Chicago Harbors and the 2016 Olympics

pthomasjr · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009

I'm a newbie here...hope this is in the right forum. I've heard rumors about the effects of the 2016 Olympics on DuSable and Monroe Harbors here if Chicago is awarded the 2016 summer games.

One is that at the end of this season both harbors will be closed so the walls, etc., can be demolished and re-built to be a rowing venue for the games. I don't know what plans, if any, are in place for the some 1100 boats that would be displaced from both harbors if they close. It's hard to believe though that the city would simply pass up the revenue from all the boats in both places for the next six years.

On the other hand, I've heard that the Olympic committee isn't keen on the lakefront location because of the winds off the lake there.

Has anybody heard anything else about it?

Finny · #2 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009

IF Chicago gets the olympics, the effects on boaters will be huge. There are a few different "plans" but the city's current plan is to use Monroe Harbor as a warmup area, for the rowing course just outside the current harbor.

Picture Here!

The boaters in Monroe would be moved to one of three new harbors. Gateway harbor would be right next to Navy Pier, and used more for transient slips and mega yachts. 31st St harbor would be similar to other chicago harbors (ie: burnham & belmont). There is also talk of a harbor at 87th st, but I don't how well that will go over...

Lots more info at the official site & the Columbia Yacht Club page (Columbia is mad they will have to leave the harbor too!)

SailChick20 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009

I'm crossing fingers (& toes) that we don't get the Olympics...it'll be disastrous!

I'm in Monroe Harbor too...

The city is not so much concerned about us boaters....not at all, actually.

xort · #4 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009

look at what Indiana did for the casino boat...twice! Screw the long term residents that support the city year in and year out!

pthomasjr · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009

Well, if the city and Westrec do shut down the harbors it should be a boon to the city of Waukegan as well as Wisconsin and Indiana. I'd sure like to see some other options for boaters around here.

sailortjk1 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009

First of all nothing has been decided yet. It's still preliminary planning.
Second, in the short term, yes it will be a big pain in the butt for all of those in Monroe Harbor. But in the long run, it could be the best thing that ever happened to that harbor. Additional break-walls have been needed there for many, many years. There has never been any funds available to build them. Now, if in fact they do get the Olympics, they will have to do something about the wave action inside the harbor.

As far as other options, you are getting two new harbors. From what I have heard the Gateway and 31st Street harbors are a done deal. Finny provided links to these two plans.