Report prioritizes Chicago lakefront development
A new report envisions wildlife areas, commerce and recreation along a large swath of open lakefront land along Lake Michigan southeast of downtown and near Lake Calumet.
The 140,000-acre Millennium Reserve project is a joint effort by state, federal and local officials to restore onetime industrial land into recreational space.
A task force released a report on Monday with 14 recommendations meant to improve the environment and the area's economy.
They include creating areas for biking, walking, camping and paddling, as well as restoring wildlife habitat. The plan also recommends building a rowing center on the Cal-Sag Channel and creating areas for manufacturing.
The project is part of President Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has said the reserve will create a "recreational frontier" for the region.