Let's Use that Riverfront

Cities and towns across the US are discovering that there is money to be made in their riverfronts. And that is not to mention the great aesthetics of a water view. Chicago is among these with it's mile-long Riverwalk between Lake Shore Drive and Franklin Street. This is Mayor Richard M. Daley's project, and yesterday, he announced that seven summertime businesses were going to be opening along it.

Five of them will be outdoor cafes offering food from French to hot dogs. There will also be a bicycle rental place.

Mayor Daley sees this as only the beginning and I would imagine he hopes to have something along the lines of San Antonio's famed River Walk. That was an impressive place when we visited it.

One problem to be overcome are the bridge structures between the two roads. Plans are for eight under-bridge pedestrian walkways extending 15-20 feet out into the river. Each one will cost an estimated $5 million.

Chicago Tribune July 7- "Chicago Riverwalk gains food, services" by Gary Washburn.

Nothing like a Water View. --RoadDog