2026-10-13 - Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards

Testing, testing. Let's see, make a couple. I got this camera. Good morning, everyone. It is 10:20 on October 13th, 2026, and this meeting of the Chicago City Council's Committee on Zoning, Landmark,

and Building Standards is called to order. We will start off with a roll call. Nicole, please with the roll. Alderman Espada. Alderman Hopkins. No. Alderman Hall. Alderwoman Harris. Alderman Beale.

Alderwoman Ramirez. Alderman Moore. Alderman Mosley. Alderman Sito Lopez. Alder Fuentes. Alderman Burnett. Alderwoman Cruz. Alderman Conway. Alder Casada. Alderman Riley. Alderman Knudsen. Alderwoman

Clay. Vice Chair Lawson, and Chair Villegas. President. You have a quorum. We have a quorum. Now these right here. We're going to start this morning off with the approval of the Rule 45 report

containing the minutes of the September meeting. All members of this committee should have received a copy of this report electronically via the shared drive. Alderman Knudsen makes a motion to

approve the report. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. Independent chair, the ayes have it. Moving on, I will now read the items to be deferred. I'll read the page number and the

description and then take a motion for all at the end. First up is middle of page four, file number 23087 for various addresses on South Dearborn, South Federal, West Pershing, and West 40th Street.

Moving on to the middle of page 15, file number 23146-T1, common address 1415 West Diversity Parkway. Next is document number O2026-0027579 regarding single-room occupancy residential development.

Lastly, all of pages 16 through 17, including file 23158-T1 for the address commonly known as 4200 South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. File 23174, common address 37 East Garfield Street. File

23179 for various addresses on Halsted, North Kingsbury, and Ogden Avenue. Lastly, file number 23164, common address 718 North St. Louis Avenue. Alderman Espada makes a motion to defer the previously

listed items. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, say nay. Independent chair, the ayes have it, and the items are deferred. At this time, we will begin the public comment period. In accordance

with the city council's rule of order procedure, public comment will be limited to 30 minutes. The Committee on Zoning will call as many speakers as time allows. Our first speaker is Eric Rubinstein,

followed by Mark Rosen. Mark Rosen? Rose? Okay. So Eric Rubinstein and then Mark Rose. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Single Room Operators Association, representing SRO citywide, strongly opposes Third

Ward Alderman Pat Dowell's proposed anti-SRO ordinance for multiple reasons. The proposed ordinance would gut the city's SRO preservation legislation from 2014 and create an either/or scenario. As

alderman, you either support SRO preservation or you favor the elimination of extremely affordable SRO housing desperately needed to shelter very poor single adult Chicago citizens. Remember, SROs are

one step above homelessness, and we must stop SRO residents from being victimized. With the proposed special use permit for SROs, aldermen could deny approval of required building department repair or

renovation permits. This could lead to the physical deterioration of SROs, creating a neighborhood blight, likely leading to a housing court case and a possible SRO closure ordered by a judge. So SRO

residents would be forced into the streets. This proposed anti-SRO ordinance would discourage and greatly restrict locations where new SRO construction could occur. These uncertainties and likely poor

locations to operate away from grocery shopping and bus lines would lead to higher costs and harm the SRO residents. An SRO special use permit could block a potential SRO sale or ownership transfer of

existing SROs that were protected and grandfathered in the zoning ordinance. This could prohibit that SRO from continuing to operate, again, forcing SRO residents to be uprooted and face homelessness.

For these and other reasons, we ask the zoning committee to vote down, again, vote down Alderman Pat Dowell's proposed anti-SRO ordinance and help prevent more tents, T-E-N-T-S, from rising in city

parks to shelter the very poor and vulnerable former SRO residents. Thank you for listening. Thank you, Mr. Rubenstein. Our next speaker is Durin Hulbert, followed by Jessica Jackson. Durin Hulbert?

Southwest Airlines? All right, I don't see Mr. Hulbert. Ms. Jessica Jackson followed by Timothy Bennett. They are representing the applicant will be with me. Oh, got you. So it's not public comment.

You don't want to... Okay. Got you. Thank you. Ms. Jackson. After this. Okay. Okay, so the one thing that I'm noticing is when aldermen decide to show up for work. Now when we have meetings like

public safety, it's amazing how we can't get a quorum. You can't get a quorum. Aldermen won't come to work. Not even Alderman Brian Hopkins, who's over public safety. He can't get a quorum when it's

time to talk about the safety of the city. Yet when you have things like zoning landmarks and building standards where you have these white contractors coming here and everybody's going to grab for

this TIF money. So everybody's going to get money off the top. It's not going to matter what's zoned properly or not. You're going to manipulate the laws and rules for landmarks. You do whatever you

want with building standards as it pertains to property owners. Now you all are sitting here all day and act like every ordinance that you're doing, every law that you're doing is to house, quote

unquote, "the impoverished," "the underprivileged," "the poor," da, da, da, da. That whole saga. But you all are not going to do anything to protect the rights of homeowners, property owners. What

property owners can look forward to is that you all aggressively hike property taxes so that you all can help crook Governor JB Pritzker steal more real estate, especially off the South Side,

especially around the Obama Center. There's going to be absolutely no conversation in City Hall to talk about how private citizens who own property, how our real estate is getting taken from us

because of aggressive property taxes, because of bogus court cases, because of corrupt county officials that steal property, and you all know everything about it, and you all won't do anything about

it. You all won't do anything about your ordinances that's supposed to protect property owners. But you're going to come in here so that you all can get some TIF money for these white contractors.

It's the most disgusting thing to act like you care about how people live while you intentionally forcing people out of property that they own and pay for because you all trying to act like you some

social justice housing people who really just taking our money to house them. Thank you, Ms. Jackson. Our next speaker is Timothy Bennett. Nope. Jim Jobes? Yeah. Jim Jobes? Another one? All right.

Before we do that, let's add Alderman Hopkins to the roll for the purpose of quorum, as well as Alderman Casada. James Anderson, followed by Nick Hunter. My name is James Anderson, and I'm speaking

against the application in case number 28741, which proposes a parking garage for 630 cars located at 370 East Garfield Boulevard. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, this property is adjacent

to the Garfield station on the CTA Green Line. This is no place to build a giant parking structure. Property near the L has to be for people, a high-intensity residential, commercial, or institutional

use that will benefit from being next to an L stop. The development proposed is detrimental to the city. It's something we should be trying to undo in locations where it exists. We should not be

adding car-oriented land uses to property adjacent to the L. I would like to address the process here as well. If a developer came in and proposed 630 apartments at this location, the application

would be the subject of years of community meetings, arguments that it would generate too much car traffic, that it's changing the character of the neighborhood, or that the apartments would be either

not affordable enough or too affordable, and eventually the alderman would say no. But 630 car parking places will sail through, and my testimony here today for three minutes will be the only

objection. Then the members of this committee will go sit in finance committee and wonder why the city is broke. Car-oriented development is why the city is broke. It is economically unsustainable to

build for cars. All it does is push people further apart and promote more car dependency, which pushes people even further apart and promotes even more car dependency. Eventually, there's no city,

just highways and parking lots and cars. I respectfully urge the committee to deny the application for zoning relief. Thank you, Mr. Anderson. Next is Nick Hunter, followed by Michael Rohrbach. Good

morning. My name is Nick Hunter. I'm representing Bike Grenade, a citywide coalition of bicyclists who travel basically anywhere. So I want to talk about the Cortlandt Bridge, and we're going to ask

you to not un-landmark that. Our pitch is pretty simple. So it looks like CDOT doesn't know what the fix is, and it looks like we are going to have to spend a lot of money, whether it is demoing and

rebuilding a bridge, building a second bridge, or doing structural repairs to the current one. So we would ask you that if we are going to spend all of this money anyways, we would like to see either

the Cortlandt Bridge expanded in its current capacity or just build another bridge next to the current one and leave our wide open bridge that has been heavily used by pedestrians, cyclists, people

who just want to come out and have a picnic and use this newly open space. It's an essential east-west crossing, as are most east-west crossings in the city, and it by default is serving as a 606

extension already. So the last time a private developer said they'd build one, which was Sterling Bay, they fell through. And now we're really hoping the Foundry Park will build one, but that's also

not going to come for another five years. So it's a really long delay in hopes for something that might actually just not happen anyways. Again, it's an essential connection. It's pretty much unsafe,

dangerous, or at least highly unadvisable to try and get from all the way on the west side to any of the Lake Shore communities without going way out of your way. You're sort of comparable options are

you go up to Belmont, which is 13 blocks north, or you go down to Kinzie, which is 15 blocks north. So you're creating this huge gap in a safe infrastructure. And I would say we don't really trust

that if we rebuild, tear down and rebuild a new bridge, that we're going to get something that is safe for bikes. We just re-spent $22 million on rebuilding Webster just north, and all it did was get

a painted bike lane. So we didn't make that connection any better, and we're at serious risk of making that same mistake. Just a few data points. So if you look at Strava, which is sort of like a

conglomeration of bike data, it's pretty obvious that between 13 months ago when it was closed and now, how many more people are using this. It's a great example of "If you build it, they will come."

And in this case, we didn't build anything. We just realized that it wasn't safe for cars, and we closed it, and then suddenly, easily 1,000 people are using it a day. Just stand out there for an

hour, you will see truly hundreds of cyclists come across. So, and I just want to quickly remind you this, there's an election coming up, and there hasn't been a lot for bike infrastructure done, and

we are looking at how all of you are voting. All the transportation groups are aligned. We have a pack. We have a lot of money to throw around. So consider this sort of a first option to see how you

vote, whether you support or don't support bicyclists, and we will adjust accordingly. And we are happy to support you, but we are equally happy to go against you. So again, I do urge you to not un-

landmark this bridge and set a terrible precedent of thinking that we can just un-landmark or throw whatever regulation is in our way just to achieve something that, again, CDOT has said, we don't

know if removing the landmark will actually speed up anything. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Hunter. Our next speaker is Michael Rohrbach, followed by Chevy Meeks. Hello. I'm here to speak against the

proposed special use requirements being proposed for SROs. My name is Mike Rohrbach. I'm with Voice of the People, Chicago. For more than six decades, we've been fighting for affordable housing. And

in the last few years in the area that we work most closely in, the 46th and 48th Ward, there's been about 400 units in four buildings that really have been at risk. Both single-room occupancy and

really small unit buildings that are, when they are housing the lowest income, our most important hedge against homelessness. And you've heard this stuff before, but bottom line is, people that are

super low income have a hard time paying just the expenses of an apartment, much less a mortgage and taxes on top of it. We need to be treating these owners like they're our city's most important

resource because they're what is keeping a lot more folks from living on the sidewalk. So we're doing our best fighting to save affordable housing in our community. We need the City Council to make it

easier on owners to preserve and create very affordable housing, and we just ask that you oppose this ordinance. Thank you, Mr. Rohrbach. Our next speaker is Chevy Meeks, followed by Nicole McCarthy.

Good morning. Good morning. My name is Chevy Meeks. My husband Glenn Meeks and I have operated an SRO in the historic Pullman District for more than 20 years. We know that we're providing a really

good resource for people who need affordable housing. We receive multiple calls per week asking for vacancies in our building. We know that there is a great need. So what we do is we provide a very

good, safe environment for the homeless. We provide a safe environment for those who are seeking affordable housing, and we would like to oppose the proposed SRO ordinance. My wife has allowed me to

take part of her three minutes. I appreciate that. My name is Meeks, and I just want to just emphasize a few things. Some of you may or may not know that SROs, we represent a very small, almost

minuscule, when you look at the entire housing market. We're very small. And to add additional scrutiny to a very small entity, to me, it's like piling on this overkill. Did you realize that every two

years we get approval, we have to have approval from the fire department, the electrical department, plumbing department, and conservations every two years in order to operate? And in addition to

that, if we decided that we wanted to sell our SRO, we have to get approval from our alderman already. And so additional scrutiny to me is unnecessary. We're already being scrutinized enough as a

small entity. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Meeks. Our next speaker is Nicole McCarthy, followed by Carla Lango-McNamara. Thank you. Good morning, committee members. Thank you, Chairman Viegas.

My name is Nicole McCarthy. I'm the executive director of the West Town Chamber of Commerce. I'm here to provide public comment on Amendment 9146, which proposes a zoning change for sections of West

Chicago Avenue from a B1-3 neighborhood shopping district to a B3-3 community shopping district. Much like the hardworking alderpeople in West Town, Alderman Viegas and Alderman Lavada, thank you for

your dedication to our neighborhood. The Chamber of Commerce supports zoning changes that create easier and cost-saving licensing pathways for small businesses without adding loopholes for large

chains to move in and disrupt the character of our neighborhood. West Town is unique because our business community is 95% independently owned and local. So thank you for your time and your careful

consideration of your impact on our communities. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. McNamara. I'd like to recognize Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez for the purposes of quorum. Our next speaker is Carla Lango-

McNamara, followed by Martha Vitalins. Hi. Good morning to the committee. Thank you for letting me speak today. My name is Carla Lango-McNamara, and I'm the owner of the subject property at 4643-4639

South Wallace in the 15th Ward, which I've owned this property for 20 years, since 2005. I am speaking against the application number 27173. Last year, I worked with the local community and the

Canaryville Improvement Association, along with my ward alderman, to change the subject property from the zoning of RS-3 to the existing BA2-3. The type one approval was ratified by the City Council

on September 25th, 2025 with a 49 to zero vote. Since that approval, I have invested over $125,000 in professional development expenses, pursuing completed architectural drawings, permits, and legal

expenses for the project consistent with the type one zoning approval. The currently proposed downzone ordinance would take away those developmental rights. My plan for the property remains the same.

I am proposing to develop the property with a mixed-use commercial building that would contain an expansion of my existing childcare facility, along with six residential units, one of which I will

continue to reside in indefinitely. I have currently owned and operated a childcare facility for the last 20 years in the 11th Ward community since 2007. I am an established business providing a

needed service to my community. I respectfully request that the Committee on Zoning either defer vote on this matter until after permits for the already approved Type 1 project are issued or deny the

request to downzone. I am happy to provide any additional information the committee requests for its consideration of this matter. I currently employ 15 women, many of which are 15th Ward residents. I

will be increasing available jobs in my community and providing valuable services to families who are in need of quality childcare. Thank you so much for your time today and consideration of this

matter. Thank you, Ms. McNamara. Our next speaker is Marta Vitolins, followed by Rudy Fash. Hi there. Excuse me. Hi there. Thank you so much for having me today. My name is Marta Vitolins. I have been

a Chicagoan for 12 years. I'm a resident of the 27th Ward. I've been a city cyclist for eight years, and I've been a full-time city cyclist for about five years. I'm here to speak about the landmark

status of the Cortland Bridge, and requesting that the committee oppose the repeal of the landmark status and keep it open to pedestrians and micro-mobility and to Chicago residents. I bike for

pleasure, but I mostly bike to commute. I frequently travel north and across the river, and today I just want to speak to my personal experience with safety, with getting to the Lakeshore

neighborhoods. So I live on Chicago Avenue, which, as we all know, the Chicago Avenue Bridge is currently closed for the construction of Bally's Casino. So my current option to get to the north side

and across the bridge, I can either go south to Grand, which is currently under construction, and is subjected to the downtown traffic. When Bally's opens, this will also be a major thoroughway for

cars going across right there. Chicago Avenue, as I mentioned, is currently closed. But with the upcoming casino, we anticipate there will be more-- Rather, I anticipate there will be more car traffic

and a lot of people coming from outside the city who may or may not be expecting for there to be bikes and pedestrians crossing. I can go up to Division, which has highway access and is extremely

unsafe. Just on a personal note, before I realized that the Cortland Avenue Bridge was still open to cyclists, I was taking Division to get back west and no fewer than five times nearly got hit by a

car. And then I can go up to North Avenue, which as we know, also has the highway access, no bike lanes, extremely heavy traffic, very unsafe for cyclists. So by here, I'm at Cortland. Cortland gives

incredible access to a major number of thoroughfares that really help access to the north side and to the lake. That would include Clybourn, where I personally buy my groceries and where I also do

fitness classes. To Armitage, which is how I get to the lake, or to Halsted, which is how I access most of the north side. Having it as a dedicated bike and pedestrian lane makes it a respite to

really have a safe, enjoyable journey to get to those areas of the city. Additionally, I just want to speak very briefly to what road damage calculators say, which is that when I look at my previous

motor vehicle I had, which was a Toyota RAV4, it takes 150,000 trips on my current road bike to do the same amount of damage as my previous car did. So thank you all so much for the time. I really

implore the committee to oppose the repeal of the landmark status of the Cortland Avenue Bridge. It really has been such an incredible asset. I hope that you all take those comments into

consideration. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Vitolins. Our next speaker is Rudy Fosh, followed by our last speaker, Bailey Sid. Good morning, committee, and thank you, Chair Villegas. My name is Rudy

Fosh. Excuse me. I am a First Ward resident, and I'm speaking to oppose the removal of landmark status for the Cortland Street Bridge. We're justifiably proud of our bridges here in Chicago, and we

also know, as we just heard, that many of our bridges need repair and some need to be replaced. But in adapting the Cortland Street Bridge for pedestrians, bicyclists and disabled users, we can meet

an immediate need and improve the safety with our first truly protected crossing over the river. CDOT's working on these crossings, but mainly for cars. With their designs, pedestrians often walk next

to traffic, as on the recently refurbished Diversey Bridge and Fullerton bridges, and cyclists get plastic flexposts, if anything, and those are soon destroyed and not repaired. So the recent needless

deaths of Damian Gomez and Juan Martin Marquez on the southwest side shows what happens when we don't protect our family members when they're trying to get to their jobs and go about their lives.

People are increasingly using active transportation to do their work, get to their jobs, and just for recreation as well. I use the Cortland Bridge frequently in a recent commute, and I'm increasingly

seeing parents use the 606, its connector, to bring their kids to schools and activities. There are many projects in the area, I realize, that need intention to improve road safety. The Ashland

Viaduct comes to mind. But we can have an immediate win with this first fully protected crossing. And we've seen it done elsewhere in Louisville, Cincinnati, Memphis, and I think we can do it here.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Fosh. Our final speaker is Bailey Sid. All right. Don't see Mr. Sid. All right. That concludes our public comment period. I'd like to also acknowledge Alderman Burnett,

Alderwoman Cruz, and I already did CJ Lopez, yeah, all for the purposes of quorum. All right. First up, we have document number R2026-002815, introduced by myself and several others regarding the

establishment of a Problem Landlord and Housing Court Coordination Task Force to examine and recommend improvements in response to chronic and repeat housing code violations. This item has a

substitute. All committee members will find a copy of this packet before you. Alderman Knoppich makes a motion to accept the substitute. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed same name. In

the chair. The ayes have it. The substitute is before us. So, ladies and gentlemen, this is a resolution to create a task force that I think is long overdue as it relates to coordinating with the

chief judge. And given that we have a new chief judge, this provides a great opportunity for us to establish a relationship with him as he is in the process of also changing out some of the housing

judges. So this is a perfect opportunity. So every Chicago resident deserves to live in a safe, well-maintained home. When landlords repeatedly neglect their properties, ignore building code

violations, and delay necessary repairs, tenants are left dealing with unsafe living conditions and a system that can be difficult to navigate. That is why I and a bunch of my colleagues introduced

legislation to establish this Problem Landlord Housing Court Coordination Task Force. The goal is straightforward: improve how our city identifies repeat offenders, coordinates enforcement, and works

with the Cook County Circuit Court to address serious reoccurring housing violations. Today, what we see is multiple departments and agencies may be involved in addressing the same property, yet

information and enforcement efforts do not always align. We need to examine where those gaps exist and how to resolve them. This task force will bring together representatives from the City Council,

the mayor's office, Department of Buildings, Department of Technology Innovation, Department of Housing, Department of Law, and the Circuit Court of Cook County. We'll also hear from tenant advocates,

legal aid organizations, and community groups and property owners. Together, they'll examine how we can better identify repeat violations, recognize common ownership across multiple properties,

improve communication with tenants, prioritize serious health and safety risks, and ensure that enforcement actions and court orders receive appropriate follow-through. Importantly, this task force

does not interfere with judicial independence or impose new penalties. It establishes a process to identify what is working, where the system is falling short, and what changes may be needed. The task

force will be required to submit recommendations within 180 days of its first meeting. Our responsibility is to make sure residents are not left navigating disconnected systems while serious housing

problems go unresolved. By improving coordination and accountability, we can work towards safer housing conditions and a more effective response to chronic problem properties. Are there any questions

from any members of the committee? Alderman Conway. Thank you. So usually I am opposed to these blue ribbon unelected task forces because we have way too many. But to your credit and the credit of the

sponsors, this seems particularly well-timed with the fervent discussion we're having about tenant rights at the moment. And of course, with the introduced pro legislation as well as the fair

legislation. My only question would be, how does this interact with that discussion of legislation? And then also, is this potentially premature because we're having that discussion, and perhaps

shouldn't we wait till see where that goes before we implement this? Right. So thank you for that question, Alderman Conway. I think this is an issue that has been going on for a long time, and I

think because of the fact that there's a new chief judge, that is, when I had discussions with him, he's very excited about trying to figure out how to help get these issues solved quickly. And the

fact that he's in the process of changing out his judges in the housing court, I think it'd just make it timely. And so, I wouldn't have moved without having discussion with him and a commitment from

him to figure out how he can help the city. So, this is the reason why, and I think that these are parallel tracks that we can work on this while we're in the process of discussing fair and pro if we

get to some type of compromise. That's great. And I've known Judge Beach for 20-plus years, when he was a DUI attorney and I was a traffic prosecutor, and excited he's the chief judge and he's

obviously grabbed the horns of the court system by the horns. And I should have left the metaphors at home, I think. But nonetheless, I'm excited about the potential for that. If there's no other

questions, move to pass. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Alderman Conway. Vice Chair Lawson. Thank you, Chair, and thank you for your leadership on this. I almost wish we had this first before we

were doing rental ordinances. I know. Not that I disagree with my colleague from the 34th Ward much, but this is helpful to have and helpful to help identify some of these things in a way that is

collaborative with the council, with departments, the mayor's office and the chief judge. My question is about the timing. Just I know there's meetings every so often, and then there's reportedly

within 180 days. Can you just sort of walk us through what that timeline looks like? Yeah. So we put that 180 days because there is a sense of urgency that we need to get this issue resolved. And, if

there's a report that can be done quicker, then we obviously will welcome it. But we put arbitrary timeline of six months there. So what I envision once this passes and once it's published, that we

will go ahead and invite the entities that are part of the resolution. And then also, more importantly, invite the chief judge to make sure that he's providing a representative from his court system

to help us navigate this. So it's going to be very quick. And again, this is going to be a parallel track with what we're trying to accomplish with both competing ordinances around rental rights as

well as housing provider rights. Thank you, Chair. Thank you. All right, seeing no other questions, Alderman Conway makes a motion to pass the resolution. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed,

nay. Independent chair, the ayes have it. All right. I'd like to also recognize Alderman Fuentes for the purposes of quorum, Alderman Riley for the purposes of quorum. Alderman Rosana Rodriguez, non-

member. Okay, that's it. All right. So that motion was accepted, was passed with a substitute. Next we have document number 02026-0028463, an ordinance introduced by Alderman Lawson that amends the

municipal code to allow lawful cannabis dispensaries to modify to include medical cannabis. This item has a substitute ordinance. All committee members will find a copy of the substitute ordinance in

the shared drive and in the packet before you. Alderman Cesar Lopez makes a motion to accept the substitute ordinance. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, nay. Independent chair, the ayes

have it. The substitute is before us. We have Alderman Lawson here to present on this matter. Vice Chair. Thank you, Chair. Happy to bring this forward and talk a little bit about it. Just for

purposes for my colleagues, the only change in the substitute from what was introduced is the number eight, which had been a seven, in the first underlined section. But what we're doing here,

Springfield did a number of cleanups in the last session that were signed this summer, one of which allows all of the social equity dispensaries to now begin to sell cannabis to medical patients. For

some reason, when the social equity program started, it was only those original medical licensees that were allowed to sell medical. Springfield has changed its rules to allow everyone to sell medical

now. We've seen how social equity operates in most of our neighborhoods. And I've talked to I think all of our colleagues that certainly have a dispensary and some that have them coming and see this

as a bonus. We should not see much difference in operations. The only difference is a medical patient doesn't pay the tax. So these folks are accessing medical cannabis, in certain locations now, and

they'll be able to have more access throughout the city, which was the whole point of this program. Just on the technical side as well, everyone right now that sells cannabis legally in the city has

obtained special use to do so. They are not uniform. If we don't pass this, they would all have to go back to the zoning board of appeals, potentially to allow the medical sale as opposed to just the

adult use recreation. So this makes a cleanup in one fell swoop, saves us a lot of time and money and headache for our partners in this industry. I'm happy to answer questions. I appreciate my

colleagues' support. Thank you, Chair. Any questions from members of the committee? Alderman Conway. Yeah, I just rise to thank my colleague here. I'm going through this right now with Zen Leaf, a

dispensary in my ward, and it's a pain that doesn't make a lot of sense here. The fact that they have to go to type one to get medical, and they've been a dispensary for years. So I want to thank

Alderman Lawson for putting this forward and it's no-brainer, common sense legislation, so I'll move to pass with no other questions. Thank you, Alderman Conway. Any questions from members of the

committee? Alderman Riley. Thank you, Chairman. I was just talking to one of the sponsors about what the problem is here, and this seems like common sense. Recreational is the issue that most

neighbors worry about. The medical use should be the most permissive. So yeah, let's take the red tape out of this process and make it easier for the industry. I'll be voting for this. Thank you,

Chairman. Thank you, Alderman Riley. Any other questions from members of the committee? Seeing none, Alderman Conway makes a motion. Do pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.

Independent chair, the ayes have it. The matter passes as substitute. As substituted, rather. All right, we're going to skip the next few ordinances until Alderman Martin is available to come and

testify on this matter. All right. Sure. Next up, we have document number 02026-0027856, introduced by Alderman Hopkins and co-sponsored by Alderman Wagetspecht and Magnuson. It repeals the historical

landmark designation of Courtland Bridge. We have Alderman Hopkins here to present on this matter. Alderman Hopkins. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This issue is much more complicated than it appears

on its surface simply because it involves two levels of historical protection designation at the state and at the federal level. We can take this action unilaterally to begin the process. However, it

is a process that would take years to complete. And I had a meeting recently along with Alderman Waguespack and Alderman Knutson, whose wards continue to be severely impacted by this bridge closure.

And we've asked the Department of Transportation to do everything possible to work within the current landmark designation. And even as we try to proceed going forward with removing it, we don't want

it to delay the current rehabilitation work, which is necessitated by the condition of the bridge. So after having the engineers review the construction timeframe, they have committed to completing

this work by the end of 2028, which is a significant reduction in the amount of time that they were talking about for the past year while this bridge has been closed and the engineers have been doing

assessments, still working on the scope of work. But we were told at one point it could take up to five years to complete this bridge. And again, the work hasn't commenced yet. The only thing they've

done in the last year is engineering studies and evaluation of the components of the bridge. So we'll continue to urge them to actually complete the scope of work and get started. But they are

confident now, based on what they know, once work begins, assuming there's no other surprises waiting for us, and that happens on construction projects, we understand that. But they have given us a

timeframe now where the work will be completed at the end of 2028. So I would like to move to defer this item. Again, we're not giving up the idea that landmark designation could be and should be

removed. But we don't want to interfere with the sensitivity of this moment where CDOT is completing their scope of work, dealing with federal agencies who may not be in favor of the action that we

would take to remove the landmark designation. So we're going to allow this process to play out. I thank the commissioner for giving me his assurance, which he did just a half an hour ago on a phone

call, that this timeframe is something that they can commit to, and they feel relatively confident, at least confident enough that they allowed me to make this statement today, again, along with my

colleagues, Alderman Waguespack and Alderman Knutson. So with that in mind, Mr. Chairman, I would move to defer this matter at this time. Thank you, Alderman. Alderman Hopkin makes a motion to defer

the previously read item. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. Item is deferred. Thank you, Alderman. Next up we have document number

02026-002825, permit fee waiver for historical landmark property located at 208 South LaSalle. We have John Ritsu of the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Planning and Development to

present on this matter. Mr. Ritsu? Yes. Good morning, Chairman, and good morning, Aldermen. I'm here to introduce a permit fee waiver for the conversion of floors 14 to 16 of an office building into

residential uses at 208 South LaSalle Street. The project is in the 42nd Ward, Alderman Riley, in the central planning region, Loop community area, community area number 32. The landmark building is

on the west side of South LaSalle Street between West Adams and West Quincy Streets. Advance the slide, please. Thank you very much. 208 South LaSalle was designated a landmark on December the seventh

2007. The photo shows its east and south elevations. The scope of the work is to convert floors 14 to 16 of office space into 167 apartment units. Residential amenity areas and a residential lobby

will be provided. The owner plans to spend $45 million on renovations and seeks a permit fee waiver in the amount of $78,000. The staff of the Commission on Landmarks has reviewed the plans and the

scope of the work for the project and determined that it meets historic preservation guidelines. Alderman Riley is in support of the permit fee waiver, has provided a signed order, and has transmitted

the order to the City Clerk for City Council introduction. Any questions? That's it, Mr. Ritsu. Thank you for your presentation. Alderman Beale. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just have one quick

question. You say the permit fee waiver is-- What's the overall cost on that? $78,000. Okay. Well, that's not a lot of money considering the scope of this entire project. Exactly. However, most fee

waivers, is it typically for external and not internal? In this one, this would be for the entire work of this conversion on floors 14, 15, and 16, and for the 167 units. Actually, I don't believe

there is any external work as part of this permit. Okay. Can we just get clarity from the department on the criteria of the fee waivers? Because I was under the impression it's typically external of

the building and not internal workings of the building. Ms. Covello, could you provide a response to Alderman Beale? Thank you, Chairman. Deanna Covello with the Historic Preservation Division.

Alderman, the ordinance basically states that the building permit fee waiver for landmark properties shall be approved for any work that is subject to the review of the Commission on Chicago

Landmarks. It does not exclude the interior work. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Alderman Beale. Any other question from members of the committee? I do not see Alderman Riley here. Seeing no other

questions, Alderman Beale makes a motion do pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed. Next up, we have large signs over

100 square feet in area, 24 feet above grade. We will hear them all together. I will read the ward, followed by the address, and take a motion at the end. In the 1st Ward, one sign each at 1300 North

Ashland, 2001 North California, and 2308 North Milwaukee Avenue. Two signs in the 1st Ward located at 1279 North Milwaukee Avenue. Five signs in the 2nd Ward located at 1050 North State Street. Three

signs in the 8th Ward located at 901 East 95th Street. In the 11th Ward, 1120 West Exchange Street. Two signs in the 11th Ward located at 3455 South Ashland Avenue. Two signs in the 19th Ward located

at 3951 West 103rd Street. Two signs in the 27th Ward located at 800 North Kedzie. In the 27th Ward, one sign each at 1144 West Washington Boulevard, 1460 North Hauge Street, and 1053 West Grand

Avenue. One sign in the 29th Ward located at 3202 North Harlem Avenue. Two signs in the 32nd Ward located at 1030 West North Avenue. In the 32nd Ward, one sign each located at 1830 West Fullerton

Avenue and 1612 North Throop Street. Two signs in the 32nd Ward located at 2184 North Elston Avenue. Two signs in the 34th Ward located at 10 South Dearborn Street. In the 34th Ward, 310 South Racine

Avenue. Two signs in the 41st Ward located at 10,000 West O'Hare. Staying in the 41st Ward, one sign each at 8101 West Higgins and 6417 West Higgins. One sign in the 42nd Ward located at 9 West Kinzie

Street. Two signs in the 42nd Ward located at 444 North Wabash Avenue. Two signs in the 42nd Ward located at 1011 North Canal Street. One sign each in the 42nd Ward located at 58 East Oak Street, 663

North Michigan Avenue, 55 East Ontario Street, and 123 North Wacker Drive. Lastly, three signs in the 45th Ward located at 4059 North Cicero Avenue. If there are no questions or comments from members

of the committee, Alderman Casale makes a motion do pass on the orders. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and the orders are passed.

We will now move on to the map amendments in an effort to ensure the committee meetings run as smoothly as possible. Items will be grouped together according to witness and be heard in that order

rather than ward order. Our first item up is file number 8-9146 in the First Ward. Common address 1600 to 1760 West Chicago Avenue, and 1601 to 1759 West Chicago Avenue. The change request is a B1-3

neighborhood shopping district to a B3-3 community shopping district, and B1-2 neighborhood shopping district to a B3-2 community shopping district. Alderman Espada. Thank you very much, Chairman.

This item comes out of feedback from local businesses and consulting with our community, like the East Village Association. We are delighted to see such a bustling and interesting restaurant scene on

Chicago Avenue. It is amazing to see so many new independent restaurants opening. The challenge that they face is based off of the variety of zoning categories along Chicago Avenue. Sometimes a

business will sign a lease and then spend between four to six months waiting for a zoning change to occur and be vetted before they can open their restaurant. What this means for a business is

oftentimes $60,000 to $75,000 of rent out the door for a vacant storefront before they can even put in for permits. In talking to our businesses and our neighbors, creating that clarity and the

stability upfront, knowing that you're not going to have zoning conflicts to deal with before you open a new business, is going to be that much more beneficial for this corridor. It's one thing we can

take off your plate when you're looking to do business in West Town. With that said, we received a letter of support from the East Village Association, and I would ask favorable consideration from my

colleagues. Thank you, Alderman Espada. Any questions from members of the committee? All right. Seeing none. Alderman Fuentes makes a motion, do pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed say

nay. And opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the ayes pass. Thank you, Alderman Espada. I'd like to go ahead and, Alderman Hall has requested to attend this meeting by remote means under

provisions of Rule 59. Alderman Beale makes a motion to approve the alderman's request. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed nay. Opinion of the chair is the ayes have it. Alderman Hall- Thank

you so much, colleagues. I appreciate it. Thank you. Alderman Hall is included for the purposes of quorum. Our next item is file number A-9144 in the 15th Ward. Common address is 4639 to 4643 South

Wallace Avenue. The change request is a B2-3 neighborhood mixed-use district to a RS-3 residential single-unit detached house district. Alderman Raymond Lopez. Good morning, Chairman and members of

the committee. I ask for the committee's favorable recommendation on this item, which returns the properties in question to their original zoning, which is fully supported by the community. Happy to

answer any questions you may have. Any questions from members of the committee? All right. Seeing none, Alderman Moore makes a motion, do pass. All in favor, please say aye. Opposed say nay. And

opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the item is passed. Next is file number A-9150 in the 20th Ward. Is she here? Yeah. All right. I don't see Alderman Jeanette Taylor or a representative from her

office here, so we're going to go ahead and skip this matter. Our next file is file number 8-9149 in the 49th Ward. The common address is 1721 West Greenleaf Avenue. The change request is RT-4

residential two-flat townhouse, multi-unit district to B3-3 community shopping district. Pursuant to Section 17-13-0303-B of the Chicago Zoning Ordinance. Necessary relief pursuant to Section

17-13-1003 and 17-13-1001 of the Chicago Zoning Ordinance is included. Who do we have from Alderman Hammond's office to present? Could you please identify yourself for the record, please? Hi, good

morning. My name is Imani Clayton. I'm the Manager of Economic Development in Alderwoman Hammond's office. Please proceed. Thank you very much. Our item is an automatic map amendment of 1721 West

Greenleaf Avenue, which is the old firehouse. We are requesting a B3-3 from a R2-4 as necessary relief for a planned redevelopment for the firehouse to a locally owned co-working and event space. We

need to do this to make the sale of the city-owned property possible to the developer, who was selected through an RFP, excuse me, process, for purchase of the site. Alderwoman asks for a favorable

vote by members of the committee. Are there any questions from members of the committee? Seeing none, Alderman Mosley makes a motion to pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. The

opinion of the chair is the ayes have it, the item is passed. Next is file number 23131 in the Third Ward. Common address 1608 South Wabash Avenue. The change request is a DX-5 downtown mixed-use

district to a DS-3 downtown service district. We have Attorney Mark Rose here to present on the matter. Mr. Rose, you can come here. I'll present. You can present from here, Mr. Rose, if you like.

Front row. Is he even here? Steven? Good morning. My name is Mark J. Rose. I represent the applicant. Which is Mr. Henry S. Reike, and a company which he formed in order to hold title to the property

at 1608 South Wabash Avenue. At the current time, this property is owned as a DX-5 for mixed use. My client has operated a business at this location since 1986. They are engaged in the sale of

interior building materials. We are seeking approval to reclassify the zoning from DX-5 to DS-3. We'd like to build a facility where we can store our interior building materials. At the present time,

those materials are stored outside and subject to the elements. The construction of this facility would also allow customers to bring their motor vehicles into the yard, into a covered area, so that

we could get some traffic off the street. With me this morning is Tim Bennett, the architect for the project, and Mr. Gary Steinway, who represents ownership, and we are available to answer any

questions that you may have. Thank you, Mr. Rose. Any questions from members of the committee? Seeing none. Alderman Dow. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As was stated by Mr. Rose, this business has

been in the ward for decades, and I support the zoning change that they're requesting. Thank you. Thank you, Alderman Dow. Seeing no further questions, Alderman Moore makes a motion to pass. All in

favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. And opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the item is passed. Thank you. Thank you very much. Yep, we will hold the next two items until the attorney is

available to present. We'll go to the bottom of page five, file number 23162-T1 in the 26th Ward. The common address is 1140 North California Avenue. The change request is a B3-1 community shopping

district to a B3-3 community shopping district. Katie Jankodal is here to present on the matter She's not here. Everybody's here. Everybody's stepping out. All right, we will hold her item since she's

not here now. Oh, here. We will come back to this item. We'll go to top of page six, file number 23163 in the 45th Ward. Common address 4841 North Lips Avenue. The change request is a B3-2 community

shopping district to C1-2 neighborhood commercial district. We have Paul Kopack here to present on the matter. Good morning, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. Morning. My name is Paul Kopack. I

represent the applicant, 4841 North Lips LLC. The request today is to change the zoning from the current B3-2 to that of the C1-2. The plan is to renovate an old firehouse. The plan will be to add

four dwelling units on the second floor, renovation of the first floor commercial space. Six off-street parking spaces. Our proposed two separate spaces serving the commercial use and four spaces

serving the residential units, with four bicycle parking spaces. We met with the community. There is a letter of support, I believe, from Alderman Garner in your file. Thank you, Mr. Kopack. We do

have a letter of support from Alderman Garner on file. Are there any questions from members of the committee? Seeing none. On the spot, I make a motion to pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye.

Opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the item is passed. Thank you. Thank you very much. Be well. We go back to the page five. Top of page five, file number 23135 in the

Third Ward. Common address 3927 to 3933 South King Drive. The change request is RM-5 residential unit district to a B3-3 community shopping district. Mark Kupiet is here to present on the matter.

Mark. Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. Are we talking about the property 3927 South King Drive? Yeah. 3927 to 3933 South. Yes. Yeah. Mr. Chairman. Actually, I got a email this morning from the

Planning Department, and I'd like to defer this today if we could. You want to defer this item? Yeah. We may have to tinker with it a little bit. All right. Vice chair Lawson makes a motion to defer

the previously read item. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. This item is deferred. Thank you. Next is file number 231723 in the 23rd

Ward. Change request is... The common address is 5312 South Kenneth Avenue. Change request is RS-2 residential single unit, detached house district to RT4 residential, two-flat townhouse and multi-

unit district. Mark Kupiet is here to present on the matter. Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, my name is Mark Kupiet, I represent the applicant, owner of the subject property. And on this one,

the actual owner of the property is Jaime Diaz. And Jaime bought a three-unit residential building, and he bought the building subject to a pending building court case, which you knew about. So after

closing, he was busy taking care of the violations, needed a revised permit to bring it into compliance as built. And only then did he find out that the city noticed that the lot, despite the fact it

has a building on it, is a split zoning lot. Most of it's R-4 like the rest of the block, but the corner of it is, in fact, R-2. So it's a split zoning lot. They look at the R-2, and so after

reviewing and we're working with Kyle from the zoning department, says we need to rezone it to rezone the whole lot to R-4. So we're before you asking for your support for the rezoning, and we have

been working with the alderman's office on this, and she checked with the zoning department to try to understand why at this point we're coming for the rezoning, but that's what we were told to do.

Got you. We do have a letter of support on file from Alderman Tomas. Are there any questions from members of the committee? All right, seeing none, Alderman Casada makes a motion to pass. All in

favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed. Thank you, Mr. Kupiet. Thank you. Our next file is number 23162-T1 in the 26th Ward.

Common address is 1140 North California Avenue. Change request is a B3-1 community shopping district to B3-3 community shopping district. We have Attorney Katie Jenckedale here to present on the

matter. Good morning. For the record, my name is Katie Jenckedale from the law firm of DLA Piper. We represent Humboldt Park Health, which is the applicant for this matter. The zoning change requested

is from the B3-1 to the B3-3 district to allow for a three-story behavioral health urgent care medical office building on the site. We met and worked with Alderperson Fuentes and her EAC on this

matter, and you should have a letter, although I also see that Alderperson Fuentes is here. With that, I also have Dan Spore from GGMA and representatives from the development team if there are any

questions, but respectfully request your favorable recommendation. Thank you. Thank you, Katie. We do have a letter of support from Alderman Fuentes. Any questions from members of the committee?

Seeing none, Alderman Fuentes? Yeah, thank you, Chairman. This site currently is an abandoned laundromat, that's fenced up. We're looking forward to Humboldt Park Health expanding their medical

services to the California corridor. Also bookmarking this particular corner behind the gas station, which will make it safer and be a resource for our residents. It's gone through our zoning advisory

council process, and so we look forward to supporting the zoning change. I ask for my colleagues' favorable support. Thank you, Chairman. Thank you, Alderman. Alderman Knudson makes a motion to pass.

All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed. Thank you. Next up is middle of page six, file number 23170T1 in the Fifth Ward.

The common address is 5482 South Ridgewood Court. The change request is RT4 residential two-flat, townhouse and multi-unit district to RM 4.5 residential multi-unit district. Ximena Castro is here to

present on the matter. Ms. Castro? Good morning. Morning. Almost noon, but still the morning. My name for the record is Ximena Castro. I'm a partner at Costa Esgar. And, to my right, I'm joined by my

other law firm partner, Michael Esgar. So we're very happy he's here today. All right. So for the property, for this matter, 5482 South Ridgewood Court. At this time, I'd like to ask the substitute

narrative and the substitute ordinance to please be incorporated into the record. Alderman Casada moves to accept the substitute narrative and plans for the Type 1 application. All in favor, please

say aye. Aye. Opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The substitute narrative and plans are accepted. And ordinance. Goes what? As well as the ordinance. Thank you very much.

The property is located in an RT4 zoning district. It is improved with a single family home with a rear two-story addition, and there is no parking. We're seeking to rezone the property to an RM4.5 to

rebuild the addition at the exact location in order to expand the current kitchen. The height will remain the same. There will be no parking, and we're seeking variations as part of the Type 1 plans,

including reducing the front setback, reducing the side setback, reducing the combined setbacks, reducing the rear yard setback, and reducing rear yard open space. We have the support of the immediate

neighbors, and also from the alderman, and we'd like to seek your favorable consideration for this matter. Thank you. We do have a letter of support from Alderman Yancy on file. Are there any question

from members of the committee? All right, seeing none. Alderman Beale makes a motion to accept the... Oh, okay. I'm sorry. If there are no further questions, members, do I hear a motion to pass?

Alderman Beale makes a motion to pass. All in favor, please say aye. Opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed. Thank you. As amended. Thank you. I'd like to

also acknowledge Alderman Ramirez for the purposes of quorum Our next item is file number 23171-T1 in the 24th Ward. The common address is 4125 and 4127 West 5th Avenue. The change request is RT-4

residential two-flat townhouse and multi-unit district to RM-4.5 residential multi-unit district. Attorney Ximena Castro is here to represent on the matter. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Again,

for the record, my name is Ximena Castro. I'm a partner at Costa Esgar, here today for the two matters located at 4125 and 4127 West 5th Avenue. At this time, I'd like to ask for the substitute

ordinance to please be incorporated into the record. Just the ordinance. Okay. All right. Alderman Fuentes moves to accept the substitute ordinance and the ordinance. All in favor, please say "Aye."

Aye. Opposed say "Nay." In the opinion of the ayes have it. Thank you very much. The substitute ordinance is in front of us. Thank you very much. The properties are zoned RT-4. They are two vacant

lots, side by side, and the lots are determined to be one zoning lot. We're seeking to rezone to an RM-4.5 to subdivide the lots into two zoning lots, and in that line also construct two buildings,

both three stories. Both will include three units, two parking spaces on each lot, and three bicycle spaces on each lot. As part of the type one rezoning, we're also seeking variations to include

relief for reducing the east side setback on both lots, reducing the combined setbacks on both lots, and reducing the rear yard setback on both lots. We have aldermanic support as well as neighbor

support, and we'd like to seek your favorable consideration for this matter. Thank you. Any question from members of the committee? I have one question. Are these rentals or condos? These are rentals.

Rentals? Okay. Yes. Any other questions from members of the committee? Seeing none. Alderman Dowell makes a motion to pass as amended. All in favor, please say "Aye." Aye. Opposed say "Nay." In the

opinion of the ayes have it, the item is passed as amended. All right, the next item will be deferred. File number 23173-T1 in the 25th Ward. The common address is 2142 West 18th Place. The change

request is RT-4 residential two-flat townhouse and multi-unit district for RM-5 residential multi-unit district. Alderman Beale makes a motion to defer the previously read item. All in favor, please

say "Aye." Aye. All opposed say "Nay." In the opinion of the ayes have it, the item is deferred. Thank you. Oh, okay. All right. Next up is file number 23169-T1 in the 32nd Ward. Common address is

2315 to 2317 West Berry Avenue. The change request is RS-3 residential single-unit detached house district to RT-4 residential two-flat townhouse and multi-unit district. Michael Esgar is here to

present on the matter. Michael? Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. Michael Esgar on behalf of the applicant, 2317 West Berry LLC. And the last month we were before you and

received approval for a for sale town home project on the river in the 32nd Ward, and at that time, we referenced that the affordable housing solution would be done offsite. We've been working closely

with the Department of Housing and with the alderman's office to have 2317 West Berry be that offsite solution. So the rezoning today allows for an expansion of the existing three-unit building. And

these units will be sold as affordable units for folks in 120% of AMI, and in connection with that, approved plan development. So, we have a letter of support from the alderman, and I'm here to answer

any questions. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Esgar. Any questions from members of the committee? Seeing none, Alderman Moore makes a motion to pass. All in favor, please say "Aye." Aye. Opposed say "Nay."

In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed. Thank you very much. We're going to skip the next item on the bottom seven, and we will move to the top of page eight, file number

23176-T1 in the 39th Ward. The common address 3244 to 3250 West Bryn Mawr Avenue. The change request is a B2-3 neighborhood mixed use district to a B2-3 neighborhood mixed use district. Ximena Castro

is here to present on the matter. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Again, for the record, my name is Ximena Castro, a partner at Costa Esgar, here today for the matter located at 3244 through 50

West Bryn Mawr Avenue. At this time, I'd like to ask for the substitute narrative and plans to please be incorporated into the record. Which address are you talking about, Ms. Castro? Bryn Mawr. Bryn

Mawr. Yeah. I mean, this is one of those cases. We had substitute narrative and plans. So is it... One second. No. Yeah. I'll pull it. Yeah. I'm sorry. Yeah. Let us hold this right now, Ximena, while

you go talk to the planning department right quick. We'll move to the next item, middle of page eight, file number 23148-T1 in the 6th Ward. The common address is 7353 to 7359 South Indiana Avenue.

The change request is RS-2 residential single-unit detached house district to RT-4 residential two-flat townhouse and multi-unit district. Attorney Agnes Blecha is here to present on the matter. Ms.

Blecha? Okay. Good morning, Mr. Chairman. Or maybe good afternoon, actually. I'm not sure. Members of the committee, for the record, my name is Agnes Blecha. I'm an attorney with Law Office of Chaffin

Berlin, LLC, and I'm representing the applicant, 73rd & Indiana LLC, in this proposed rezoning from the RS-2 residential single-unit detached house district to RT-4 residential two-flat townhouse

and multi-unit district. And this is a vacant, unimproved parcel located in the northeast corner of South Indiana Avenue and East 74th Street. And it has about 10,600 square feet of lot area. And the

applicant is proposing to transform this site into something quite creative, actually, because we have a little bit larger lot area. Instead of going vertical for this proposed eight dwelling unit

building, we're going horizontal. So the property is wide enough to have sort of like four sections, each section with two units, which allows for multi-generational housing. So, everybody was very

excited about this project. The applicant worked closely with Alderman Hall and the community. We had our last meeting actually last Friday. Alderman was very excited about it. I don't see him today.

He said that he was going to stop by- I am present. Oh, hello, sir. Thank you so much. Hey, hey. We're hoping that you continue to support this exciting project for us, and we ask for the committee's-

Thank you ... recommendation as well. Thank you, Ms. Blecha. Any question from members of the committee? Seeing none, Alderman Hall? Yes. First of all, thank you so much, Chairman, and thank you to

your team for number one, not just with this, but making sure that I was lock steady for today. And I just want to say in concluding, it's been a long time coming that we've had this many homes being

built in the 6th Ward. And I just want to thank Benjamin and his team, his lawyer, everyone who made this simple, easy for the community to understand, to participate. And I just want to again say

thank you and welcome to the 6th Ward. And the future is looking bright for us. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Alderman Hall. Seeing no other questions, Alderman Beale makes a motion to pass. All in

favor, please say "Aye." Aye. Opposed say "Nay." In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed. Thank you. Bottom of page eight, file number 23147-T1, 27th Ward. Common address is

2156 West Warren Boulevard. The change request is R-24 residential two-flat townhouse and multi-unit district to RM-5 residential multi-unit district. Attorney Agnes Plecka is here to present on the

matter. Ms. Plecka. Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, for the record, my name is Agnes Plecka. I'm an attorney with the law firm of Jeff Inber & LLC, and I'm here to represent the applicant

and the owner of the property, 2156W Warren LLC. And this TSA location is located in the northeast corner of North Leavitt and West Warren Boulevard. It is also a vacant, unimproved lot. Previously

was used by an overflow surface parking lot, so not quite the best use for this beautiful property. So the applicant is proposing to redevelop this site with a new four-story residential building

containing eight dwelling units and five accessory parking spaces located at the rear of the property. The proposed rezoning to RM-5 is needed to comply with the FAR and building height requirements.

We are also asking for optional relief from the rear yard open space and some setbacks. We have a little bit of unusual circumstances here. This property does not have a public alley, so all the

residents rely on this private drive. So the building and the parking had to be designed in order to ensure that there's no obstruction to this private drive. We've worked with Alderman Burnett. We

had a well-attended community meeting. We also worked with the next-door neighbor to ensure that private drive access, and we had a positive feedback, and I'm hoping that Alderman will express his

support here today as well, and we are asking for your favorable recommendation. Thank you, Attorney Plecka. Any questions from members of the committee? Seeing none, Alderman Burnett. Thank you. Yes,

the applicant did a great job with the community in engaging with the questions, making sure that there were no intrusions and preventing the neighbors from getting into their unit. Especially, they

have a coach yard in the back. So I want to thank them for engaging properly and talking about all the concerns and their commitment to the community and the hiring practices. And so I ask my

colleagues for their favorable support as well. Thank you, Alderman Burnett. Thank you, sir. Alderman Riley. Seeing no further questions from members of the committee, Alderman Riley makes a motion to

pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed. Top of page nine, file number 23149-T1 in the 28th Ward. Common address is

2400 West Grenshaw Street, 1124 Southwestern Avenue. Change request is a C1-2 neighborhood commercial district to a B2-3 neighborhood mixed use district. Attorney Agnes Plecka is here to present on

the matter. Attorney. And Mr. Chairman, for the record, again, my name is Agnes Plecka. I'm an attorney with the law firm of Jeff Inber & Berlin, and I'm here to represent the applicant, 1100 S.

Western LLC. And again, this is a corner vacant property. Very substandard lot. It is about 50 feet shorter than a standard lot in the city, so we had a lot of design issues and site planning

hardships. This proposed rezoning will allow residential use on the ground floor and seven dwelling units within the proposed building, with three accessory parking spaces. And the proposed optional

relief includes the reduction in the rear setback, which is necessitated by that short substandard depth of the lot. We've had a very extensive review by the community. We worked with Alderman Irvin.

We made some adjustments in terms of the design and the number of parking spaces, and we're hoping that you will support our project. Hopefully, you have a letter from Alderman Irvin on file

previously sent to you. Thank you, Attorney Plecka. Was asked to ask you about the parking agreement. Yes. We have a licensed parking agreement which is going to be honored by the developer. He

actually owns several buildings on that property and along that block, so we are going to use all those parking spaces interchangeably as they are needed and required for that project. Thank you for

that. We do have a letter of support from Alderman Irvin. Any questions from members of the committee? Seeing none, Alderman Ramirez makes a motion to pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed,

say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed. Thank you so much. Ximena, are you ready? Sure. Let's go over this one. Oh. We're going to start at the bottom. All right.

File number 23175-T1, 32nd Ward. Common address is 1933 North Winchester Avenue. The change request is RS-3, residential single unit detached house district, to RM-4.5 residential multi-unit district.

We're going to defer that item, and Vice Chair Lawson makes a motion to defer the previously read item. Thank you. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair,

the ayes have it. The item is deferred. All right. Top of page eight, file number 23176-D1 in the 39th Ward. Common address is 3244 to 3250 West Bryn Mawr Avenue. The change request is a B2-3

neighborhood mixed use district to a B2-3 neighborhood mixed use district. And attorney Ximena Castro is here to present on the matter. Thank you very much, and I apologize for the mishap. For the

record, my name is Ximena Castro, attorney Acosta Esquer, here today for the property at 3244 through 50 West Bryn Mawr. There are no substitute narrative or plans, and there are no changes. The

property is improved with a long-vacant one-story building. It was previously rezoned to allow for a B2-3 district under Type 1 rezoning to authorize a four-story building with 30 dwelling units,

1,413 square feet of ground floor commercial space, and 27 parking spaces. The applicant now seeks to revise a prior Type 1 rezoning to retain the B2-3 zoning district, but allow a five-story building

with 40 dwelling units, 1,490 square feet of ground floor commercial space, and 25 parking spaces. The zoning relief incorporated into the Type 1 includes rear yard setback relief and reduction of the

MLA by 4%, and reduction of the loading requirements to zero. The proposed change was presented to the Hollywood North Park Community Association, which supports the proposal, and Alderwoman Sam

Nugent has also indicated her support and given it to the committee, and we'd like to ask for your favorable consideration for this matter. All right. Are there any questions from members of the

committee? Seeing none, Alderman Spada makes a motion to pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed. Thank you

very much. Middle of page nine, file number 23152-T1, 11th Ward. Common address is 3439 South Morgan Street. The change request is a B1-3 neighborhood and shopping district to a B2-3 neighborhood

mixed use district. Attorney Fred Augustine is here to present on the matter. Good morning, Chairman. For the record, Fred Augustine. I'm attorney with the law office of Sam Banks. I'm here on behalf

of the applicant and property owner, QHN LLC. Applicant owns the property at 3439 South Morgan Street. This property is currently vacant and unimproved. We are seeking to rezone the property from the

current B1-3 district to a B2-3 district. The reason for this change is to allow for the redevelopment of the property with a new three-story residential building containing six units and off-street

parking for three cars. Since this is a Type 1 zoning amendment, we are seeking relief to decrease the required off-street parking from six to three, since it is a transit serve location. We have

worked with Alderwoman Lee and her office on this matter. We had a community meeting. All were in support. We're here to answer any questions the committee may have. I don't believe so. Oh, we do?

Okay. I'm going to read that into your- Sure. We have submitted a substitute narrative and plans for the record if the committee could consider incorporating that into the- Alderman Knutson moves to

accept the substitute narrative plans for the Type 1 application. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The substitute narrative plans

are accepted. Are there any other questions from members of the committee? Seeing none. Alderman Moore makes a motion to pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. In the opinion of

the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed- Thank you ... as amended. All right. Good morning, committee members and guests. In the bottom of page nine is document number 23153-T1 in the 36th

Ward. Common address is 1921 West Chicago Avenue. Change request, B3.2 community shopping district to B3.3 community shopping district. Once again, Fred Agustin. Thank you, Chairman. For the record,

Fred Agustin. I'm here on behalf of the applicant and owner, West Town Development LLC. Applicant owns the property at 1921 West Chicago. It's currently improved with a two-story single-family

residence and a detached garage. The applicant is seeking to rezone the property from the current B3.2 community shopping district to a B3.3 community shopping district. The plan is to also redevelop

the property with a new four-story mixed-use building with commercial space at grade, three dwelling units above, as well as three off-street parking spaces. Since this is a Type 1, we are seeking to

increase the off-street parking from two spaces to three spaces, as well as reduce the rear setback from 30 feet to one foot for only the floors containing residential uses. We have worked with

Alderman Vegas and his office on this matter. We presented the project before the Chicago Grand Neighbors Association, as well as had a community meeting on it. All were in support. I'm here to answer

any questions the committee may have. Thank you, sir. Chairman Vegas, anything to add? Thank you. Thank you, Vice Chair Lawson. The applicant did go through our community process, and we are in favor

of this project, and I would ask my colleagues for favorable consideration on this matter. Any questions by committee members? Seeing none, Alderman Moore moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any

opposed say nay. Being sure the ayes have it, the item is passed. Top of page 10 is document number 23130-T1, also in the 36th Ward. Common address, 1807 to 1809 West Augusta Boulevard. Change

request, RM4.5 residential multi-unit district to RM4.5 residential multi-unit district. Fred Agustin. Thank you, Chairman. For the record, Fred Agustin on behalf of the applicant and owner, M15 Land

Investments LLC. Applicant owns the property at 1807 to 1809 West Augusta Boulevard. Property is currently approved with two structures and a rear garage. We are seeking to rezone the property from

the current RM4.5 district to an RM4.5 district. The reason for this change is to allow for the redevelopment of the property with a new three-story residential building containing six units, off-

street parking for five cars. Chairman, just a brief history. The committee previously rezoned this property back in February from the current RT4 to an RM4.5. That project was a Type 1. That also was

a three-story, six-unit building with six off-street parking spaces. Since that time, the applicant has acquired the property. The applicant wanted to make changes to the current plan. Specifically,

instead of six exterior spaces, we are proposing a garage that will have five spaces. But for the garage, our current plan is very similar to the previous plan that was approved. Since this is a Type

1 zoning amendment, we're also seeking to increase the off-street parking requirement from three spaces to five spaces, waive the rear yard open space, reduce the front setback from 15 feet to six

feet, eight inches, reduce the combined side setback requirement to six feet, as well as reduce the rear setback from 30 feet to 21 feet. We have worked with Alderman Vegas. We presented the revised

project to the East Village Association. All are in support. I'm here to answer any questions the committee may have. Thank you. Chairman Vegas? Thank you, Vice Chair. This applicant went in front of

our community groups to seek favorable consideration, and I ask my colleagues for that same favorable consideration for this matter. Any questions by committee members? Seeing none, Alderman Fuentes

moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay. Being sure the ayes have it, the item is passed. Yeah. Next, the middle of page 10 is document number 23155-T1 in the 32nd Ward. Common

address, 1644 North Winchester Avenue. Change request, RS3 residential single-unit detached house district to RT4 residential two-flat townhouse and multi-unit district. Fred Agustin. Thank you again,

Chairman. Fred Agustin. For the record, I'm here on behalf of the applicants, Amit and Ann Vyas. They own the property at 1644 North Winchester. The property is currently improved with a three-story

single-family residence and a rear detached garage. The applicant is seeking to rezone the property from the current RS3 district to an RT4 district. The plan is to keep the existing home. However,

the owners are planning to build a three-story addition to the side, as well as a dormer addition, a rear one-story addition/passageway, and a new three-car garage. Since this is a Type 1, we're also

seeking relief to allow for the enclosed passageway in the rear setback, as well as reducing the front setback from 14.2 feet to 12.38 feet, reduce the combined side setback requirement from 7.2 feet

to four feet, reduce the rear setback from 33.88 feet down to 22 feet, as well as reduce the setback for the rear property line from two feet to zero. We have worked with Alderman Waguespack on this

matter. We presented the project before the Bucktown Community Organization. I believe all are in support. I'm here to answer any questions. Thank you. Any questions by committee members? Seeing none,

Alderman Riley moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay. Being sure the ayes have it, the ayes have passed. Thank you. Thank you, Fred. Next up at the bottom of page 10 is

document number 23154-T1 in the 24th Ward. Common address, 1147 through 1151 South Independence Boulevard. Change request, RT4 residential two-flat townhouse and multi-unit district and C1-2

neighborhood commercial district to C1-2 neighborhood commercial district. We have attorney Nick Fotikas. Thank you, Vice Chair. Nick Fotikas from the offices of Sam Banks. For the record, I'm here on

behalf of the property owner, Rose D Property LLC. The Rose D Property currently operates a one-story car wash at 1151 South Independence. The neighboring lot to the north at 1147 South Independence

is a city-owned lot that the applicant's attempting to purchase and incorporate into the car wash property. So we are seeking a zoning change to establish a uniform C1-2 zoning district. We did work

with the alderman's office, Alderman Scott's office, and I believe a letter is already on file. Happy to answer any questions you or the committee members have. We do have a letter from Alderman

Scott. Any questions by committee members? Seeing none, Alderman Burnett moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay. Being sure the ayes have it, the item is passed. Top of page 11

is document number 23156-T1 in the 27th Ward. Common address, 2342 through 2346 West Jackson Boulevard. Change request, RM5 residential multi-unit district to B2.3 neighborhood mixed-use district.

Nick Fotikas. Thank you, Chair. Again, for the record, Nick Fotikas from the offices of Sam Banks. I'm here on behalf of the applicant, Wood Capital Investments 9 LLC. The applicant is proposing to

purchase what's currently a vacant lot at 2346 West Jackson to develop it with a new five-story, 15-unit residential building. The issue is that the subject property, the unimproved property, is part

of the same zoning lot as the adjacent lot at 2342 West Jackson. And for that reason, we are seeking a Type 1 zoning change to allow for the lots to be divided so that, again, the vacant parcel can be

developed. This is a Type 1 application, and we are seeking a series of setback reductions for the front and side setbacks of the existing structure, which will remain. Again, the 2342 property is a

four-unit building on what will become a 29-foot wide zoning lot. And then again, the proposed lot at the corner is about 40 feet wide. And the setbacks are called out in our narrative. Happy to

answer any questions you or the committee members have. And again, we did work with Alderman Burnett on this proposal. Thank you. Alderman Burnett? Yeah. This went to our community group process

almost a year ago, and because of the Type 1 application process, it does make a couple tweaks and come back. So the community was supportive, and I continue to maintain my support here as well, so I

ask my colleagues to support. Thank you, Alder. Any questions by committee members? Seeing none, Alderman Burnett has a motion to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay. Hearing the ayes

have it, item is passed. Thank you. Light day for you today- It is ... Mr. Fitipkis. Next, middle of page 11 is item number 23105-T1 in the 6th Ward. Common address 124 through 130 East 75th Street.

Change request B1-1 neighborhood shopping district to M1-1 limited manufacturing district. Alderman Attorney Tyler Manick. Thank you, Vice Chair Lawson and members of the committee. For the record, my

name is Tyler Manick, attorney for the property owner of 124 to 130 East 75th Street. The property is currently improved with a gas station and accessory convenience store. The applicant seeks to

expand the convenience store and modernize it, expanding it to 2,804 square feet. This site will have three gas pumps and six parking spaces. To accomplish this project, the applicant requires a

zoning map amendment from B1-1 to a M1-1 limited manufacturing district, along with associated variations, to reduce the rear setback to 10 feet and to reduce the minimum lot area for a gas station to

13,288.8 square feet. The applicant did work on this application with Alderman Hall, the community group, and adjacent neighbor, who I all believe are supportive with this project. In conclusion, I

respectfully request that this committee recommend to pass an ordinance for a zoning map amendment on this property rezoning the parcel to M1-1, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you. I

know Alderman Hall was on earlier. I don't see him now. We do have a letter from him. I have a quick question. Will this still require special use, or is that all accomplished with what we're doing

today? My understanding is it needs a special use on top of that. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions by committee members? Seeing none, Alderman Donald moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any

opposed say nay. Hearing the chair the ayes have it, item is passed. Bottom of page 11 is document number 23150 in the 16th Ward. Common address 6701 through 31 Southwestern Avenue. Change request

B1-1 neighborhood shopping district to C2-2 motor vehicle-related commercial district. Attorney Tyler Manick. Thank you again, Mr. Vice Chair and members of the committee. My name is Tyler Manick,

attorney for the owner of the property at 6701 to 31 Southwestern. The site is currently improved with two commercial buildings. The applicant seeks to reuse the site for the establishment of a car

dealership. To do so, the applicant requires a zoning map amendment to rezone this parcel from B1-2 to C2-2. The applicant has worked with Alderwoman Coleman, undergone her review process, and I

believe she has confirmed her support with the committee. Yes. With that, I respectfully request that this committee recommend the passage of an ordinance rezoning 6701 to 31 Southwestern to C2-2, and

I'd be happy to answer any questions. Are there any questions by committee members? Seeing none, Alderman Beale moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay. Hearing the chair the

ayes have it, item is passed. Top of page 12 is document number 23157 in the 25th Ward. Common address is 2249 West Cermak Road. Change request B3-2 community shopping district to B2-3 neighborhood

mixed-use district. Once again, Tyler Manick. Thank you again, Mr. Vice Chair and members of the committee. Again, for the record, my name is Tyler Manick, attorney for the property owner of 2249 West

Cermak. The property is improved with a two-story residential building containing four dwelling units. The basement is a full story. It is above ground, but technically below grade due to the elevated

public way adjacent to the parcel. The applicant seeks to activate the basement with two dwelling units. To accomplish this project, the applicant needs a zoning map amendment to rezone this parcel

from B3-2 to B2-3. The applicant met with Alderman Cesar Lopez, and his zoning advisory board, and I believe the alderman has confirmed his support of this application with the committee. In

conclusion, I respectfully request this committee's favorable recommendation to pass an ordinance rezoning 2249 West Cermak to B2-3 zoning district, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank

you, Mr. Manick. We do have a letter from Alderman Cesar Lopez. Do we have any questions by committee members? Seeing none, Alderman Casada moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say

nay. Hearing the chair the ayes have it, item is passed. Middle of page 12 is document number 23160-T1 in the 40th Ward. Common address 2648 through 2658 West Lawrence Avenue. Change request B3-2

community shopping district to B2-3 neighborhood mixed-use district. Mr. Manick. Thank you again. For the record, my name is Tyler Manick, attorney for the property owner of 2648 to 58 West Lawrence.

Property is improved with a vacant single-story commercial building. The owner intends to construct a new five-story mixed-use building containing 37 dwelling units, 2,914 square feet of ground floor

commercial space, and 13 parking spaces. To construct this building, the applicant requires a zoning map amendment to rezone the parcel from B3-2 to B2-3 with associated variations to reduce the rear

setback to 20 feet and to reduce the minimum lot area per dwelling unit by no more than 10%. The applicant met with Alderman Vasquez, underwent his community review process, including meeting with his

community group and participating in a general community meeting, which resulted in the alderman tendering this committee his letter of support. In conclusion, I respectfully request this committee's

recommendation to pass an ordinance rezoning this parcel from B3-2 to B2-3, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you. We do have a letter from Alderman Vasquez. Any questions by committee

members? Seeing none, Alderman Conway moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay. Hearing the chair the ayes have it, item is passed. Bottom of page 12 is document number 23161-T1

in the 37th Ward. Common address 1745 through 1759 North Cicero Avenue. Change request C2-1 motor vehicle-related district to B2-3 neighborhood mixed-use district. Mr. Manick. Thank you, Mr. Vice

Chair, members of the committee. For the record, Tyler Manick here on behalf of the property owner of 1745 to 49 North Cicero. This application does have a substitute narrative and plans that I

respectfully request are incorporated into the record. Yes. Alderman Beale moves to accept the substitute narrative and plans for the Type 1 application. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say

nay. Hearing the chair the ayes have it, substitute narrative and plans are accepted. Property is currently used as vehicular storage. The owner intends to construct a new five-story residential

building containing 36 dwelling units. To do so, the applicant requires a zoning map amendment rezoning the parcel from C2-1 to B2-3 with additional relief to increase the vehicular parking ratio,

reduce the bicycle parking ratio, reduce the ground floor Cicero transparency requirement by no more than 25%, to reduce the parkway tree requirement, and to reduce the rear setback. The applicant has

worked closely with Alderwoman Mims, participated in a general community meeting, which resulted in the alderwoman submitting to this committee a letter of support. In conclusion, I respectfully

request this committee to recommend passage of an ordinance rezoning 1745 to 1749 North Cicero to B2-3, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you. We do have a letter from Alderwoman Mims.

Do I have any questions by committee members? Seeing none, Alderman Riley moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay. Hearing the chair the ayes have it, item is passed as

substituted. Thank you, Mr. Manick. Top of page 13 is document number 23159 in the 16th Ward. Common address 814 West 69th Street. Change request RS3 residential single-unit detached house district to

C1-1 neighborhood commercial district. Yes. Please take a seat right here, and then state your name for the record. Thank you. All right. Good afternoon, chair and members of the committee. My name is

Lori Gregory, and I'm here on behalf of Washington Legacy Group LLC, to respectfully request approval to rezone 814 West 69th Street from an RS3 to a C-1-1. This property has been part of my family

story for many years. It was once the Gemini Hotel, and after it closed, my grandmother acquired it. So she always had the dream of creating something meaningful for our family with this property.

Since she has dementia now, I've taken that over, and I'm proposing to renovate the existing two-story building into a mixed-use property with a salon on the first floor and one apartment on the

second floor. The salon would be to provide services for the neighborhood as well as a gathering spot, while the apartment would bring life back to the second floor of the building. I have support

from the community as well as Alderman Coleman, and I'm grateful for the encouragement. My goal is to turn this property that needs care and investment into something beautiful. I'm also committed to

completing this project responsibly and follow all applicable permitting, licensing, and building requirements. This building is about more than a zoning change, but it's about honoring my

grandmother's dream and restoring a family property, and giving back to the community that I care about. I respectfully ask for your approval so I can carry her vision forward. Thank you for your time

and consideration. Great. Thank you, Ms. Gregory. Do I have any questions by committee members? Alderman Beale. Are you representing yourself or are you counsel? I'm representing Washington Legacy

Group. That's my company. Okay, so you're not an attorney? No, sir. Okay. Hmm. So who filed this? You filed this? Yes, sir. I'm sorry, what question? No, I'm just trying to figure out, typically we

are represented by counsel- Right ... coming before us. Which you're the property owner, representative- Right ... LLC, and you're the sole owner, right? Yes. Okay. And everything was filed and

appropriate? Yes, as the indication- You have no problem with this, and the alderman supports it? Yes. You have a letter from Alderman Coleman, yeah? Move to pass. All right. Well, any other

questions? Alderman Riley. Thank you, Chairman. I just have one, and certainly I wish the applicant well. One thing that stood out to me in the comments, though, this was to be a hair salon, but then

also a gathering place. And the only reason I clung to the words "gathering place" is I know in other wards we've had issues where barber shops and hair salons and nail parlors sometimes transition

into a different use in the evening, where you have cocktail parties and events like that. So I was just curious to understand what you meant by gathering place. Just because salons are usually a

place where community gets together and share stories while we get our- Okay ... hair done. But also, I would like to specify that my partner has been owning a salon for 20 years. So we're-- Well- So

you're not throwing parties here? No, sir. Okay, good. That's the only reason I wanted to ask is because this has become a trend in certain parts of the city. It's a hair salon by day, and at night

it's a banging nightclub. So as long as that's not the plan, I join my colleague in moving to pass. Thank you. You can answer my question. You do not also do hair. That's your partner's job. Yes.

Correct. That's great. Best of luck to you- Thank you ... on the project and carrying on your grandmother's legacy. Oh, I'm sorry, Alderman Moore. Thank you so much. Yeah, grew up in this community.

It used to be a part of the 17th Ward years ago. And as Alderman Stephanie Coleman and myself worked together to revitalize 69th Street, she has a portion of 69th Street, I have a portion between

Halsted all the way down, basically to Western, if you will. And as we try to revitalize this, I think this is a good project. What I'm excited about, one of the things that we talk about in our

communities is when properties go to the children or grandchildren, they don't take care of them or they let them go. And for someone, this young lady, to step up and do what she's doing is going to

be an asset to the Englewood community, and I look forward to you prospering there. So, I definitely support this, and I move to pass on this item. All right. Anyone else? All right. Alderman Moore

moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay. Being shown the ayes have it, item is passed. Thank you. Best of luck to you. Thank you. Middle of page 13 is docket number 23151 of the

23rd Ward. Common address, 5300 to 5358 West 55th Street, 5425 to 5459 South Laurel Avenue, 5426 through 5458 South Lockwood Avenue. Change request is an RS3 residential single-unit detached house

district to B21 neighborhood mixed-use district. We have attorney Warren Silver. Thank you, Vice Chair Lawson, and good afternoon to you and members of the committee. For the record, I am Warren

Silver of Silver Law Office PC representing Southwest Airlines Co. And we are seeking to rezone the subject property from the current RS3 to B21. The subject property currently is the site of the

former St. Camilla's Church School Rectory. The last of all those facilities to close was the church, which closed in 2020. The school closed long before that, hung on as an overflow site for Chicago

Public School for a short while, but that closed in 2012. There's also a substantial amount of parking on these properties right now, which span between Long and Lockwood across Laurel. And at this

time, Southwest is in the process of acquiring the property from the Chicago Archdiocese to support its Midway Airport presence, which is one of its most important in the country, and it's a major

contributor to the economy of the southwest side, and in fact, the entire city of Chicago. The purpose of the acquisition would be to remove these long-vacant buildings and create a surface parking

lot with approximately 364 parking spaces for the use of Southwest employees and visitors with business at its Midway facilities. It's not being developed for use of passengers or for the general

public. It's strictly intended to support Southwest's operations and to take pressure off of publicly available parking on neighborhood streets. In order to allow the use as a non-accessory parking,

we would need the rezoning to the B21 zoning district. Midway Chamber of Commerce, we've communicated with that group, and they're very much in favor of it, as is Alderwoman Tabaris, who I understand

has sent you a letter of support on the matter. And we're pleased to note that both the chamber and alderwoman are strongly in favor of this project. With me today for questions, if the committee has

any, are Darren Hubard, who's the facilities project manager for Southwest Airlines, and Jim Jobes, the senior principal of LJC Design & Engineering, who is the project architect. And we'll be

happy to hear any questions. Great. Thank you. Any questions by committee members? Seeing none, Alderwoman Clay moves to pass. All in favor say aye. Any opposed say nay. Being shown the ayes have it,

item is passed. Thank you. Best of luck. Thank you. Bottom of page 13, file number 23166-T1, 27th Ward. Common address is 537 to 547 West Oak Street, 939 to 957 North Larabee Street. Change request is

DR-3 Downtown Residential District to DR-3 Downtown Residential District. Attorney Steve Friedman is here to present. Good afternoon. Steve Friedman with Applegate and Thorn Thompson, here on behalf

of Oak Larabee LLC. I have with me today a representative of the applicant, Mike Roan, who's with Brinshore Development, and our architect representative from Papa George Haynes, Tim Kent. This

project is on land owned by the Chicago Housing Authority. It is being developed in a joint venture between Brinshore Development and Michael's Development. They have done thousands of units of

housing with the Chicago Housing Authority and other affordable type of projects. This is a mixed rate development. It's proposing a seven-story building with 78 units. And it will have a breakdown of

47 of the units will be low-income housing tax credit units, seven of the units will be workforce units. So those are units that can have tenants who have no more than 80% AMI income. And then there

will be 24 market rate units. Very similar to what CHA has done in the area over the years. This actually came before this committee a few years ago. We did a Type 1 rezoning in 2021 on the site. And

these projects unfortunately take a long time to develop. The financing took a long time to come together. This does have financing from the Illinois Housing Development Authority with tax credits

from the City of Chicago for TIF and from CHA for other financing. So we're sort of here to rejuvenate this Type 1 in 2026. As a Type 1, there are certain matters of relief we're requesting. We're

requesting a rear yard relief, which you can see there's a slight bump out into the rear yard to go from 38.2 feet to 23 feet three and 3/8 inches. And then there's other relief we're requesting for

the fact that this site is transit served and affordable. There are no changes to the Type 1 drawings or the Type 1 narrative that we submitted. I believe Alder Burnett is still here or was here. I

know that we have his support, but we would certainly be willing to take any questions the committee might have. Thank you. Thank you. Alderman Riley. Given that this is just a few blocks north of my

ward, I'm curious, do we have any renderings to see what this actually looks like rather than a matching diagram? We can certainly show them to you, Alderman. For the Type 1 drawings, we wanted to

highlight the setback issue. This project has gone through quite a bit of review with DPD, but we certainly have them, and we can- I understand, but you're looking for this body to vote for it. And

you've explained that the financing has been difficult to package. You've experienced delays. Sometimes that also, even though you have an excellent architect, that can result in value engineering the

aesthetic of the building. In my- The building materials used may be cheaper, so- If you could go to one of our other-- These are not obviously renderings. No, go back to the other one, yeah. So we

have elevation drawings and it does indicate, obviously, the materials and the look of the building. We also have renderings, but they're not in the package that's up on the screen. Okay. Chairman, I

would just suggest that in the future as we're bringing back projects before this committee, that renderings be available so we can actually look at what the final product will be. And I understand

that these folks have received previous approval, so I understand maybe they didn't feel like they had to, but I think that's important, especially in the interest of transparency. Yeah. I appreciate

those comments, Alderman. We'll do that moving forward. I would have liked to have seen some renderings as well. But just so I'm clear, we're talking about precast concrete, essentially. Yeah. Maybe,

Tim, would you like- We have Tim ... take this mic? It's on. It is a precast structure. Identify yourself and then- I'm sorry. My name is Tim Kent. I'm a partner with Papa George Haynes Architects

here in Chicago. It is a precast structure. It's a light precast structure. The detailing is quite elaborate. It's a very urban building and I think it's quite a handsome design. I think it's going to

fit very well into the neighborhood. And we went through an extensive process with DPD back in 2022. The design has not changed since then, and they ultimately approved the design. Okay. Again, I'm

not going to hold this project up. I'm not going to belabor the point. But speaking with DPD is one piece of the process. Yeah. That's the bureaucratic piece. Getting the approval for the project,

that's what we do. And I obviously am a big fan of architecture, and I know Papa George Haynes does wonderful work. I would like to see their work on the big screen so we know what we're voting for.

So maybe, Chairman, between now and the council vote, someone could send over a copy of the renderings to me so I know my constituents to the south of this project will have great interest in what

this building would look like. Thank you, Chairman. If you could provide- Can we do that through the Chair? Yeah, through the Chair, and we'll get that to submit that to the members of the-

Absolutely. We'll have it to you this afternoon. Thank you. Thank you. Is DPD here as well? Yeah. If moving forward, if we can get any renderings that are available for projects. Okay, will do.

Appreciate it. Any other questions from members of the committee? All right. Seeing none. Alderman Ramirez makes a motion to pass. All in favor, please say aye. Opposed, say nay. In the chair, the

ayes have it. The item is passed. Thank you. Top of page 14, file number 23165-T1 in 28th Ward. Common address is 1140 to 1144 South California Avenue. Change request is a C-1 dash 2 neighborhood

commercial district to C-1 dash 3 commercial district. Daniel Law is here to present on behalf of the matter. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. This is 1140-44 South California. It's application 23165-T1.

I represent Great Expectations Learning Academy Inc, which is a preschool. They've successfully operated just adjacent across the alley south towards Roosevelt Road for some years. This is a map

amendment request from C-1-2 to C-1-3 commercial neighborhood district to allow construction of a surface parking lot. The city owns these lots since 1988, so almost 40 years. It's good to see that

they're being repurposed. The applicant's president, Chitandra Gray, has arranged with the city to purchase these lots. There'll be 19 parking spaces, which will act as, I guess it's considered

accessory even though the alley's in between, for servicing the daycare facility. Once again, Great Expectations. I understand from staff that we have a letter of support from Alderman Jason Ervin. We

do have a letter of support from Alderman Ervin on file. Are there any questions from members of the committee? All right, seeing none. Alderman Byron Sigcha-Lopez makes a motion to pass. All in

favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, say nay. In the chair, the ayes have it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Middle of page 14, file number 23177-T1, 28th Ward. Common address 1001 to 1003 South Campbell

Avenue. The change request is RT 3.5 residential 2 flat townhouse and multi-unit district, then RT 4 residential 2 flat townhouse and multi-unit district. Attorney Tom Piekarski is here to present.

Good morning, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. I am Tom Piekarski of the law firm of Gordon and Piekarski, representing Orlando Valdez, who is the owner and applicant of the property at 1003

through 03 South Campbell Avenue. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to speak to you this morning. We're before you seeking approval of an application to amend the zoning of the property commonly

known as 1003 through 03 South Campbell Avenue from the current RT 3.5 to that of an RT 4 Subject property is composed of two legal lots whose aggregate measurement is forty-one point seven one by

forty-five point eight feet. It is improved. Mr. Valdez seeks the zoning amendment to improve the site with a single-family home with the intention that it be his family's residence. The lot is not

billable under the present zoning due to the insufficient lot area, thus necessitating the present application. We have reviewed the proposal with Alderman Irvin, who has issued his support in the

form of a letter previously submitted to the chair, and we have presented the plan to the Tri-Taylor Community Association, which is also supportive. And therefore, we ask a vote of the committee

recommending approval of the application to the full city council. Thank you. We do have a letter of support from Alderman Irvin on file. Are there any questions from members of the committee? Seeing

none. Alderman McClain makes a motion to pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. In the opinion of the ayes have it. The item is passed. Thank you, and have a great day. Thank

you. Next is file number 23167-T1 in 32nd Ward. Common address is 2328 to 2834 West Montana Street. Change request is M1-2, Limited Manufacturing Business Park District to R2-4, Residential two-flat

townhouse and multi-unit district. Attorney Timothy Barton is here to present on the matter. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon. My name is Timothy Barton. I'm with the firm of Thomas

Raines, Attorney at Law, LLC, and I'm here today on behalf of the Laurel Homes One Incorporated, which is both the applicant and the contract purchaser of the property. The subject site is 9,600

square feet. This includes four separate parcels, three of which are zoned M1-2. The fourth is zoned RT4, and for that reason, we've added the change to the RT4 district in the substitute. The

substitute will allow the applicant to ask for a variation for one of the properties for a side setback. The applicant is proposing to build four separate two-story, two-unit residences on these four

lots. The plan sets for the buildings are included with the substitute narrative. And I should say at this point that there is a substitute application ordinance as well as narrative and plans, and

I'd ask that they be incorporated into the record. Thank you. Alderman Ramirez moves to accept substitute narrative plans for the Type 1 application. Substitute narrative plans and ordinance for the

Type 1 application. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The substitute narrative and plans and ordinance are accepted. Thank you. The

project plans for the four parcels were reviewed by two community groups, the Brightwood Neighbors and the Bucktown Community Organization. Based on comments we received from the Bucktown

organization, changes were made to the side yard setbacks, which involved separating the group of four structures further from the two existing houses. That was done, and that necessitated the

variations that are going to be the side yard setback variations that are going to be requested. The plan was approved or I shouldn't say approved, but the alderman, Alderman Waguespack, has no

objection to this, and he has submitted a letter to the committee for this. If you have questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Thank you, Attorney Barton. We do have a letter of support from Alderman

Waguespack. Are there any other questions from members of the committee? Seeing none. Alderman McClain makes a motion to pass with the substitute narrative plans and ordinance. All in favor, please

say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. Thank you. Top of page 15, file number 23168-T1, 39th Ward. Common address is 4301 West Montrose Avenue. Change

request is RT 3.5 residential two-flat townhouse and multi-unit districts to a C2-1 motor vehicle related district. We have Attorney Timothy Barton to present on the matter. Attorney Barton? Thank

you. Again, this has a substitute, in this case, a substitute narrative which I'd ask to be incorporated. Vice Chair Lawson moves to accept substitute narrative plans for the Type 1 application. All

in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The substitute narrative plans are accepted. I'm here today representing the Stagehands Local Union

Number Two, which is both the applicant and the property owner for this parcel. The subject site was previously occupied by an auto repair garage. It is improved with a one-story garage and storage

area. The applicant, which operates a trade school across the street at 4300 West Montrose, is seeking the rezoning to convert the use of the existing building to an indoor storage facility and change

the use of the existing vehicle use area to an outdoor training area for the trade school across the street at 4300. The applicant is seeking to erect a security fence to protect valuable equipment

that will be stored there, and so it is seeking relief based on Section 1710-0303 of the ordinance of Chicago's zoning ordinance in order to build the fence at the property line. Plans for the work

are included in the ordinance. Mailings were sent to owners within 250 feet. The only response was from a person who was happy to see that the site would be cleaned up. And our office has been in

touch with Alder Nugent's office at all stages of the project, and I understand that the alder has communicated her approval for this project- There is a- For this rezoning. Yeah, there is a letter of

support on file from Alderman Nugent. Are there any questions from members of the committee? Seeing none. Alderman Casada makes a motion to move to pass as amended. All in favor, please say aye. Aye.

All opposed say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. Thank you very much. Now we're on the top of page four. File number A-9150 in the 20th Ward. Common address is 5000 to 5046 South

Well Street. The change request is a B1-1 neighborhood shopping district to RS 3 residential single-unit detached house district. Alderwoman Taylor. Good morning, Chair. Good morning. So this is a

vacant lot in the community. As you all know, when I got in office, I inherited 5,000 vacant lots. We are now down to two, and so any-- 2,000. So any opportunity for us to make sure that the community

is able to utilize those lots and develop, I am supportive of. So I am supportive of this. Thank you, Alderwoman Taylor. Any questions from members of the committee? Seeing none. Alderman Brunette

makes a motion to pass. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed. Okay. Great. Top of page fi-- Nope, strike that Yeah.

Next up, we have an ordinance dealing with transit-oriented development in the 47th and 40th wards, Document Number 02026-0025391. The item has a substitute ordinance. All committee members will find

a copy of the substitute ordinance in the packets before you. Alderman Knutzen makes a motion to accept the substitute ordinance. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay. In the

opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The substitute is before us. We have Alderman Martin here to present on this matter. Alderman Martin. Thank you, Chairman, and good afternoon, colleagues. The

genesis of this work was a few years ago. DPD was kind enough to work with us at the request of Chairwoman Silverstein on a corridor study for Western Avenue that started in the 49th Ward, 50th Ward,

down the 40th Ward, and then through the 47th Ward. The significant parts of Western Avenue were underutilized. A lot of vacant lots, used car lots, rental car lots. Some of the, as you may recall,

COVID drive-through testing. And so we want to spur development, especially residential and mixed use development along the corridor that's seeing increasing transit options, not just with the Western

Brown Line station, but also with the Western 49 bus and 49 Express. So working with DPD, they identified a number of different solutions, many of which we pushed forward with, including a proactive

up zoning of all of Western Avenue in my portion, other alders can speak to their portions, to B 3-3 so that uniformity was helpful. We've already seen some developers take advantage of that and move

forward by right, which is great. We're continuing, however, to look for ways to continue to incentivize residential and mixed use development. And there are plenty of portions of that stretch, as I

mentioned, that have right now and could continue to have auto-focused uses. And so whether it's the Brown Line station that I mentioned, several high schools, including Lane Tech in the area, we want

to make sure that as people continue to invest along portions of Western Avenue, that they're doing so with housing being front of mind, as I know is very important to you, Chairman, and to this

committee. So we engaged in conversations with DPD earlier this year, and they let us know that they were already looking at a broader TOD street framework that we were more than happy to fit in. So

through those conversations, there was an initial ordinance that was introduced, assigned to this committee. The substitute before you isn't something that would apply citywide should people want to

opt in particular corridors, but instead specifically lists several in the 47th Ward. I know in working with you, Chairman, and Raymond and Nicole, very good to work with. We have notice sent out to

some, but not all of the affected corridors. So we're hoping for a two-step here with this committee's support to tackle two of those corridors, not just Western today, and then hopefully next month,

two additional ones. Because after focusing beyond Western Avenue, we selected several additional comparable corridors that have lots of transit options, and we want to see continued growth,

especially residential and mixed use growth. So with this overlay, we feel reasonably confident that we'll continue to incentivize that work as well as disincentivize some of the non-residential uses

that we know members of the community would like to move away from. So I would ask for the committee's favorable consideration. Happy to answer questions. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Alderman Martin.

Alderman Conway. For putting this legislation forward. Just have a few questions and appreciate your segmentation under dash 0603, that you've kind of kept it to your ward and close by in that regard.

And I will say, noting this is kind of an enabling legislation for the city, my whole ward is a TOD, I think. So, some questions I have with regard to dash 0605, encouraged uses. I would ask what sort

of the definition of encouraged there is in the sense that, hey, I coach six-year-old soccer. I encourage them to do all sorts of things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. So oftentimes it

doesn't. So I didn't know if that had a legal definition, and if not, why doesn't it say approved uses as an example? I may defer to Patrick Murphy on this one. Patrick and his team were very helpful

in putting this substitute together. And by the way, for the record, I'm certainly not mocking the legislation for sending out the six-year-old soccer. I'm just sort of saying, it's hard to see what

encouraged really means. Noted. Patrick Murphy. Sure. Patrick Murphy with Department of Planning. It's not a defined term, but it is a repeat of language we use elsewhere in areas in the zoning code

where we like to identify things that would be, in this case, encouraged to be done in the area. It does not imply approved. It does not presume approval by city council if someone were to propose one

of these uses that required a zoning change in order to proceed with it. No, it's just descriptive language that we use elsewhere. It exists already in the pedestrian street portion of the municipal

code. It already applies. And just so you're clear, Alderman, this ordinance would only apply in B and C, not de-zoned areas of the city. Oh. So not de-zoned areas of your ward. B and C. I do have a

little bit of B and C, but I get it. Well, obviously the bulk of my ward is D, as you said. And I have sort of the opposite question on the prohibited uses, dash 0604. Every now and again, there's a

weird situation where it does make sense, for example, to put a gas station near a train stop. I mean, obviously it's-- So, is there a way around it in the-- If there is an unusual situation where it

could make sense for have one of these prohibited uses on a TOD street? Yes. Patrick Murphy again with the Department of Planning. So it would function just the same way that a pedestrian street

designation, for instance, functions today. If there were an instance where a ward wanted to see something move ahead that's on the prohibited list, the local aldermanic office could support a repeal

of the designation for purposes of the applicant proceeding with whatever legislative process they needed, and then permitting for the subsequent use. And then once that is complete, if you so chose,

you could reestablish the designation over that portion of a block or whatever that segment is that was repealed, and that would just become a non-conforming. Okay. So you could essentially change

0603 to- You would just-- So in essence- You did ... you would strike out that line- Yep ... as it associated with whatever. If the address for your project fell into that range along Ravenswood,

there would be a council action to strike that line from the municipal code. Got it. Someone could proceed with whatever the project is. Once it's completed, then another ordinance could be introduced

that unstrikes that line or reestablishes that segment as being subject to these restrictions. Wonderful. Totally tracking. Now is this, just as a point of clarification, is the street segments part

of this legislation? Is that all in the 47th Ward? And I didn't know if other alders that have thoughts on that- Alderman Martin ... that are affected. Yeah, I believe so. The answer is yes. I think

this is something where if other alders want to have similar treatment to their streets, this provides a blueprint. Would encourage them to talk with DPD, and any other departments that they see fit

to see if this is the right approach for them. But based on feedback from our community, this made sense for, as I mentioned, two corridors that are in today's substitute, and then two additional ones

that we're hoping to bring to the committee next month. Well, I think that's great. And I know people bemoan the fact that we have 50 wards, but it does allow us to have 50 laboratories to test

something like this. So I think it makes a lot of a sense and potential enabling legislation for the rest of the city. So, if no other questions, I'll move to pass. But there might be some. Thank you,

Alderman Conway. Alderman Riley? So I'm sorry, I've been bopping between our many committee hearings today. Could the sponsor explain to me how this would apply to the D districts downtown? I just

want to know, should I be caring about this? The short answer is it will not apply to anything outside of the 47th Ward, as Patrick Murphy, I believe, shared a little bit earlier and can elaborate. I

believe this just applies to B and C districts as currently constructed. B and C. B and C, and only in the 47th Ward. Great. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you, Alderman Riley. Any other questions

from members of the committee? Alderman Martin, did you want to close? Just to say thank you to Patrick and the team, as well as to Joshua and IGA, and to you and your team. I know that this has

undergone a lot of changes, and we appreciate your support for our community around this. Thank you, Alderman Martin. Alderman Conway has made a motion to do pass as substituted. All in favor, please

say aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The item is passed as substituted. That's it, right? Yep. All right. Seeing no further business before the zoning

committee, may I have a motion to adjourn? Alderman Riley makes a motion to adjourn. All in favor, please say aye. Opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.