Participatory Budgeting 2024 Results!
For the very first time, 48th ward neighbors voted to let us know how we should spend $1 million of our infrastructure budget. Thanks to everyone who casted a 2024 Participatory Budgeting ballot! We received a total of 817 votes and the winning projects are:
Sheridan Road Crosswalks/Pedestrian Safety
Senn Sport Space
Nature Play Space
T-Intersection Safety
Glenwood & Ardmore Raised Intersection
Neighbors voted to allocate 20% of the $1 million to general infrastructure repairs and resurfacing.
SHERIDAN ROAD CROSSWALKS/PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
This ballot item funded decorative crosswalks on Sheridan Road at the intersections of Rosemont, Granville, Glenlake, Thorndale, and Ardmore to improve visibility of pedestrians. It also included inlaid thermoplastic on Sheridan Road at the
intersections of Granville and Thorndale. Inlaid thermoplastic increases pedestrian safety by drawing more attention to the intersection.
SENN SPORT SPACE
In collaboration with the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools, this is a project to update the Senn Sport Space next to Senn High School with regulation size soccer,
football, baseball, and softball areas. The total cost of this project is estimated at $3 million, and will require multiple funding sources. In 2024, neighbors voted to dedicate $250,000 of ward menu funds to get the Senn Sport Space Vision off of the ground and solidify our community’s commitment to a premier field for Senn High School and the wider community. (Images show Schurz High School for reference)
NATURE PLAY SPACE
In collaboration with the Chicago Park District, the Nature Play Space is an addition to the existing Senn Playground on Elmdale. Nature Play Spaces are designed with elements of nature that can be manipulated and moved. Each space is a collaborative effort, unique to the ecology of the
site and the needs of the community. Designing, planting, building, and caring for the Nature Play Space is a ongoing creative project and a rewarding multi-generational effort.
T-INTERSECTION SAFETY
In collaboration with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), this option was for pedestrian safety measures at three t-intersections, which tend to be more dangerous for pedestrians than 4-way intersections. This project included bump outs at Olive & Glenwood, Gregory & Clark, and Elmdale &
Magnolia. Bump outs are an extension of the sidewalk zone intended to calm motorized traffic and create additional space for pedestrians.
GLENWOOD/ARDMORE RAISED INTERSECTION
Raised intersections slow traffic by adding slight upward ramps at each intersection approach, creating a speed table. This improves visibility of pedestrians, reduces motor vehicle speeds, and increases pedestrian safety. The Chicago Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Complete Streets team has committed
$250,000 for a raised intersection at Thorndale and Glenwood. Our project was to add a second raised intersection at Ardmore and Glenwood, creating the look and feel of a school zone next to Senn High School.
The projects that didn't make the cut in 2024 (Public Art, the Goudy Greenhouse, and the Tennis/Pickleball Court) will be automatically added to the ballot for 2025 along with new proposed projects.
Want to propose an infrastructure project for PB 2025? share your input via the forms on this page of our site. We want to bring PB engagement opporunities directly to you. Interested in hosting your own PB 2025 community engagement meeting where you can propose and discuss project ideas? Reach out to development@the48thward.org.