So the great city of Chicago seems to want to get the 2016 Olympic nod from the IOC. Yay! I hope they get it. The city should get great revenue, exploding tourism, and a global spotlight those few days. However, if done right, not just Chicago can come out a winner that year.
Being a resident of a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin most of my life, I have seen the up and down of a metropolis in the shadows of the great Chicago-land area. In many ways, Chicago is the New York of the Midwest: Large, intimidating skyline, and big lights. Milwaukee, on the other hand, has always been like the Philadelphia of the Midwest: In New York’s shadow, full of crime and other problems, and constantly battling for respect. Unfortunately, the past 5 years has seen a steep rise of homicide, robberies, gang violence, and general fear in Milwaukee. Perhaps this announcement can be a motivation for change.
Not only will the announcement mean an overall attempt by the region at large to “look better” in the next 9 years, the cost of living will probably rise. Chicago is already becoming an expensive place to live, mirroring New York. With the Olympics possibly coming and a proposed new stadium being built along with road construction and rising property value, some people may not be able to stay in Chicago and will look for a close alternative. This is where Milwaukee, a short hour and a half drive to the north, should step in. Not only can Miltown take advantage of the possible influx of residents by building more “reasonably-priced” apartments, but also not focus on building the condos that have been exploding in the area as of late. The apartments have to be attractive to middle-class families. There is so much unused factory space and open dirt mounds just waiting to be used. Also, there needs to be more of an emphasis on commercial growth. I’m sure companies will be flooding to Chicago in reaction to this possible decision, especially construction companies, and so on. Not all of these companies will be able to locate in the Chicago city limits. Some may need to come up north and take advantage of another metropolis close to Chicago.
Maybe I have wishful thinking but I seriously believe that other areas can also win with the announcement that Chicago might be hosting the 2016 Olympic Games. Living in the Milwaukee Metro area, I personally hope that Milwaukee will step up to the plate and became better off because of it.
