Thanks for compiling and sharing this research. While I agree with the mismanagement of public spaces and the potential hurdles posed to urban planners - the City can still transform the situation by investing a portion or all of the $1.2 billion into a transportation trust. Any insight on where the $1.2 billion will be allocated or just a flotation device for the budget crisis?

This is suggested near the end of the report when discussing restructuring suburban transportation access. Would be interested in seeing more of Active Trans suggestions for potential projects in need of the lease money that could impact transportation in Chicago.

- Andy Angelos

Thank you to Arline Welty and Katie Tully and the entire Active Trans group for producing such a clear and important report. Coupled with the coverage the Chicago Reader's Ben Joravsky and Mike Dumke have worked to provide, the argument is strong that Richard Daley and the 45 aldermen who voted in favor of the parking meter lease have seriously compromised the public's control over their own streets.

Morgan Stanely, Daley, and 45 aldermen of city council have shown that they do not stand for improving our city's transportation and environmental conditions. In fact, they stand against it in favor of personal income, projects (Olympics), and political coverage/leverage. I hope to see 46 new public officials in city government come 2011.

-K. Monahan