Ward Zoning and Planning Committee Meeting: 1/24/07

Alderman Smith began the meeting with the fact that the Chicago Planning Commission passed the Admiral project as well as the project that replaced a motel at 5440 N Sheridan Road (See the August 2006 WZPC notes).

The Illinois Supreme Court heard a case involving liquor sales in the Granville area and ruled to keep the area dry. Two liquor stores were attempting legal changes in order to sell alcohol.

The alderman referred everyone to a story in the Chicago Tribune from 1/24/2007 where a community analysis is profiled.

The 48th Ward is trying to get out in front of the upcoming CTA work that will result in a slowing of service on the Red Line, amongst others. The story currently is that the Red Line could have disrupted service for 2-2.5 years and it is possible that with the work on the other lines the disruption could be wider spread and last up to 8 years. The Alderman is suggesting that the CTA reduce its fares in order to keep its current ridership. As an example of a possibility proposed, if the ride will take 2 times as long, reduce the fare by on half. She is also looking at alternate transportation means, but had no specific proposals.

Alderman Smith called out the fact that the area has gotten some restaurant raves lately, notably Marigold (4832 N Broadway) and Broadway Cellars (5900 N Broadway).

The topic of set-asides was brought up, specifically the current CPAN program, whereby developers designate a percentage of units in a new or re-zoned development to be sold at below market rates to bank-qualified, moderate to mid-level income families. These programs are administered on a ward-by-ward basis. The city is investigating raising the generally accepted current threshold of 10% to a 15% level and making it uniform city-wide. Alderman Smith is asking that all block clubs revisit the issue and take a vote as to whether she should vote in favor of raising the threshold. She requests that the Z&P delegates report back to her at the next Zoning meeting. (We will therefore add this as an agenda item at the upcoming block club meeting on February 8th at 7pm, 5040 N Marine.)

Broadway and Sheridan Road down-zoning have passed the City Council process and are approved.

The only project on the agenda was for a development at 5623 N Clark N Clark (Olive & Clark). The developer is Pat Daley and he is seeking a zoning change so that he can build a 4 story building with 2 or 3 commercial spaces on the first floor and 9 residential units. The zoning change would be from B3-2 to B3-3. Alley access is requested. Formerly, 7-11 and its parking lot occupied the space. This will be a very green building, using water collection rain barrels and having outlets available in each garage space to accommodate electric autos. Additionally, the building will have raised turrets (14 feet above street level) on the corners, made of iron clad material and painted black, in the traditional Chicago style. There will be a service business on the Olive Street side to house something on the order of dry cleaners for the neighborhood. The retail on Clark will not be built to house or accommodate a restaurant but will be okay for a sandwich/coffee shop, bakery etc. A vote was taken and the result was: 21 for, 0 against, and 2 abstentions. Carmen Winona voted "for" along with the associations and block clubs in the area, since the design was particularly striking and had a very positive response from the meeting attendees.