City Announces Plans To Convert Old Rail Line In Little Village, Pilsen Into 'Paseo' Path
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The city of Chicago announced Sunday afternoon plans to convert an old railroad line into a four mile multi-purpose path from 16th to 31st streets in Little Village and Pilsen.
The proposed Paseo path will be built at grade along a mostly unused BNSF rail line and will have three main sections: on Sangamon Street between 16th and 21st Streets; Cermak Road and Blue Island, between Sangamon and Rockwell; and 26th Street between Rockwell and on off-street location at 32nd and Central Park.
The sections will be built in phases with the BNSF starting clean-up on the Sangamon section in May. That section is expected to be open for public use later in the summer. Work on the other sections could begin in the fall.
"Paseo is a community vision years in the making that is finally being realized. This is a strategic opportunity to adapt outmoded infrastructure into an important amenity that will enhance the quality of life for residents," said Mayor Emanuel. "It will move forward as a vibrant reflection of the unique cultural assets that characterize Pilsen and Little Village."
The city says funding will include local and federal sources, pending final designs.
