Saturday was a beautiful day for walking around, driving around and hanging around Pilsen, and I did a bit of each over a 3-hour span from late morning to early afternoon. The first part of my drive is in the video above. The second part is at YouTube, where you’ll also find a report on change in Pilsen and a look at the coal-fired Fisk Generating Station on Cermak Rd.
You can see more Pilsen video at our YouTube playlist.
Joe,
You mention in your video that you are not a “CTA guy,” but in addition to shooting videos of the neighborhood, I’d think you’d gain some insight as to the demographic changes occuring if you were to take a ride on the #60 bus and Pink line trains during the morning and afternoon rush hours.
Prior to a few years ago, very few non Latinos and African Americans rode the #60 bus beyond the Taylor Street/Racine intersection (UIC/Little Italy), and the Polk (Medical Center) stop on the Pink Line in the afternoons and (very few came from south of those stops in the mornings.) The diversity of those transit lines (at least outside of the Loop) has increased tremendously in the last few years. A significant trickle of white collar professionals of all races are beginning to utilize the 18th and Damen stops on the Pink Line, as well as the Blue Island stops between 16th and Ashland (not to mention the dozens that get on at 14th and 15th streets) on the #60.
This is not a fully scientific method (but neither is taking videotape of random Pilsen blocks) but rather a different approach in trying to address your initial question.
James,
I haven’t disputed the fact of change in Pilsen, only the scope, pace and significance of it.
Your method of gauging change is as good as any, and can be approximated by standing outside the stations as well as by riding the train.