Will Trader Joe's Cause Traffic Problems?
While residents (literally) applauded a new Trader Joe's store planned for 1211 Chicago Avenue at a meeting with the developer Thursday, they also raised questions about traffic congestion. What do you think?
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Mention Chicago Avenue, and you can't blame an Evanstonian for picturing brakelights and orange traffic cones.
A streetscaping project has clogged the street from South Boulevard to Main Street since April, and is expected to continue through June 15. On top of that, both lanes were blocked off between Church and Clark Streets yesterday for installation of a chiller system on top of a new apartment building.
So when residents had the chance to talk to the developer of the new Trader Joe's store planned for 1211 Chicago Ave. last Thursday, many wanted to know about traffic issues. In particular, they worried that the story would create congestion on Chicago Avenue as drivers entered and exited the parking lot.
Third ward Alderman Melissa Wynne told residents that the city will be studying any problems once the store opens in spring 2013.
“Remember, this site has been active until just recently,” she said. Wynne also noted that the city installed new, sequenced lighting on Chicago Avenue within the past three years, which adjusts to the flow of traffic.
“It actually does flow better than it used to,” she said.
What do you think? Does the city know what it's doing when it comes to traffic on Chicago Avenue? Vote in our poll and share your concerns, if you've got any, in the comments.
Polly White Ryan
8:48 am on Sunday, June 3, 2012
When will this Evanston Trader Joe's open up for business?
Polly
I am very excited for the this new t j to be in Evanston even though I live in Chicago.
Bob LeBailly
1:42 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012
The new Evanston Trader Joe's is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2013. They need to get their plans approved, tear down the existing structures, then start construction of the new building.
LaVerne
9:11 am on Sunday, June 3, 2012
It already is. Will just stop using Chicago Ave and shop or groceries in other areas.
Marcella Baum
2:17 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012
Trader Joe's....Forget Evanston and their worries about congestion! Come to Skokie,,,we've been asking for years. The old Linen&Things looks like a spot that is jusrt crying to be congested. There will be no whiners in Skokie! You would be welcomed with open arms!!
jim
3:18 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012
You will love coming to Evanston and Shopping at the Grocery stores Skokie Doesn'thave. Whole Foods and Trader Joes. Stop at one of our fine resturant's for lunch or dinner
Mark Gardiner
3:34 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012
It's always exciting when Trader Joe's comes to a new market. We went crazy for TJ's in Kansas City. I told the story of the KC Grand Opening in my new book, "Build a Brand Like Trader Joe's". If you want to know what you're getting in for, check out my web site, TraderJoesSecrets. There's an excerpt from my book on that site, which describes the Grand Opening frenzy...
Al
5:59 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012
The alderwoman says that the site has, until recently, been busy --- A. thats so not true, Blockbusters has been gone for a very long time, and B. even when it was there, the traffic could never be compared to what will happen when Trader Joes gets here. I live right here and I am completely dreading this and will continue to hope that Trader Joes goes to Skokie -- just anywhere but here!!!! BTW thanks to the aldermen and women for really giving a hoot ---- NOT!!!!
gg
1:35 am on Monday, June 4, 2012
Once again the crooked politicians are happy with their wallets... Blockbuster was never congested. It already is accident prone exiting the condo/stores on the West side of chgo. They are laughing knowing the bumper2bumper situation. TJs will be sorry as we avoid the danger being created.
LaVerne
9:11 am on Monday, June 4, 2012
ISN'T THIS LIKE CLOSING THE BARN DOOR AFTER THE COW GOT OUT:
"Third ward Alderman Melissa Wynne told residents that the city will be studying any problems once the store opens in spring 2013."
MrsSmith
9:20 am on Monday, June 4, 2012
I'm glad Trader Joe's is coming. Yes, there will be more traffic, but what kind of store/restaurant would we put there that would not cause traffic? Should we just leave it empty?
LaVerne
10:35 am on Monday, June 4, 2012
Your correct any place that opens at that location will bring additional traffic to Chicago . Some thought to helping it should be considered before and not after you create a log jam.
Frank
11:10 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
Why does everyone in Evanston (and yes I live in Evanston) cry about high taxes but then complain about every business that tries to come here? And before anyone says it's because the city is giving too much away in incentives, realize that just about every city does the same. When I go to Trader Joe's I drive down to the one near Lincoln and Addison in Chicago. Now that area is congested!
I have an idea, how about we all appreciate that even though we only have 75,000 people in E-town, we have two major hospitals, a major university, an above average high school, good private elementary schools, tons of parks, many churches and a beautiful lakefront!
Jim
9:44 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Any North Shore city/village has high taxes when there is no or little commercial tax base. Eanston may be a little worse because of the tax exempt status of real estate owned by Northwestern. It is a trade-off for folks who live here. Most people here like having stores and restaurants here. Factories, etc I am not so sure. Traffic is not so much the problem as parking is. Maybe a freebie street car type shuttle downtown.