Youth protest a change of plans in multi-unit development

Neighborhood news reading list

• Carol Ross Barney (Ross Barney Architects) was awarded the Lifetime Achievement from AIA Chicago; she’s known for her firm’s work on the 606 framework plan, the Chicago Riverwalk extensions, and the Morgan, Cermak (Green), and Belmont (Blue) CTA stations
• Young entrepreneurs Devonta Boston and Omphile Franklin are selling TGi, a t-shirt line, at the Boombox shipping container store, created by Latent Design, in Englewood (DNAinfo)
• Logan Square Neighborhood Association youth members protested the change of plans at “The Fields” development in Avondale: From 84 mixed-bedroom apartments (including 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, to studios, convertibles, and 1-bedroom apartments. The protestors also took issue with Alder Santiago’s (31st) handling of the proposal; a meeting was scheduled to take place Wednesday night regarding a zoning change the developer needs for the new plan. (DNAinfo)
• Update: Here’s Mina Bloom’s followup report on “The Fields” development changes from last night’s meeting.

• The City sold its fleet maintenance facility in the North Branch industrial corridor to Sterling Bay for $104.7 million; some of the proceeds will be used to partially fund a new emergency responders training site in the Humboldt Park community area; proceeds will also fund modernizing the 311 system (Sun-Times)
• City Bureau published the results of its West Side incinerator smokestacks investigation, and charrette for Garfield Park and Humboldt Park residents, which asked them to decide what amenities and changes they would like to see in the area, which includes the future emergency responders training center site
• Cook County Clerk David Orr said in an op-ed in Crain’s that Mayor Emanuel likes using TIF money because it’s a “hidden tax”, “not subject to City Council approval”. His office is in charge of calculating tax rates for the Treasurer to collect; he urged City Council to pass the “Back to Basics” TIF reform ordinance.
• Elgin-based Wanxiang America Real Estate Group, a subsidiary of a Chinese car parts maker, got a property tax incentive to build two new produce warehouses in Pilsen (they are also an equity partner in the new skyscraper, 150 N Riverside)