release - Bridgeport, Chinatown Community Groups Continue to Push for 31st Street Bus, Address CTA Board

**FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE**

June 28, 7:30AM

Monday evening, Jun 27, members of Bridgeport Alliance and Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community met with 11th Ward Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson, requesting that he sign on to a letter addressed to Dorval Carter, president of the Chicago Transit Authority, and the CTA Board.

The letter [attached] expresses gratitude that the years of work community groups put into lobbying for the restored route paid off, but disappointment that the six month pilot route (first expected to be a 12 month pilot) is lacking in morning commute hours, evening access, and access to the beach, leaving stranded seniors, students, and other active and potentially active community members.  

Upon interview, emphasizing the need for a full bus route, Debbie Liu, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, noted “31st St has changed in the two decades since the original CTA bus #31 has been axed. The demographics of the neighborhoods have changed and more Asian Americans who often are first generation immigrants and may be low-income (and seniors!) have settled in the area. Additionally, there is a trend of people are choosing not to own cars, creating a need for good, reliable public transportation options. The current ‘approved’ bus route is inadequate and will not serve the morning rush hour, the late nights, the weekends and is falling short of our expectations as it does not go to Museum Campus nor Mercy Hospital. We have hopes that we can come to a consensus with elected officials and city agencies to create a bus route and schedule that works for everyone.”

Esau Chavez, an IIT student, noted “I need the 31st street bus route to be better serviced as a resident of the southwest side to better connect me with my university; and as a student to open up shopping and leisure opportunities along the 31st street corridor.”

Benjamin Huey, Bridgeport Alliance member, and Rev. Tom Gaulke, pastor at First Trinity Lutheran Church noted that with the current proposal, people can still not get to church, to meditation, to bible study, or to morning worship services, as the route will not begin until 10AM. 

Quade Gallagher, Co-Chair of Bridgeport Alliance along with Suzanne Goebel, expressed that "the bus is essential for folks looking to move around the neighborhood easily and safely, to get to work, to get to essential services and public amenities. Bridgeport Alliance has made this very clear to Alderman Thompson and we look forward to his continued to support of our campaign and our community."

State Representative elect, Theresa Mah, signed onto the letter earlier this week, and the group is hopeful the the Alderman will sign on this afternoon, after review. 

"I'm excited about working with the Alderman to ensure the needs of the community are met, and we get a bus that will get me and my neighbors to work, play, the beach, hospitals,” said Brian Cerullo, BA member, and Bridgeport resident and enthusiast. 

The group plans to mail the letter to President Carter and the CTA, and to deliver it person, with their officials, at the next board meeting, July 13, 10AM, 567 W. Lake St. 

Here Comes the Bus!

Bridgeport Alliance is proud to announce that its efforts have been met with partial success!  As announced by Alderman Patrick Thompson earlier today, the Chicago Transit Authority has agreed to reinstate the 31 bus line on an experimental basis.  

This victory comes after three years of work by Bridgeport Alliance, which has organized many meetings and events to both raise awareness and push decision makers to reinstate the 31st Street route.  Our 2014 lobbying trip to Congressman Dan Lipinki’s front door—we found him gardening—was particularly spirited.  See our photo petition here and our Bike and Rolls along the route here.  

Recently, building an alliance with North Side activists by forming the CTA31/CTA11 Crosstown Bus Coalition was particularly powerful.  The support of Aldermen Patrick Thompson (11th Ward), Ameya Pawar (47th Ward), and Michele Smith (43rd Ward) has also been pivotal.  

Stay tuned for more information about a celebratory party!

We would like to thank the Crosstown Coalition, the aldermen, and the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community for being our staunch allies.  Especially, thank you, people of Bridgeport and Chinatown, for your fighting spirit.

Information on the specifics of the pilot route is incomplete, so let’s keep up the activism!  Please check back to our blog for more on this exciting development in the coming days. 

PLEASE RIDE THE 31ST STREET BUS!

For a DNAinfo article, click here.

North and South Sides unite for better busing!

The CTA31/CTA11 Crosstown Bus Coalition has made waves!  Riding a rising tide of support, the group—made up of allied activists from the 11th and 47th Wards—packed the house at the Chicago Transit Authority’s October 14th board meeting.  The diverse crowd ranged from Chinatown senior citizens to Aldermen Patrick Thompson and Ameya Pawar. Most were clad in distinctive yellow t-shirts declaring their passion for reclaiming public transportation in Chicago (see picture).

Mr. Deng, leader of the Pine Tree Senior Council, said, “I am so proud to represent the Chinese community to express our need of the #31 bus. I will continue to fight until they give us a satisfied response.”

Alderman Thompson of the 11th Ward spoke about how extensively the 31st Street corridor has change since the 1990s, when the route was cut.  The thriving business district at 31st and Morgan, plus the construction of beautiful new harbor and park facilities at the 31st Street Beach, mean that restoring the route makes good sense. He requested a feasibility study or test route extending from Ashland Avenue to the Museum Campus.

Of course, our political and crosstown allies have only made Bridgeport Alliance’s position stronger.  As Ruby Pinto, president of Bridgeport Alliance, said, “In both the 11th and 47th wards, we deserve better. It's a joy to unite with our friends to the north in such an important effort.”

Vote Today!

This is just a reminder about Chicago's most exciting election in a generation! It comes to a head today, so please remember to vote.  If you've got questions or need to find your polling place, please visit the Chicago Board of Elections website here.

Groucho for Mayor!

April Fools, at least about the Groucho part.  This is just a reminder that April 7, 2015, marks the mayoral runoff election for the city of Chicago.  Don't forget to head to the polls to choose between candidates Jesus "Chuy" Garcia and Rahm Emanuel.  If you're a citizen of the 11th Ward, two candidates for alderman, Patrick Daley Thompson and John Kozlar, will also be on the ballot. 

Questions about voting or about the candidates?  Follow the links below. 

Chicago Board of Elections

 

Jesus "Chuy" Garcia
Rahm Emanuel

Patrick Daley Thompson

John Kozlar

Format For 11th Ward Aldermanic Forum: Three candidates confirmed

CHICAGO – The Bridgeport Alliance today announced the format for a forum with candidates running for Alderman of the 11th ward. The 2015 election marks the first time in over three decades that an incumbent is not running for the seat. The debate is scheduled to be held January 25 at 3:00pm at First Trinity Lutheran Church at 643 W 31st Street.

“Eleventh ward residents have a clean slate this year,” said Bridgeport Alliance chairperson Ruby Pinto. “During the debate we’re hoping to learn about the candidates and equip voters with the knowledge to confidently cast their ballots on February 24.” 

Each candidate will be given three minutes for an opening statement. Opening statements will be followed by questions that have been submitted by 11th Ward residents. Prior to the forum, candidates were given a list of the topics to be addressed, but not specific questions.

Candidates will have two minutes to answer each question. The event is a forum as opposed to a debate and candidates are encouraged to answer the questions directly.

Questions will be posed in a revolving order so that no candidate is “always first” or “always has the final word.”

To conclude the forum, each candidate will offer a closing statement. After the forum, all are welcome to stay and chat with candidates, enjoy cookies and coffee, and meet neighbors.

Bridgeport Alliance has secured confirmation of attendance from all three candidates vying for the seat including John Kozlar, Maureen Sullivan and Patrick Thompson. The three confirmed candidates have all successfully gained enough signatures to be on the February ballot. 

During the planning phase, Bridgeport Alliance has invited community groups throughout the 11th ward to be co-hosts and submit questions or subjects for discussion during the debate. 

“We’re hoping to turn out a large, diverse crowd,” said Pinto. “The 11th ward is home to large numbers of Asian, Latino and European groups and we want all of them to be able to make informed decisions at the ballot box.”

A voter registration table will also be set up. Volunteers will be on hand to help individuals register to vote. 

Pinto says that the Bridgeport Alliance has secured Chinese and Spanish translators for the debate. “No one should be excluded because of a language barrier,” she said. The debate will also be recorded and made available online after the event for those who are unable to attend. 

In seeking a moderator for the debate, several candidates were vetted. Librarian Rebecca Berg was selected as the moderator for the debate. Berg has helped cull submitted questions and will promote robust discussion on topics important to residents. 

“Our next Alderman has the ability to shape the direction of the 11th ward for years to come,” said Pinto. “Residents have a duty to themselves and their neighbors in February. We’re excited for this opportunity to help set the tone and ensure that the people are heard.”

The forum will be held this Sunday

Aldermanic Forum Coming Up!

https://www.facebook.com/events/574680952658792/

Blue Cart Recycling coming to Bridgeport

Found this on the 11th ward blog today!

Blue Cart Recycling 2013

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer, along with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson are happy to announce that the city’s Blue Cart Recycling Program will be rolling out in the 11th Ward very soon. Service Roll Out will be August 12 or August 19, depending on the zone. For more information, please check out the website: www.chicagorecycles.org.