Ten years after Meigs disappeared, Northerly Island not all that

This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of the destruction of Meigs Field.

Working under cover of night, bulldozers, escorted by Chicago police, dug trenches across the field and cut access to airstrips.

Media were kept away until the mission was completed.

Mayor Daley, at the time, claimed he destroyed the airport for security reasons. It was the post 9/11 era and he wanted to turn the 91 acres into a nature preserve and recreational venue.

But 10 years later, some critics say, Northerly Island is a long way from the vision Daley promised.

12 comments

Anonymous

I say lets create jobs and add money to Chicago by creating a new airport. But our mayor is just as crooked as Daley was. They both should be fired…

March 30, 2013 at 7:49 AM Reply

Jim

The Meigs Airfield destruction stands as the singular most evil (known) act ever commited by a public official in Chicago. I hope god can forgive him I know I can't. I am not a pilot but but the unique quality inherent in the Downtown Airfield was a marvel. The destruction of which only began a ongoing desecration of the entire "campus" area. Thanks for lettenig me vent. Too bad it won't ever be there again. Se la viski.

Jim

March 30, 2013 at 10:12 AM Reply

Anonymous

Jim, Mayor Daley's father committed many, many evil acts on a daily basis. He was far worse than the more recent Mayor Daley. Granted, this was a bad thing and devious, but he learned form his Dad. Plant a potatoe, get a potatoe.

March 30, 2013 at 5:10 PM Reply

Bob

"Not all that"? Sounds like honey boo boo write the headline.

March 30, 2013 at 11:43 AM Reply

bubba

Let's rebuild the airport and piss off Daley.

March 30, 2013 at 12:31 PM Reply

keeping real

it was a great idea!!! and let those fat cats from springfield land at the other airports that chicago has!!! booo boo for those fat cats!!!

March 30, 2013 at 12:45 PM Reply

Anonymous

It wasn’t just for those fat cats from Springfield… That airport brought millions to the city. Think of the conventions that could be here with that airport still around.

March 30, 2013 at 9:15 PM Reply

JHB

Meigs brought millions to the city? Haha. I don't think so. As far as convention business, there are simply other (warmer) places to go.

March 30, 2013 at 9:19 PM Reply

jerry

As much as I hated to see Meigs destroyed, that move was pretty fun to watch.. Had a panache the likes you never see from public officials, sans Putin.

March 30, 2013 at 9:21 PM Reply