Tantalizing

The next Northerly Island, off and running

11/11/2009 10:00 PM

Editorial

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The Chicago Park District’s planning process for Northerly Island is off to a good start. They’ve assembled a design team studded with stars — including Jeanne Gang, of Studio Gang Architects, especially — and seem committed to taking public input seriously.

Our hope is that input will keep Northerly Island green and free from the city’s urban clatter. Vehicle access thus should be extremely limited. Garish advertising and commercial ventures have no place on the island, save perhaps a café.

We suggest removing the massive concert venue that currently exists there, and keeping a wary eye on overprogramming the site. Northerly Island, in its next phase, cannot be all things to all people, all users. So long as residents and designers stick to a green-and-serene approach, the park will turn out fine.

The first takes on new designs for the island are, indeed, tantalizing. We’re especially taken by the thought of new barrier islands dotting the lakefront, creating new habitats and ecosystems for birds, fish and other species in the Great Lakes region. Including humans.

Perhaps that’s a bit far-fetched, money-wise. We don’t know how the final design, when it’s drawn up, will be paid for. But that doesn’t mean residents shouldn’t dream about Northerly’s green and fascinating future.


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