June 20th 2024.
In a bold move, Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration defied a long-standing tradition at City Hall on Thursday, pushing forward with a major development despite resistance from the local alderman. The Chicago Plan Commission, which is primarily made up of Johnson's appointees, voted 11-1 in favor of a 615-unit housing complex in Lincoln Park, near the stalled Lincoln Yards megadevelopment.
This decision came despite Ald. Scott Waguespack's plea for the commission to reject the proposal, citing concerns from neighborhood residents about its size. However, Johnson's Planning and Development Commissioner, Ciere Boatright, praised the project as a "case study" and assured that the administration's support does not set a precedent for interfering with aldermanic prerogative.
Mayor Johnson himself downplayed the rare breach of council tradition, stating that it was simply a conversation and urging people to remain calm and trust in the administration's efforts to revitalize the city. He emphasized the importance of having open and honest discussions about promoting vibrancy and economic growth in Chicago.
In the City Council, aldermen typically have a high level of control over development in their respective wards, thanks to the deference of their colleagues. However, as seen in 2021 under Mayor Lori Lightfoot, there have been instances where this custom has been challenged. Johnson had criticized Lightfoot's stance on aldermanic prerogative during his campaign.
With the Lincoln Park development now moving to the Zoning Committee, it will face a full council vote if it passes there. The project includes 124 affordable housing units, as mandated by a 2021 ordinance, in its 15-story and 25-story towers. When asked about his support for the project, which is being developed by Sterling Bay, a powerful developer, Mayor Johnson stated that it reflects the administration's commitment to promoting economic development and equity in the city.
On the other hand, Ald. Waguespack expressed his opposition to the project, citing the developer's unwillingness to compromise on the size, density, and number of parking spots. He stated that the community believes this development will have a negative impact on the fabric of the neighborhood and questioned whether it follows good planning principles.
During the commission's meeting, Waguespack criticized the top-down approach taken by the developer, which has been supported by Mayor Johnson. He also pointed out that community feedback had been ignored, and there was a lack of concern for the character and context of the neighborhood. The alderman also highlighted the link between this project and the larger Lincoln Yards development nearby.
Ald. Daniel La Spata, the only alderman to vote on the project, voted against it, but not because of aldermanic prerogative. He was concerned about the design and expressed his disapproval of the tradition, which he believes contributes to segregation in the city.
Meanwhile, Boatright had only positive things to say about Sterling Bay and their plan, which has been in the works for three years. She saw this project as a crucial step towards the overall development plan for Lincoln Park and the entire city.
Sterling Bay is one of the most prolific developers in the city and has already received approval for the Lincoln Yards development, which broke ground in 2021. This project aims to revitalize 50 acres of land, adding office, retail, residential, and entertainment space. The developer has also received up to $1.3 billion in tax increment financing assistance from the City Council to support this project.
However, progress at the Lincoln Yards site has been slower than expected, with only one building and some recreational facilities currently in place. Sterling Bay CEO Andy Gloor blamed Lightfoot's administration for the delays and has been seeking new investors to move the project forward. In the meantime, the company has also put some properties near the site up for sale.
It's worth noting that many progressives had opposed the Lincoln Yards development when it received government support during former Mayor Rahm Emanuel's final days in office. However, Mayor Johnson, who was supported by the Chicago Teachers Union during his campaign, has at times embraced the developer. He even appointed a Sterling Bay executive to serve on the Democratic National Convention's host committee.
As a former CTU organizer, Johnson has been critical of aldermanic prerogative and believes in collaboration and shared power among city officials. While he has yet to make any changes to the tradition, he has shown a willingness to work with different stakeholders to drive positive changes in the city.
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