Lakefront: Public Trust and Private Rights in Chicago

The Chicago lakefront is a result of social, political, and legal conflict, with private and public rights clashing repeatedly over time. This book explores the evolution of the lakefront from the middle of the nineteenth century to the twenty-first century, and how the public trust doctrine, which holds certain public resources off limits to private development, was born. It compares the effectiveness of the public trust idea to other property doctrines and assesses the role of the law in securing the protection of the lakefront for public uses. Kearney and Merrill demonstrate that the lakefront's current status is a product of individuals and events unique to Chicago, but technological changes and a transformation in social values in favor of recreational and preservationist uses have also been critical.

Format: Hardback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2021
Publisher: Cornell University Press

The transformation of Chicago's public waterfront, a cherished asset, is a captivating tale of social, political, and legal conflicts. This captivating narrative explores the evolution of the lakefront from the mid-nineteenth century to the twenty-first century, shedding light on the intricate interplay between private and public rights. Joseph D. Kearney and Thomas W. Merrill, in their comprehensive study, delve into the historical development of the lakefront, examining its significance for understanding Chicago's past and the role of law in shaping its future.

The Chicago lakefront is a testament to the birth of the American public trust doctrine, which holds certain public resources off-limits to private development. This book delves into the circumstances that gave rise to this doctrine and its evolving importance over time, highlighting its resurrection in the later twentieth century as the primary principle for mediating clashes between public and private lakefront rights.

Lakefront serves as a valuable comparative analysis, comparing the effectiveness of the public trust idea to other property doctrines. It assesses the role of law in securing the protection of the lakefront for public uses, juxtaposed with more institutional developments such as the emergence of sanitary commissions and park districts. Kearney and Merrill meticulously chart the history of the lakefront, demonstrating that its current status is a result of a combination of unique factors specific to Chicago. However, technological changes and a shift in social values towards recreational and preservationist uses have also played a critical role in shaping the lakefront's evolution.

Throughout this journey, the law, albeit in a state of continual change, has played a supporting role. It has acted as a framework for navigating the complex dynamics between private and public interests, ensuring that the lakefront remains a cherished asset for generations to come. The story of Chicago's public waterfront is a testament to the power of collaboration, negotiation, and legal principles in preserving and enhancing urban resources. It serves as a reminder that the balance between private and public interests is a delicate one, requiring careful consideration and stewardship to ensure the long-term sustainability and enjoyment of our shared public spaces.

Weight: 28g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501754654