DOCSLIB.ORG

Environmental Resources Impacts and Mitigation

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Environmental Resources Impacts and Mitigation Chapter 3. Environmental Resources, Impacts, and Mitigation This chapter discusses the social, economic, and environmental resources within the project vicinity and the project alternatives’ potential impacts and benefits to those resources. The following sections address each general resource category and describe the current setting. The potential impacts and benefits of the project Build and No-Build Alternatives are then evaluated against these existing baseline conditions. The chapter concludes with a summary of the anticipated impacts of the Preferred Alternative and a summary of the environmental commitments to address those impacts. Chapter 3 has been updated to reflect further development of the additional mitigation measures evaluated due to Environmental Justice concerns. In addition, updates were made to the air quality standards and reference to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), information was added to summarize the noise barrier viewpoint solicitation process, and minor corrections or updates were made to other sections. Consideration was also given to updating demographic data, most of which is from the 2010 Census or American Community Survey. Because conditions in the study area are not likely to have changed in a way that would affect decision-making for the project, it was determined that this effort was not needed. Changes and additions since the publication of the DEIS are shown in double underline. 3.1 Study Area Project “Study Area” The 75th Street CIP “study area” is Throughout this document, the evaluations focus within defined geographic areas appropriate for the specific resources being based on the linear project limits addressed. For most resources discussed in this document, a defined in the CREATE Program’s project “study area” has been defined and is used throughout, Final Preliminary Screening Report except where specifically noted otherwise. See the box at right (Amendment 1) . These limits for the definition of the project “study area.” A map of the were then extended along the project study area is shown in Figure 3.1-1 on the following page. railroad right-of-way to the next The term “project vicinity” is used in this document to refer to railroad signal beyond any the general area of the project without reference to a defined anticipated track changes, to boundary. Likewise, the term “project corridor” refers to the ensure that all possible track and general linear area along the rail rights of way within the study signal modifications would be area, but without inferring a precise boundary. included within the project limits. The “study area” was then defined Where the effects of the project may extend beyond the standard using a distance of 1,000 feet on 1,000-foot distance, such as for noise impacts, a larger study area either side of the centerline of the is used for that specific analysis. For the socioeconomic analyses, where most available data are defined at the census tract level, a railroad right-of-way within those “demographic study area” has been defined. This area is made project limits. Footnotes are listed at the end of this section 3-1 up of the census tracts that include the project study area. The demographic study area is shown in Figure 3.1-1, along with the project study area, to show how the two relate. Figure 3.1-1: Project Study Area CHAPTER 3 3-2 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION 3.2 Social/Economic Characteristics The following section examines the existing social and economic conditions present within the study area and evaluates the potential impacts of the Build Alternative in order to understand how this project might affect the people living and working within the surrounding community. Socioeconomic indicators such as demographics, economic activity, neighborhoods, community character, public facilities and services, and local planning initiatives are described in this section. The majority of the study area falls within the City of Chicago, with a small section of the southwestern portion extending into the City of Hometown. The A census tract is a study area for the various components of the socioeconomic analysis mirrors geographic the 1,000 foot radius study area boundary identified in Section 3.1. However, boundary defined for sections of the socioeconomic analysis which rely on U.S. Census Bureau by the U.S. Census demographic data, a demographic study area was defined using the census tract for the purpose of boundaries that most closely represent the study area boundary, as illustrated in data collection. Figure 3.2-1.1 Census tracts are While a portion of the study area falls within census tract 8216, this area small subdivisions consists of St. Mary’s Cemetery and does not contribute to the residential or of a county. employee population. As such, it was excluded from the demographic study area. The complete boundary of the City of Hometown is represented by census tract 8220. 3.2.1 Demographics Demographic data for the demographic study area were examined using U.S. Census data from 1990, 2000, and 2010, as well as the American Community Survey (ACS) 2010 5-Year Estimate. Demographic data provided for the populations within the demographic study area census tracts include population growth, racial/ethnic composition, age, households, household income, household size, and poverty level. Housing characteristics include housing growth, housing units, occupancy rate, ownership rate, median housing value, and median monthly rent. Comparative data are provided for the City of Chicago, and Cook County. 3.2.1.1 Population The total population within the demographic study area as identified by the U.S. Census 2010 was 138,838 people, as noted in Table 3.2-1. The demographic study area population represents approximately 2.7 percent of the total population of Cook County. Population has declined in the demographic study area over the last two decades. In comparison, the City of Chicago and Cook County experienced a population increase from 1990 to 2000 and in recent years experienced a population decline between 2000 and 2010. A combination of factors likely contributed to the population decline within the demographic study area such as loss of residents to the suburbs, the recent recession resulting in loss of jobs and increased foreclosure rates, and economic disinvestment in some neighborhoods.2 3-3 Figure 3.2-1: Demographic Study Area Table 3.2-1: Population Trends U.S. Census U.S. Census U.S. Census % Change 1990 % Change 1990 2000 2010 to 2000 2000 to 2010 Demographic 159,044 155,046 138,838 -2.5% -10.5% Study Area City of Chicago 2,783,726 2,896,016 2,695,598 +4.0% -6.9% Cook County 5,105,067 5,376,741 5,194,675 +5.3% -3.4% Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000, 2010. 3.2.1.2 Racial and Ethnic Characteristics Table 3.2-2 and Figure 3.2-2 compares the racial and ethnic characteristics for the 75th Street CIP demographic study area, the City of Chicago, and Cook County. The demographic study area exhibits a considerably greater African American population (80.9%) when compared with the City of Chicago (32.9%) and Cook County (24.8%). The demographic study area exhibited a lower Hispanic population (11.3%) when compared with the City of Chicago (28.9%) and Cook County (24.0%). CHAPTER 3 3-4 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION Table 3.2-2: Race/Ethnic Composition of Residential Population* American Native Hawaiian Indian and and Other Some Two or Hispanic African Alaska Pacific Islander Other More (of any Total Caucasian American Asian Native alone Race Races race) Population % % % % % % % % Demographic 138,838 12.2% 80.9% 0.3% 0.3% <0.1% 5.0% 1.4% 11.3% Study Area City of Chicago 2,695,598 45.0% 32.9% 5.5% 0.5% <0.1% 13.4% 2.7% 28.9% Cook County 5,194,675 55.4% 24.8% 6.2% 0.4% <0.1% 10.6% 2.5% 24.0% Source: U.S. Census 2010. *Race/Ethnic Composition as a percent of total population. Hispanic is considered to be an ethnic characteristic, rather than a racial characteristic, and can be of any race. Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding of figures. 6.9% 12.2% African American Caucasian 80.9% All Remaining Races Figure 3.2-2: Demographic Study Area Race Composition 3.2.1.3 Age Characteristics According to the U.S. Census 2010, the demographic study area generally exhibits a slightly greater percentage of the population under 20 years of age and over 65 years of age when compared with the City of Chicago and Cook County. The median age of the demographic study area of 34.5 is comparable to that of the City of Chicago and Cook County, as identified in Table 3.2-3. Table 3.2-3: Age Distribution % of Population % of Population % of Population Under 20 20 to 64 65 and Over Median Age Demographic Study Area 31.1% 56.2% 12.7% 34.5 City of Chicago 25.9% 63.7% 10.3% 32.9 Cook County 26.5% 61.6% 11.9% 35.3 Source: U.S. Census 2010 3.2.1.4 Households and Income Table 3.2-4 shows that there were approximately 46,605 households in the demographic study area, with an average household size of 3.0 persons. The average household income for the demographic 3-5 study area was $48,904, which is Households: The U.S. Census Bureau defines a household as considerably lower than that of the all the persons who occupy a housing unit. A housing unit is a City of Chicago at $68,646 or Cook house, an apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a County at $76,091 (refer to Figure single room that is occupied as separate living quarters.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Southeast Corridor Alternatives Analysis Locally Preferred Alternative Report
    SOUTHEAST CORRIDOR ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS DOCUMENT #9 LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE REPORT PREPARED BY AUGUST 2011 METRA – SOUTHEAST CORRIDOR LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE REPORT ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS DOCUMENTS 1. Detailed Work Scope 2. Purpose & Need 3. Initial Alternatives, Part I: Modes & Technologies 4. Evaluation Methodology 5. Initial Alternatives, Part I Screening and Part II: Conceptual Design 6. Screening of Initial Alternatives, Part II 7. Feasible Alternatives 8. Screening of Feasible Alternatives 9. Locally Preferred Alternative Report AECOM AUGUST 2011 I METRA – SOUTHEAST CORRIDOR LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 1 A. PURPOSE.................................................................................................................. 1 B. BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................... 1 II. SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS.............................................................. 5 A. INITIAL SCREENING, PART I................................................................................... 5 B. DEFINITION AND SCREENING OF INITIAL ALTERNATIVES, PART II.................. 7 C. DEFINITION OF FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES ........................................................ 10 D. DETAILED FINAL SCREENING.............................................................................. 11 III. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUMMARY.......................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Metra's 2002 Program and Budget Has Been Reformatted for The
    Metra’s 2002 Program and Budget has been reformatted for the Web 547 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, Illinois 60661-5717 Phone (312) 322-6900 Web http://www.metrarail.com CREATING CAPACITY FOR GROWTH FINAL 2002 PROGRAM AND BUDGET NOVEMBER 2001 Board of Directors Jeffrey R. Ladd, Chairman Appointing Authority: County Board Chairmen, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties Lowell E. Anderson, Treasurer Appointing Authority: Suburban Members, Cook County Board Larry A. Huggins, Director Appointing Authority: City of Chicago W. Warren Nugent, Secretary Appointing Authority: Suburban Members, Cook County Board Gerald L. Porter, Vice-Chairman Appointing Authority: County Board Chairman, DuPage County Joseph A. Tecson, Director Appointing Authority: Suburban Members, Cook County Board Donald A. Udstuen, Director Appointing Authority: County Board Chairmen, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties Philip A. Pagano, Executive Director TO FRIENDS OF COMMUTER RAIL: Chairman’s Welcome to Metra’s 2002 Program and Budget. It Message describes good news such as further ridership growth, steady progress on our three New Start projects, and ongoing capital improvements including orders for badly needed new cars and locomotives. Meanwhile, the costs of providing safe, reliable, convenient and comfortable commuter rail service have steadily increased. Thus, our proposed 2002 operating budget envisions our first fare increase in six years, 5%, which will likely take effect June 1. I think it’s important to note that this will be only the fourth fare increase in the 18 years of Metra’s management of the Northeast Illinois commuter rail system. And it will be only the third one for operations. A fare hike that took effect in 1989 was dedicated solely to capital projects, namely the physical improvements that preserve and improve our serv- ice — and in turn reduce operating costs.
    [Show full text]
  • (Metra) Train 504, Chicago, Illinois, September 17, 2005
    RAN S P T O L R A T LURIBUS A N P UNUM E National Transportation Safety Board O T I I O T Washington, D.C. 20594 A N N S A D FE R T Y B OA Railroad Accident Brief Accident No.: DCA-05-MR-013 Location: Chicago, Illinois Date: September 17, 2005 Time: 8:35 a.m. central daylight time1 Railroad: Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation (Metra) Property Damage: $6.35 million Fatalities: 2 Injuries: 117 Type of Accident: Derailment The Accident On Saturday, September 17, 2005, about 8:35 a.m., eastbound (inbound) Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation (Metra) train 504 derailed one locomotive and five cars at milepost (MP) 4.7 near West 47th and South Federal Street in Chicago, Illinois.2 The train was being operated in the push mode from a cab control car at the lead end. The train had departed Joliet, Illinois, at 7:24 a.m. en route to the LaSalle Street station in downtown Chicago. The train crew consisted of an engineer in the cab control car and a conductor, an assistant conductor, and a collector in the passenger cars. The train derailed as it traversed a crossover from track 2 to track 1 that had a prescribed maximum operating speed of 10 mph. (See figure 1.) The train was traveling 69 mph as it entered the crossover. The second through the fifth cars from the lead end of the train struck a steel girder that was part of a bridge that carried the tracks over 47th Street.
    [Show full text]
  • Existing Conditions, Needs, & Deficiencies
    Existing Conditions, Needs, & Deficiencies TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM South Halsted Bus Corridor Enhancement Project August 2018 Prepared for: Prepared by: g PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK d EXISTING CONDITIONS, NEEDS, & DEFICIENCIES DEFICINCIES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM Table of Contents d i EXISTING CONDITIONS, NEEDS, & DEFICIENCIES DEFICINCIES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM d ii EXISTING CONDITIONS, NEEDS, & DEFICIENCIES DEFICINCIES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM Figures d iii EXISTING CONDITIONS, NEEDS, & DEFICIENCIES DEFICINCIES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM Tables d iv EXISTING CONDITIONS, NEEDS, & DEFICIENCIES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM Project Overview OVERVIEW OF SOUTH HALSTED CORRIDOR The South Halsted Bus Corridor Enhancement Project was initiated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in partnership with Pace Suburban Bus to improve transit along approximately 11 miles of South Halsted Street, from the Pace Harvey Transportation Center to 79th Street. The corridor also includes segments of 79th and 95th Streets that provide connections to the CTA Red Line 79th and 95th Street Stations. This study will explore potential transit improvements for the corridor’s transit riders. On an average weekday, 11,600 trips are made along the corridor. Improvements being considered as part of the project may include: Enhanced coordinated service plans Realigned bus stops Roadway treatments Updated passenger amenities Traffic signal optimization and transit signal priority Potential Pace Pulse stations south of 95th Street Transit improvements developed in this study will complement CTA’s planned extension of the Red Line to 130th Street from 95th Street, which is currently undergoing the federal environmental review and planning process. The study corridor crosses jurisdictional boundaries, including the Cook County communities of Harvey, Phoenix, Calumet Park, Riverdale, Dixmoor, and the City of Chicago neighborhoods of West Pullman, Morgan Park, Roseland, Washington Heights, and Auburn Gresham.
    [Show full text]
  • South Suburban Commuter Rail Corridor Phase I & II
    South Suburban Commuter Rail Feasibility Study APPENDICES and April 1999 Appendix A Downtown Terminals and Candidate Alignments Dropped from Further Consideration Metra’s RFP for this project identified three potential alternative routes [i.e., “alignments”; one each serving Randolph Street Station (designated as Alignment A), LaSalle Street Station (Alignment B) and Union Station (Alignment C)], leaving the consultant to identify connections to downtown terminals and any other alignment possibilities. The UP/CSX portion, of course, was common. ICF Kaiser’s proposal developed four additional alignments, designated Alignments D through G. Alignments D and E would be routed into LaSalle Street, while Alignments F and G would be routed into Randolph Street. After initiation of the contract, identification of other alternative routes continued, with new Alignments CA, EA, and FA defined as alternatives to Alignments C, E, and F, respectively, resulting in a total of ten different candidate alignments. This Appendix is a compilation of support material regarding terminals and rail facility upgrades for those potential alignments and segments that were dropped from further consideration after joint discussions of their potential utilities and difficulties. A schematic map of the locations of the different alignment options can be found at the end of this Appendix. The matrix listing each of the original ten short- listed alignment alternatives is also provided there. Downtown Terminals Dropped from Further Consideration In the course of studying the alternative routings and terminals with Metra, it was agreed that the potential SouthEast Service (SES) should complement, rather than compete with, the existing Metra route structure. Use of the Metra Electric District (MED) to enter Chicago would not fulfill this goal.
    [Show full text]
  • Metra-Budget-2006.Pdf
    1 2006 Metra Program and Budget Table of Contents Board of Directors................................................................................................2 Letter from the Chairman ....................................................................................4 Introduction..........................................................................................................9 Capital Improvements........................................................................................14 City of Chicago ....................................................................................16 Cook County South & Southwest Region............................................18 Cook County North & Northwest Region ............................................20 Cook County West Region ..................................................................22 DuPage County ....................................................................................24 Kane County ........................................................................................26 Lake County..........................................................................................28 McHenry County ..................................................................................30 Will County ..........................................................................................32 Appendix............................................................................................................34 2 2006 Metra Program and Budget Board of Directors Jeffrey
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes of a Public Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority
    MINUTES OF A PUBLIC MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMMUTER RAIL DIVISION OF THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY The Board of Directors of the Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority met in a public session for a Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in the Metra Board Room, 547 W. Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois, pursuant to notice. ROLL CALL Members Present: R. Brown, R. Craig, D. DeGraff, S. Messerli, S. Palmer, J. Plante, J. Zediker, and Chairman Carlson. Directors Baldermann, Koehler, and Thames were absent. SAFETY BRIEFING Manuel Rangel, Capital Track Roadmaster with the Engineering’s Department, gave the Safety Briefing. Director Craig indicated that safety is a goal of the Board and recommended a safety briefing video, appropriate for a roll call, from the Police Departments. Director Craig hopes that continued support is provided for a Board Member to attend APTA Safety meetings. PUBLIC COMMENT Garland Armstrong asked Metra to alert commuters of detours when the upcoming underpass construction starts at the Elmwood Park Station. He asked Metra for assistance with municipalities that force the disabled from stations in inclement weather. He stated that the Palatine Police forced disabled persons in wheelchairs out of the train station during cold weather. Metra will talk with Palatine. MINUTES Approval of the Minutes from the February 20, 2019 Meeting of the Board. Chairman Carlson called for a vote to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2019 Board Meeting. Director Palmer moved, and Director Craig seconded. With a roll call vote the motion carried with 8 ayes.
    [Show full text]
  • Auburn Gresham for Its Quality-Of-Life Plan
    Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation | LISC Chicago New Communities Network QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN 2016 AUBURN GRESHAM: YOUR VOICE MATTERS STEERING COMMITTEE TASK FORCE Lashandra Eison Gene Linton James L. Pruitt BRAVE YOUTH MEMBERS DeAndre Estes Edward E. Lomax, Jr. Lisa Ramsey LEADERS TASK Cynthia Boyd, University of Illinois at Chicago Pamela Aldridge Wendy Evans Juanita Love Bobbie Rawls FORCE Diane Faust Anthony Lovelace Albert Reece Howard Brookins, 21st Ward Alderman Byam Alexander Kiera Avant Jason Feldman Martha Lowry Ruby Reed Rasheed Ansar Trevon Bosley Revin Fellows Mariah Mack Alicia Roberts Ronald Browne, North Beverly Civic Association Kiera Avant Timothy Boyd Shirley Fleming Alene Mason Felicia Roberts Jeff Baker Lashandra Eison Rodney Blissett, 6th Police District Commander Glenda Franklin Walter Matthews Sheenita Robinson Arlecta Beard Dana Griffin Domini Gamble Melvinia Mayo Norma Sanders Jacqueline Collins, State Senator Kham Beard Asante Hamilton Narineh Gharashor Jasmine McCalpin Mark Sciacca Robert Beck Amani Johnson Derrick Curtis, 18th Ward Alderman Kwadjo Glenn Nigel McClain Janece Simmons Brenda Bell Jessica Jones Nicole Grant Sharron McCoy Seye Simpkins Monique Dockery, Principal, Westcott Elementary Ta Benz Orland Lewis Dana Griffin Marc McLeod Augusta Smith Dale Bledsoe Anthony Lovelace Asante Hamilton Kalyssa McMillian Lillie Smith Robert Lee, Illinois State University Pam Bosley Mariah Mack Shelia Harmon Jah Ranu Menab Myshawn Smith Trevon Bosley Nigel McClain Winston McGill, 6th Ward Office Cecelia
    [Show full text]
  • 75Th St CIP FEIS
    Appendix J DEIS Public Comment Period and Public Hearing Summary J3 AGENCY COMMENTS THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK Table J-3-1: Agency Comments Received during the DEIS Comment Period Comment Code Commenter Comment(s) Response L 1 United States Department of the Interior The Department of the Interior stated that they had No response required. Office of the Secretary no comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Office of Environmental Policy and Statement for the 75th Street Corridor Compliance Improvement Project located in Chicago, IL. Custom House, Room 244 200 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-2904 L 2 U.S. Department of Transportation FRA had several questions about how the P2 The concept for the P2 project was born out of many years of discussions Federal Railroad Administration Project will change railroad operations including: at Metra intending to address congestion in the 75th Street corridor as well Environment and Systems Planning as to better balance the distribution of demand at Metra’s terminal stations Division Is there sufficient capacity in LaSalle in downtown Chicago. This project will improve reliability of Metra SWS 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Street terminal to handle the additional trains as well as relieve capacity at the South side of Chicago Union Washington, DC 20590 Southwest Corridor METRA trains? Station through the shift of SWS trains to LaSalle Street Station. Metra is Is there capacity on the existing double committed to bringing this project to fruition to achieve those goals, while track main line to handle the additional helping move the agency toward a state of good repair.
    [Show full text]