[diggler]

Northwest Indiana seeking to lure Chicago commuters

Associated Press

BEVERLY SHORES, Ind. — Indiana cities along Lake Michigan's southern shore hope to lure more Chicago residents with revitalized downtowns and a new commuter train track.

The Chicago Tribune reports that officials received federal approval in May to hire engineers for preliminary plans to add a second track to the South Shore Line. Transportation officials hope the additions will slash the commute from Michigan City to Chicago to just one hour.

Making Chicago workplaces is a top priority for Indiana officials. Right now, just one track runs between Gary and Michigan City.

"We've got two-way traffic on a one-way street," said Michael Noland, CEO of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District.

Leah Konrady, president of One Region, which promotes growth in northwest Indiana, says the new rail line is going to be a "huge game changer."

Officials hope that attractions such as the area's beach access and low-key lifestyle will also draw millennials into places like Michigan City, Indiana.

Leah Konrady, president of One Region, a group that promotes growth and quality of life in Northwest Indiana, said many friends in their 20s and 30s have moved to the area. She's monitoring the way other cities reach out to millennials, like Atlanta's New Voices campaign, with an advisory panel of millennials.

"People really want that small-town atmosphere," Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage broker Nick Landers said.

[Southsider2k12]

Double tracking from Gary to City is LONG overdue. The whole extension thing? I don't get that part.

[diggler]

I mean...they'd have to shut down MC...especially 11th street to lay in a new rail line.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7ghM5KCuZk

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[Southsider2k12]

I mean...they'd have to shut down MC...especially 11th street to lay in a new rail line.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7ghM5KCuZk

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That has been the plan for a long time now.

[Tim]

Yep - that's yuge.