BREAKING: Englewood’s long-closed Green Line station at 63rd and Racine is set to reopen by January 1, 2029, following the signing of a landmark transit bill by Gov. JB Pritzker. The newly enacted Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, which allocates $1.5 billion for public transportation improvements, mandates the renovation or construction of this vital community station.
The closure of the station over 30 years ago left a significant gap in public transit for Englewood residents, sparking years of advocacy from community organizers. The station, initially shut down in January 1994, was meant to be temporary but faced permanent closure due to local disinvestment. The community’s call for restoration has finally been answered, indicating a renewed commitment to Englewood’s future.
Community leaders, including the Go Green On Racine team, have tirelessly campaigned for this development. Their efforts included gathering 1,000 signatures for a referendum supporting the station’s reopening, which received overwhelming local backing. In a significant boost, former U.S. Representative Bobby Rush designated $2 million for a feasibility study on the station’s revival, further solidifying support for the project.
“This is a victory for our community,” said Taqi Thomas, associate director of community engagement at the Inner-City Muslim Action Network. He emphasized that the new transit bill symbolizes hope for residents who felt abandoned after the station’s closure. “We hope this will encourage leaders to take charge of our communities and motivate reinvestment in our future,” Thomas stated.
The revitalization of the 63rd and Racine corridor aligns with broader efforts to enhance community resources. Recent projects include the $5 million Go Green Community Fresh Market and the $7.1 million E.G. Woode Food Hub, both designed to foster local economic growth and provide essential services to residents.
As the CTA prepares for the station’s reopening, residents envision a transformed station that reflects the community’s resilience and vibrancy. “We want a station that is a beautiful representation of what Englewood really is,” Thomas expressed. The restoration promises not only to revitalize public transport but to serve as a beacon of hope for a neighborhood eager for investment and recognition.
Residents are looking forward to a future where public transportation is accessible, connecting them to opportunities across Chicago and beyond. The upcoming restoration of the 63rd and Racine Green Line station stands as a testament to the power of community advocacy, signaling a brighter future for Englewood.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
