In less than a month we will find out whether Chicago will win its bid for the 2016 summer Olympics. It’s been a controversial issue. Some city-dwellers encourage Chicago to host the games while others simply dread it. While I can understand where each camp is coming from, in my opinion, the pros of Chicago hosting the Olympics far outweigh the cons.

Yes, it’s true that the city will become even more crowded than it already is, but only on a temporary basis. The benefits the games would bring to the city, however, have tremendous lasting power and promise to transform the city for the better on a permanent basis. For one, improved public transportation is difficult to argue against. True, it shouldn’t really take something like the Olympics to kick the city into gear to finally expand our train and bus lines and thereby improve our interconnection. Still, if this is what it takes, I welcome it. For such a first-rate city as Chicago, our public transportation system is sorely lacking.

Another benefit is that certain neighborhoods will see a revitalization that will pump not only money, but people, life and overall beautification into them. Bronzeville and Hyde Park are examples of two such neighborhoods that promise to experience a boom should the Olympics come to Chicago. Filled with stunning vintage architecture and plenty of history, a facelift will serve these areas well by reversing the waning days of glory they’ve both experienced over the past several decades.

Chicago will also, if not already, be placed on the map world over. Such international recognition will mean an enhanced tourist industry, a better business climate for the entertainment, retail, food, and hospitality industries, and greater annual revenues (which will contribute to the continued expansion and upkeep of our public transportation).

Last but certainly not least of all, winning the bid is something to be proud of. It would be a testament to the greatness of our city and the biggest feather in Chicago’s hat. Winning an Olympic bid isn’t something to take lightly and probably isn’t something we can hope to see again in our lifetime. This is an exciting time, not a time to get bent out of shape.

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