City To Use Unspent NATO Funds On Neighborhood "Legacy" Projects
By Chuck Sudo in News on Oct 8, 2012 7:45PM
Mayor Emanuel’s office announced Saturday the city would invest $6.5 million in unused NATO legacy and Chicago Park District capital funds into park and neighborhood projects across the city, including the Bloomingdale Trail and four new boathouse construction projects along the Chicago River.
The Bloomingdale Trail and boathouse projects will receive $2 million each in legacy funds. The remaining balance will be used to rehabilitate Riis, Jackie Robinson, Pleasant Point and Bronzeville-Buckthorn Parks, and Cornell Square, including installing signature playground s at each. The majority of the funds comes from $5.5 million in unused privately-raised funds for the May NATO summit.
Emanuel said in a statement:
“These investments will help a generation of Chicagoans enjoy their city for years to come, and are a fitting and lasting tribute to the way Chicago came together in support of the NATO summit.”