Chicago-Calumet River system lacks a master plan

As executive director of Friends of the Chicago River, I applaud the city of Chicago’s new Central Area Plan 2045 and its recognition that a thriving Downtown depends on a healthy, resilient and accessible Chicago River.

After 25 years of working to transform the river into a valued natural asset, I urge the Department of Planning and Development to take the next essential step: create a River Corridor Master Plan for all the reaches of the Chicago-Calumet River system in Chicago. Only a coordinated, citywide approach can ensure equitable environmental, infrastructure and economic progress for all river communities.

As reported in the Dec. 5 Sun-Times story, “Chicago’s 20-year development plan for Downtown calls for more nightlife, housing and greenery,” the plan’s emphasis on expanded riverfront paths, green space and public access is vital because the river is key to public health, climate resilience and economic growth.

Properly done, a master plan would create a blue-green corridor linking natural open spaces, continuous trails, wildlife habitat and equitable access, including opportunities for swimming and recreation.

It would also help Chicago plan for the river system’s future through clear steps, such as rezoning for evolving river-edge uses and investing in infrastructure that opens the river to more people and possibilities. A master plan could have protected the Damen Silos site from purchase, potentially preserving the historic structures along the river rather than demolishing them.

A clean, inviting river attracts businesses, residents and tourists; boosts property values; and supports recreation-based industries. The success of the Chicago Riverwalk and nearby development shows how water-focused investment can drive sustainable economic growth and community benefits.

In a denser city, the river provides essential open space, with natural banks offering tree-lined paths, wildlife encounters and peaceful places to gather or reflect — supporting the well-being of residents, workers and visitors.

Equally important, the river system is crucial to Chicago’s climate resilience. Natural riverbanks absorb storm water, reduce flooding, support biodiversity and buffer the city from extreme weather. Continued investment in restoration and green infrastructure will strengthen Chicago’s ability to adapt to climate change.

By elevating the river’s role, the Central Area Plan 2045 lays the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient and accessible Downtown. Now, Chicago must develop a comprehensive plan for the entire river system to extend these benefits citywide.

Margaret Frisbie, executive director, Friends of the Chicago River

CPD’s duty disability system hasn’t delivered for all

When I was injured on the Dan Ryan Expressway during an on-duty, high-speed chase on May 7, 2006, my life and police career turned upside down.

The right hip replacement I underwent in 2017 and other treatments tied to the incident were reviewed, approved and paid for by the city of Chicago. The city still pays for all my medications. But I'm in a bureaucratic limbo.

My last day of work was July 12, 2022. About a month later, I was told I had "exhausted" my 365 injured-on-duty days and had to apply for duty disability.

Here’s the contradiction: the city deducted my days as though my surgery was duty-related but now insists it wasn’t.

The problem started after my doctor advised me to take four to six weeks off in 2022. After just three days off, I was informed I was being reassigned and deemed unfit to serve in the Medical Integrity Unit, where I worked for 13 years with flawless reviews.

Others in that unit who had been absent much longer kept their posts, so I filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint.

That's when the city reversed course, claiming my hip injury wasn’t duty-related and told me to apply for duty disability.

As the hearing determining whether I get duty disability nears, I am again, as a Black man, reminded of the inequities.

In 2015, 347 officers collected duty disability, costing taxpayers $18 million annually. By 2020, that number had fallen to 160. From what I and many colleagues have seen, white officers — currently less than half the force — historically have made up a disproportionate amount of disability cases. Black officers, about a quarter of Chicago Police Department, and other officers of color, much less.

When my academy classmate, Sgt. Joaquin Mendoza, lost an arm, suffered strokes and endured kidney failure as a result of his COVID diagnosis, the pension board denied his disability, leaving him with half pay and no insurance. Thankfully, after a long fight, he did finally secure the benefits he was owed.

It's clear who benefits the most. Until the CPD's process for duty disability is transparent, consistent and fair, the badge will continue to protect some officers more than others. That is a betrayal no veteran — or citizen — should accept.

Timothy W. Moragne, Southwest Side

Put speed cameras on LSD

DuSable Lake Shore Drive is like a NASCAR racetrack now. Speed cameras would slow things down even if the city can't be bothered to collect those tickets. Maybe the mayor and Chicago City Council can do something about this.

Tom Vega-Byrnes, Beverly

Farmers’ hardships exacerbated by Trump

Donald Trump, the pseudo-president, says tariffs are making “farmers rich.” So why are farmers facing severe financial hardships? They can’t sell their soybeans and beef, among other products.

And now Trump is bailing out the farmers with $12 billion from the taxpayers. But he doesn’t plan to change the tariff policies that cause the damage in the first place. Unbelievable.

Lauretta Hart, West Ridge

Gaga for golf

Barack Obama’s new presidential center has a basketball court? I guarantee you, if he gets one, Donald Trump will demand another golf course at his (or at least a putting green).

Maja Ramírez, Avondale