City announces first steps to long-term Lake Michigan beach erosion solutions

CHICAGO (WLS) — Regardless of the season, the lakefront from the south all the way in which to frame of Evanston is taken into account Chicago’s crown jewel.

“It’s the rationale I stay right here, I’ve a water view it’s therapeutic its unimaginable,” mentioned Rogers Park resident Nicholas Barron.

Residents with these unimaginable views have had a firsthand have a look at seashores disappearing due to erosion.

Juneway Terrace Seaside is Jenny Learner’s childhood seashore. She now lives in an condo proper subsequent door overlooking the lake. Learner mentioned the erosion has brought about the inspiration in her constructing to sink a number of ft

“The waves the opposite day we’re coming all the way in which up right here, the water was hitting the window,” she mentioned.

As a brief time period repair to forestall additional erosion, boulders and concrete partitions have been in place at Juneway and different Chicago seashores.

“You are able to do these Band-Assist fixes, however on the finish of the day, it’s not going to be alongside tern resolution,” mentioned Steve Fischer, Military Corp of Engineers Chicago District.

Thursday, step one in direction of a long run resolution was introduced. With the assistance of federal funds underneath the brand new infrastructure invoice, a examine might be performed to give you options for a number of seashores from Juneway all the way in which to the South Water Purification Plant.

“I’m grateful now we have damaged the logjam and gotten the assets to maneuver ahead,” mentioned Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

The examine will take three years. The following step is for Congress to acceptable funds for the long run initiatives. Mayor Lightfoot mentioned it may price over $500 million, however she mentioned the funding is effectively price it.

Lightfoot mentioned saving Chicago’s shoreline just isn’t solely important for the town’s economic system, however for all residents who’re fortunate sufficient stay close to the Lake or proper on it.