Plan Commission [remote]

Access the link to todays livestream on the Chicago Plan Commission homepage.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/chicago_plan_commission.html

Today’s meeting agenda:

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Planning_and_Policy/Agendas/cpc_materials/02_2023/DRAFT_February_16_Agenda.pdf

The meeting has been called to order at 10 AM. Roll call follows. 8 commissioners are currently present.

Commissioners vote to approve meeting minutes from the committee’s last meeting on Jan 19.

Public comment is underway.

“I don’t know what I’m looking at what I’m looking at this,” the first speaker says regarding the We Will Chicago Framework Plan.

The speaker describes the plan as a “list of grievances” rather than a plan.

The next speaker, Amalia Gomez speaks next. Gomez is the executive director of the Alliance of the Southeast – an organization working working to ensure equitable development and incremental justice on the city’s Southeast side.

“There are still gaps as we learned from our partners, and more that can be done to engage residents in businesses at the local level. What we have instead is a plan that does not have any teeth,” Gomez said.

The third speaker, Christina Harris, is the director of the Metropolitan Planning Council. Harris says the We Will Chicago Framework plan is the first comprehensive citywide plan since the 1960s.

Harris says that last plan excluded many communities.

Jonathon Snyder, Executive Director of North Branch works, speaks next.

“We [want] to see a stronger connection with the business community under the economic development pillar.”

Butler Adams is the next speaker. Adams talks about implementing more city green spaces among other feedback for developers.

Steve Simmons, director of business and economic development at North Branch Works, speaks next.

“1308 North Elston is located in our service area and the North Branch industrial corridor. This area is home to many industrial companies…”

Simmons asks that no residential buildings are built at this site “as they would introduce a conflicting use with industrial companies.”

Butler Adams speaks again, this time on the proposed development at 1016 W. Jackson Blvd.

”…architecturally, especially with the base of this particular project, I do think it needs more work.”

The next speaker talks about the Red Line Extension transit supportive development plan.

“We hope [the plan] will be a catalytic approach to creating vibrant neighborhoods, increasing productivity and access and finally bringing transportation equity in the far south side.”

Butler Adams comments on the Red Line extension plan echoing their support.

Adams adds that “there’s so much potential for development [density and] vitality…and that’s not being discussed…”

That concludes the public comment portion of today’s meeting.

Next on the agenda - matters to be heard in accordance with the inter-agency planning referral act. This includes a disposition and a negotiated sale. The motion passes.

Next is a proposed resolution to adopt the We Will Chicago Framework Plan. A presentation about the plan is underway. The presenter, Kathy Dickhut, explains why the plan emerged in 2020.

“Chicago has become more segregated by income. We’ve been losing middle class residents.”

We Will Chicago is a comprehensive plan that lays out goals and objectives to guide Chicago for the next decade.

The planning process included neighborhood stakeholders, civic organizations, artists, community
partners and city agencies.

There are 40 goals and 150 objectives organized within 8 planning pillars: Arts & Culture; Civic & Community Engagement; Economic Development; Environment, Climate & Energy; Housing & Neighborhoods; Lifelong Learning; Public Health & Safety; and Transportation & Infrastructure.

Deep engagement with volunteer and community partners, city staff and artists contributed to the launch of the We Will draft.

“This was followed by a period of broad engagement that lasted four and a half months,” Dickhut said.

Broad engagement initiatives received 5000 respondents to the We Will Chicago online survey, which was made available in multiple languages.

“The in person events were critical to our strategy of reaching Chicagoans from all parts of the city,” Dickhut added.

The responses from both online and in person surveys indicates a strong level of agreement, Dickhut said.

The presentation moves to action planning. 2 documents outline the We Will process, objectives and goals based off feedback from community partners, volunteers and others.

Commissioner Novara says the Department of Housing was closely involved in the drafting of the housing and neighborhoods section.

“I think it’s worth just explaining the difference between a framework plan and an action plan,” Novara adds.

“This is the framework plan, and the action plan is what comes next. But we can’t get to the action plan until the framework plan is ratified.”

Commissioner Reyes says “…I truly value the community participation, even though maybe it was not significant within the Latino community.”

Reyes also echoes other commissioner’s comments on potential effects on the private sector and other concerns.

Dickhut responds, saying there’s still work to do.

“We’ll be looking at this very issue of how we can make the plan development process more accessible to the average resident and to actually make it a little bit more consistent for developers…”

Commissioner Cox comments on the plan’s community engagement focus.

”…the framework process both simultaneously enabled a whole host of city departments and sub agencies to achieve their very unique goals in a way that is comprehensive.”

Commissioner Soto talks next. The 4th gen Chicagoan recounts struggles of segregation.

“The systems that we’re trying to address in these plans are extremely broken, and it’s going to take a lot of work, a lot of consistency, and a lot of pushing the boundaries.”

“So cautiously, I am optimistic… because historically, promises have been broken [by the city],” Soto adds.

Commissioner Burnett speaks next.

“[These plans] really make people feel like something’s going to happen.”

Burnett asks if schools and higher education are included in the plan and adds that many students are looking for student housing.

Dickhut responds confirming that both Chicago Public Schools and Chicago City Colleges were included in the We Will Chicago process.

Alderman Thomas Tunney talks about manufacturing and industrial commercial corridors in relation to the plan’s objectives.

“[Chicago needs] a mix of commercial and employment opportunities…”

Andre Brumfield speaks next.

“We have to keep in mind that this [plan] is a potential template that can be used nationally, where other cities are already looking for guidance on how to actually move their city plans forward…”

Commissioners conclude their comments on the framework plan and a vote is underway.

The motion passes.

Next on the agenda: a proposed amendment to residential business planned development No. 1366, for the property at the Northeast corner of Wilson and Broadway.

Tyler Manic outlines new proposed uses for the development that will add to the area’s economic development.

Dominic Adducci of the John Buck Company provides an overview of the commercial leasing efforts.

“[There’s a] great deal of interest in in this neighborhood for medical dental type facilities… they’re not exactly what we would all like to have in terms of street activity…”

”…but the alternative is that these these spaces remain empty,” Adducci said.

A vote is for this agenda item is underway. The motion passes.

The next agenda item is a proposed planned development, submitted by Vista Property Group, for
640 W. Randolph Street.

The request includes constructing a 15 story building at the site containing commercial uses and parking. The site is currently a private service parking lot.

Patrick Cusack is the project’s architect and delves into the building’s details.

”…the architecture of this building is of the contemporary loft vernacular, which is building off of very positive feedback garnered…”

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) “concluded that the proposal is appropriate for the following reasons…,” Max Lyon of the DPD said.

“It promotes economical development patterns in the existing neighborhood through its improvement of an underutilized lot…”

”…and addition of commercial office space. It complies with floor area standards for the zoning district and it promotes safe and efficient access to transit and pedestrian circulation.”

Commissioners are currently voting on this agenda item. The motion passes.

The next agenda item is a proposed amendment to Institutional Planned Development No. 666, submitted by the Chicago Board of Education for the property at 5501 N. Kedzie Avenue.

The proposal requests rezoning and expanding the site’s boundaries to include the adjacent property owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

It also includes replacing the Northside College Preparatory High School existing grass athletic field with a new and expanded synthetic turf field.

The project architect for the site, JD Rossman, covers an overview of the site with the proposed improvements.

Alderman Tunney asks specific questions about the proposed netting outlined in the request.

”…this netting will be able to raise whether it be manual crank or some automated system… so that it doesn’t have an impact on the [surrounding environment],” Noah Szafraniec said.

Proper netting ensures proper bird migration and more.

A vote for this proposal is underway. The motion passes.

The next agenda item is a proposal for planned development, submitted by Fortem Voluntas Partners LLC, for the property at 415 N. Sangamon Street.

The proposal includes rezoning the property to a business planned development and the construction of a 265-foot-tall commercial office building. This will contain commercial uses, parking and bike parking spaces.

Max Lyon gives an overview of the proposal. The site is a character building.

“Character buildings help reinforce and retain the existing character of the neighborhood, historical context and the feel of a specific community.”

According to Max Lyon, DPD concludes the proposal is appropriate.

It promotes economical development in the neighborhood by improving an underutilized lot. It is also consistent with other plans adopted by the plan commission.

Lyon adds that the proposal encourages the protection and conservation of natural resources.

Commissioner Tunney questions if this proposal takes a holistic approach to building on the area.

Tunney also requests additional data on local transportation habits to ensure proper on site parking.

Commissioner Burnett comments “We’re going to encourage less parking. We need to encourage more transportation opportunity modes in this area.”

“I think we would be remiss not to acknowledge that this is one of the more innovative design proposals that we’ve seen recently,” Commissioner Cox said. “I think it has a potential to be a character building [in] Fulton Market.”

A vote for this proposal is underway. The motion passes.

The next item is a proposed zoning map amendment at 1308 North Elston Avenue in the Boystown area.

The applicant is proposing to rezone the site to allow additional uses in the existing building. There are no new construction or site improvements.

The amendment would permit commercial spaces including personal and medical ones.

This motion passes.

The next item is a proposed planned development at 1016 W. Jackson Boulevard. The proposal requests to rezone the property to a Residential Business Planned Development.

This would permit the construction of a 28-story, 295-foot tall mixed use building.

If passed, the new space would contain 370 dwelling units, ground-floor commercial space, 125 accessory parking spaces and 350 bicycle parking spaces.

A vote for this proposal is underway. The motion passes.

The next item is a proposed amendment to Planned Development No. 1385 for a property on the West Side area.

The proposed amendment to the planned development would permit the use of medical services.

This motion passes.

The final agenda item is a proposed amendment to Residential Business Planned Development for the property at 1200-1212 North State Parkway. The proposal seeks to permit the use of medical services.

The final motion also passes.

The meeting nears its end with the chairman’s report and an information presentation on the Red Line Extension (RLE) project - a 5.6-mile extension starting from the existing terminal at 95th/Dan Ryan and ending at 130th Street.

According to the agenda, “The RLE Transit-Supportive Development (TSD) Plan is a proactive effort to create a guide for future development in communities located near the RLE project area.”

The meeting concludes at 2:30 PM.

Thanks for following along! Respond to this thread with any comments and follow @CHIdocumenters for more.

Access the link to todays livestream on the Chicago Plan Commission homepage.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/chicago_plan_commission.html

Today’s meeting agenda:

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Planning_and_Policy/Agendas/cpc_materials/02_2023/DRAFT_February_16_Agenda.pdf

The meeting has been called to order at 10 AM. Roll call follows. 8 commissioners are currently present.

Commissioners vote to approve meeting minutes from the committee’s last meeting on Jan 19.

Public comment is underway.

“I don’t know what I’m looking at what I’m looking at this,” the first speaker says regarding the We Will Chicago Framework Plan.

The speaker describes the plan as a “list of grievances” rather than a plan.

The next speaker, Amalia Gomez speaks next. Gomez is the executive director of the Alliance of the Southeast – an organization working working to ensure equitable development and incremental justice on the city’s Southeast side.

“There are still gaps as we learned from our partners, and more that can be done to engage residents in businesses at the local level. What we have instead is a plan that does not have any teeth,” Gomez said.

The third speaker, Christina Harris, is the director of the Metropolitan Planning Council. Harris says the We Will Chicago Framework plan is the first comprehensive citywide plan since the 1960s.

Harris says that last plan excluded many communities.

Jonathon Snyder, Executive Director of North Branch works, speaks next.

“We [want] to see a stronger connection with the business community under the economic development pillar.”

Butler Adams is the next speaker. Adams talks about implementing more city green spaces among other feedback for developers.

Steve Simmons, director of business and economic development at North Branch Works, speaks next.

“1308 North Elston is located in our service area and the North Branch industrial corridor. This area is home to many industrial companies…”

Simmons asks that no residential buildings are built at this site “as they would introduce a conflicting use with industrial companies.”

Butler Adams speaks again, this time on the proposed development at 1016 W. Jackson Blvd.

”…architecturally, especially with the base of this particular project, I do think it needs more work.”

The next speaker talks about the Red Line Extension transit supportive development plan.

“We hope [the plan] will be a catalytic approach to creating vibrant neighborhoods, increasing productivity and access and finally bringing transportation equity in the far south side.”

Butler Adams comments on the Red Line extension plan echoing their support.

Adams adds that “there’s so much potential for development [density and] vitality…and that’s not being discussed…”

That concludes the public comment portion of today’s meeting.

Next on the agenda - matters to be heard in accordance with the inter-agency planning referral act. This includes a disposition and a negotiated sale. The motion passes.

Next is a proposed resolution to adopt the We Will Chicago Framework Plan. A presentation about the plan is underway. The presenter, Kathy Dickhut, explains why the plan emerged in 2020.

“Chicago has become more segregated by income. We’ve been losing middle class residents.”

We Will Chicago is a comprehensive plan that lays out goals and objectives to guide Chicago for the next decade.

The planning process included neighborhood stakeholders, civic organizations, artists, community
partners and city agencies.

There are 40 goals and 150 objectives organized within 8 planning pillars: Arts & Culture; Civic & Community Engagement; Economic Development; Environment, Climate & Energy; Housing & Neighborhoods; Lifelong Learning; Public Health & Safety; and Transportation & Infrastructure.

Deep engagement with volunteer and community partners, city staff and artists contributed to the launch of the We Will draft.

“This was followed by a period of broad engagement that lasted four and a half months,” Dickhut said.

Broad engagement initiatives received 5000 respondents to the We Will Chicago online survey, which was made available in multiple languages.

“The in person events were critical to our strategy of reaching Chicagoans from all parts of the city,” Dickhut added.

The responses from both online and in person surveys indicates a strong level of agreement, Dickhut said.

The presentation moves to action planning. 2 documents outline the We Will process, objectives and goals based off feedback from community partners, volunteers and others.

Commissioner Novara says the Department of Housing was closely involved in the drafting of the housing and neighborhoods section.

“I think it’s worth just explaining the difference between a framework plan and an action plan,” Novara adds.

“This is the framework plan, and the action plan is what comes next. But we can’t get to the action plan until the framework plan is ratified.”

Commissioner Reyes says “…I truly value the community participation, even though maybe it was not significant within the Latino community.”

Reyes also echoes other commissioner’s comments on potential effects on the private sector and other concerns.

Dickhut responds, saying there’s still work to do.

“We’ll be looking at this very issue of how we can make the plan development process more accessible to the average resident and to actually make it a little bit more consistent for developers…”

Commissioner Cox comments on the plan’s community engagement focus.

”…the framework process both simultaneously enabled a whole host of city departments and sub agencies to achieve their very unique goals in a way that is comprehensive.”

Commissioner Soto talks next. The 4th gen Chicagoan recounts struggles of segregation.

“The systems that we’re trying to address in these plans are extremely broken, and it’s going to take a lot of work, a lot of consistency, and a lot of pushing the boundaries.”

“So cautiously, I am optimistic… because historically, promises have been broken [by the city],” Soto adds.

Commissioner Burnett speaks next.

“[These plans] really make people feel like something’s going to happen.”

Burnett asks if schools and higher education are included in the plan and adds that many students are looking for student housing.

Dickhut responds confirming that both Chicago Public Schools and Chicago City Colleges were included in the We Will Chicago process.

Alderman Thomas Tunney talks about manufacturing and industrial commercial corridors in relation to the plan’s objectives.

“[Chicago needs] a mix of commercial and employment opportunities…”

Andre Brumfield speaks next.

“We have to keep in mind that this [plan] is a potential template that can be used nationally, where other cities are already looking for guidance on how to actually move their city plans forward…”

Commissioners conclude their comments on the framework plan and a vote is underway.

The motion passes.

Next on the agenda: a proposed amendment to residential business planned development No. 1366, for the property at the Northeast corner of Wilson and Broadway.

Tyler Manic outlines new proposed uses for the development that will add to the area’s economic development.

Dominic Adducci of the John Buck Company provides an overview of the commercial leasing efforts.

“[There’s a] great deal of interest in in this neighborhood for medical dental type facilities… they’re not exactly what we would all like to have in terms of street activity…”

”…but the alternative is that these these spaces remain empty,” Adducci said.

A vote is for this agenda item is underway. The motion passes.

The next agenda item is a proposed planned development, submitted by Vista Property Group, for
640 W. Randolph Street.

The request includes constructing a 15 story building at the site containing commercial uses and parking. The site is currently a private service parking lot.

Patrick Cusack is the project’s architect and delves into the building’s details.

”…the architecture of this building is of the contemporary loft vernacular, which is building off of very positive feedback garnered…”

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) “concluded that the proposal is appropriate for the following reasons…,” Max Lyon of the DPD said.

“It promotes economical development patterns in the existing neighborhood through its improvement of an underutilized lot…”

”…and addition of commercial office space. It complies with floor area standards for the zoning district and it promotes safe and efficient access to transit and pedestrian circulation.”

Commissioners are currently voting on this agenda item. The motion passes.

The next agenda item is a proposed amendment to Institutional Planned Development No. 666, submitted by the Chicago Board of Education for the property at 5501 N. Kedzie Avenue.

The proposal requests rezoning and expanding the site’s boundaries to include the adjacent property owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

It also includes replacing the Northside College Preparatory High School existing grass athletic field with a new and expanded synthetic turf field.

The project architect for the site, JD Rossman, covers an overview of the site with the proposed improvements.

Alderman Tunney asks specific questions about the proposed netting outlined in the request.

”…this netting will be able to raise whether it be manual crank or some automated system… so that it doesn’t have an impact on the [surrounding environment],” Noah Szafraniec said.

Proper netting ensures proper bird migration and more.

A vote for this proposal is underway. The motion passes.

The next agenda item is a proposal for planned development, submitted by Fortem Voluntas Partners LLC, for the property at 415 N. Sangamon Street.

The proposal includes rezoning the property to a business planned development and the construction of a 265-foot-tall commercial office building. This will contain commercial uses, parking and bike parking spaces.

Max Lyon gives an overview of the proposal. The site is a character building.

“Character buildings help reinforce and retain the existing character of the neighborhood, historical context and the feel of a specific community.”

According to Max Lyon, DPD concludes the proposal is appropriate.

It promotes economical development in the neighborhood by improving an underutilized lot. It is also consistent with other plans adopted by the plan commission.

Lyon adds that the proposal encourages the protection and conservation of natural resources.

Commissioner Tunney questions if this proposal takes a holistic approach to building on the area.

Tunney also requests additional data on local transportation habits to ensure proper on site parking.

Commissioner Burnett comments “We’re going to encourage less parking. We need to encourage more transportation opportunity modes in this area.”

“I think we would be remiss not to acknowledge that this is one of the more innovative design proposals that we’ve seen recently,” Commissioner Cox said. “I think it has a potential to be a character building [in] Fulton Market.”

A vote for this proposal is underway. The motion passes.

The next item is a proposed zoning map amendment at 1308 North Elston Avenue in the Boystown area.

The applicant is proposing to rezone the site to allow additional uses in the existing building. There are no new construction or site improvements.

The amendment would permit commercial spaces including personal and medical ones.

This motion passes.

The next item is a proposed planned development at 1016 W. Jackson Boulevard. The proposal requests to rezone the property to a Residential Business Planned Development.

This would permit the construction of a 28-story, 295-foot tall mixed use building.

If passed, the new space would contain 370 dwelling units, ground-floor commercial space, 125 accessory parking spaces and 350 bicycle parking spaces.

A vote for this proposal is underway. The motion passes.

The next item is a proposed amendment to Planned Development No. 1385 for a property on the West Side area.

The proposed amendment to the planned development would permit the use of medical services.

This motion passes.

The final agenda item is a proposed amendment to Residential Business Planned Development for the property at 1200-1212 North State Parkway. The proposal seeks to permit the use of medical services.

The final motion also passes.

The meeting nears its end with the chairman’s report and an information presentation on the Red Line Extension (RLE) project - a 5.6-mile extension starting from the existing terminal at 95th/Dan Ryan and ending at 130th Street.

According to the agenda, “The RLE Transit-Supportive Development (TSD) Plan is a proactive effort to create a guide for future development in communities located near the RLE project area.”

The meeting concludes at 2:30 PM.

Thanks for following along! Respond to this thread with any comments and follow @CHIdocumenters for more.