BREAKING: Englewood’s long-closed Racine Green Line station is on track for a major revival, with the Illinois state government announcing plans to reopen it by January 1, 2029. This significant development follows the signing of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act by Gov. JB Pritzker, which allocates $1.5 billion for public transportation improvements across the region.
Residents and advocates have fought tirelessly for this moment, as the station has remained shuttered for over 30 years. Originally closed in January 1994 for what was intended to be a two-year hiatus, the community has long awaited its return. “It felt like the city didn’t care about us,” said Taqi Thomas of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network, reflecting the sentiments of many local residents who viewed the station’s closure as a loss of hope.
The newly signed Act, denoted as SB 2111, mandates the renovation or construction of a new station within the Englewood area. The initiative also includes the restoration of the CTA Blue Line’s Central station. Community organizers, spearheaded by the Go Green On Racine team, have been instrumental in pushing for this reopening. Their efforts, which include a successful advisory referendum question on the 2023 ballot that received overwhelming local support, have reignited hopes for the community.
Advocates previously secured $2 million in state funding for a feasibility study to assess the reopening of the station. Early estimates suggest the total cost for the project could reach around $100 million. The Go Green On Racine team, comprising local organizations such as Teamwork Englewood and the Resident Association of Greater Englewood, aims to revitalize the 63rd Street corridor alongside the station’s reopening.
Thomas expressed optimism about the future: “I’m hoping that this can respark hope in our community because that’s the one thing that we’ve lost.” The revitalization aligns with other community efforts, including the opening of the Go Green Community Fresh Market and the transformation of local spaces into hubs for dining and affordable housing.
As plans unfold, local residents anticipate a station that reflects their community’s rich history and potential. Thomas envisions a “vibrant representation of what Englewood really is,” fostering pride among residents.
What’s next for Englewood? As the community braces for the station’s reopening, residents and leaders are encouraged to engage further in local initiatives aimed at enhancing their neighborhoods. The renewed focus on public transportation and community investment signals a potential turning point for Englewood, once again making it a vital part of Chicago’s transit landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
