McKinley Park Neighborhood Plan

• Commercial corridors in McKinley Park are heavy traffic roadways that make walking and biking uncomfortable and unsafe. This is particularly true for main north-south roads that connect to I-55 like Ashland, Damen, and Archer avenues. While sidewalks are available on both sides of most roads, the proximity to fast-moving traffic and lack of streetscaping elements make biking and walking uncomfortable, particularly along Archer and Ashland avenues.
• While the community faces strong competition from nearby shopping retailers, customers from McKinley Park and surrounding areas come in to the community to shop. Retail demand data indicates potential to capture some retail dollars currently being spent outside of the market area.
• There is significant concern over vacancy and turnover rates along the 35th Street corridor. As it is designed to accommodate pedestrian-oriented commercial development, 35th Street provides a desirable location for many businesses. With innovative approaches, a supportive business environment can address high vacancy and turnover rates.

Table 5.1 Crash Data at Key Intersections in McKinley Park

Source: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)