Chicago's dwindling tree canopy covers only about 16% of the city, compared to 21% in New York City and 30% nationally. The ecosystem along Chicago's rails is the largest ecosystem we have in the city. The Metra UP North Rebuild project will destroy the entire ecosystem between Addison and Fullerton, bulldozing up to 1000 mature, healthy trees and destroying the habitats of foxes, coyotes, deer, turkeys, and more. The entire community will be affected by increased noise levels, flooding, and heat which are all currently mitigated by the expansive green space. We need your help to force Metra to hear us and reimagine their design.

We appreciate and agree that the Metra bridges in this area need to be replaced. The current design plan was created solely to minimize temporary service disruptions at the expense of an irreplaceable urban ecosystem. There are multiple alternative design options which preserve the adjacent ecosystem.

Through collaboration between the community and Metra, we can save this green space and still enjoy an updated and safe train line. Collaboration will benefit the community for the next 100 years and protect this critical ecosystem in the city.

https://reimagineupn.com/

(Note that we are not asking for your money, only your signature! Please don't feel the need to give, as that is just a function of change.org that we cannot remove and the money goes to them, not us)