SOUTH SIDE ALDERMAN INTRODUCES TWO ORDINANCES AND DEFERS ZONING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
South Side Alderman Introduces Two Ordinances And Defers Zoning Committee Appointment
BY KATHERINE NEWMAN
Ninth Ward Alderman Anthony Beale recently introduced two ordinances to Chicago’s City Council that, if approved, will create a tax increment financing (TIF) district on 95th Street between South State Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue and rezone a surrounding area for the development of detached houses.
The two ordinances that were introduced by Ald. Beale at the most recent city council meeting are meant to spark a community-led planning process for the development of 95th Street between State Street and Cottage Grove Avenue.
Beale has asked the city of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development to consider designating the area on 95th Street as a TIF district and the ordinance goes on to say that the Department is “authorized and directed” to make an acquisition map in case the use of eminent domain is necessary.
Tax Increment Financing is a tool that the city of Chicago uses to generate money for economic development in specific geographical areas. TIF districts allow the city to re-invest all new property tax dollars back into the neighborhood from which they came, according to information provided by the Cook County Clerk’s Office.
If passed, the second ordinance Beale introduced at the recent city council meeting would downzone properties on State and 95 Streets from C1-1 Neighborhood Commercial District, B3-1 Community Shopping District, and RS-3, Residential Single-Unit District to those of an RS-1 Residential Single-Unit District. This rezoning would make way for the development of single-family homes.
Beale’s focus on 95th Street comes after an announcement from the Governor’s office that the 95th Street Metra Station, the closest station to Chicago State University, will be the first to be upgraded as a result of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s $41.5 billion capital plan that was passed earlier this year.
“We are glad that Governor Pritzker has made needed funds available,” said Alderman Beale. “However, after waiting all this time, we want to ensure that the needs of the community are heard so whatever gets done will take into account the needs and interests of the community, not those of a particular city department. This is what aldermen are elected to do, to meet with and fight for the communities we serve.”
Beale said that he plans to work with the community and the Chicago Transit Authority to make sure that the community’s interests are served as they upgrade the Metra Station and attempt to bring development to 95th Street.
In addition to introducing two new ordinances, Ald. Beale also successfully deferred the approval of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s appointment of James Rudyk Jr. to the Zoning Board of Appeals during the recent city council meeting.
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