Rominelli said his group welcomes help for pedestrians and is neutral overall. But he expressed concerns that the project, which will be financed with proceeds from a tax-increment financing district whose borders extend as far west at Kedzie, will pull money from other unmet needs in the TIF.

Among them are new Green Line el stops at Damen and Western, and more security to fight a recent outbreak of vandalism, he said.

According to the city, the new improvements include reconstruction of Fulton, installation of ramps for wheelchairs and hookups for potable and electricity to accommodate use as a farmers market.

The idea, the city says, is to keep the historic look of the area while making it more attractive and easy to use.

Also coming are granite cobbled intersections and street furniture, new and wider sidewalks, raised sidewalks and dock areas, and separate truck parking zones with a wide lane for cars to maneuver.

The area is home to the new Midwest headquarters of Google and is about a block away from McDonald's new world headquarters, which is under construction.

4:30 P.M. UPDATE:

CDOT replies that any changes from the plans presented in September 2015 were "minimal" and done in response to public comment. The department also says other groups, such as the West Loop Community Organization, were involved "all along" and back the plan.

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