[remote or in person] Chicago Plan Commission
Chicago Plan Commission
Development
Thursday, June 26, 2025
10:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. CDT
121 N LaSalle St Chicago, IL 60602 (Directions)
Chicago City Hall, Council Chambers
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Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Chicago - IL Documenters Team
Live reporting by
Lauren Sheperd
The Chicago Plan Commission discusses several community development projects with the invitation community input extended.
Good morning, Chicago! Today, I will be covering the meeting for the Chicago Plan Commission for @CHIdocumenters @city_bureau. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. To access the agenda, click this link: chicago.gov/city/en/depts/…
chicago.gov/city/en/depts/…
09:05 AM Jun 26, 2025 CDT
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau If anyone wishes to join the meeting themselves, here is the live stream link: vimeo.com/event/2354896
vimeo.com/event/2354896
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The minutes for the May 15, 2025 meeting of the Plan Commission have been approved in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The first item to be discussed: A proposed Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance application. The applicant proposes to rehabilitate and improve the existing gas station and convert the former car wash into a convenience store.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The location of this project is at 755 W. Lawrence Ave. in the Uptown community area.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Here are some renderings of the proposed project. Those involved say the project will be done by the end of October.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Here is the application for this project: chicago.gov/content/dam/ci…
chicago.gov/content/dam/ci…
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Aside from the building itself, here are some other changes that will come from the project:
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The project is estimated to cost a total of $800,000. It is expected that three permanent and three temporary full time jobs will be created as well as one permanent and one temporary part time jobs.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) said that this plan complies with both the Lakefront Plan of Chicago and the Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance. Alder Angela Clay (46) supports this project.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau George Blackmore, a member of the public, is signed up to speak on this item.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Blackmore (spelling not confirmed) is discussing whether or not the project will benefit the Black community of Chicago.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Mark Kupiec (spelling not confirmed) is the attorney for the project and is now speaking about the process this project has gone through. This includes community meetings, including one from 2022.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Alder La Spata (1) is now speaking. He said he appreciates that this project will make the area safer for bikers and pedestrians.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Moving on to the second item of the agenda: A proposed Residential Business Planned Development, submitted by Harvest Homes II Apartments, LLC. The applicant proposes to construct a 3-story building with up to 50 residential dwelling units and a food hall.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The address is 3415-3449 W. Jackson Boulevard and 3414-3456 W. Fifth Avenue. It is in the East Garfield Park community area in the 28th Ward.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau There would be a rezoning needed for this project to a B2-3 Neighborhood Mixed Used district. Right now, it is a RM5 and B3-3.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Harvest Homes II is a combination of two non-profits focused on affordable housing. They have previously developed another site. All units in this development will be affordable.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau This project has been in the works for a long time and there has been a lot of community involvement and involvement with DPD. From this involvement, feedback has been given and design changes have been made.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The project has been in development since 2021. It is expected that construction will begin in April 2026 and be completed by October 2027.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Here is the first floor plan. The second and third floors are all apartments, plus a terrace on the roof.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau There is a small parking lot with 11 spaces, or 0.22 spaces per unit. There is also bike parking and a raised street crossing to calm traffic.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau There will also be a courtyard, playground, public and private plaza as open, outdoor space.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The DPD has concluded that the proposed development complies with standards and guidelines and will be beneficial to the area.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Blackmore is also speaking on this proposal. He is concerned about the definition of "affordable" and gentrification.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Alder Burnett (27) is now speaking on the development. He is wondering about funding, saying he wants to implement something similar in his ward.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau This project is a combination of privately secured lots and public city lots. The food hall is a little over 4,000 sqft. About 150 people will be able to sit in the food hall at once.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Alder La Spata (1) is in support, especially due to access to public transit.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Alder Ervin (28) is in support. He said that the original Harvest Homes had 1,000 applications for 36 units. He expects similar interest for Harvest Homes II. He is fully in support of this project going into his ward. Ervin lives less than a block from the location.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Item three: A proposed zoning map amendment within the boundaries of the North Branch Industrial Corridor, submitted by Throop Studio, LLC to allow for the operation of a private event space with a Public Place of Amusement license (PPA).
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The address of this project is 1500 N. Throop St. in the West Town community area in the 27th Ward.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The zoning change proposes a change from M2-3 (Light Industry District) to C3-3 (Commercial, Manufacturing and Employment District).
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Initial outreach began with Alder Burnett (27) in 2023 who has provided a letter of support. Restrictions of the Public Place Amusement license will be put in place.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Here is the proposed floor plan. The two studio spaces would be used as event spaces. There is street parking surrounding.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Proposed events at the space will be smaller, and it is expected that people will use ride share or public transit to get there. Some possible events include birthday parties, wedding/baby showers, speaker events and more. DPD has concluded that this proposal is appropriate.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau George Blackmore (spelling not confirmed) is speaking again. He is arguing with Chair Flores.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Alder La Spata (1) is hoping projects like this and Salt Shed open up the possibility of more transit along Elston Ave.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Alder Burnett (27) supports this and requests support from his colleagues.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The next item, not on the agenda, is to pass a resolution to honor Commissioner Claudette Soto following her passing. Soto's family is in attendance and her husband is speaking on the meaning of this recognition from the commission.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Soto was an advocate for women and minorities being involved in construction and urban development. Many commissioners and alders are honoring Soto through comment.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Item four: A proposed amendment to Residential Business Planned Development No. 1067, submitted by Pilsen Gateway, LLC to allow for additional uses to be added to the planned development. The existing interior space will be renovated for a liquor store, tavern and outdoor patio.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau This project is located at 1431-1455 S. Blue Island Avenue, 1218 W 15th Street and 1208 W 15th Street in the Near West Town community area and the 25th Ward.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The applicant proposes to rezone the Planned Development No. 1067 to the B3-5 Community Shopping District and then to Planned Development No. 1067, as amended, to allow for additional uses to be added to the planned development.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Alder Sigcho-Lopez (25) has met with the owners of the proposed liquor store and members of the community. There have been no objections.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Here is the proposed site plan. It has not been changed, but now activates the retail space.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Here are some stats and the likely community benefits. The hope is that after one retailer moves in, more will.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau George Blackmore (spelling not confirmed) is speaking on this proposal. He is against this project due to the fact that this is a liquor store. He also is expressing concerns that this ward is being gentrified. He also feels he has been treated disrespectfully during the meeting.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Commissioner Carlos Pineiro is now wondering about the timeline of this project. He is curious on if this amendment will allow for more business opportunities in the space.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Alder Sigcho-Lopez (25) has recused himself for voting. He has expressed his support for the project.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Item five: A proposed resolution seeking the adoption of Stitching It Together: A framework plan for Brighton Park and Gage Park. A draft version of the plan can be viewed here: chicago.gov/city/en/sites/…
chicago.gov/city/en/sites/…
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau This plan included a year-long community engagement effort that included more the 800 community members. This provides recommendations covering topics including housing, the public realm, health and environmental justice, economic development, and community programming and more.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau This plan would cover the 12th, 14th and 15th Wards. Alder Ramirez (12) is not in attendance, but has issued a letter of support that is being read out loud.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Some priorities: - Increased access to housing options - Expand open space/beautification efforts - Safe streets/public realm - Community health/environmental justice - Increased economic development - Community programming for all generations
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Each goal includes action items, timelines, possible partners and more in the longer proposal.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau George Blackmore (spelling not confirmed) is speaking on this item. He is concerned that community involvement is not happening at the commission meeting itself.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The Gage Park Library was advocated for throughout the community involvement part of the project. It has become a priority for this plan.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The community asked for both ownership and rental housing in the involvement phase.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau This plan also allows for zoning changes to occur easily, but does not prescribe zoning changes or amendments.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Future plans will include similar community engagement tactics. The Chicago Park District is in support of the plan, and are especially excited about the focus on open space.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau All three alders have submitted letters of support. This item has passed.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The final item on the agenda: An informational presentation on the Major Taylor Trail Land Use Framework Plan and the Major Taylor Trail Consolidation Plan, two separate but complimentary plans. Drafts: chicago.gov/city/en/depts/…
chicago.gov/city/en/depts/…
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The Land Use Framework Plan focuses on catalyzing equitable development in the area around the trail from 104th Street to 125th Street, which includes Beverly, Morgan Park and West Pullman.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The Consolidation Plan catalogs planned capital improvements and recommendations from all organizations involved in the operation of the Major Taylor Trail and will be used to track progress on trail improvements and guide inter-agency coordination.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau This trial is one of the oldest Rails to Trails paths, and runs through four wards. Here is a map:
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Community engagement has included focus groups, community meetings, online comments and more.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau The Consolidation Plan focuses on simplifying the ownership and management structure for the trail.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Next steps: - Both plans available online for public review/comment - More public outreach - Return to Plan Commission in August for adoption
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau Vice-Chair Andre Brumfield is in support of the plan. He said that cyclists and bikers deserve more trails and specific areas other than the Lakefront Trail.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau George Blackmore (spelling unconfirmed) is speaking on this project. He is frustrated by the lack of diversity in the meeting. He is also expressing the importance in public comment in public meetings.
@CHIdocumenters @city_bureau No vote was taken on this plan, it was just an informational presentation.
Attachments
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Agency Information
Chicago Plan Commission
The Chicago Plan Commission is responsible for the review of proposals that involve Planned Developments (PDs), the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, Planned Manufacturing Districts (PMDs), Industrial Corridors and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts. It also reviews proposed sales and acquisitions of public land as well as certain long-range community plans.