At Friends of the Chicago River, we wholeheartedly agree with the Chicago Sun-Times’ June 26 “Digital signs along the Chicago River? The idea is all wet.” The mayor and the City Council should quickly nix this misguided proposal, which has gone as far as being discussed at a City Council Subcommittee on Revenue. Our city leaders should take care not to pit economic growth against the value of nature and environmental health.
Studies over the past two decades show that spending time outdoors and near water, such as our world-renowned Chicago-Calumet River, boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, improves mood, increases focus, accelerates recovery from surgery or illness, increases energy levels and improves sleep. Our beautiful riverfront and public parks are sanctuaries of respite away from the challenges of urban life, including the deluge of advertising clutter. Living in the city does not need to be devoid of living in nature.
Digital advertising billboards would also mar the beauty of the Chicago Riverwalk. As the editorial insightfully notes, “Along with the lakefront and our park system ..
. the river is one of the things that make this city special. People seeking the experience of being on the river shouldn’t be greeted by garish digital signage winking, blinking and flashing at them.
” Let us not litter the riverwalk and our public parks with digital advertising, which will also contribute to harmful light pollution, a significant .
