We ask Alderman Reilly, Mayor Johnson, and Commissioner Carney to loudly encourage the renewal of Clark Street Outdoor Dining program by temporarily blocking vehicle traffic on Clark between Kinzie and Grand. This initiative aims to support local businesses, bolster Chicago’s dining scene reputation, and enhance the vibrancy of our city we all share and love.

In the past, blocking car traffic to invite outdoor dining has proven to be popular and immensely beneficial for Chicagoans. By opening up this stretch of Clark Street to pedestrians, we can encourage safe, outdoor gathering. All while enjoying some of the best food Chicago has to offer.

By opening up this stretch of Clark Street for outdoor dining, we can:

Support Local Businesses: Outdoor dining provides an opportunity for restaurants to expand their capacity and increase revenue. This increased revenue, in turn, benefits all of Chicago through the restaurant tax. Participants in the 2023 Clark Street Outdoor Dining Program cite significantly higher revenue as a result of the street closure.

Enhance Community Engagement: Opening Clark Street to pedestrians will create a communal space for all residents to connect and enjoy the public space. Temporary blocking of car traffic also invites a vibrant nightlife for the surrounding bars and taverns.

Boost Tourism and Hospitality: A vibrant outdoor dining scene will attract visitors to our city, stimulating tourism and supporting the hospitality industry, which is vital to Chicago's economy.

Promote Sustainability: Temporary blocking of car traffic invites Chicagoans to arrive by transit instead of by car, which aligns with our city's commitment to sustainability.

This petition acknowledges the concerns of some local residents about street closure to car traffic. However, these are concerns that can be addressed while still allowing for the opening of Clark between Grand and Kinzie to pedestrians. This is especially true considering that LaSalle will continue to function as the main arterial for car traffic. Therefore, we urge city officials to consider our petition. Let’s come together to celebrate the best of Chicago’s culinary scene while supporting our local businesses.