In this issue, we summed up what we thought were some of the biggest local stories that affected Chicago Journal readers. It was a busy year, particularly at the top of the city, where Mayor Rahm Emanuel took over.

But a lot of what happened this year simply set the stage for what will happen in 2012. So with that in mind, here are a few things we hope to see next year.

More activity on Motor Row. When Ald. Bob Fioretti first started pitching a plan to revitalize that all-too-quiet strip of South Michigan Avenue earlier this year, it quickly made sense. The ornate old auto dealerships are perfect for new businesses, especially entertainment-oriented ones like Fioretti targeted.

Right now, that stretch is just begging for some activity, and it looks like it’s coming. Broad Shoulders Brewing, the new beer emporium, has a website up and running. Cheap Trick’s lead guitarist Rick Nielsen was recently interviewed by Fox Chicago News’ Bob Sirott, and it sounds like that venue’s moving forward.

Let’s see this thing get rolling. There’s so much promise in the area, and boosting it would be a huge boon for Chicago’s convention industry at Motor Row, as well.

Get Pete’s Fresh Market moving finally. It seems like every few months we write that Pete’s is finally supposed to do something or other. Then we drive past the site, and it’s the same old fenced-off vacant lot it has been for years.

We don’t know whose fault this is. Is grocery store management just dragging their feet? Are they having problem navigating the city’s byzantine permit system?

Frankly, we’re just mystified. Pete’s has other locations in the city, so it’s not like this is their first time at this.

Regardless, we want this store to open, and we hope the last target date we heard — the end of 2012 — is still a possibility. The Near West Side could use a boost like this big grocery store.

Another new aldermanic map. Let’s be honest — the two that are out right now stink. But the Hispanic Caucus map is slightly better for the West Loop and South Loop. We unilaterally reject the Black Caucus’ map, which would send the 2nd Ward up to Lake View.

Ald. Fioretti has been a good voice for the community and has done a good job of listening to his constituents, getting things done while simultaneously being an independent voice in the city council. He doesn’t deserve to be gerrymandered into another alderman’s ward.

Let’s see another whack at this. And hey, let’s try to keep neighborhoods together, why don’t we.

---

By Boxer from South Loop
Posted: 01/03/2012 7:38 PM

They are planning to expand the sidewalks. There was alot of planning about 10 years ago and they got held up so they did what they could. Not only is the street dead looking due to underdevelopment, but small sidewalks that are not wide enought to have trees, so it is a domino effect right now. Bars, restaurants and pedestrians want wider sidewalks for easy passage, patio seating and aesthetics. It will also create a slow zone and more of a pedestrian feel street (like Lake St in Oak Park)

---

By Daniel from Printers Row
Posted: 01/03/2012 6:46 PM

Fioretti - deaf ear? From your lips to Gods ears. But actually the sidewalks and most of the street work has been complete there for 2 years alread, far ahead of how it was done in the mid 1990\'s around Roosevelt. There is really not that much to do regarding public utility as it is already completed.

---

By Boxer from South Loop
Posted: 01/03/2012 6:39 PM

Re: Motor Row and Ald Fioretti , I am concerned that with the new ward maps that this will fall on deaf ears once again if we lose him. Is there a committee in place currently? Also, I hope Cheap Trick has the financing in place and is leveraging TIF funds without 100% relying on Landmark Developer which has some other issues it it trying to sort out. I hope the Ald can leave a legacy with atleast this venue completed and new sidewalks by offering whatever resources r needed to get this done.