"Super TIF" Proposed to Fund Red Line Modernization Project

Areas in white would be included in the proposed Super TIF area to rebuild the Red and Purple Lines

As we've been posting for years, the CTA has big plans to modernize the North Side's Red and Purple Lines. After more than a century of use, the tracks and stations are "approaching the end of their useful life" and are 40 years past their expected lifespan. In addition to being the most heavily traveled train lines in the CTA system, they also have the fastest-growing ridership numbers. CTA plans to completely rebuild the viaducts, tracks, stations, and embankments by 2040.

map of the entire proposed Super TIF
area. Click to enlarge.

This will directly affect Uptown in a couple of ways:

• Phase 1 will rebuild four stations/tracks (Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr) and create a Red-Purple bypass to improve service.
• The cost of Phase 1 is a staggering $2.3 billion. The federal government has earmarked a cool billion for the project, but there's a catch (isn't there always?) To get that money, CTA must come up with matching funds. And that leads to the possibility of a "Super TIF" -- which the state legislators authorized last June in a rare bipartisan vote. (See the Tribune for more details on the funding.)

TIFs have been hot topics in Uptown for years. In a TIF district, property taxes remain the same, but instead of going for the usual things that property taxes go for, a certain percentage goes toward a particular project -- in this case, the rebuilding of the CTA Red Line and other CTA projects. Uptown already has four existing TIF Districts: Wilson Yard, Clark/Montrose, Montrose/Clarendon, and Lawrence/Broadway.

So what makes the proposed CTA Super TIF so "super"?

• The life of the TIF would extend for up to 35 years, not the usual 23 years.
• It would not take money away from Chicago Public Schools, as TIFs usually do. The schools would receive exactly the same amount from your property taxes that they would if the TIF were not in place.
• And here's the biggie. The proposed Super TIF would include in its area all properties within a half mile on either side of the Red Line tracks, between Devon and Division. That means that virtually all of Uptown would be part of this TIF. (Of course, properties that are already in one of Uptown's four existing TIF Districts would not be included.) Check out the map for details.

There will be a public hearing where you can learn more about the Super TIF and what it would mean for the CTA's Red Line and you. It will be held on Tuesday, September 13th, at 6pm at the DePaul Sullivan Center, located at 2323 N Sheffield. They are also looking for organizations and companies who are willing to provide letters of support for the project. You can contact RPM@transitchicago.com for more information.

The CTA has a lot of information on its website about the Red Purple Modernization project. Check it out here and here.

This is the mailing the CTA sent out to affected residents.