The CTA insists that Central Lakeview’s thriving restaurant, shopping, entertainment district is so successful that erecting the Flyover 45′ in the air right over Clark St. can’t possibly hurt. Really?

Retailers and Restauranteurs Heading for the Exit in Lakeview
Lewis Lazare, Chicago Business Journal, 2/3/15

What it all means for Chicago and some of its struggling merchants may not be completely clear for several more years.

But as one Vitamin Shoppe employee was busy packing up the remaining merchandise in the store Saturday afternoon, he was certainly crystal clear about his take on the situation. “Welcome to the next Detroit,” he said as I exited the store for the last time.