Logan Square Residents Fight to Preserve Pothole in Chicago
- Residents in Logan Square are advocating to keep a large pothole that has emerged at the intersection of Belden and St. Louis avenues.
- The pothole is seen as a safety feature, helping to slow down speeding drivers in an area with a history of traffic issues.
- Local authorities plan to replace the pothole with a traffic circle by mid-October to improve pedestrian and traffic safety.
In Logan Square, Chicago, residents are rallying to preserve a large pothole at the intersection of Belden and St. Louis avenues, which has become a local phenomenon. The roughly 16-by-16-foot crater, while considered an eyesore by some, has garnered support from locals who believe it enhances safety by forcing drivers to slow down. This is particularly important in an area where speeding has been a concern, especially with children playing nearby. The emergence of the pothole has sparked an online campaign under the hashtag #SaveTheHole, highlighting the community's desire to maintain it as a traffic-calming measure. Residents have expressed that the pothole has contributed to a safer environment, especially after experiencing issues like drive-by shootings in the past. The intersection has also been a popular shortcut for drivers, exacerbating safety concerns. Despite the community's affection for the pothole, the local government has plans to transform it into a traffic circle, a project initiated by the Illinois Department of Transportation. This decision stems from ongoing worries about pedestrian and traffic safety in the neighborhood, which has seen little impact from existing stop signs. The traffic circle is expected to be completed by mid-October, marking a significant change in the area. While some residents are disappointed by the impending removal of the pothole, they hope that the new traffic circle will effectively address the safety issues that have long plagued their community.