Plan Commission

After approving the minutes from the September 16th meeting, the commission voted to defer Item 1 under Disposition on the agenda to the Nov 18th meeting. This item was to authorize disposition of the property at 1300 N Astor St & 24 E Goethe St to 24 E Goethe, LLC .

Public speaking period! On Item D1, a proposal to construct a golf practice area at Marovitz Golf Course in Lincoln Park, public commenters generally spoke in favor of the development. Appears to be great for Chicago youth activities. #chicago #recreation #cityplanning

Item D2 was more controversial. Some commenters stated that this development in the Fulton Market District (at 315 N May St) is reckless and dangerous, as well as in breach of development height and density guidelines for safety.

Other commenters were in support of it, citing its modern design & alignment w the rich architectural traditions of the area. One commenter stated that since it is in the Central Area Expansion District, there are no height/density limits, as well as that it’d help the city grow.

Item D3 was also mixed. Some commenters believe it will compromise pedestrian safety, increase traffic congestion, and violate accessibility development standards. #cityplanning #chicago

After public comments, motion to approve Item 1 under Negotiated Sales and Item 2 under Disposition, approved. The 1st was the sale of 5093 W Jackson Blvd to the Chicago Jesuit Academy. 2nd was disposition of land at 5113 Vacant St, formerly Moffat St.

Next up, item D1, to construct the golf practice area. Below are the community meetings to date, and preservation of two memorial trees based on community feedback. https://t.co/ShYWcYCZyF

More info on the organization/development. Worth noting that this program makes itself accessible to lower income families by providing affordable or no-cost options to Chicago youth who can’t afford it. Open to kids age 7-18. #chicago #recreation #golf #cityplanning #development https://t.co/B7t4kqgi7O

Site context, existing versus proposed work #chicago #golf #development #recreation https://t.co/dBgMkzosA1

Motion to approve Item D1 passed. Onto D2, proposal to rezone a Light Industry District to a Downtown Mixed-Use District at the general location at 315 N May St and 1112 W Carroll Ave.

Project description: at 315 N May, a 410ft tall, 26 story mixed-use office and commercial building with 180 parking spots, 650k sqft of office, and 15k sqft of commercial space. At Carroll, a 370ft tall bldg with 90 parking spots, and commercial/restaurant spaces on ground floor. https://t.co/ZGGTxljSwX

This development will be privately owned and paid for, but still publicly accessible. Renders below https://t.co/DQeJM9Yg2l

Design updates after feedback: https://t.co/5kpScGkmOA

This development has exceeded sustainability goals. https://t.co/r48HkribtN

In accordance with the affordability requirements ordinance, there will be 76 affordable units (20% of 377 total units) at a weighted average of 60% Area Median Income. https://t.co/yO3JULnP0C

There was some concern that investors wouldn’t be as interested with a 20-30% affordability rate. Commissioner Novara stated that that rate is the expectation set by Commissioners, add to that the fact that this is only one small zone of many for investors to choose from.

Some Commissioners felt that the developers are not solidly committed to the 30% affordability rate, so this must be clarified and clearer in the language of the proposal. #development #chicago #cityplanning #urbandesign #urbanplanning

It was cleared up that the developers are in fact going to meet at least the 20% affordability requirement, but are aiming to reach 30%. #development #chicago #affordablehousing #housing

Community and economic benefits - will create 2500 full time positions, 1600 construction jobs, and include 26% participation from MBEs, 6% from WBEs, and 50% of hiring reserved for Chicago residents, some of which will be sourced from the 27th ward. #chicago #urbanplanning https://t.co/sLO6f1ill5

After some more discussion on minor details, and Alderman Burnett speaking in support of the project, Item D2 passed with 3 NO votes, 13 YES votes, and 1 recusal. #chicago #development #urbanplanning

Next is Item D3, proposal to authorize the construction of a 270ft tall, 16-story mixed-use commercial office and life sciences building containing 492k sqft of office space, 131 parking spots, 28 bicycle parking spots, and open space. https://t.co/8YLrFVE51x

Planning contexts and updates based on feedback. Was reduced about 40 feet and 3 stories, as well as parking above grade moved to below grade. https://t.co/RSAMBhvkvb

Aerial and streetview renders, and architectural components: https://t.co/XOm1yKTvyX

Public realm guidelines met, promoting pedestrian and bike safety, with a modern and aesthetic streetscape adorned with art and greenery. https://t.co/g02ng2THLW

Economic and public benefits - will mitigate traffic congestion, accommodate neighborhood beautification goals, and create 1,350 life-science jobs and 2,400 construction jobs.
Put to a vote, Item D3 passed. #chicago #development #urbanplanning https://t.co/aGYtOrO8oE

Onto Item D4, a zoning amendment for the North Branch Industrial Corridor at 1521-25 N Elston Ave, allowing for the building to be used entirely for office-tenant space instead of for industrial/manufacturing purposes. https://t.co/9lts3vonHM

Project costs about $6 million, with a conversion fee of $105,962. May generate up to 100 office jobs. With the support of Alderman Burnett and no questions or comments, Item D4 passed. https://t.co/kGJLImze5b

Item D5! Proposal by the CHA to construct a mixed use project in an area around LeClaire Courts (vacant for 15 yrs). Includes retail/commercial, healthcare spaces, a daycare, community center, housing, and restaurants. Intends to revitalize the neighborhood #chicago #community https://t.co/2QyomKxBbd

Existing view vs pedestrian view render of the grocery store and a 2-story medical office building. Several members of the community expressed that they wanted more grocers. #chicago #development #cityplanning https://t.co/8vdyJSddxZ

This project is expected to have a limited impact on traffic congestion. Urban design standards also below. #chicago #development #cityplanning #urbandesign https://t.co/64cikCKBmc

Sustainability considerations - reduction of construction waste, water waste, and possible implementation of solar panels and rooftop gardens. #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #chicago https://t.co/mpWbu63Z7e

More than 50% of residential units will be affordable, exceeding ARO requirements. Will also be affordable to Chicagoans earning between 0-80% of the area median income (AMI). Public benefits also below, and meets city participation requirements for M/WBE’s. #development https://t.co/vDtEj1nY21

This will be a densely green development, appropriate for the area. Community arts groups/leaders will also be involved in the art that goes up there, visible for folks coming from Midway and Cicero Avenue. #chicago #development #cityplanning https://t.co/a37S0oYRv0

Ald. Rodriguez pointed out that “this will be the most significant development on the southwest side in generations.” It’ll bring more kids to under-enrolled Hearst Elementary, stimulate the local economy with commercial/retail and arts, and expand affordable housing options.

After final review of the DPD recommendations and declarations of support by present Aldermen and some Commissioners, Item D5 passed. Good luck to this major development in the southwest! #chicago #development #housing #economy #cityplanning #community #revitalization

Item D6, a proposed amendment to remove approx. 28 acres from the existing development at 2850 W Columbus Ave, to rezone into an M2-2 Light Industry District. The boundaries will remain the same on the Northeast and South lines, the new boundary will be to the West. https://t.co/W2uxwr06lA

Ald. Curtis spoke in support of this, stating that the amendment would relieve truck traffic that was causing congestion and blocking a dialysis center. With no other questions or comments, motion to approve Item D6 passed. #chicago

Item D7, proposed expansion of truck connection under Kedzie Bridge and truck chassis storage yard to alleviate traffic congestion caused by problematic left turns. Congestion decrease reduces idle time, which reduces emissions by trucks/other vehicles, thus improving air quality https://t.co/C5PoDxECYy

DPD Recommendations. This project will encourage efficient and safe traffic circulation patterns, reduce human exposure to noxious emissions, reduce stormwater run-off, and add a landscaped buffer along the street to reduce visibility of industrial operations from the street. https://t.co/HgQNl7ONOO

Item D7 was then approved. Final item in the D section, D8 - allowing the existing 201 living units to be occupied both as multi-unit residential units and as elderly housing. 59 parking spots will be provided, and there are no proposed changes to the exterior of the bldg. https://t.co/tNdI23xw47

No affordability requirements since no new units are getting added. Existing units will be meaningfully renovated, and create 50 construction jobs and 4 new permanent positions. Proposal also meets DPD’s guidelines and City Participation goals for M/WBEs. https://t.co/zoEHW8v1Gz

Commissioner Lyons inquired whether there is any language that prevents potential displacement of residents. The rep replied that 90% of units will be occupied by elderly or disabled residents as part of a contract w HUD that will expire in 16 yrs. No displacement should happen.

Item D8 passed. Last item on the agenda, chairman’s report on updates regarding W/MBE goals. Established participation goals are: 26% MBE, 6% WBE, and 50% local Chicago hires. https://t.co/qGn5QZwZ2W

The Department of Procurement handles the certification and compliance system which validates who is counted as a W/MBE. 228 PD applications were approved, with over $40b in total project costs and 132.6k construction jobs. #chicago #development https://t.co/EFpKPaVDUz

Permit Review and Certificate of Occupancy data: https://t.co/4lnNBlXPD5

Commissioner Villegas raised the issue that these goals must be more than aspirational, and do more than simply provide affidavits. If the goals are just paper tigers, then that does a disservice to the MBEs that assume they have a chance at participation.

Rep responded that the paperwork will be more substantial than affidavits, and include reporting on how/why certain MBEs are chosen, names of subcontractors, etc.

Commissioner Reyes asked if anything happens to developers who do not meet these goals. The answer was that since they are just goals, they are technically not required to meet them. They are, however, required to report on their progress to remain in compliance.

Meeting then adjourned at 4:10pm CST. Enjoy the rest of the day! You can watch the full meeting here: https://vimeo.com/633387977

#chicago #development #cityplanning #urbandevelopment #housing #business #economy #city #chidocumenters #chicagojournalism