IF NO 2016 OLYPMICS... WHAT NEXT?
REALTOR Community, Real Estate Market Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 9:03AM First let me start with I BACK THE BID... WOO HOO!
Mabel Guzman, C.A.R. Treasurer
Now with that out of the way... let's talk turkey. Recently, and from the start of the Olympic Bid process, I have heard comments such as... "when we get the bid we will be able to __________ (fill in the blank)" with words or phrases such as ... "hire more people", "generate more revenue", "see more businesses open". You know what I mean.
There is a 1 in 4 chance we may not get it! Not because the president did not go to Copenhagen, or because we did not present a better plan... it could just be that South America has never hosted the world games. So now what... what's next?
This CONCERNS me quite a bit; especially when I hear our elected officials throw our economic development eggs into one basket. I expect more of them, and from them. When we speak about... jobs, infrastructure, innovation, expansion, revitalization, and sustainable and renewable ideas; What is their plan if no world games and after 2016?
This city, like a phoenix, rose from the ashes after the fire of 1871 to rebuild and become a place of envy and a symbol that nothing is impossible. In today's climate the world games have become the main course and not the gravy, as it should be. There is the central area plan, this plan has been regarded as a transportaion project by some elected officials instead of an opportunity to expand the city to all it's residents. Additionally, as an opportunity to plan for light rail and hybrid buses (there are 135 operating currently). We could be building these buses instead of purchasing them from Canada.
We are only limited by our ideas. Remember Daniel Burnham? "Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood." Well what and who is stirring the pot of ideas? In fact have we all fallen prey to the phrase "when we get the Olympics?" I know I did for a bit, and have been growing anxious to know what is going to stir my/our blood. In fact, there are developments/projects that are sitting and waiting for the bid announcement. Like this (the world games) should matter.
Come to think of it this great city has faced many challenges and has withstood them. This is no soft city, as Carl Sanburg has written, this city is a fighter, a tall bold slugger. He wrote Chicago (a great poem) as a response to those who looked down on the city. Today it was his Dave Chapelle moment where he said "We're Chicago Bitch." Unapologetic for our energy and our cunning.
This is an international city before, and after the world games. As I have said, "the world lives here so the world should play here."
Well, whad ya' think? This BLOG may mean nothing after October 2nd. I just hope it reminds us to keep planning, working, living, laughing, and loving no matter what happens on what has become that fateful day.
What plans and projects do you think should be in the works?
BLOG ON!
Reader Comments (4)
Most of the reports that we hear is how things will happen if the olympics come to Chicago, gives the impression if we dont get the olympics none of the proposed improvements will take place. We need a stimlus plan for chicago that does not rely on the olympics, feels more like a las vegas atmosphere, we gamble on the future of our city and the present is not as important. Why dont we ask: How are we going to handle our budget shortfall.? How can we continue to provide programs that benefit the citizens of our city without raising taxes? What can we do to raise reveue, Without selling some of our major assests (parking cllection, Skyway etc ) ?,
Some report try to get you emotionally wound up about the future potential beneits of the olympics, that you dont see the present financial mess that is in front of you. Lets work on Chicago now! Let the bright minds of our collected elected officials guide us out of this recesion. Maybe we all have to ask: What can we do today to make a brighter tomorrow? A quote from the movie field of dreams "build it and they will come" . Build a stronger Chicago we can attract more business, investment, developers, and tourism.
I live in Europe, and believe you me, the Spaniards really, REALLY think they're going to get the 2016 Olympics. They have adds running on TV here in Europe which are really good. So, no, it's not in the bag for Chicago. Though thank goodness we will know soon and the speculation will be over. And I totally echo the previous statements that investments in our beautiful city of Chicago should not depend on the Olympics.
I completely agree in regards to dealing with Chicago's economic issues now and investing in it's future, regardless of the Olympics. I am so tired of hearing people say "I'm waiting for the Olympics to sell my place," I'm waiting to see if we get the Olympics to expand my business," etc, etc. How about expanding your business REGARDLESS of the Olympics. Invest in your City and your future. I am of the very strong belief that if Obama goes to Copenhagen, which he announced this morning he is, then we will get the Olympics.
That being said, no matter what happens let's all strive to hold our officials accountable and as Mabel said, don't hold all of our economic eggs in one basket. There is such a passion for this City, as is so evident in these blogs, let's focus on the present and what is in front of us now. I am a 9 year transplant from Minnesota, and as much as I love my hometown and homestate, Chicago is now my home and passion and I want to invest in it's future. Like the song goes, "Sweet Home Chicago"!!!!
I was thinking about this same subject earlier today. Chicago is a GREAT city. Yes, our city would gain some additional exposure internationally as a result of hosting the Olympics. But Chicago is not Rio and Chicago is not Atlanta. We do not need the Olympics. This great city will continue to be great and it's international presence will grow as well.