Sidewalks/Alleys/Fences

Report any safety concerns regarding sidewalks directly to your Alderman. Gold Coast Neighbors Association monitors sidewalk safety, commercial signage on buildings and sidewalks and fence heights for conformance.

Wooden Ally Preservation Project

GCN applauds the work of neighbors and city officials to preserve and restore the historic wooden alley located behind the Cardinal's residence. According to one source, in 1891 Chicago had 481 miles of wood-paved streets and alleys. The Gold Coast Wooden Alley is one of two remaining wood block alleys in the city; the other is on the 2100 block of North Hudson Avenue. The project involves restoring the wooden alley between State and Astor with wooden blocks, either salvaged or new, and then installing a new "green" alley on the adjacent stretch that runs from the wooden alley south to Burton Street. Former Alderman Vi Daley has put aside $160,000 for the restoration project. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2011.

Lake Shore Drive Underpass at Oak Street

GCN has been advised that the City of Chicago intends to permanently close the pedestrian underpass beneath Lake Shore Drive at Oak Street due to dangerous structural conditions. The underpass will be filled in because the cost of repairs is too high. GCN is open to exploring alternative solutions to this matter and we urge concerned residents to contact Alderman Reilly's office at (312) 642-4242 to learn more about the city's decision.