Good afternoon, everybody. I want to welcome everyone to the
March meeting of the committee on housing and real estate
of the Chicago city council. The time is
1243 the meeting is called to order.
Today, we have 8 items on the agenda.
We will now have a roll call to establish quorum.
Vice chairman Mitchell president.
Ottoman laspada.
Ottoman Robinson.
Alderman Harris.
Alderman. Quinn, Alderman, Moore.
Ottoman. Tabares.
Ottoman Scott.
Ottoman Fuentes.
Ottoman. Bernette.
Alderwoman Rodriguez, Sanchez.
Alderman, Rose Ramirez, Rosa.
Ottoman. Viegas
Ottoman. Ottoman mitts.
Auto woman clay.
All the woman man, of hopping worth.
All the woman Haden.
there are 10 members present including myself, we have a
quorum
Uh, we have a rule 59 requests from alderwoman down in The
Other Woman, tailor to participate remotely. Can I get a
motion to allow? Allow both of them to, to be added to
quorum.
Ottoman. The spot is so moves all those in favor. Say I
All those opposed say, nay in the beginning of the chair,
the eyes have it.
Al has been added to quorum.
We have 2 speakers here today. Each speaker will have 3
minutes to speak on all items on the agenda. The first
speaker is
Taiwan Sims.
Hey, afternoon committee.
Is this thing on? Um, so once again, I'm here to speak
about my condition or my situation which is homeless
and,
All the world has been now more than 300 and some days more
than 400 Days.
But I've been dealing with it for quite a while.
But to come speak directly to the chairman CIO Lopez, who
is not present today to come speak directly to this
committee.
About this situation and Circumstance, also to deal with it
mentally.
This morning, I woke up at 8:25 which is a shelter in a
emergency shelter on Cristiana.
But as I sat there, looking at all the men I said, wow,
these are Americans.
These are Americans with no regard for him, but I believe
in and riding in the blue line and seeing all of these
homeless people.
I sat down on my phone on a red line. I have to take a
pictures of like 10 homeless 10, more homeless pictures and
I said,
I wonder what the homeless rate is in Chicago.
But it still stands that as of 2 years, it is ballooned 3
times the number of homeless so where it was 68,000
imagine.
And I'm 1 of those people live in the reality of it though.
This is a lived experience, you all I'm homeless.
I've come to appeal to my city government. Countless times
about my condition, my situation to no avail.
I'm not ignorant. I'm not a literate. I'm not a motivated.
There is that should prop me up. I believe individuals
thought they could stand on. So I'm going to stand here.
And I'm going to continuously speak to the in the reality
to the reality of it.
But speaking with a lobbyist for the Realtors and having
what the consideration of the green, Chicago home order all
Chicago, where they want the tax, the wealthy, where does
that money go? Because certainly, it does not work in
towards the homeless effort,
All Chicago, the coordinated entry where 2 point some
million dollars. What is this money? How is this money
utilized? Who does it benefit? Because it does not benefit
the people that it should, which is the homeless
population. That is expanding daily.
We see, young adults, veterans elderly all in the train
systems. So for y'all that ride the Blue Line, the red line
and the green I know it's starting to get distressing
y'all. Come on y'all smelly for y'all see people laid
across these understand that this comes from this
Or our city government. That's what the responsibility. And
the blame should be, should fall.
Not on them. Compassion is what we should look at them with
but understanding that these are the people that's been
delegated to take care the issue.
And it's not working.
So taxing. The wealthy, what does that money go?
Because I'm the evidence that is not working.
And I'm still speaking in the room.
I'm the living evidence. This is the evidence that is not
working.
So, whatever policies.
Thank you, Mr. Sims
our, our next speaker is Melvin Bailey.
Thank you.
For allowing me to speak. Once again, it's been a long
fight, long journey and thanks to the city of Chicago
Alderman. Jason Ervin, and the housing department for
allowing us to develop. Again, on Walnut, I see it's the
first item uh on the agenda. And we're looking to build
more affordable homes on Walnut to make sure that we can
and it's kind of too full
we are grateful to build because we're hiring young men and
women from the community, um, subcontractors to get them uh
opportunity to
um,
To have a chance to work, that means labor subcontractors.
And then when the gentleman uh, and again I just like to
thank because and a young man and I hear what you're
saying. This been a fight for us for at least 20 years,
we've been down here for administrations under mayor, Daly
Champs with the whole city council. Give us an opportunity,
we can develop our own Community. I'm not saying anything
about any other organization or any other group.
But if we are suffering like you're a suffering being
homeless and our community, give us a chance to reach down
in the bottom of the barrel and grab these kids. So they
won't have to grab the gun and still cause and run them in
through doors and, and all this senseless violence that you
hear in the news.
So you think about it out of 4 Administration is coming
down here from mayor Daly.
It's a long time.
But thank God. We haven't gave up.
and God said, keep fighting because what you asking for are
going to come through because this this body of the
alterman, they're going to be like, okay, let's make
something happen for this young man and that's why we're
here to develop. Thank God. Jason. Ervin saying he, you
know, people on Walnut Run between home and kidzee. Seen us
develop seeing the homes and like, man, there's some real
nice homes because we're not,
going in there using shabby material, and Sh we putting
basements and all development, and that's why the people uh
and they sell so quick and that's why I want to
Continue saying that man don't give up keep fighting and
this is what we have to do for our community to fight.
Because now we're looking to develop come to the South Side
to develop. We want to bring that same energy and that same
same enthusiasm. As we doing on the west side, we want to
it to the South Side as well because we want to go. We want
to Target all the communities that disinvestment and you
think about there's a lot of disinvestment from the south
and west side and our neighborhood. You know we want to
make sure that these kids when they walk outside and you
know go come from school they don't see drugs selling and
people causing violence because uh that that does some to
the mindset of a young man and a young lady walking home
from school and only thing they see is negativity and
violence in their community. So we want to show them a
different face. Give them a different look when they walk
by, they see African-American young men along with
Tradesmen working. So again, um, I'd like to thank you all
for giving me the opportunity.
Thank you, Mr. Baylor
um,
The committee also, received 1 written public comment,
which is included in your package today.
Thank you, this concludes our public comment. Um, I want to
acknowledge uh non-member Jason, Ervin participating, in
today's uh committee meeting.
our first order of business, is the rule 45 report from
February 11th, 2025 and can reconvene on February 18th
2022, as well as a minor correction on the January, 7th,
2025 rule, 45 report, which was also emailed and handed out
to committee members can a, can I get a motion to recommend
approval of this report?
Ottoman more, I would miss Scott so moves all those in
favor. Say I
all those opposed say, nay
In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it the rule 45
reports have been approved.
Now, we will move on to the items before the committee item
1 is ordinance 202500000014974. First Amendment to Heritage
Pointe to Redevelopment agreement, for sale of additional
Lots at 335533533 333733335, 33333333
And 3310 West. Walnut Street to developers Judah
Investments, LLC, mkb business strategies LLC and Judah
Investments, LLC slash mkb business strategy, LLC under the
city laws for Working Families program and located in 28
Ward.
Ryan O'Donnell from the Department of Housing is present to
testify on behalf of this ordinance.
Brian.
Afternoon, and thank you.
Go ahead.
Hit the button, so there we go.
I gotta hold it down. Okay.
I'll just hold it down.
For the record. My name is Brian odono, appearing on behalf
of the home ownership team at the Department of Housing.
Also president of the gallery and you just heard from him
is Melvin Bailey, uh, who is working with Mike Judah under
a joint venture agreement?
We are requesting approval to amend an existing
Redevelopment agreement between the city and their joint
venture.
The amendment would add these 9. Lots under 3,200 and 3,300
blocks of West Walnut to the existing agreement.
These Lots were listed on Shylock Builder last April.
This slide shows the proposed Lots as red dots.
And the Latin green.
Are in the existing RDA.
The zoom up at the top with the purple box shows the closer
of red dots on West Walnut.
Those are the ls under consideration today.
Oh, sorry, their magic.
Here we see 2 of the below market rate homes. Previously
built by the joint venture at 3262 and 3264, West Walnut.
As you can see, there are attractive and well-built homes.
This concludes my presentation.
Thank you. If there are any questions or comments, please
raise your hand to be recognized.
automate, Irvin
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, um, as uh, as been stated as you
can see, uh, by the quality and that has been built, uh,
let me give you a little story about the 3200 and, uh, 3300
blocks of of Walnut. Um, if you would to go back in time,
2025 years, it's probably 1 of the hottest blocks for drug
traffic. On the West Side. Uh there were legendary uh guys
like Jack Bobo and others who ran that uh block with an
iron fist. Um, there were just numerous um,
Attempts to make development happen on this block, and it
was through the work of of Melvin and his team of bringing
community members, uh, to the table to do these first 2
projects, um, that you, as you see, right now are beautiful
and, uh, represent uh, the East Garfield Park Community,
and what it can be. So, to continue this project on the
2 block, stretch of Walnut, uh, with the balance of the
city, lots that are available. I think we'll we'll show you
what can happen uh, when uh, community members work
together community.
Stakeholders. Everyone works together to build such a uh,
nice new single family, uh homes in in the East Garfield
Park Community, uh, where we are starting to see, uh, not
starting to see. We are seeing the effects of
gentrification in in many, in many areas in East, Garfield
Park, and this product that they have built is a portable
and uh will keep families uh intact in the community. So as
as for favorable consideration from the committee, uh, so
they can continue uh with the building of an additional 9,
single family homes uh in the 32 and 3300 block of Walnut.
Thank you. Um,
Question what? For those 2 that you show up there what was
the uh the cost of Bill versus sale?
Um that question I I'll have to defer to the uh development
team for that.
Okay.
Well, you
Okay. Yeah, I was working. Lots. Yeah.
That we put into that, we built that for like 340 thousand.
End up selling I'm sorry. What did they sell for? Well the
the the market was selling for 390, you know. Of course, we
wouldn't trying to make a money. We want to show display
what we can, uh, the product we can bring. But the great
thing about it 2, 2 of the buyers went through the city and
quantify for the banner program and the city Banner program
allowed them as a buy down, assistance to uh purchase a
home. I think each buyer, uh, received $80,000 to move in.
Okay. Okay. So you see the same kind of uh yeah. Uh
building uh, the price structure. Yes, because we feel we
have the down pack down. Now, we probably bring the numbers
down a little bit now. So yeah. But we got we got the
concept down back.
Thank you. All right.
Are there any more questions?
Um, before I move to pass, I say great great project. Jason
good job. Um,
Uh, chairman, I'm sorry. Alderman, Quinn moves due pass
moves approval of this item.
All all those in favor. Say I I all those opposed say nay
In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it, the due
pass, recommendation of this audience will be reported out
of the next city council meeting on March 12th 2025.
Thanks.
Uh, would like to recognize member uh chairman mitts uh for
purposes of quorum.
um,
Next item going out of order. We will move to item 4 on the
agenda. Item 4 is an automatic introduction, ordinance 2z,
20250000015412, designation of 1310, South Ashland Avenue
has lower affordability, Community located in 284. Ottoman
Irving is present to testify on behalf of this ordinance,
Thank you, Mr. Chairman uh, as has been done in the past uh
this is a development of 70 plus units uh that will uh
ultimately 20% of these units will be affordable uh units
this area. And in fact, this was a uh, the former site of
the Monty for school uh that was initially uh granted as a
school but then
School, subsequently sold. Uh, this to the uh, to the
developers and they have since built a series of 6 flat
buildings, this is right at 14th in Ashland near the South,
uh, they call it the South Loop, uh, uh, Costco. But it's
really the west side of Costco. But nonetheless, uh, these
are affordable units that will work, uh, on behalf right in
the area. In the Illinois medical District, which is we
have now seen additional housing be built in the IMD that
has been work force in nature, but this adds to the, uh,
adds to the footprint and adds to the number of units
available in the Medical District, for the thousands of
people that work, uh, in, uh, participating in the
activities in the IMD. So, this is the current, uh, site
there which, uh, previously was again, uh, Monty feore
School to the South. You can see the parking lot for the,
for, the Costco immediately to the east is the, uh, Simpson
alternative, high school for young ladies. Uh, but that
site there is is where you where these uh, new homes are
being uh built. And again, these are uh, 7
plus units of rental housing of which 20% will be
affordable.
Another good project. Uh, do we have any um, questions from
committee members?
All right. Uh, can I get a motion to recommend approval of
this item?
Alum, admits so moves.
All those in favor. Say, I all those opposed say nay
Independent shared the eyes have it. The Do Not the do pass
recommendation of this audience will be reported out at the
next city council meeting on March 12th 2025.
Okay, all right.
So now going out also going out of order will move to item
8.
item 8 is a
Woman. Like,
Your home in the lake. Okay. Item 8. All right, we have a
substitute ordinance for this item. Substantive changes in
change. Includes the addition of the nonprofit to be able
to receive new market tax credits and adding fireboard
Community Arts. Support Corporation. As the nonprofit
copies of the substitute ordinance have been emailed and
handed out uh in your packets today.
Can I get a motion to uh, recommend approval of the
substitute?
Ottoman, admits so moves all those in favor. Say I
Although, as opposed say, nay in the opinion of the chair,
the eyes have it, the substitute ordinance is before us.
Substance item made substitute ordinance. 202500014971.
of city-owned property at 3312 3318. 3320 3328. 3334 3336
33383342 and 3344, West Lake Street to Firebird Community
Arts under the shy block shy block, shy Builder platform
for construction of community art center located in 28th
War.
Ernest Bellamy from the Department of planning and
development is present to testify on this ordinance.
Good afternoon chairman or good afternoon. Vice chair
Mitchell.
And members of the committee for the record. My name is
Ernest Bellamy. I am a development land. Sales city planner
in the department of planning and development.
I bring forward to you today. A request for disposition of
9 City parcels.
Uh, roughly constituting 3312 through 3344 West Lake
Street.
In attendance, uh, in the gallery today.
Is Dr. Karen Reyes. Executive director
and pearl dick artistic director from Firebirds Community
Arts.
Jonathan Brown.
From dma development, Management, Associates, and The
Architects of the project.
Cheryl Noel and Ravi Ricker.
Of rap architecture.
The location of the disposition is within the 28th Ward
Alderman, Jason, Ervin, within the East, Garfield Park
Community area,
Located in the central, in the Chicago Central Park, Tiff
and consisting of 9, Lots roughly 27,671 Square, ft.
For a sale price of $9.
The parcels are located within the West planning region.
And the proposed development has a total development cost
of 6.7 million.
In November 2023, Shylock Builder. Applicant the purchaser.
Firebird Community Arts. Support Corporation is a nonprofit
branch of Firebirds Community Arts, a long-standing art
center, which has been operating
uh,
at their current studio location in the neighborhood for
roughly 7 years.
This is the first ground up development project for the
purchaser which will keep them within the isauro park
community area and expand their services from a 3,800
square foot lease space to a 12,530 square foot
purpose-built facility.
The purchaser has a symbol and experienced team to bring
this project to fruition.
The parcel resides within the Northwest portion of the East
Garfield Park Community area.
A half a block west of the CTA Kedzie Green, Line Station.
The parcels for disposition are within a transitioning.
Industrial ribbon along West Lake Street.
Where, which has seen continued. City support supported
development as highlighted in Orange, adjacent to the site.
The purchaser is proposing a new 12,530 square foot Artisan
manufacturing facility on the city-owned vacant land.
Uses to include parking and loading outdoor Gathering and
workspace. Healing Art Garden, glass blowing and ceramic
Studio.
Gallery retail space classroom and meeting rooms
administrative offices and support spaces.
A previously provided automatic zoning change to C to -3
and 2024 has helped facilitate the uses proposed.
Transitioning to an aerial view of the site, the parcels
are located in a predominantly industrial. Stretch of West
Lake Street in the East Garfield Park Community area.
Beyond West Lake Street in the immediate blocks surrounding
north, and south of the site.
Lies a diverse mix of housing types. Consisting of
residential Town, Homes, single, family, homes, 2 and 3
flats and apartment buildings.
As well as a as well as commercial 1-story buildings along
West Holman Avenue.
Transitioning to West Lake Street looking East.
We can get a better sense of the industrial context of
Westlake of the Westlake Street quarter as well as vacant
city parcels.
The proposed development is envisioning, uh, to improve the
vacant Parcels as seen here.
Consisting of an Arts Garden, a 12,530 square foot pre-cast
building.
And a parking lot with 12 parking spaces, which includes 1,
handicap stall, 1, EV charging stall and a loading space.
Some sustainable features such as the solar canopy over the
outdoor patio, and the use of skylights can be seen here.
Moving on to the floor plan, we can see the division of
spaces within the Arts Center, showing the studio spaces
for Ceramics and glass, work, staff office, space and
Storage.
Next is a rendering of how the proposed development would
look along West Lake Street.
Showing the variation of smooth pre-cast concrete and Flame
pattern pre-cast, which draws upon this symbolism of
Firebirds logo, as well as the source of the 2.
Art forms being taught within the Arts Center.
Furthermore, are the stained glass, clear story, and
vertical running stained glass, curtain walls along the
undulating facade.
Moving on to the Arts Garden as represented in the
rendering.
We get a a greater sense of the varied outdoor spaces on
the east side on, Pardon on the west side of the Arts
Center.
The Arts Garden will be, will be utilized as a passive
space, which will be interspersed with various artwork.
The patio Beyond is encapsulated by the solar canopy.
Uh, we'll be utilized as an outdoor Workshop, space and
break area.
The stained glass window elements are prominent in this
facade as well. Providing a unified motif of expression in
physical form of the Firebase art forms within the Arts
Center.
Lastly are the elevations which show the material elements
discussed previously and the overall height of the art
center at 22 feet.
Here at the North and South elevations.
And here are the East and West elevations.
The graphic on the East facade, which will be in
conformance with applicable. Zoning regulations for painted
wall, signage
per chapter 1712 of the zoning ordinance.
Here concludes my presentation.
Please refer to my staff report for any additional context.
I'll hold here for any questions from the committee, uh, as
well as any additional questions, uh, for the um, design
team.
uh,
before I recognize alderman,
Hatton, I want to recognize her for purpose of a quorum, all
right?
Thank you, chair. Um, I was just wondering estimated
groundbreaking time frame for construction on this.
Sure, uh, for that question. Um, I'll I'll allow the design
team to respond.
What is it?
where,
Here. Hi. Um we are looking at State shoot, state your name
and it, I'm sorry. Oh I'm Jonathan Brown from dma on behalf
of fire bed. Um
Thank you. Yeah, thanks. Um, we are looking at around a
September groundbreaking with uh, June 2026. Completion.
Are there any uh, other questions chairman mitts?
Mr. Chairman, um, this is looks to be a great project. Uh,
ottoman Irving, I was just wondering, I didn't hear
anything about. Um, Le certification. Do we have any
Lead certification. Yeah lead certification. Yeah. Um the
the design team isn't uh seeking lead certification for
this project.
uh, but um, for further context, uh,
Um, Cheryl Noel can provide uh, uh, deeper understanding of
the sustainable uh, features looking to be achieved.
and also, um, the funding sources
Can you can you answer the funding sources for this
project? Yes. Uh, before I open it up to Cheryl, the, the
talk on your first question, uh, with regards to the
funding sources. Uh, they are obtaining a CRP Bond, um,
which does not need Council approval to help support this
development.
The value of the bond, uh, the value of the bond is 2.5
million
And is that any, um, that's from the chief.
No, it is not from the tip from the tip, no.
You mean the Chicago recovery plan?
All right, there you go.
just as a point of clarification, are you referencing the
Chicago recovery plan, like the economic development
package, we passed a couple years ago
Um, what is CRP reference? I'm sorry. Yeah, um,
So the financial incentives division of the Department's
working on on that packet uh of uh incentives. Uh,
Has been, what has been told to me, the, the CRP bond, which
I believe passed. Within know. I, I think, I
miscommunicating. I I'm only asking for Clarity on the
acronym that you're using. I believe, I know what it is,
but could you clarify?
Um, CRP stands for Chicago recovery, there we go. Okay,
thank you. Yes, no worries.
And uh, to the first question, um, Cheryl
Please state your name, good afternoon. My name is Cheryl
Noel, from wrap architecture. Um, I can speak a little bit
about this sustainability measures in the project. We are
not seeking lead certification primarily because of the
added cost of the certification itself. However, we are
incorporating many, um, sustainability and Energy.
Efficiency measures the project is complying with the
cities, sustainable development policy,
um, some of the measures that we're doing under that are uh
bird protection um the on-site renewable energy besides the
um the solar canopy, where also identifying areas on the
roof to increase the solar array area to lower their
long-term operating costs.
um, we're doing tree Health non-toxic pavement sealants
They qualify as the community, resiliency asset.
Uh residential not non-residential bike parking facilities.
Um Ernest mentioned in EV parking station. We're actually
doing 4 in the parking lot.
We're doing CTA digital display um in part because the
program participants primarily use uh public
transportation.
We're doing 80%, waste diversion in construction and and
reducing.
Indoor Water use by 25%, but primarily the the main measure
measure that we're doing for under this, um, City
sustainability policy is, um, we've enrolled the project in
the ComEd Energy, Efficiency program
And there it's not a typical building type, so it's a
custom program and they're currently developing an energy
model, but many of the measures that we're talking about,
are its pre-cast, uh, Concrete Construction, but we're
doing thermally broken panels.
We're doing a high-performance roof assembly,
high-performance windows.
Energy Efficiency, lighting and advanced occupancy controls
destratification fans in the
Glass Studio.
Heat pump, hot water system.
High efficiency mechanical equipment with demand,
controlled ventilation.
They're purchasing new electric glass furnaces and
traditionally in glass blowing gas fired. Um, glass
furnaces are have been used. The electric furnaces, are
much more efficient because they don't vent their sealed.
And we're also doing process heat recovery because there's
waste heat in the process that we're recovering and putting
back into the building.
Um, the comet Energy Efficiency program typically aims for
5% uh, over current energy.
Uh, Code Compliance. And right now we're looking at over
30%, so it's pretty significant.
Increase.
Stay right there on the floor plan.
So can someone just explain a little bit? What the floor
plan?
Just trying to get a sense. And then answer this question
for for the community, to be able to utilize it there in
the community space era. What uh
They give me a a little snapshot if somebody will.
You want me to address that so inside. So when you, um, the
entrance is at the West end of the building off the
sidewalk and you walk into a reception and gallery space.
Um, where art in the studios is being sold, okay, to the
public. It's also, there are that as well as the, the
great, what we're calling, the Great Hall behind Beyond, it
is a community Gathering space and the large meeting room
there.
Just next to, uh, just east of the Great Hall is the
ceramic studio and the supports, uh, spaces for the
Ceramics studio, just beyond it. The glazing room, and a
kiln room.
Um, to the north is the glass hot shop where glass blowing
is done.
Um, the glass furnaces and the g********** are all along
that north wall.
uh, to the West is,
The lamp working room, which is a different form of glass
work um with small torches.
Just west of that is the cold shop, where the blown glass
is then, um, finished with different finishing processes.
There's toilet rooms, um, Locker spaces for artists and
program participants
Um, along Lake Street is kind of an Administration bar.
There's offices meeting spaces, and a break room.
Um, and there's also a craft room.
Uh, right next to the large meeting room, that where things
like, mosaics and stained glass. Those kinds of crafts are
are taught and performed.
did you, did you want to talk about the community program
because
if you have 1, um,
Oh oh look Dr. R it'd be interesting. Uh just because of my
my West Side. I want to know what's coming over ottoman
Irving. And it looks like a great project that we uh that
you get ready to have.
I I would like to get it sir, but, uh, know we, I'm not
gonna be like you. I'm gonna stay out of that.
I don't believe in taking folk stuff.
All right, go right ahead. Thank you for that.
Thank you for that important question. My name is Dr. Karen
Reyes. I'm the executive director of Firebird, um, we serve
people from all over the city. We have quite a few
Southside, um, as well as Westside folks, that we serve.
Um, so don't worry Firebirds for everyone. Um, the
community room, the I'm sorry, the boardroom, or meeting
room, that's there right by the entry. Um, our plan is to
offer that to community members for use. Um, we wanted it
to be a convertible space so that we could have our board
meetings there but organizations that needed a space to
meet could sign up and use that um during our normal hours.
So that's 1 space, that's going to be accessible.
Um, also the community, the healing Garden will be
accessible to the community. We are kitty corner from
Garfield Park, which is a beautiful outdoor treasure in our
city. However, this is a healing and meditation space. It
will be a little more closed in and secure feeling. Um, and
that's for the safety of our young people, many of whom
have experienced trauma, um and need a quiet secure space
process. However we will open that to folks who want to
come use that space during our normal hours and they will
just enter through the gallery check-in and be able to use
that space when it's
it's not in use by youth programs that exclude that, um,
and then additionally, we have uh programs for the
community that range from um
For fee, for service, for people who can afford to like
want to come take a date night or a birthday party or
something like that. Um, all the way down to zero cost for
community members, generally all of our youth participants
pay nothing to attend programs and many um, of the teenage
youth that work with us. Um, are paid minimum wage so far
from
Having to pay. They are paid to come work with us um but
I'm happy to answer any more questions about that. Thank
you, very good. That that that was fine. That's great. Um,
All I want to say is that uh it's a great project. Uh, we
welcome
Art. And, uh,
artists and arts and artists are needed space for them, uh,
as we continue to, um,
Share some love and I sit here and I love those colors that
you have there, um, right at the L station as well. Train
passing by is going to, uh, lighten up that area and the
use of, uh, some unused land that sit in vacant for a long
time. So I want to commend my colleague and uh, the team
for, uh, great presentation here. Thank you. Thank you,
man. Mood, do pass. All right, before that, I have to
Yeah, I think it's here. I just let's Echo those comments. I
I, it's beautiful. I think the purpose is beautiful. I
think the design is beautiful. I will say, I think the
proximity that we saw on the map with Revolution Workshop,
whether by intention or not, there's a corridor developing
here for young people who are interested in understanding
what the next chapter of their life looks like. And I think
that's really, really beautiful. Um,
Look, the Hatchery is right down the street, too. This
really
An incredible proximity in the corridor, I only had 1
question that was actually related to building materials
the prefab concrete. Could we go back to the slide number
1, love the burnt orange. Again, love it. I will buy a suit
pattern after this building, um, but I, I think I might,
um, but
that suit is worth more than fifty dollars. Um,
Uh, I was gonna say and I feel like this is nitpicky and it
has nothing to do with my sport. I definitely support.
Is it is it a flat prefab? Because the burnt orange. Almost
feels like it has a texture to it. Maybe that's just the
rendering.
May I ask if the Architects would uh, uh, pardon my
curiosity.
Hi Alderman labada. Um, so some of the panels are flat and
um some are uh, they use of of form that has a fire pattern
pattern in it. Um, it adds a lot of cost. So we're we're
trying to use it intentionally on the, the red panels, um,
and those locations and um, the concrete generally is
stained the, the rust color and and a darker gray color.
Also, yeah, I thought so it's really beautiful. And it's a
Maya Angelou reference on the front, right?
Yes, yes, yes, yeah, fantastic. Thank you. Thank you cheer.
Okay. Um, see you I'm an Airman.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman um this um this is as a corridor
Workforce Development Corridor. Here we talked about the
Hatchery. You also have a Firebird moving into here we also
have a revolution Workshop as well as Inspiration Kitchens
which is a little to the west of Revolution workshops. So
we're developing a a Workforce Development Corridor here
along Lake Street and ironically uh well not ironically but
The Lots behind this, parcel are some of the same, Lots in
the previous, uh, application for the housing. Uh, where we
dispose of those, you'll see the housing right behind this
particular location, which a bus to 32 to 343332 and 3300
blocks of Walnut. So, as you see, this area here, in the
East Garfield Park Community, uh, putting a lot of time
effort and energy into this. Uh, and also, the help with
the Chicago Central Park, uh, Tiff, uh, resources as well.
Even though there are no Tiffy sources going into this
project. This is really where you see the Synergy coming
around and redeveloping. Uh, this portion of East Garfield
Park along with the Garfield, Park Conservatory, and other
infrastructure in items that we've been working and
planning for, in this area. So, this is just an addition to
what we're planning in the East Garfield Park Community.
Uh, for this corner as you as you see, right near Garfield
Park. So again, uh, looking forward, uh, favorable
consideration from the committee.
On this is we continue to work in uh rebuild Garfield Park.
Uh, chairman, Mitch has a motion on the 4 Amendment
approval of this item, Alder spotter, so moves all those in
favor. Say I all those opposed nay and the opinion of the
chair. The eyes have it, the do pass recommendation of this
ordinance will be reported out at the next city council
meeting on March 12th 2025.
That ends the Jason Iran show.
All right.
proceeding along, um, out of order item 5
Is ordinance 202500000015545 sale of vacant city-owned
property as is at 7524. South Emerald Avenue to academic
Adventure Academy, LLC located in the 17th Ward James
Michels, from the Department of planning and development is
present to testify on behalf of this ordinance.
Good afternoon, Vice chairman Mitchell and members of the
committee for this. This item is a fair market sale for the
unimproved city-owned, parcel at 7524, West Emerald Avenue
to academic Adventure Academy. The property owner of the
daycare located at 7506 South Emerald Avenue the property
is on RS3, in the Englewood community area, partial would
be used as an extended yard.
The appraised market value is 8637 and the sale. Price is
8637 the vacant lot. Dimensions is 29 by 159.7 or 4,152
square feet. Approximately in addition, the department has
obtained as clearance on the parcel and we have support
from 17th. Ward Alderman, David Moore, and the adjacent
neighbor at 7520 South Emerald. So the parcel
We go forward.
So, the parcel, the daycare is in the yellow over there at
7506 and the lot is 7524.
That concludes my presentation on this item.
Are there any questions or comments? Uh, regarding this
item?
All right, uh ottoman more so move recommends approval of
this item.
All those in favor. Say I, I
all those opposed say, nay
in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it, did you pass
recommendation of? This ordinance will be reported out at
the next city council meeting on March 12th 2025.
Item 6 is ordinance 2025000015546, sale of city-owned
property at 2929 West Washington Boulevard to 2929 West
Washington, LLC under shy Builder platform for construction
of market rate, housing project located in 27th Ward
Alejandro. Valverde from the Department of planning and
development is present to testify on behalf of this
ordinance.
Uh, good afternoon everyone, uh, for the record. My name is
Alejandro. I'm in, I'm an urban designer and the west
region.
In the department of Planning and Development. I'm here to
present.
A chai block Builder, uh, Lancel.
Located at 2939 West Washington Boulevard.
Uh lot Dimensions is 29 feet by 130 feet uh 3,000 3,000
3,700.
40 407 square feet, approximately. It's in uh, with
bearnaise uh work. Uh we have a letter of support from him.
Um, is in the East Garfield Park Community area.
Uh, TIF district is in the midwest, but it's not required.
um,
Again west region. Uh the applicant uh developer is uh don
dance, 2929 Washington LLC.
Uh, the consultant architect is collective office PC.
This is a side context image, uh, is uh, masonry building
at Great, not basement. New construction of a multi family
tree, flat.
Uh, Residential Building at Great and 3 surface parking
spaces. The Sony is an rt4. Uh, the market value, uh, was
97,000 4222 dated in, um, August the 10.
Of 2024, uh, is is the applicant offer to um, to pay uh,
same uh market value 90,000 422.
Uh here are some floor plans of the project. Um, each floor
has the same program.
Uh first floor uh at great as uh consists of 3 bedroom uh 2
bedroom, living dining and kitchen.
Uh, some images of past projects, from the developer.
and the construction cost for this project, uh, is
Is in, um, it's projected to be.
870,000 uh, 922.
And this concludes my presentation.
Thank you.
Are there any questions? Uh,
On this item.
Uh, you know, questions, can I get a motion to recommend
approval of this item?
Ottoman Haden, so moved all those in favor. Say I all those
opposed say nay
In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it, the do pass
recommendation of this ordinance will be reported out at
the next city council meeting on March 12th 2025.
Item 6 is ordinance. 20225000015546.
Oh, what are you gonna do?
Oh,
pardon me, guys.
Yeah. Sorry about that item 7
Is ordinance, 2025000015548 sale of city-owned property at
629, North Parkside Avenue, to J to gsj Family Life Center
under Shylock Builder. Platform for construction offense
Community Garden. Located in 29th, Ward May gustafa
Who who stopped the Sun from the Department of planning and
development, is present to testify on behalf of the
ordinance. All right, what you great. Thank you. Um, for
the record, my name is Meg, gust of sun, Department of
planning.
Um, this is a lance a proposed land sale at 629 North
Parkside.
Um, it's approximately 517 square feet. Uh, this is an
alderman, Talia farohs ward in the Austin Community area.
Um, the 10% value, uh, 10% of market value is 2028
Um jsg Community um the community Open Space Project will
will include fencing. Um, a city-owned lot. Um, they'll
vegetable raised bed, vegetable gardens um and they're
going to be working with the neighborhood community
schools, Frederick Douglass, High School and um St.
Angela's Elementary School.
Here is their site plan and budget. Um their total uh
project costs are approximately 8,300 um dollars and here
is their site plan.
um,
I can now take any questions. You may have. Thank you.
Are there any questions regarding this item?
Thank you sir. Uh Megan I'm curious. Is this project worth
supporting with OSF dollars as well? This is not know. This
is all their their own funding. This is through the shy
block Builder. The I feel like this the city contribution
here for these Open Spaces, is the 10% of market value.
So that's that's sort of the thank you. Love it. I love the
3 foot long carees, they're going to be growing as well.
It's quite impressive. Uh thank you, another questions
chair. Okay, any more questions on this item?
Seeing no questions automatic motions to recommend approve
this items.
Auto Manhattan, so moves all those in favor say I I all
those opposed say nay in the opinion of the chairs she had
the eyes have it, uh, do pass recommendation of this
ordinance will be reported out at the next city council
meeting on March 12th 2025. At this time, I want to
recognize chairman Gilbert viegas for purposes of forum and
I understand, chairman is now here
so could I, uh,
ask for a brief recess so we could swap out if I
Where is he?
Thank you. Oh no. Wonder
we just returned to the agenda, right?
Yeah, Mrs. Um, so we going to return to the middle of the
page. Um, 1 with the 2 items from, uh, 2 FM.
Um, 213 on the agenda for you, the item uh 2 is a
ordinance, 2025.000 15537 10 and renew lease agreement with
the sticks. Uh Chicago LLC for property at 6348. South
Archer Avenue in the 23rd. Ward married Solace from the
Department of Fleet and facility management is present to
testify to m b of this ordinance. Thank you, man.
Thank you, chairman.
Yeah.
For the record, my name is Meredith from the Department of
um, Department of Fleet and facility management.
The city entered into a lease for the building located at
6348 South Archer. Uh better known as the Chicago public
libraries Garfield Ridge Branch,
The term of this lease expired on December. 31st 2024 and
has been holding over on a month-to-month tenancy, uh,
beginning January, 1st 2025,
The property consists of approximately 770025, square feet
of ground floor Office Space.
The property is located in the 23rd. Ward and Alderman,
tabaris has no objection to this renewal.
Uh, if approved, the extension will run through December
31st 2035. Uh, so for 10 years,
Uh, the annual rent for this lease will be.
280,031.28 coming out to 23,335 and 94 cents per month.
With the landlord paying all expenses, including real
estate taxes operating expenses and maintenance.
uh, this renewal will benefit the city and its citizens by
allowing the operations of the Chicago Public Library to uh
at this Branch to continue providing many different
services to to the residents of Garfield Ridge and the
surrounding communities.
That concludes my presentation and I'll be happy to take
any any questions.
Are there any questions my committee members?
Know, we have all the women about is and see. We have a
letter of support from her as well. In fact, moves to pass,
all right, all the money is part of moves to pass all those
in favor. Say I of the chair, the eyes have it, do pass
recommendation of this ordinance will be reported out at
the next city council meeting on March 12th 2025. The next
item is on the item. Number 3 is ordinance 2025.00 0001554
too renew lease agreement with seed State read Inc for use
of city property at 2861 North Clark Street. In the 44th
word merits or lease again from the Department of Fleet and
facility management is present to testify on this
ordinance.
Thank you, chairman.
The city entered into a lease for a portion of the
city-owned property located at 2861 North Clark, better
known as the lake view Health Center. The term of this
lease has expired, has since expired and has been on a
month-to-month tenancy as well. Um, for background Sit Stay
read is a non for profit organization. That offers a unique
literacy program that allows children to read out loud to
trained therapy. Dogs boosting literacy and cognitive
skills while building self-confidence in the support of and
low pressure environment.
The lease space consists of 1192 square feet of office,
space on the first floor, the property is located located
in the 44th Ward and Alderman. Lawson is in full support.
If approved, the extension will run through December 31st
2025 and the annual rent, for this lease is $1 plus
operating expenses.
That concludes my presentation for this item and I'll be
happy to take any questions.
thank you because I don't know if
I just had a surreal moment but it feels like you just said
said that children come and read to therapy. Dogs, did I
hear that right? That's correct. Oh, all right, I just
needed to make sure that my my ears were and this is like
as a like low pressure, arguably. No pressure.
Space to work on your reading aloud skills.
I'm sorry. What was that? I'm like, I am.
Well, I have to check it out, she's not ready yet. But like
I like
There's nobody from the organization in the room, right?
Know, is that the I is that the I'm genuinely curious
because you just said, 1 of the most interesting sentences
I've heard in a while, like, like children or young adults,
come to practice reading in this low stress situation.
That's the idea, that is the idea. And just for just for
background, the, the sessions don't happen at this
location, this is their administrative offices.
yeah, and so uh, most of the sessions happen at schools um
I know they're working with the libraries to um have
sessions done there. Uh, but for, for this specific item,
is the, it should stay reads, uh, administrative offices.
So the dogs don't come, you know, the kids and the dogs, I
know, I know I do, but they all my head with questions. Um,
I think the only
Question that's actually relevant to. The matter is, um, why
a 1 year lease extension for such favorable rates? I would
think that they wanted to lock in this location.
We want to, we want to make sure that um,
That, um, we're looking at City space on an annual basis.
Um,
I know that this process takes a while and and I see where
you're coming from. Um, but yeah, we'll probably be here
again next year for sure, because this is an amazing
service to the community. I'll see you. Then they'll have
to bring some of the dogs.
It'll be fantastic. I'll see if I can make that happen.
Thank you. Thank you, chair.
Thank you. So, with know any, any other questions? So I can
have a a motion to pass. So so moved by those in favor. Say
I I have it. The dupas recommendation of these orders will
be reported out of the next city council meeting on March
12th 2025. There'll be no further business on the
committee. Can I get a motion to to adjourn to move out all
the Manhattan, all those in favor, say, I all the post of
face, the eyes have it. The meeting has been officially