CTA officials announced yesterday that they’ve narrowed the possible routes for the proposed Circle Line to three options. The Circle Line, which would cover an area roughly six times larger than the current Loop system, might run along Ashland Avenue, Ashland and Ogden avenues or the Western Avenue corridors.
Development in Chicago has always followed growing train lines, though in this case, the reverse seems to be true. Development has spread outward from the Loop like ripples in a pond emanating from the spot where a giant bag of money was dropped like a stone. Gentrification has pushed through the now chic West Loop and west of Ashland Avenue. What effect would construction of the Circle Line have on Near West neighborhoods where speculation and development already have driven prices through the roof? Click on “Comments” below to give us your take.