your
back
thing for you and I can
thing for you and I
What you want?
to do
for love
you try to have everything.
you try to have everything but you don't give up.
What?
what I would like
to
To know what is wrong?
but I'm in the days from your
But I'm in the days from your love you see.
I came back.
Got to think.
Got to think for you.
and I can't
would you want to
you tried everything?
you tried everything but you won't give up.
in my world
Let me do for love what?
Let me do for love what I will not do.
baby what I would not do
make me do for love, but I would.
make me do for love, but I would not do.
Testing 1 2 3 testing 1 2 3.
All right, folks. Uh, we're going to start just a minute if
everyone could take their seats.
call
Call I need a roll call.
All right.
Everyone the committee will come to order.
Please take your seats. It is 10:18.
Please take your seats. It is 10:18 a.m. On April 16th, and
the meeting of the Chicago City.
the meeting of the Chicago City council's committee on
zoning landmarks and building standards is called to order.
We will.
We will start off with the roll call committee members.
Please note that.
please note that you are yes or present response will be
deemed as a yes when this Quorum call is used as a
reference for later.
reference for later items.
We have all the LEP.
other Hopkins
Other Woman Dow
Alderman Hall
alderwoman Harris
all of them and be
all the woman Ramirez
all of them and more
all the Mosley
all Lopez
all the person Fuentes
all the member Bernett.
by
vice mayor brunette
uh all the woman crew
uh Other Woman Cruise
Alvin Conway
almond Vegas almond Riley
Alvin kutson
all the women clay
chair Lawson presents
post reviewers Rosa
Right. Oh, we have a quorum.
um others Byron Lopez and callers Ramirez Ros
Um others Byron Lopez and callers Ramirez Rosa Michelle
Harris have requested to attend the meeting by remote means
under the provisions of rule 59 due to un
circumstances. All the person Fuentes makes a motion.
circumstances. All the person Fuentes makes a motion by the
same role call that was used to determine quorum to prove
that.
that request any objections.
No, all the person who?
No, all the person who makes the motion hearing no
objections all the Lopez Ramirez Rosa.
objections all the Lopez Ramirez Rosa and Harris are
allowed to attend by remote means welcome Alders.
Thank you. Thank you moving on. I will now read the
to be deferred. I will read the page number the file number
the address and then take a motion for all at the end.
the address and then take a motion for all at the end on
the bottom of page 6 final number 22.
the bottom of page 6 final number 22395 for the address
commonly known as 101.
commonly known as 10145 through 10207 South Torrance.
Avenue.
top of page 7 file number 22396 for the address
Top of page 7 file number 22396 for the address commonly
known as 10209 through.
known as 10209 through 10257 South Torrance Avenue.
known as 10209 through 10257 South Torrance Avenue all of
page 10 including file number 22.
page 10 including file number 22377 for the area bounded by
LaSalle.
Lal Wells and North Avenue.
file number 22380 for the address commonly known as 378
through 89 South Archer.
file number 22397 for the address commonly known as 25
File number 22397 for the address commonly known as 255 to
2535 South Pulaski Road.
2535 South Pulaski Road all of page 11 including file.
number 22378 for the address commonly known as 734 and 736,
North Milwaukee Avenue.
North Milwaukee Avenue 700 North Carpenter Street and 1040
West Chiron.
West Chiron Street file number 22374 for the address.
commonly known as 303 West Division Street 1140.
commonly known as 303 West Division Street, 1140 Northwest
and 202 West Hills Street.
File number 22373 for the address commonly known.
file number 22373 for the address commonly known as 5730
through 5736 West Roosevelt Road last
through 5736 West Roosevelt Road, lastly Pages 12 and 13.
Which contains file number 223
which contains file number 22375 for the area bounded by
West Jackson Boulevard.
West Jackson Boulevard South Morgan Street and West Adams
Street file number.
Street file number 22372 for the address commonly known as
2525 North Kedzie file number 22.
2525 North Kedzie file number 22376 for the address
commonly known as 3959 North Lincoln.
And finally file numbered 22.
and finally file number 22371 for the address commonly
known as 5853 North Broadway.
If no questions.
If no questions by committee members all their clay makes a
motion to defer the previously listed.
motion to defer the previously listed items by the same
role call that was used to determine quor.
role call that was used to determine Quorum and the
objections.
right now in the items are
Right now in the items are deferred. Um at this time we
will begin the public comment.
will begin the public comment period um, we've had a number
of people sign.
of people sign up today and I'd like to try and hear them
all if we can.
all if we can but I wanted to do the limit of 2 minutes.
all if we can but I wanted to do the limit of 2 minutes, um
that the chair of the of the discretion of the chair if
there's any issues from members,
not saying any we'll go ahead and
Not saying any we'll go ahead and do that if that's okay
guys 2 minutes. I want to go ahead and start with the folks
that we have online.
Aaron Feldman, please press star 6 to unmute.
Thank you.
Uh, hi my
Uh, hi. My this is merrily seldman. My son. Aaron was going
to give this comment, but got called into a meeting and
wanted to ensure his comment was heard, so I'll be reading
it. So here goes.
Hi, my name is Aaron.
hi, my name is Aaron Feldman and I'm here to advocate for
the expansion of the Adu program Citywide in a surve.
the expansion of the Adu program Citywide in a survey sent
out by Urban environmentalists and streets.
out by Urban environmentalists and streets blog last year
the vast majority of Alders that responded.
the vast majority of Alders that responded supported add
use of the 23.
use of the 23 Alders that responded to 21 supported add
use.
if this is indeed the case that most Al.
if this is indeed the case that most Alders support adus. I
see no reason why we shouldn't.
see no reason why we shouldn't act promptly to expand the
Adu or
not only are adus seemingly popular amongst a
Not only are adus seemingly popular amongst a healthy amount
of Alders, but they are politically.
of Alders, but they are politically popular with over 800
people signing a petition to EXP.
people signing a petition to expand the ordinance and it's
no wonder that.
no wonder that adus are popular as they offer multiple
benefits.
benefits including naturally affordable housing.
benefits including naturally affordable housing the abyss
provide a new housing option.
provide a new housing option for young adults retirees and
small families.
They also allow Aging in place as elderly individ.
They also allow Aging in place as elderly individuals can
downsize while staying close to family.
downsize while staying close to family and friends in their
neighborhood add.
neighborhood adus also allows for multi-generational
households. So,
households. So people can have family support nearby while
maintaining personal spaces.
adus also
Adus also provide rental income this additional income
stream.
stream can help prevent the displacement of low in
stream can help prevent the displacement of low-income home
homeowners and retirees on fixed incomes.
adus provide gentle
Adus provide gentle density which provides new housing and
existing neighbor.
existing neighborhoods without impacting its appearance
last.
Lastly adus our climate friendly building new homes.
existing neighborhoods. Lets more people live in walkable.
communities it simultaneously reduces demand for sprawling
Greenfield development.
Greenfield development that destroys natural habitats and
encourages driving.
New construction adus are also highly efficient.
New construction adus are also highly efficient and often
all electric leveraging clean techn.
all electric leveraging clean Technologies such as heat
pumps and induction.
Thank you, Miss Feldman.
Um next up we have Hunter Haymon.
Hunter Haymon is not present.
move to the
Move to the folks in the room. Um, I have uh,
Move to the folks in the room. Um, I have uh be I'm sorry,
it's our coil.
followed by Steven Vance
Hello. My name is Raymond Kyle. I'm uh behind the
development of 5400.
development of 5400 North Ashland. It is essentially a
monument to Greed. They want to change the zoning.
zoning. There is a problem because of the park.
zoning. There is a problem because of the parking and the
flooding.
Uh, they would they're demanding fewer parking spaces. They
want no setback again. It's greed greed. Uh, the guy moves
into the neighborhood and wants to change.
into the neighborhood and wants to change it if you like
the neighborhood so much. Why do you want to change it?
the neighborhood so much. Why do you want to change it the
alderman refused to meet with this constituent?
alderman refused to meet with this constituents and we
tried several times, but he met at least 3 times with the
developer. This was not a good process so much for uh
trans.
transparency. Um, let me see. The flooding is a big
problem.
transparency. Um, let me see. The flooding is a big problem
and it's the 1 with Street on Bal morale is going to be a
problem, but people coming from North
problem, but people coming from north and south are going
to put extra burden on the streets.
And that's basically all I have to say.
And that's basically all I have to say we are very much
against this building.
Vasquez
Thank you, sir.
uh next up we have
thank you. We have Stephen Vance. Thank you.
Hello, my name is Stephen Vance. I am a resident of Chicago
and a land use consultant in 2 weeks the
and a land use consultant in 2 weeks. The city will reach
the 3-year anniversary of when Chicagoans could.
applying for building permits to build adus. Otherwise
known as the accessory dwelling units in that time the city
has per.
city has permitted approximately 237 comprising.
permitted approximately 237 comprising 275 new Adu homes
75% of those will be in basements or already are in.
basements and a little less than 20% will be in backyard or
coach houses. 11% of these homes are required to be rented
at affordable rates set by the Department of Housing.
year.
That means that we have.
That means that we have 275 new homes that are or will be
providing.
providing housing for family members providing new income
for property owners and picking away at the city's housing.
shortage of 120,000 homes, but the opportunity is not
available to everyone and the number of Adu permits issued.
Each quarter has been declining since de
Each quarter has been declining since December 2022.
city council adopted 5 pilot areas a limitation that does
not need to stick around hundreds of currently interested
propert.
property owners are prohibited from building an Adu.
The current alternative is to undertake a costly zoning.
change just to gain the privilege of building 1 or 2 more
units.
units on their properties.
I also operate.
I also operate Chicago cityscape, which is a real estate
information web.
information website that gives a tool for people to look up
if they are in a property, uh a pilot area as of last.
people have looked up 8005 address.
people have looked up 80015 addresses on that lookup tool
and 70% of them got a rejected or a no answer that they
are.
not allowed to build an Adu so I believe that those
not allowed to build an Adu. So I believe that those
permitting statistics in Decline and the lack of
availability to build an Adu because of the pilot areas.
Means that not enough new homes are going to be able to
get.
Means that not enough new homes are going to be able to get
built. Especially the types of homes that allow.
built especially the types of homes that allow Chicagoans
to modify their properties to age in place.
to modify their properties to age in place fund the
property taxes. They have to pay or move a family member to
be closer also want to say this is on mayor Johnson's cut
the tape Phase 2 initiative. So I think it's a
the tape Phase 2 initiative, so, I think it's a priority of
the Citi. Thank you.
Thank you. Uh, I'm next we have Jan Bolick.
Thank you. Uh, I'm next we have Jan Bolick followed by
George, Blakemore.
my name is Jan Bole and I'm a longtime resident of the
neighborhood and my sister and my mother.
Who also lived who is no longer?
Who also lived who is no longer living at 1620 balm?
which is within 22.
which is within 225 ft of the proposed to be a month.
is being built at on 54.
is being built at on 5400 block. I'm not sure of how the
rules.
rules were followed, but I know that there was not much
notification.
notification about a rezoning applic.
notification about a rezoning application and then the
change in the rezoning.
change in the rezoning application and I want to speak for
my sister.
my sister and for my family to say that we do not need this
large building that will overtax the neighborhood.
large building that will overtax the neighborhood and ruin
its residential flavor. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Miss Bing.
Mr. Blackmore, yeah followed by uh, Harry
Mr. Blackmore, yeah followed by uh Harry roor kind
um Angry
we get 3 minutes.
when
Whenever last time when they drove me a drag.
Whenever last time when they drove me a drag me out like a
Georgia slate. It was all his.
Georgia slate. It was all Hispanics here.
And and the of say we gonna cut it down to 1.
And and the of say we gonna cut it down to 1 minute. The
rule says 3 minutes.
rule says 3 minutes in the committee. You don't have power
to change the rules.
to change the rules and that's when the demographics when
it's all really white a Mexican girl. Are you change the
roof?
The rules are the rule.
if you get 3
If you get 3 minutes, that's what we supposed to.
If you get 3 minutes, that's what we supposed to get.
and you it's not
And you it's not left up to your discretion.
So you see all these?
So you see all these white folks here now and you gonna let
all of them.
all of them speak and you gonna steal 1 of my many.
And that makes me an angry black.
And that makes me an angry black man.
Well you want
Well, you want us to obey the rules.
when you
When you all change the rules.
you be
You became white men.
and mixed
And mixed it change the y'all make the rules.
And mixed it change the y'all make the rules now, what are
the rules 3 minutes or 2 minutes? Anyway, racism is right
here.
a smokeless right here all white folks
you got the right.
You got the right 1 in the mic. I'm speaking about the
frige PA. That is the only histor.
frige PA. That is the only historical item on the agenda.
and and how Michelle
And and how Michelle Harris and and the ultimate have
denied.
denied our people to develop.
denied our people to develop that site.
And you gonna have that?
and you gonna have that definitely to come up and change the
minute who in the hell you think you are or who do you
think I am?
if I if the rules are 3 minutes, I want my
and I don't know you you. Thank you, Mr. Blakemore.
Sir, thank you have a seat.
Mr. RoR kinds followed by Brian Peterman
Oh and just for the record we have we've been joined by.
Oh and just for the record we have we've been joined by uh
Alderman David Moore and Alderman Brian Hopkins.
Mr. Rokin
Mr. Roin
yeah, I'm opposed to the property at uh, Ashlyn in Bel
moral. It's I feel it's too large.
moral. It's I feel it's too large for the space too high
density not enough.
density not enough parking. I'm not opposed to developing
the community or a size larger building go in there then
this zoning.
this zoning which is single family, but the 1 they're
planting is way too tall.
planting is way too tall way too big with no setbacks
whatsoever and
whatsoever. And the limited parking they're allowing is
going to allow a lot more uh spaces in the street to be
taken up. So the densities is too high and the building is
too tall.
Okay.
Thank you, sir.
Uh, Brian Peterman followed by Catherine G.
uh, Brian Peterman followed by Catherine Girling
Hi, my name is Brian Peterman. I'm a homeowner.
Hi, my name is Brian Peterman. I'm a homeowner in the 47th
ward in the north pilot zone. I'm here.
ward in the north pilot zone. I'm here to share my support
of the accessory dwelling units.
of the accessory dwelling units in the pilot program. I
completed a Coach House in.
completed a Coach House in October. This gives space for my
mother-in-law.
mother-in-law a to live in a cost controlled home.
as maintain her freedom and Independence.
all of
All of this was in preparation for my firstborn who came in
November. My family is happier and healthier because
able to have a multi-generational family together.
additionally, our coaches allowed us to invest
Additionally, our coaches allowed us to invest in Chicago
and break the cycle of young parents.
and break the cycle of young parents leaving the city for
the suburbs.
I'm very fortunate to have the financial ability to build a
Coach House.
With 3 modifications to the pilot program. I believe that
we will be able to have Coach houses that are more afford.
affordable more accessible and better Investments.
number 1 moving the accessory Park
Number 1 moving the accessory parking requirements by
having parking requirement.
having parking requirements. We have increased the cost of
Coach houses by at least 25%
It also doesn't allow.
it also doesn't allow for an accessible coach house because
we have to have the garage on the first floor and the
living space above. This makes it difficult for my
mother-in-law to live in place and continue to stay in that
as her needs.
as her needs change.
number 2 remove the square footage cap
having a 700 square footage.
having a 700 square footage cap. This incentivizes
investment in general because 40% of Coach houses cost.
investment in general because 40% of Coach houses costs are
fixed costs. This would include new water new electric.
new sewer service increasing a Coach House from 700 to 900
square feet.
square feet really doesn't increase the cost very much, but
it really changes the living experience for the person who
lives in that.
lives in that Coach House.
third expand the Adu program
Third expand the Adu program Citywide we need we're in the
midst of a housing crisis.
midst of a housing crisis in Chicago, and we need to build
more Apartments.
Building more Apartments Citywide will also lessen.
property tax burden on those in your Wards who are
struggling. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Peterman, uh Katherine.
Thank you, Mr. Peterman. Uh Katherine girly will be
followed by Joseph.
Missy Mara
Good morning. I'm Katherine girly.
Good morning. I'm Katherine girly the founding president of
the Edgewater historical SOC.
the Edgewater Historical Society. Uh, we developed a
vacant.
vacant, uh Firehouse across the street from the property at
56. I'm sorry 5,400
56. I'm sorry 5400 Ashland, um in well it
56. I'm sorry 5400 Ashland, um in well, it took us many
years from 1996. We opened in 2002.
um, we know a lot about Edgewater Edgewater is a very
Um, we know a lot about Edgewater Edgewater is a very dense
Community. It's the second most dense community.
Community. It's the second most dense community in the
city.
Uh, there are only 5.3.
percentage of the
Percentage of the buildings in Edgewater are single family.
homes the West Anderson.
homes the West Andersonville Community voted to uh,
Zone everything in their Community to
downzone everything in their Community to our 3 so that we
could keep at least some single family homes access.
could keep at least some single family homes accessible to
a variety of people.
um
what has happened here?
What has happened here is that the developer has proposed 2
different?
different buildings, uh the second.
different buildings. Uh, the second building was not really
reviewed by the entire West Andersonville community.
reviewed by the entire West Andersonville community and it
um,
is
Is really way out of scale.
for a multi-unit building most of edge
for a multi-unit building most of Edgewater lives in
multi-unit buildings many are on corners and this building.
although it is attractive in design is just way out of
scale for the building our building across the street the
buildings to the north of it and even the buildings to the
West. Um, there is no real setback.
And people who live in apartments.
and people who live in apartments really need some outdoor
space maybe just to sit on a lawn chair. So without a set
setback and with the limited parking available. Uh, this is
really a pressure.
really a pressure on the community. Thank you.
thank
Thank you.
Next up. We'll have Molly Fleck Joseph. Go ahead.
Next up. We'll have Molly Fleck Joseph. Go ahead pronounce
your last name for us. Hi, uh Joseph MS.
your last name for us. Hi, uh, Joseph mamera
Okay. Uh, yeah. My name is Joseph.
Okay. Uh, yeah, my name is Joseph mamera and I'm a resident
of a 302 Ward. I'm speaking in support of expanding where
accessory dwelling units or adus or legal primarily because
I happen to live in.
I happen to live in 1.
My house is a lovely 3-story Coach House.
My house is a lovely 3-story coach house behind a 2-unit
building separated by a courtyard patio.
building separated by a courtyard patio since it was built
before the city banned adus in 195.
before the city banned adus in 1957 my 3 roommates and I
share a home in a vibrant.
share a home in of vibrant walkable neighborhood without
paying expensive rents. It's fantastic and I think more
people should have the freedom to live in a home like this.
However, adus are still banned in most of Chicago changing
this would improve the quality of life for.
This would improve the quality of life for all residents.
And there's 3 main reasons. Why adus are good for
affordability families and the planet
First if we allow residents to build more types of housing.
and neighborhoods of all kinds we can prevent high-pressure
bidding wars.
bidding wars and displacement of longtime residents the
most effective.
most effective way to keep housing costs low is to just
build more homes. The second reason is that adus open
opportunities for families.
opportunities for families to live closer together this can
allow people to care for elderly.
can allow people to care for elderly or disabled relatives,
which is especially important considering that the area's
number of residents over the age of 75 is estimated.
number of residents over the age of 75 is estimated to
double by 2015.
adus
Adus also make it easier for multi-generational families to
share responsibilities.
share responsibilities for children using them of high
child care costs.
Third adus are good for the planet by allowing people to
move.
move closer to where they need to travel their emissions
plummet.
plummet, especially from transportation, and I am living
proof that this is true once I moved into my current house.
house. I was able to sell my car and I now get around by
bike.
bike bus train and foot my carbon footprint is
and best part. I'm not contributing to traffic.
part. I'm not contributing to traffic. So if your neighbor
you can thank me later, but let me wrap up.
if Chicago expands access to accessory dwell
If Chicago expands access to accessory dwelling units, we
can secure housing affordability. Bring families closer
together and mitigate environmental harm. I want that and
you should too. Thank you for listening. Thank you.
Uh, next is Molly Fleck.
Uh, next is Molly Fleck followed by Tom Meyer.
Good morning. My name is Molly Fleck and I live in Lincoln
Park. Uh, I'm in the second word. Good morning Alderman
Hopkins. Um, it's currently illegal for me to build an Adu
and on my property where I live. I'm here to speak in
support of the proposed.
support of the proposed Adu expansion because I think that
this whole benefit our city by increasing the supply of
housing both market rate and affordable and it'll increase
property values and flexib.
property values and flexibility for homeowners like me who
would like to build an Adu
Chicago faith is a critical shortage of both Market.
Chicago faith is a critical shortage of both market rate and
affordable housing just this morning. I saw some research.
indicating that Chicago's estimated to build 2.
indicating that Chicago's estimated to build 26372 rental
units between now and 2029 that puts us at 31 in the
nation.
behind much smaller cities like Columbus and Richmond if
Chicago is going to get serious about housing and security.
and the homelessness problem that we face in this city we
need to open up every possible Avenue that we have for
building.
building housing and 80 us are a tool that we are leaving
in the tool box.
adus provide flexibility
Adus provide flexibility to homeowners with the extra
space. They can decide what they want.
space. They can decide what they want to do. They can rent
it out for extra income higher.
it out for extra income higher and op pair for child care
have relatives move in with them or use it to launch a
small business. I live in a neighborhood. That's full.
Old Coach houses where hundreds of people have lovely.
homes. I don't think anyone can accuse Lincoln.
homes. I don't think anyone can accuse Lincoln Parkers of
being quiet about their concerns about neighborhood.
character and the fact that Homes at the rental Coach
House.
is always advertised that fact very prominently in real
estate.
estate listings shows. That adus are popular and very,
desirable even if they're not called add.
I had a conversation recently with a neighbor at my son's
Pres.
preschool's parent mixer. He and his wife have 4 children.
They're committed to raising their family in the city, but
they are bemoaning the fact that child care is so
expensive. If only we could hire an opare we would say
thousands of dollars, but we can't build an apartment over
our garage. Why can't he?
our garage. Why can't he why can other neighbors build
garages with rooftop?
garages with rooftop decks, which is the new amenity to
draw among luxury housing. What's really
the difference between a coach
Adu built in 2024
we have
We have a owner wants to be able to build an apartment
over.
In their on their property. I think they should be able to
do so. Thank you. Thank you, Miss.
do so, thank you. Thank you Miss. f***. Uh next we have Tom
Meyer followed by am
Meyer followed by Amy Masters.
Hi there. I'm a Community member of.
Hi there. I'm a Community member of West Andersonville
where the proposal was.
where the proposal was 5,400 a little closer. Thanks. I'm a
Community member of West Ashland. Where the proposal of
5400 North Ashland.
North Ashland. I'm against the proposal. The development
will be a Godzilla on the street taking away.
will be a Godzilla on the street taking away light and
shattering other properties.
shattering other properties and causing flooding.
the developers pent house and private Terraces will be
towering over the street. I'm opposed this development. I
I'm a for I'm for affordable housing, but we can do better.
we can do things that fit into the scale.
we can do things that fit into the scale and Architectural.
scale of the neighborhood we can do better, please all
go back to the community and let's talk to us.
go back to the community and let's talk to us about what we
really would like. It's been overwhelming.
really would like. It's been overwhelmingly opposed by The
Neighbourhood. Thank you. Thank you.
Amy Masters followed by Austin kirovsk
Amy Masters followed by Austin kurowski
My name is Amy Masters. I am the director of government and
external Affairs for the building owners.
external Affairs for the building owners and Managers
Association of Chicago or Bulma, Chicago.
Association of Chicago or Bulma Chicago. Good morning
chairman Lawson and members of the committee.
chairman Lawson and members of the committee Bulma Chicago
enthusiastically supports the appointment.
enthusiastically supports the appointment of Marlene
Hopkins as commissioner of the Department of buildings. Our
association has represented the Chicago.
association has represented the Chicago office industry
since 1902 membership includes 245 commercial offices
institutional.
institutional and public buildings and 200 companies that
provide.
provide commercial building services to support operational
excellence.
excellence Bulma Chicago members make up 80% of
downtown runnable office market and 98% of the Class A
buildings downtown through.
buildings downtown throughout Marlene's tenure at the
department of buildings. We have had the privilege of
collaborating closely with her and her Department.
collaborating closely with her and her Department over her
extensive 25 year commitment to the city Marlene is
consistently showcased.
consistently showcased her technical expertise and
operational leadership.
operational leadership crucial for effectively overseeing
the department. Marlene is cultivated.
a strong partnership with the commercial office industry
characterized by her responsiveness transparency and
determination to tackle challenges that impact the downtown
Market.
Market the Vitality of downtown commercial projects.
to the city's economic well-being relies.
to the city's economic well-being relies heavily on strong
leadership in the areas of permitting.
leadership in the areas of Permitting inspections trade
licensing and code enforcement for
These reasons we hardly support Marlene Zaman.
These reasons we hardly support Marlene zamination. Marlene
has a technical know-how Institution.
has a technical know-how institutional knowledge and work
ethic to be a successful commissioner. We applaud Mayor
Johnson for this appointment and urged the committee to
vote affirmatively. Thank you. Thank you, Miss.
vote affirmatively. Thank you. Thank you Miss Masters, uh
We have we have Austin kurowski followed by guerlain fall.
Fallon.
Hi there. My name is Austin CAD.
Hi there. My name is Austin kedrosky. I'm here as a member
of urban environmentalist, Illinois, and I'm here to
advocate for the expansion of adus for all of Chicago. As
far as I am aware. There's only available.
far as I am aware. There's only available in 5 pilot areas
of Chicago and we should open.
of Chicago and we should open it up to the rest of the city
on October 26th. 2022 15 Chicago City Council Members file.
an ordinance that would allow adus Citywide.
an ordinance that would allow adus Citywide since then
support has only grown for adus. Let's revisit that
ordinance and vote to allow adus City.
ordinance and vote to allow adus Citywide at Urban
environmentalists. We launched a petition, right?
environmentalists. We launched a petition right after that
2022 proposed ordinance to G.
2022 proposed ordinance to gauge support for adus. I'm
proud to report that over.
proud to report that over 800 people have signed it. I want
to read you some of the comments from the people who signed
the petition.
from Paula
Yes indeed.
Yes, indeed. I support adus I volunteer with the nonprofit
that serves.
that serves, uh meals and provides clothing and other
necessities to person.
necessities to persons without homes. So I know how deep
the need for afford.
the need for affordable housing is
please city council allow.
please city council allow more adus Citywide.
from Brian Who currently lives in an Adu
would love this.
would love this opportunity to add more coach houses to our
community and legalized more basement apartments. They
provide me.
provide me with affordable housing when I first came to
Chicago.
Chicago from Elena. We would love to see more diverse
housing in our neighbor.
housing in our neighborhood from Josh a developer we plan
to build 2 next year in a new in a Zone where we are
already.
already in and we love to do more from Steven there is
clearly demand for homeowners and landlords.
clearly demand for homeowners and landlords, uh to build 80
use across Chicago when Property Owners outside Adu pilot
areas want
areas Want to Build 1 to 2 extra units there obtaining
zoning changes.
zoning changes which add time and cost to the process.
zoning changes which add time and cost to the process by
expanding the Adu policy Citywide we can generate more
expanding the Adu policy Citywide. We can generate more
lower costs new housing without subsidy.
lower costs new housing without subsidy a little faster
from Anna we need City
from Anna. We need Citywide adus by by right to bolster.
affordable housing increased the number of smaller
Apartments.
apartments available increased density to support
neighborhood businesses. Allow grandfathered coach houses
to be renovated for safety.
And more. Thank you. Thank you for your time.
And more thank you. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Uh
up. Next is Jerry gerilyn Fallon to be followed by Nick sem
Hello. Good morning.
Hello, good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the
committee my name.
committee. My name is Gerald and Fallon. I'm an attorney I
represent the Nate myself my family and the neighbors who?
are impacted by the development at.
are impacted by the development at 5400 Ashland file
number.
2022398 T1.
2022398, T1. 5400, North Ashland.
you've
You've already heard from many of my colleagues here in.
Neighbors at least 7 of us. If not more are here today.
speak we represent at least 38 people.
speak we represent at least 38 people who have signed
petitions about against this, uh,
petitions about against this, uh development and dozens
more who have submitted.
more who have submitted written, uh letters to you and
your your uh members.
This development is opposed.
This development is opposed and because of the zoning
there, this is a an application.
there, this is a an application for a zoning change from
RS3.
RS3 to a bs3 zoning.
There is no reason for this committee to grant that.
There is no reason for this committee to grant that
applicants change of zoning. First of all, there is no
valid acceptable hardship.
valid acceptable hardship the applicant can show that my
compel the zoning committee to approve.
compel the zoning committee to approve his zoning changes
he can build
He can build within the existing RS3 zoning.
building he chooses. He can build up to a 6 unit.
building he chooses he can build up to a 6 units in that
building he can make them whatever he wants.
building he can make them whatever he wants them to be.
but what he's asking for is a change to build a building
that is also a bait and switch initially. The design was 5.
stories tall now, it's 4 stories tall when all the other.
buildings in the area are only 3 stories.
buildings in the area are only 3 storeys tall not only is
there it's out of proport.
there it's out of proportion to the neighborhood.
the buildings
The buildings on either side of it north and south are only
2 stories tall.
2 storeys tall the building behind it at the 6 is only 3
storeys tall. In fact all the business all the buildings.
storeys tall. In fact all the business all the buildings in
this residential area are only 3 storeys tall this
at 4 stories will Tower over all the buildings.
neighborhood and will not allow us any other.
neighborhood and will not allow us any other opportunities.
Thank you, Mr. Fallon.
Uh, next is Nick Sam followed.
Uh, next is Nick Sam followed by Matthew Keene and last
speaker will be David.
speaker will be David Meyers.
Thank you, sir. Hi, uh, my name is Nick Sarah little closer
to the mic, please. You'll have to tilt it up yourself.
There we go. Uh, my name is Nick.
There we go. Uh, my name is Nick Sarah. I'm the owner of
Grace Street renovation lab.
Grace Street renovation lab a value add real estate
development firm special.
development firm specializing in gut rehabs of 2 to 4 unit
rental apartment.
rental apartment buildings.
Based on my experience as a developer.
Based on my experience as a developer urban planning
Enthusiast and affordable housing advoc.
Enthusiast and affordable housing Advocate. I believe
expansion of the Adu program. Citywide will yield
significant benefits to Developers?
significant benefits to developers homeowners renters and
the city of Chicago?
the City of Chicago generally.
Uh the benefit to developers my firms investment guidelines.
mandate each project at at least 1 legal.
mandate each project at at least 1 legal unit of housing to
ethically justify a project.
with certain exceptions our investment guidelines
With certain exceptions our investment guidelines can only
be achieved within the Adu pilot.
be achieved within the Adu pilot Zone.
Uh without the Adu pil.
Uh without the Adu pilot program and adding that legal
unit. Most of our rehab projects would not be economically
feasible and would not have occurred.
uh personally
Uh personally, uh, if the Adu program is expanded I have
plans for 2.
plans for 2 new Co houses with projects that are currently
outside the Adu pilot Zone.
Uh, this will add too much needed lower cost rental units.
provide my architect with 2 new projects provide.
provide my architect with 2 new projects provide my general
contractors and all their subcontractors with 2 new
projects. They otherwise would not have
Uh skipping to the benefits of the city of Chicago.
Uh skipping to the benefits of the city of Chicago Chicago
Chicago is the last in unit Creation in top.
Chicago is the last in unit Creation in top 10 Metropolitan
statistical areas, uh and units were built at less than
half of the national Pace in 202.
half of the national Pace in 2023.
truly a disappointing statist
allowing owners and developers to add housing units to the
existing infrastructure will necessarily improve.
existing infrastructure will necessarily improve this
statistic.
Finally properties were 80u units are constructed.
increase the appraised value of these parcels.
increasing the overall city tax base part.
increasing the overall city tax base particularly important
in light of the issues facing commercial real estate in the
downtown corridor.
Uh, thank you for your consider.
Uh, thank you for your consideration. Please expand the Adu
program Citywide. Thank you Mr. Sarah.
with Matthew Keene
With Matthew Keene followed by David Meyers. Thank you.
Alderman.
My name is Matthew Keene. I am a resident of Lake View and
I wholeheartedly.
I wholeheartedly support expanding the Adu ordinance
Citywide. Uh
Citywide, uh, the combination of 200 plus units West Loop.
style Mega developments as well as Chicago's abundant.
naturally occurring occurring affordable housing.
naturally occurring occurring affordable housing have
protected Chicago from the just awful.
protected Chicago from the just awful real estate situation
that we're seeing in other large cities around the country.
that we're seeing in other large cities around the country
over the last couple of decades, but in the environment
that we're in right now, it's rising interest rates and
you're seeing the pace of that development slowing and then
what you have is you have 79% of the city's own.
single family homes. So naturally, we're limiting the
capacity of what can be developed. And so we need to stop
thinking about some of these larger scale.
thinking about some of these larger scale developments and
create a true market condition.
create a true market condition proof approach to Portable.
housing. Um, so by legalizing adus Citywide on those 79%
single family Zone plots will create the ability.
For property owners should they see fit to?
For property owners should they see fit to meet demand and
their individual markets to build units?
their individual markets to build units that will allow for
an increase in Supply which is an essential component of
any affordability strateg.
any affordability strategy, um, legalizing adus also,
any affordability strategy. Um, legalizing adus also will
help keep multi multigenerational families together.
help keep multi multigenerational families together and
will allow working-class property owners.
will allow working-class property owners and rapidly
gentrifying neighborhoods to build an additional.
gentrifying neighborhoods to build an additional unit to
create income to offset some of the increases that they see
in property taxes and finally just as someone who lives in
a pilot area, um the effect on neighborhood character the
effect on parking the effect on everything around me has
been so minimal that I actually had to double check that I
did live.
did live in an Adu pilot areas. So I think concerns about
neighborhood Character Are overstated
neighborhood character are overstated and I think this is
this won't solve all of our issues with a portability, but
we'll be a positive step in the right direction if we
legalize these Citywide. Thank you, and hope you have a
great.
great rest of your week committee. Thank you, Mr. Keen, uh
and finally David my
Hi, good morning. Uh, my name is David Meyers, and I'm
speaking in opposition.
to the uh proposed building at
To the uh proposed building at 5400 North Ashland. I'm res
res.
resident of Andersonville. I love Andersonville. I love the
neighborhoods of Andersonville.
Um, I lived in other more densely Park, uh packed, um areas
of the city and I want to preserve uh, the beauty of our
neighborhood as it is right now this this uh developers
asking for an exception to the zoning rules. There's a
point to the zoning rules. It's supposed to uh,
the quality and the character of the neighborhood. Um all
uh open to making, uh more affordable housing. However to
me the irony here is you're going to destroy the quality.
a nice neighborhood.
um
Um and your effort to bring more people into it. I don't
believe more.
believe more dense is better all the time. There's got to
be another solution to this. Um, it's going to cause a lot
of problems. It's a much bigger building than what is
currently in.
currently in the area.
Uh, it's a precedent if this is allowed to go on it's going
to get worse and worse.
Um in addition it's like again.
um, in addition, it's like again, you know, it's the
parking is always a huge challenge for
is always a huge challenge for us here in the city of
Chicago. This is just going to make things.
Chicago. This is just going to make things worse and worse.
There's already another commercial building.
There's already another commercial building going up about
a block away that's going to take away about 40.
a block away that's going to take away about 40 parking
spaces. There's also
uh another theater that's going to be going up that's going
to take more parking spaces. You can always say this is
just 1 building. It's just 1 little thing but really it's
taking away the quality of our neighborhood bit by bit.
taking away the quality of our neighborhood bit by bit and
I don't think it's Justified to say we want to make more.
I don't think it's Justified to say we want to make more
affordable housing. Um at the
affordable housing, um at the price of making it a less
desirable neighborhood. Thank you very much.
um, I just wanted to recognize we have all the Vasquez and
all their Mana hopping worth non-members here for
attendance. Um, and also also, uh, Alderman Mosley
requested to move from in person to remote meetings.
the provisions of rule 59 all the person Fuentes.
the provisions of rule 59 all the person Fuentes makes a
motion by the same role call that was used to determine
quorum.
quorum to approve that request and the objections
no objections other than Roadie Mosley, uh is attending the
meeting by remote means welcome back Ronn.
All right. Um.
moving on to the agenda the first
Moving on to the agenda. The first item up is document
number a 2024 d 0000000 8369
number a 2024 D 0000000 8369 the appointment of Marlene
Hopkins as the commissioner of the Department of buildings.
All committee members will find a copy of her resume as
well as 3 letters of support and the packet.
well as 3 letters of support and the packet before them.
we have Miss Hopkins here today with
We have Miss Hopkins here today with us. Um, so go ahead and
say
Good morning, Vice chairman Lawson and the hon.
members of the committee on zoning land.
members of the committee on zoning landmarks and building
standards. I am Arlene.
standards. I am Arlene Hopkins acting commissioner for the
Department of buildings.
first and foremost I would like to thank
First and foremost I would like to thank mayor Brandon
Johnson for this appointment.
Johnson for this appointment and the members of the city
council for this opportunity.
council for this opportunity to speak before you today.
I've had.
I've had the distinct pleasure of working with many of you
and I am honored to present my qualifications and
experience to this body.
Before I tell you about myself.
Before I tell you about myself, I want to say how grateful
I am.
I am for the dedicated department of building staff.
have the incredible responsibility to come to work each day
to protect the health safety and Welfare of all, Chicago.
to protect the health safety and Welfare of all Chicagoans
through the enforcement of the Chicago building.
through the enforcement of the Chicago building code
whether it is permitting.
whether it is permitting inspections or trade licensing I
am honored to work alongside these men and women every day.
prior to
Prior to my appointment to commissioner for the Department.
I served as first Deputy since 20.
I served as first Deputy since 2020 and managing Deputy
Commissioner since 200.
Commissioner since 2007.
As a longtime leader for the Department. I have made it my
mission to be responsive.
mission to be responsive to all Chicagoans City staff.
officials around the clock to address building related
incidents.
throughout my
Throughout my 17-year tenure with the Department of
buildings. I've overseen day-to-day operations for the 290
employee Department.
including a team of inspectors encompassing multiple
building
Building Trades responsible for performing technical
Building Trades responsible for performing Technical and
administrative permit reviews and inspection.
administrative permit reviews and inspections Building Code
Enforcement.
Enforcement trade licensing procedures and overall crisis
response.
response to building incidents.
Under my leadership. We have integrated numerous technical.
and administrative efficiencies.
including electronic devices for inspectors to in
Including electronic devices for inspectors to input
inspection outcomes in the field.
online systems for vacant building registration and
Online systems for vacant building registration and trade
license renewals for Electrical Plumbing.
license renewals for Electrical Plumbing and Mason's
license contractors we have also
license contractors. We have also streamlined the
inspections required for business license. Admin.
inspections required for business license Administration.
in addition we've reduced the
In addition, we've reduced the number of Grievances and
arbitration hearings.
arbitration hearings through collaborative work with the
labor unions and created.
built-in communication protocols to work collaboratively
with many City departments and officials as well as
state and County agencies to provide.
state and County agencies to provide crisis services for
Chicagoans in responds.
Chicagoans in response to building related emergencies.
The department is committed to Mayor Johnson's cut the tape
initi.
Initiative for affordable housing and business development.
through the use of self-certification Permitting and a
team-based inspection process. We can reduce the time to
permit and inspection for residential construction.
permit and inspection for residential construction of
affordable housing and commercial construction.
We will continue with the upgrade of our Antiquated
permitting and inspection system known.
permitting and inspection system known as Hansen 7.
this upgrade has
This upgrade has 4 phases of which 2 of the 4 have been
complet.
completed.
moving forward forward
the department of buildings remains committed to working
with the full force of government.
with the full force of government protecting the health
safety and Welfare of the public.
safety and Welfare of the public pervert preserving quality
of life.
of life and contributing to Economic Development.
mayor Brandon Johnson encourages us to prioritize
engagement through an equity lens to help determine the
best way we can provide safe.
best way we can provide safe and affordable buildings for
Chicagoans.
this
This is an ongoing priority for the department and I will.
continue to implement internal and external.
continue to implement internal and external efficiencies
through upgraded techn.
through upgraded technology and other means to reduce time
to permit.
to permit being responsive and improving customer service.
as a lifelong chicagoan I am
As a lifelong chicagoan, I am committed to fighting for
those who lack the resources.
those who lack the resources to fight for themselves
through aggressive.
through aggressive enforcement of the health and safety
standards.
standards set forth in the Chicago building code and will
work with our Community Partners and stakeholders to
explore new initiatives to further improve the quality.
explore new initiatives to further improve the quality of
rental housing again, I am
rental housing again. I am honored to be before you today
and thank you for your consideration of my appointment. I
am happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.
Thank you commissioner. Um, we have a few folks here in the
box that are going to say, uh a few quick words of support
and I I know you're you're in order you have the
microphone.
Great, uh first up is The Honorable presiding judge Leon.
Murray.
test
Testing. There we go.
Good morning.
Morning.
Morning, uh, my name is Leonard Murray and for the past 7
and a half years. I've been the uh supervising judgement
was called housing court. It's a misnomer.
was called housing court. It's a misnomer, uh with my
division deals with everyday's health and safety as it
relates to all the real estate and city of Chicago.
relates to all the real estate and city of Chicago every
inch of it. Uh, I've had the pleasure during that period of
time of meeting.
time of meeting and working with this very young lady
Marlene Hopkins. Uh, I have been encouraging to engage with
her inspectors on a daily basis. In fact, we have
inspection.
inspection on site inspection, uh scheduled for this.
out on uh, uh on the north side of Macho.
out on uh, uh on the north side of Montrose Avenue in the
condominium development, uh,
condominium development, uh season excellent person
professional.
professional, uh has a uh iron piston available with
professional, uh has a uh, iron piston of velvet glove. Uh,
we do the right thing and
we do the right thing in the right situation. Uh, I am
totally pleased.
totally pleased and and and honored uh by by
totally pleased and and and honored uh, by by being asked
to speak in her behalf this morning, I
nomination for this position, uh,
It's overdue. Uh, she's overqualified. Uh, just a wonderful
person to deal with on a daily basis.
person to deal with on a daily basis and I am honored that
uh, uh, her elevation to disposition will will benefit the
whole city of Chicago. Um,
whole city of Chicago, um what we do every day and I I tell
this corny joke to my friends. The reason that you're
sealing didn't fall in on you last night where you were
sleeping in your apartment.
sleeping in your apartment or your house is because of the
building
Coats, so what we do in our department every day every
moment.
moment is we enforce the building codes everything?
moment is we enforce the building codes everything from
health and safety the structure to electrical.
health and safety the structure to electrical to Plumbing,
uh HVAC. That's what we do and and Marlene Hopkins has
at the Forefront of that effort for the past 7 and a half.
years. Uh, I'm at her side.
years. Uh, I'm at her side not her at my side. Um, I do
what she tells me.
what she tells me to do for the most part. Uh, but
tells me to do for the most part. Uh, but sometimes uh, we
have to do what the law requires. Um, so thank you for your
time and attention. Uh, please vote Yes on her appointment.
Uh, thank you so much. That's right. Appreciate it. Next
up. We have Pastor Cruise.
ladies and gentlemen distinguished guests my name
Ladies and gentlemen distinguished guests. My name is
Daniel Crews senior pastor of Faith world.
Daniel Crews senior pastor of Faith World Church for the
past 33 years.
It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to
express my deep.
express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to a
remarkable.
remarkable individual who has gone above and beyond.
remarkable individual who has gone above and beyond to help
our church in particular.
our church in particular, uh in its time of need.
I'm talking about none other than Marlene Hopkins.
Whose confirmation hearing As We Know?
Whose confirmation hearing as we know is taking place
today?
for commissioner of the Chicago Building Department
Marlene's dedication commitment and hard work have truly
made a difference in.
made a difference in the completion of our Church's new
sangchu.
as we all know obtaining
As we all know obtaining construction permits can be a
daunting and time.
daunting and time-consuming process.
but with Marlene
But with Marlene's help it was a smooth and efficient.
process. She worked tirelessly to ensure that.
process. She worked tirelessly to ensure that all the
necessary permits were obtained.
necessary permits were obtained in a timely manner.
and that our project
And that our project followed all the building codes and
reg.
regulations.
Not only did Marlene help us.
Not only did Marlene help us with the process.
But she also provided.
But she also provided valuable insights and suggestions.
that helped us improve our plans and make our new San.
that helped us improve our plans and make our new Sanctuary
even better.
her expert
Her expertise and knowledge were truly invaluable to us.
But what truly sets Marl?
But what truly sets Marlene apart?
Is her kindness?
Is her kindness and compassion?
She understood the import.
she understood the importance of our project to our church
and our community and she went out of her way to make sure.
that everything ran smoothly.
She showed genuine care and concern.
She showed genuine care and concern for our cause and that
meant a lot to us.
Thanks to Marlene's effort.
Thanks to Marlene's efforts. We were able to complete our
project on.
project on time.
And the opening of our new sanctuary.
And the opening of our new Sanctuary was a huge success.
Our congregation now has a beautiful.
Our congregation now has a beautiful and safe and
comfortable space to worship and gather and we owe it all
to God.
to God above all and to Marlene's hard work and dedication.
on behalf of our Cong
on behalf of our congregation
of close to
Of close to a thousand congregants, I would like to
express.
our heartfelt gratitude to Marlene.
Your selfless service and unwavering support.
Your selfless service and unwavering support have made a
significant impact in our community. We are truly blessed
to have you as a part of our journey.
in conclusion, I would like to
In conclusion, I would like to say that Marlene Hopkins is
a true hero.
a true hero in our eyes. We are forever grateful for her.
a true hero in our eyes. We are forever grateful for her
assistance and we will always remember her kindness.
assistance and we will always remember her kindness and
generosity.
Thank you Marlene for all that you have done for us. May
your kindness and
uh continue to touch the lives of others and
Uh continue to touch the lives of others and may you be
blessed abundantly for your self.
blessed abundantly for your selfless service to our great
City and to the faith.
City and to the faith community in general.
Thank you everyone for your attention and I am in support.
our churches in support and please vote. Yes. Thank.
Pastor, uh next up. We have Don Finn from Local 13.
Pastor, uh next up. We have Don Finn from Local 134.
Good.
Good morning, committee chairman. Um as you can see most
people.
people have remarks they've made up and they've had them on
their paper. I don't have to have that today because this
is coming from my heart and from my mind.
My name is Don Finn and I represent the 12,500 electricians
in the city of Chicago and Cook County.
Uh, I have had a privileged.
Uh, I have had a privilege to work with Marlene for over a
decade right now since I was uh put in my position.
uh, what what some people have hit on and some people
haven't
Marlene when she says she works long hours, it's not
uncommon for me to get a phone call at 9.
uncommon for me to get a phone call at 9:30 at night.
and when you see the city of Chicago coming
And when you see the city of Chicago coming up on your
phone, you're like, oh my God what's going on? But
Marlene and it's a comforting voice saying, you know, this
is an issue over here we have
is an issue over here. We have to address it. Uh, obviously
we have a lot of people that work for the city of Chicago.
We have a lot of people that live in the city of Chicago.
but what they haven't hit on and maybe the
But what they haven't hit on and maybe the pastor did a
little bit.
What Marlene has done in the?
What Marlene has done in the community?
helping guide young African-American and Hispanic people
into our trades not just the electricians, but all the
Building Trades.
Building Trades the work she's done through her church that
goes unnoticed because she doesn't talk about it.
When she needs something.
When she needs something she's there for us obviously and
we're there for her.
but I think 1 thing we're missing here is you know, I know
a lot of crazy stuff goes on in this room a lot and
a lot of crazy stuff goes on in this room a lot. And I know
there's a lot of argument and a lot of tents stuff goes on.
But if you want a person with transparency.
you
You want a hard worker and you want someone to take care
of?
of the city of Chicago taxpayer number 1?
you've
You've got the right person in Marlene Hopkins. So I urge
you to vote.
you to vote Yes. I support mayor Johnson's pick on this and
if you have any questions, obviously, most of you have my
cell phone feel free to
cell phone. Feel free to call me but Marlene nothing, but
the best to you and I look forward.
the best to you and I look forward to you as the
commissioner.
Thank you, Mr. Finn. Uh next up. We have Lola chin.
um, mayor and council members
Um mayor and council members. Thank you for selecting.
Again. Miss Jen, please.
Again Miss Jen. Please hold the microphone closer to your
mouth. We can't hear you.
There you go.
Mayor and council members. Thank you for selecting.
Mayor and council members. Thank you for selecting Marlene
Hopkins as our Building Commissioner. There is no doubt
that she will work tirelessly to make.
that she will work tirelessly to make permitting efficient
inspections fair and hold those who violate building codes.
making buildings unsafe to live in and those who violate.
making buildings unsafe to live in and those who violate
gang and drug house ordinances responds.
gang and drug house ordinances responsible each of those
areas require constant.
areas require constant supervision to make sure the law is
applied.
applied evenhandedly and fairly and sometimes uh,
cooperation with sister agencies it is not always easy to
seal see the real situations on the street. Marlene is a
dedicated civil servant who?
dedicated civil servant who serves all Chicagoans fairly
over the decades. It has been my good fortune to have her
working.
to support City lawyers police the Inspector General and
other sister AG
other sister agencies to make buildings and neighborhoods
safer in Chicago.
My Misfortune is to live in.
My Misfortune is to live in the 28th Ward 11th Police
District.
District, which is 1 of the worst neighborhoods in Chicago.
the 11th District high crime stats.
the 11th District high crime stats bear out. The residents
are not safe. There is very little
market rate housing
market rate Housing Development and Business Development
over the past 50 years note the last 30 years.
over the past 50 years note the last 30 years in a Boomtown
in North and East Side neighborhoods.
in North and East Side neighborhoods because of cheap and
easy interest rates.
easy interest rates, uh passed by the 28th Ward.
easy interest rates, uh passed by the 28th Ward, which has
had almost no development at all. Hopkins has helped us
shut down gang.
shut down gang and Drug houses. This makes it safe for
residents to live.
residents to live on a block in a neighborhood. She has
sent inspectors.
sent inspectors to write up vacant buildings many dangerous
structures.
structures that could collapse in a heavy storm or dump.
bricks on passerbys. She has helped reopen business.
bricks on passerbys. She has helped reopen businesses that
were wrongfully shut down in some kind of pollitt.
were wrongfully shut down in some kind of political news
media public opinion resp.
media public opinion response. Same goes for my
minority residents wrongfully charged as gang and Drug
houses
There is a wide swing of politics that sometimes.
There is a wide swing of politics that sometimes results in
false charges for unknown political reasons.
false charges for unknown political reasons Miss Chen we're
gonna we're going to cut you off there. We have to get
moving. All right. Thank you heart and soul are in the
right place. Thank you very much, Miss.
right place. Thank you very much Mr. We have Ryan Rivera
from the fire department.
followed by Edgar Degas and Richard townsel
Good morning. I'm Ryan Rivera. I'm the commanding fire.
Marshal. Please don't judge me. I do have a sheet of paper.
I'm old and I forget.
I I work with the office of fire investigation and I'm no
I've worked with Marlene for quite some years, uh
definitely made a positive impact on the city.
definitely made a positive impact on the city and the
Chicago fire department since I've known Marlene Hopkins.
She's been 1 of the great assets of the city of Chicago.
as first deputy
as first Deputy building she has been instrumental in
keeping the citizens of Chicago safer by aiding the Chicago
Fire.
Fire Department.
Rain or shine. She has been there to answer.
Rain or shine. She has been there to answer the call 3 in
the morning doesn't matter. Does it Marley?
the morning doesn't matter. Does it Marlene?
I must congratulate her on her.
I must congratulate her on her confirmation as commissioner
building department all the citizens.
building department. All the citizens of Chicago should be
proud and applaud Marlene's.
proud and applaud Marlene's appointment as a building
department commissioner.
She has been the go-to person within the department of
buildings for the office of fire investigation.
buildings for the office of fire investigation aiding our
complex large-scale investigations. I know some of you have
called me an email me she's been
called me an email me. She's been the reason we've been
able to get to the answer.
cooperation with the building department has been key and
acquiring the assets and equipment needed for our
extensive.
fire investigations that require heavy equipment. She has
cut through the bureaucracy.
cut through the bureaucracy to streamline the process of
addressing their elect and abandoned buildings that are a
danger to the public.
She and her staff are consummate professionals.
Marlene Hopkins has always been professional and courteous.
but more so a pleasure to work with.
her gracious personal demeanor has been
Her gracious personal demeanor has been steadfast
regardless of the chaos in front of her.
Marlene Hopkins will continue to be a driving.
Marlene Hopkins will continue to be a driving force of good
getting things done in the city.
getting things done in the city and the citizens of
Chicago. I say congrat.
Chicago. I say congratulations again Marlene Hopkins.
Thank you. Uh Chief Rivera. Next up is Edgar Diaz from asp.
local 2946.
Morning, my name's Edgar Diaz. I'm a staff repres.
Morning. My name's Edgar Diaz. I'm a Staff representative
for ask me Council 31. Normally you would see.
for ask me Council 31. Normally you would see our
intergovernmental Affairs director. Um, Adrian Alexander.
here, but she's in Springfield this week. Um, but I'm here
in support of Marley Hopkins becoming commissioner.
in support of Marley Hopkins becoming commissioner for
Department of buildings.
In the 7 years as a staff.
In the 7 years as a staff representative. I've had the
pleasure of getting to know Marlene and her prior role.
pleasure of getting to know Marlene and her prior role as a
first Deputy Commissioner and our Labour Lea.
my time with the union and representing the members in the
department of buildings. It's gone to show how the impact
of relationship that's been.
of relationship that's been built and being able to
communicate effectively along with having the mutual
respect and a waste of Chief Department's goals and the
Union's goals, um over the years has improved.
As a result in and better understanding what?
As a result in and better understanding what our members
struggle with.
and with find
And with finding resolutions together.
that are mutually beneficial through productive Labor
Management meetings less GR
Management meetings. Less grievances have been filed which
has helped Foster a healthier.
has helped Foster a healthier environment for all the
employees in the department.
I can say without a doubt that Marlene Hopkins treats the
department of buildings as her second family.
She goes above and beyond for all her employees whether
it's being out there in the trenches.
it's being out there in the trenches helping employees
balance work and child.
balance work and child care.
or even giving me
Or even giving me a call to let me know that she's at the
hospital with 1 of our members so that we can follow up.
with with our member to provide the help with the resources
we have.
we have available. She's always there for her for her
employees.
In the labor Movement, we always want to try and prove on
our existing.
our existing contracts.
having Marlene as commissioner for
Having Marlene as commissioner for Department of buildings
will help improve the department to become a better.
will help improve the department to become a better than
where it is today.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing
Marlene as commissioner. Thank you, Mr. Diaz and
Marlene as commissioner. Thank you, Mr. Diaz. And finally,
we have Richard townsel from the Lawndale community.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and mem.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My
name is Richard townsel, and I serve as the executive.
director of the Londo Christian of Elma Corporation, and
I'm a resident.
I'm a resident of the 24th Ward. I'm here to testify I know
it's not.
it's not a lot of testifying in here but wanted me to
testify on behalf.
testify on behalf in the affirmative for our dear sister
Marlene.
Marlene Hopkins is Building Commissioner.
I have 3 reasons.
1 integrity
Proverbs 221 says a good name is more.
Proverbs 221 says a good name is more desirable than great
riches to be esteemed is better than silver or gold before
I met Marlene hop.
I met Marlene Hopkins. I knew her name.
A good name is hard to find in this town.
her
Her yes is yes her no is no she don't.
Her yes is yes her no is no she don't do sideways talk she
operates with.
operates with personal Integrity number 2. She's a problem
solver.
solver and our history. We've done about 125 million.
in development. They're log jams that happen every day.
real estate projects. She brings people together to solve
problems. Not merely Point them out.
She uses her power to move the city forward. We need people
like that that get things done.
And finally customer service. She has focused on the
customer the end us.
customer the end user we have building apartments, uh on
the the west side. We call it the bless side and 19.
Pulaski and she came out herself with her team.
Pulaski and she came out herself with her team to figure
out problems because she's more focused.
out problems because she's more focused on people than
rigid rules.
ultimately, our customer is people and you've got a
Ultimately, our customer is people and you've got to love
people to want to do this work. She has our unequivocal
support, please vote. Yes. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Mr. Townsel. Uh, we'll now go to
questions by committee members. I'm going to start with all
the woman Harris who is joining us on the zoom.
Thank you. Um, I'm honored to be here today.
Thank you. Um, I'm honored to be here today for a young
lady who?
lady who I think is the best that what she does.
in a city of Chicago
In a city of Chicago, um for my 17 years.
In a city of Chicago, um for my 17 years here.
um
Marlene has been the person who's been my go-to.
I go to her I can call her.
I go to her I can call her morning noon and night and she's
responsive. Uh, it takes my calls. You can't ask for more
than that.
Um, she has such thorough know.
um, she has such thorough knowledge of our our uh building
code that
code got thorough knowledge of our permits and inspections
and demos. That's just the name of you. She is if I can
coin the expression she
coin the expression. She is the Building Commissioner.
She knows.
She knows so much about the building department. She
probably could write several book.
probably could write several books.
so today
So today I am thoroughly happy.
So today I am thoroughly happy to have her as the mayor's.
Uh, this is a great.
Uh, this is a great decision on the mayor's part to put her
in this position. She will be great.
for the city
For the city of Chicago and I can say she's been great for
the eighth.
the eighth Ward. She's the boots on the ground on.
the eighth Ward. She's the boots on the ground on any given
day. I could pop up anywhere in my ward and I might see
that building department truck.
over there
Over there looking at something or checking on something.
So I am grateful and honored at this time to say that I
give her my 10,000% support. I know she will be just what
the city needs.
the city needs to handle our building department needs and
again, thank you. Uh
chairman Bennett for allowing me to speak on her behalf and
commissioner acting commissioner Marlene. Congratulations.
I hope that everybody supports you, uh, because you did
you.
have worked very hard to get to this point.
have worked very hard to get to this point in your career,
uh to have a flawless.
uh to have a Flawless career. So thank you and I appreciate
you all so much. And again, we everybody needs to vote for
Marley.
Thank you all the woman Harris.
Thank you. All the woman Harris, uh up next uh Alderman be
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman I uh rearrange my entire day.
to make sure I could get
To make sure I could get down here today.
Um, I would be remissed if I did not get down here to
support.
support Marlene Hopkins.
I've known Marlene. I don't want to say how many years but
we've been in the trenches a long time in this city.
we've been in the trenches a long time in this city, and I
can tell you without question.
can tell you without question it she has been the
commissioner for the last.
commissioner for the last 1520 years.
Because we don't call the commission.
Because we don't call the commissioner when we had Marlene.
and so
And so I can tell you without question. I always called.
Marlene of the commissioner because I knew if I called the
commissioner.
commissioner the commissioner was going to call Marlene.
I just cut straight to the chase. So.
I just cut straight to the chase. So in my eyes you have
already been the commissioner for years. Uh, and so it's
it's it's finally your time and it's finally your time to
get your just do that. What?
get your just do that what you're owed and because you are
owed this a long time ago.
owed this a long time ago, and we all know you were
overlooked.
And so but today your star is shining.
rightfully, so because
Rightfully, so because you are the building department no
matter what time.
matter what time of day we call.
what time of
What time of night we call?
You're the 1 that's their.
You're the 1 that's there. You're the 1 to come out to the
fires the building.
fires. The building collapsed porch collapse is always you.
So just continue to do what you do.
So just continue to do what you do continue to shine and we
are blessed to have you.
are blessed to have you finally
getting your just do so. Thank you.
getting your just do so. Thank you so much. God bless you
and I support you wholeheart.
and I support you wholeheartedly. Thank you. Thank you all
I'm going to put Marlene on the agenda every month. So we
get a little better attend.
get a little better attendance out of you. Okay, uh, next
up is Allan hop.
up is Allan Hopkins.
Yeah, thank you. Uh
Yeah, thank you, uh, Mr. Chairman. I'm in full support of
this nomination. Uh, you know, we we don't always value
experience in city government.
experience in city government with the level of keser at
that it should have but in this case, it's
that it should have but in this case it's obvious, uh, you
know, Marlene everything you've accomplished.
know, Marlene everything you've accomplished, you know the
city so well, you know city government so well, you know
City Hall so well, uh, there's literally no 1 better
prepared for you than to assume.
prepared for you than to assume this role and this is a
strong appointment. Uh,
strong appointment by the mayor. I'm pleased to to support
it. And by the way, if any of my colleagues here are in
voting against this nomination change your mind right now,
you don't want to be that 1 person. Uh, this needs to be a
Yunnan.
unanimous acclamation, uh for this appointment. Good luck
Marlene we
Marlene. We look forward to working with you. Thank you.
Thank you Alderman hop
Thank you Alderman Hopkins. We have Alderman Moore.
Thank you, um chairman. Um when I was a tough kid in
Englewood, I was gonna beat up.
Englewood, I was gonna beat up all them and Bill and he
said I know Marlene Hopkins so I gave him a pass.
um
as you all um know just this past.
as you all um know just this past weekend. Um, we laid to
rest a beautiful um servant
rest a beautiful, um servant um and clerk Karen, yabo.
rest a beautiful, um servant um and clerk Karen yabo. And
when I learned during her service,
when I learned during her service as much as I knew her I
didn't know her
and how much she so much added value.
and how much she so much added value and it's so
unfortunately so unfortunate that we find out.
unfortunately so unfortunate that we find out about those
things. So, um,
things. So, um late and I say that to say that as
well as your resume presents your itself.
And what you do from a building standpoint?
A lot is missing.
a lot is missing and uh if you can tell us Marlene, um
this is
Assistant commissioner Hopkins, uh acting commissioner now.
Um, how long have you worked for the city of Chicago?
I work for the city for 26 years. And where did you start
out working at the city? I started as a staff assistant
working for the Department.
working for the Department of aviation in 1998.
working for the Department of aviation in 1998 under the
leadership of Mary Rose Looney. Did you have your degree at
that time? I did not. Where did you go from there?
I went from
Aviation to the Chicago Housing Authority
where served as a Special Assistant, I went from there to
the Sewer Department where I worked as an executive
assistant learning all about sewer infrastructure, and then
came to the Department of buildings as an executive
assistant learn.
assistant learning all about buildings constructions in
inspections was instrumental in working alongside.
inspections was instrumental in working alongside with
creating the department of construction and permits with
mayor.
mayor Daly wanted to separate permitting from inspection.
mayor Daly wanted to separate permitting from inspections.
worked in that department for over a year went back to the
airport as a project manager at that point in time. I went
back to school.
back to school to be in my studies for my bachelor's
degree.
I left Aviation.
I left Aviation and returned to the Department of
construction and permits when the mayor appointed Richard
rodrig.
Rodriguez as the executive director of Decap continue.
Rodriguez as the executive director of Decap continue my
education for my bachelor's.
we Consolidated permitting and
We Consolidated permitting and buildings together in 2007
at which.
at which time I successfully completed my bachelor's.
degree in organizational leadership.
at that
At that time I was promoted to managing Dy.
At that time I was promoted to managing Deputy Commissioner
and have worked worked in the department.
and have worked worked in the department for the last 17
years and I completed my Master's of legal studies in.
studies in criminal justice from Trinity Law School.
criminal justice from Trinity law school last May.
Man, we got so many all of them.
man, we got so many all of them and I haven't done that
right but
right, but will we talk about are you perfect.
No.
but from your
But from your history and what you just told you're a
person who?
person who strive for Perfection always.
person who strive for Perfection always and that shows in
the work that you do. Um
Don you said something?
Don you said something and I want you to Commission.
Don you said something and I want you to commissioner
elaborate on that and it is that your service that you do
in the community. I have a my pastor.
in the community. I have a my pastor from CLA used to say
uh people should
Uh people shouldn't do anything to be seen but they should
be seen doing.
be seen doing something and I think that's what Don Finn
was alluding to.
was alluding to some tell us some of the things that you do
in the community.
responding with
Responding with my inspectors when they encounter living
condition.
conditions for residents that are
concerning to them and I go out to do an assessment to try
to determine what resources we can provide to that
individual.
individual to make improvements to their homes I respond.
to Fires at all hours of the night when my partners in the
fire department when they call for an immediate resp.
fire department when they call for an immediate response. I
also respond when we have major.
also respond when we have major incidents with cars that
into buildings that impact the OWN
into buildings that impact the owners or the occupants
ability to stay in the property. I also go out on permit
inspections with my inspect.
inspections with my inspectors. I do vacant building
inspections with my inspectors I do.
all
All of the inspections I've been on all of them. So I'm
always out.
always out in the community making a difference when
have problem buildings that are on the blocks and we have
individuals who have opted to take over.
individuals who have opted to take over a vacant property
at work collaboratively with the police department to not
only have those individual.
only have those individuals removed. But if the building is
structurally compromised making that determination that
that building needs to be demolished so that we can
stabilize the block and the people on the Block and their
quality of life is improved.
Uh commissioner, I recall a situation.
I think it was either a day before Christmas or a
before Thanksgiving.
I think it was the day before.
I think it was the day before Thanksgiving where?
A building had flooded in the 17th.
A building had flooded in the 17th Ward.
and
um, there was people making decisions about having people
evacuate and go somewhere else just a day before
Thanksgiving.
you
You had to make a a a a.
you had to make a a a a a call between having those people
move or having them stay but what I realized that
you put first Safety First.
and then compassion Safety First
and then compassion safety first and then compassion and
how often are you faced with those situ?
how often are you faced with those situations because
there were people and I
There were people and I mean strong people strong will.
there were people and I mean strong people strong willed at
Christmas ready to take your head off and the fire.
department's head off and they had my head off and
everybody had.
everybody had off.
How do you how how how often do you have to make?
How do you how how how often do you have to make those
decisions? And how do you as a commissioner make those?
decisions and how do you as a commissioner make those um
life-changing decisions?
It's hard to keep count with how many times have to make
those decisions. But what I always do is approach it from
the perspective if what if this was me? How would I want
someone to handle me? I would want someone to go above and
beyond to find a way to stabilize this the sit.
beyond to find a way to stabilize this the situation so
that I would not be disrupted. So as you said Alderman
safety is always Paramount, but there's always a way to
work with the partners in all of our city departments to
find Solutions.
find solutions to enable residents to not be displaced if
we can pull together all of our res.
we can pull together all of our resources too make that
difference and my last question.
difference and my last question chairman. Um, I called I
called certain situations opportunities. Um,
What opportunities?
What opportunities have you what are your most, you know?
greatest opportunity that you've seen in the build
Greatest opportunity that you've seen in the build
Department some people call them challenges. I call them
opportunities.
opportunities because when it's opportunity to do right
it's the opportunity.
it's the opportunity to excel what opportunities have you
seen?
seen in the past and what's the opportunities that you see
in the future?
in the future for the business department?
Well the opportunities.
Well the opportunities in the future to continue to work
collaboratively with all of our city departments. I'm
really excited.
About working with commissioner bolt, right?
About working with commissioner Boatright and commissioner
Castaneda as we really work.
Castaneda as we really work collaboratively together on
affordable housing because we all realize that that is
something that is very essential.
something that is very essential as you all of you know,
there are significant.
there are significant number of vacant buildings that are
throughout the city that we have.
throughout the city that we have orders of demolition on
because no 1 ever stepped forward.
because no 1 ever stepped forward into court to express an
interest, but that doesn't mean that those buildings need
to be demolished and so
to be demolished. And so we are really looking forward to
working on a forfeiture program through the court system.
that will enable us to put those properties into the hands
of individuals that can reinvest in the community to
stabilize it.
stabilize it looking back and looking at some of the things
some of the opportunities I would have to say.
some of the opportunities I would have to say 1 of the ones
that's
Really stands out. The most is the collaborative Arielle.
relationship with the fire and the police departments
because 1 of the things.
because 1 of the things that has been pointed out to me in
the past is that we never had.
the past is that we never had a really close working
relationship, right, but thankfully because of the people
right people being in the right seats at the right time
we've been able
We've been able to really come together as a team and it's
not that's fire that's buildings. That's police.
not that's fire that's buildings that's police. We're a
team together and we're out there.
team together and we're out there dealing with the
situation real time and making decisions real time to
ensure the safety and the well,
ensure the safety and the well-being of everyone. Thank you
so much and I will only concur with Alderman Brian Hopkins
and saying that anyone that does not support this. Um,
definitely on the island by themselves and um, I
definitely on the island by themselves. And um, I I I
commend you for the work that you do and that you're going
to continue to do Marlene and I emphatically, um, thank the
mayor um for this appointment and and and definitely going
to vote. Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Alvin Moore, uh,
Next is Alderman Conway.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, would you?
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, would you like to briefly
Echo, uh, my my my colle
Echo? Uh, my my my colleagues and and uh commissioner
Hopkins everyone who has worked with you discussed talks
about uniformly about your expertise and your knowledge and
your leadership and and your accessibility and in a in a
place.
place where we we tend to argue a lot here in the city of
Chicago.
Chicago You're soon to be the only only
Thing consistent is that everyone says that?
Thing consistent is that everyone says that uniformly about
you and addition.
you and additionally I have had unsolicited several of my
Springfield.
Springfield colleagues reach out to me. Apparently, you're
the subject matter expert that.
the subject matter expert that they reach out to uh, also
so I don't know how you find the time but uh, maybe there
is something to you being overqualified for this position.
But uh, I greatly appreciate you taking this on and look
forward to to working.
forward to to working alongside you thank you Mr. Chairman
and thank you for taking the time.
and thank you for taking the time again. This is almond all
the woman clay.
Good morning. It is a pleasure.
Good morning. It is a pleasure to see each other in person.
You would uh be surprised how much we've been in
communication and have not been able to.
communication and have not been able to just physically see
each other, but I have to Echo.
each other, but I have to Echo my colleagues and saying
that you have been a huge help.
that you have been a huge help to a new order like myself.
and my ward is heavily dense. I have buildings of all
shapes.
shapes and sizes and when problems erupt
you have been a phone call away.
You have been a phone call away. Um, it is been a breath of
fresh air for you not to just pick.
fresh air for you not to just pick up the phone but to have
Solutions right? There are.
have Solutions right? There are tons of phone calls. I've
taken that have just been a phone call.
taken that have just been a phone call that have not come
with any solutions, but you come to the table with so many
solutions and so many ways to address a problem. So I
appreciate you for that. I also just wanted to ask 1
question because I think that this is um something
I've taken away. What are some of the prevent
I've taken away what are some of the preventative measures
that
so we could be taking as Alders or what are some of the
resources at our fingertips that we could be using through
the department of buildings when people come to us with
issues regarding their own housing.
So that there's not a 1 size fit all.
so that there's not a 1 size fit all answer because
everything is going to always be Case by case, but what I
will say to you Al
will say to you alderwoman clay is that I'm always a phone
call away and we can always work together on a solution. I
just think that I there's not a blanket.
just think that I there's not a blanket how to that's the 1
thing about the building department. It's everything is
different. Every situation is different.
different. Every situation is different and what works for
1 property may not work for a different 1 so it really is
important just to handle it.
important just to handle it Case by case. Yep. Appreciate
you. I appreciate you.
you. I appreciate you handling every case that I've brought
to your feet. Um diligently I am so excited for you to be
in this role. You're the only commissioner I've ever known
to be in this show and
to be in the show and you've handled it beautifully. So I'm
so excited to
I'm so excited to work together and see all of the exciting
amazing things you
amazing things. You'll bring to the city. Thank you. Thank
you. Thank you all.
you. Thank you all the woman clay, uh up next is alderwoman
Dow.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um Marlene when the uh mayor
made the announcement of you, uh to become the commissioner
of the building departments, I uh, if you can believe it I
jumped up for joy.
jumped up for Joy. Um, I I think this is long overdue. Um,
you definitely um are the right person at the right.
you definitely um are the right person at the right time
for this job. Um, you know, they say everybody has a
season.
and your season is now and it's been you had the season
before but unfortunately it didn't work out but this is
your time and I just want to uh,
your time and I just want to uh underscore what uh Richard
townsel said about uh integrity
townsel said about uh Integrity, uh, you have that and much
more I want to thank you for always being available you are
are uh, timely you help us figure out.
are uh, timely you help us figure out Solutions whether
we're calling about uh vacant building or a fire you're
there right there in the community. We see you. Um,
when we have concerns about board UPS or
When we have concerns about board UPS or uh, just breaking
through the permit process. Uh, we can call you email you.
on the weekend during the day at night. Um, and our
situations are soul.
situations are solved right away. I wish you well in this
position. I know you have the the respect.
App, uh your staff and uh, I urge. My colleagues as Alderman
Hopkins did to uh, give you a unanimous thumbs up for this.
role. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you all the woman
dial.
dial all the woman Cruise.
Thank you chairman. I also want to say that I support this
appointment. I want to Echo something my um colleague say
Alderman clay.
Alderman Clay is thank you for helping also another new.
Alderman Clay is thank you for helping also another new um,
newly elected to this role. I remember reaching out to the
prior commissioner. Say who's my contact.
prior commissioner say who's my contact at building and I
have been blessed to have you because you have been there
throughout the way. Um,
throughout the way um with calls as everybody says text
message early.
message early late you have been there, but I want to
highlight 1 of these situations we had in in the 30th
board.
where you were there with me along the way and we treated
this situation with care.
this situation with care, you know addressing somebody who
needed help not only in his house when it come to
utilities, but also Mental Health
but also mental health assistance and you and other
departments that were there. We all treated the situation
with care. We took it.
with care. We took it, you know again making sure that this
individual was taking care of the right way, so I want to
appreciate you being there walk.
Me through the process explaining how things.
Me through the process explaining how things will work. So
in order for me to be prepared that day to be delivered,
you know to deliver that help that is needed. So
you know to deliver that help that is needed so that I will
never forget but also many different.
never forget but also many different calls throughout that
we have been in communic.
we have been in communication, but also
giving me the opportunity to
Giving me the opportunity to have some of those
conversations that we needed to have.
conversations that we needed to have them certain issues
and you were great. We have several.
and you were great. We have several conversations and I
appreciate um, how
appreciate um how honest and open you were when it comes to
say that, you know, there's things
say that you know, there's things that happen and this is
what what happened throughout the conversation. But um
again, just wanted to say that and also you have people
that are very supportive of you and the 30th War they have
called um residents
called, um residents that have called it and have text me
and I'm going to read a little bit of 1 that sent and
actually that stuck.
actually that stuck with me.
a lot and 1 of the things
A lot and 1 of the things he says is um far too often
women.
and of women and women of color.
and of women and women of color are held to a higher and
more particular.
more particular standard than others. Who do
more particular standard than others who do to class
ethnicity gender might have historic.
ethnicity gender might have historically been given a pass.
and
And that is very important when I see you.
And that is very important when I see you being there and
to say that we are not perfect.
there's things that you know, we learn from it and we move
on and that's the things that you know,
on and that's the things that you know with based on our
conversations that we have seen. Um, but also he said she's
not want to make a promise that she can't keep
um, but also is willing to strive to deliver the best.
um, but also is willing to strive to deliver the best that
she can out of any requests and through all these
conversations of the rest of my colleagues is exactly what
we keep hearing.
we keep hearing often from you and how you like to prepare.
to how to be better in your role. And I think that we
to highlight what you have done and we appreciate that you
are in this role and you'll be guiding us through a lot of
different change that we need and the building department
and that you're fully aware as well and look forward.
and that you're fully aware as well and look forward to be
a partner with you and continue having those
So again, um, congratulations and I again I fully support
this appointment.
Thank you. All the woman. Uh, next is Alder.
Thank you. All the woman. Uh, next is Alderman Reilly.
Thank you chairman. Uh
Thank you chairman, uh, good morning acting commissioner.
Um, just wanted to thank you for
um, just wanted to thank you for all of your help over the
years, you know, you took a position of leadership at the
department.
department, uh the exact same time ultimately alderwoman.
Dowell and I got here back in 2007.
Dowell and I got here back in 2007 and I want to Echo the
comments made by my colleagues.
comments made by my colleagues at there's no doubt. You're
a subject matter expert.
a subject matter expert um, and clearly in the central
business district. We have lots of challenges and you've
been a real asset in helping us.
been a real asset in helping us deal with those so I want
to thank you for that.
um
I'd also like to thank you for your responsiveness to my
office and my staff. Um, like many of my colleagues here.
Uh you
uh, you work, uh your responsive to us and you work around
the clock.
the clock and I appreciate you for that.
I want to flag 1 thing for you that came up in a different
hearing. Um.
hearing um in the past week and that is related to
hopefully prioritizing. Um,
an online payment portal at the department of
An online payment portal at the department of buildings. I
know that.
know that um, that's a technology challenge for the
Department. Um, but it's my hope that uh working with your
new counterpart, uh over with it.
new counterpart, uh over with it that that's something we
can prioritize. I know that's something that you'd
too. Um, but just know that you have support from the city
council and helping make that happen as soon as possible.
Um, so that said like all of my colle.
Um, so that said like all of my colleagues I want to
congratulate you in advance for your confirmation and I
congratulate you in advance for your confirmation, and I
look forward to supporting it. Uh, and thank you.
chairman Lawson
thank you Alderman, uh
Thank you Alderman, uh with vice mayor brunette.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Uh, so I've known you
your whole career. Uh
Marlene and I've
uh seen you make everyone else shine.
Uh from behind the scenes, so it's long overdue.
Uh from behind the scenes, so it's long overdue that you
get your opportunity to shine. I like to commend the mayor
on this appointment. Uh, you've always been very
responsive. Um, I myself has called have called you.
responsive. Um, I myself has called have called you all
times of the day and you jumped to it and you're very
personable. I mean you get a lot of times instead of just
sending other folks to do it you go do it yourself.
so I really
So I really appreciate that. Um, and I hope that you know,
the things that were put into to cut the tape.
um, you know will
Um, you know will uh will work and and hopefully you make
it work. Uh, you know, your department is not only good.
it work. Uh, you know, your department is not only good for
safety is also good for development. It's good for economic
development and we got to keep that in mind the more cranes
we have up to less taxes. We have to pay right so we need
to help
uh make
Uh, make sure that permits and all.
uh, make sure that permits and all those things get through
the process.
the process, uh efficiently so that we all can benefit from
it here in the city.
it here in the city of Chicago. I know you would do that
you've been
You've been in a position you worked under how many
Commissioners now
6 6 Commissioners. Yes.
6 6 Commissioners. Yes, right. Uh, so it it wouldn't have
done any good.
done any good for you to get a new commissioner had to
teach them what to do, too.
teach them what to do too. Right? So so thank God that the
mayor's office, uh to allow you to have a spot.
mayor's office, uh to allow you to have a spot I commend
you. I know you don't have to be here. I know you can leave
right now.
right now, right? So so I just want to
right now, right? So, so I just want to thank so. I want to
thank you for staying on and and not taking that
opportunity.
opportunity to serve the public so I know this.
opportunity to serve the public so I know this is a real
sacrifice for you, uh to continue on I know where you were
right and uh, so just I just want to say thank you for
staying we appreciate you being here and congratulations to
your support this appointment. Thank you. Thank you vice
mayor.
mayor alderman laspada.
Thank you so much chair. Thank you so much commissioner
Hopkins for being here.
Hopkins for being here with us and I just want to piggyback
off of.
off of vice mayor brunette's comments on the the cut the
tape work because it's not about
a slogan and it's not about a really interesting.
a slogan and it's not about a really interesting report.
It's about these on the ground.
It's about these on the ground realities that result in.
businesses opening in 3 months or 6 months.
businesses opening in 3 months or 6 months projects moving
forward in 12 months or 18 months and what I love is that
you you get it like you you cannot fix.
you you get it like you you cannot fix a bureaucracy until
you understand it at its deepest.
you understand it at its deepest level and I'm glad that
you do and I'm glad that you understand us as a lot of us.
our learning or have learned that it's
it's no big fleshy thing as you and I talked about it's
it's a 101 different. Um, unsexy non- headline grabbing.
changes that make a city work in a more effective.
changes that make a city work in a more effective way, and
I'm genuinely thrilled to have your as a partner in
network. Thank you so much for being with us. Thank you
tear. Thank you Alderman we
tear thank you Alderman. We think it's sexy right we do.
All right. All right. All right. All right, I guess.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I wanted to add the accolades
my my staff.
my my staff text me and said hey, you better say something
nice because Marl.
nice because Marlene has been someone that our office has
lean.
leaned down over the last 3 terms. Um, really excited to
see you in this position. I know you've served under
multiple.
multiple Commissioners and really excited to see what it
is.
that you're going to be able to implement because I know
that sometimes as the second person or the third person in
charge, you're like I
charge, you're like, I wish I could have that authority to
do this. When are you going to have it and so we're looking
forward to working with you? I look at your department as 1
of The Economic Development Department.
of the economic development departments. Uh, we need to
make sure that we're getting projects.
make sure that we're getting projects permitted quickly so
that way we can create Revenue.
that way we can create revenue and realize Revenue in that
in that fiscal.
in that fiscal year. Um right now we're looking at a a
really some hard times and relates to the construction with
approximately 3 or 4 criteria 2024, and I think that
Department's going to be able to be that that um, uh that
department that really puts
uh and signals to developers that were open for business, so
we're excited about your experience. You're excited that
you're decided to take this.
you're decided to take this position. And again, we're
looking forward to continuing to see work with you and see
what comes along. Thank you.
Thank you Alderman, uh alderwoman.
thank you Alderman, uh alderwoman, mana hoppenworth and I
believe that's
Thank you chair. Thank you.
Thank you chair. Thank you acting commissioner for being
here and I uh come in the mayor for your appointment and I
am grateful that you are.
am grateful that you are staying as the vice mayor said
that Contin.
that continuity of care is really important.
that continuity of care is really important, especially at
at your level. And as a freshman I I
at your level. And as a freshman, I I appreciate all the
work that you have done with us.
work that you have done with us in the 48th Ward as you
know, we've had our challenges especially on Sheridan Road.
with troubled buildings and fires, and I appreciate
with troubled buildings and fires and I appreciate your
collaborative efforts to to really help.
collaborative efforts to to really help um, you know send
to those that who who are impacted by these especially our
older adults and um those with disabilities who've you
know, and and uh Working Class People Who feel like they
don't have any power when something like that happens to
their home and they want to stay so we we want to
prioritize those folks that want to stay and and we really
appreciate all your help.
appreciate all your help towards that end and um,
my um director of Neighborhood Services has been talking
about you since last year, um in a way that it makes sense
to me now when I'm hearing all my colleagues talk about
your um, many years of working with you.
your um, many years of working with you, um, because you
know how it works and you know how we can
know how it works and you know, how we can make things
better and I so I again I appreciate you staying I um, I
also agree with the chair viegas and also,
also agree with the chair viegas and also um Alderman
Reilly that we need to modernize our um online data portal
system to accelerate development. Um, and so thank you for
your commitment to that.
your commitment to that and um, I also as a um,
your commitment to that and um, I also as a um as a a woman
of color and um,
And a and someone who is learning.
And a and someone who is learning how things work here. I
appreciate the words that.
appreciate the words that um,
alderwoman Cruise
Alderwoman Cruz said um, it is it is not easy.
Alderwoman Cruz said um, it is it is not easy being in
these spaces.
uh for the first time
and um, I also want to Echo, um, Mr. Townsel.
And um, I also want to Echo, um, Mr. Townsel word words
from H Christian, Lawndale and
from H Christian Lawndale, and he said, um, I knew her name
before I met her.
and I just love that I am so inspired by you and uh, I can't
wait to
can't wait to continue the work together. So, thank you.
Thanks.
Thanks chair.
Thank you. Thank you very much. Um, I think that's
everyone.
um
I will.
I will say uh, just to close I think this is the most time
you and I have spent at City Hall together because
typically in my office. I know you're rather in.
typically in my office. I know you're rather insistent on
me meeting there or we're really feels or
on allstead, um or um at a building site and so, um, you're
not wearing your boots today, but I know most days you do
and we appreciate that.
and we appreciate that as someone, you know, we're all in
the field and that you're that way. Um, I also want to just
thank you for some of the discussions we've
thank you for some of the discussions. We've had um around
vacancy and and the needs to look at owner occupied
structures differently.
structures differently than we do. Um,
You know, uh investment.
You know, uh investment vehicles, uh, because there there's
value there.
value there and to stabilize those those homeowners or or
the 3 that's living there. Um,
talks a lot about adus and uh in the
Talks a lot about adus and uh in the public comment, we'll
get to that as well. But also just on the cut the tape
initi.
initiative. I think we're going to be seeing you back here,
um at committ.
um at committee with your team, um on a number of those
things that that the council is really really excited about
and something I know and you know, because we both been
around a long time. Um, there's been a lot of talk about
that but not always so much action and I think the action
we've seen so far is but have been really impressive. So,
um, thank you for everything that
You've done for our city so far. I think we all wish you the
best um in your tender.
the best um in your tender finally as commissioner.
um
I I got you David. Uh, no other question.
I I got you David. Uh, no other question Alvin Moore moves
due pass. Um,
due pass, um by the same role call that was used to
determine quorum.
determine Quorum and the objections.
Hearing none. The appointment is passed. We'll be reported
out tomorrow. Congratulations commissioner.
Hold on.
Byebye, byebye.
All right.
Next oh Marley.
She still has her key card. That's what I have mine. That's
what staffers do right all
what staffers do right. All right, uh next is document
number. Oh 2023275 to introduce a substitute ordinance that
expands the cities.
expands the city's Adu policies.
All committee members should have received a copy as well
as a summary electronically. There's a packet a copy in the
packet in front of you.
Because indicated on the agenda this item is listed so that
we may accept.
we may accept the substitute on the record, but there will
be no discussion.
be no discussion or vote today on this matter.
Uh with that do I hear a motion to accept the substitute by
the same role?
the same role call that was used to determine Quorum all
the
of them was spotted moves to accept any objections.
Hearing none The Substitute has been accepted.
also then
Also, then uh vice mayor Bernett makes a motion to defer
the previously read item.
the previously read item by the same role call that was
used to determine Quorum and the objection.
used to determine Quorum and the objections.
Hearing on the item is deferred. Um, just on this matter. I
know I've spoken to a number.
know I've spoken to a number of my colleagues already and
wanted to hear from everyone on it. Um, I would anticipate
a subject matter hearing, uh, perhaps next month. Um, and
then continue discussions toward passage at some point.
Hopefully this summer if we can do that so, um stay tuned.
and appreciate everyone's work on that item.
and appreciate everyone's work on that item and uh the
comment today,
moving
Moving on. Uh, we have 1 Historic Landmark designation.
Moving on. Uh, we have 1 Historic Landmark designation
document number 0 2024 D 0000082 the histor.
document number 0 2024 D 0000082 the historical landmark
destination for Apollo's 2000.
destination for Apollo's 2000 located at 2875 West cir.
Road in the 24th Ward.
We have Matt Crawford of the Historic Landmark division.
the Department of Planning and Development here to present
on the matter.
Thank you. Thank you chairman. Good morning, Matt Crawford
with Department of Planning and Development also staff to
the commission.
the commission on Chicago landmarks and that body is
the commission on Chicago landmarks. And that body is to
council that Apollo's 2000.
council that Apollo's 2000 be designated as a Chicago
landmark.
Apollo's 20000 is located on sumic Road in the little
village neighborhood. The structure was built in 19.
village neighborhood. The structure was built in 1917 as
the Marshall Square Theater.
the Marshall Square theater and it screened silent films
accompanied by orcust.
accompanied by Orchestra and vocalists in 1929 a theater
transition from silent films to talking.
transition from silent films to talking pictures.
as the neighborhood transitioned to a lat
As the neighborhood transitioned to a Latino population in
the 1960s.
the 1960s the Marshall Square began offering Spanish
language films.
language films, but by the 1980s the supply of new films
from Mexico was drastically reduced which led to the
closure of the theater.
the closure of the Marshall Theater in the 1980s was
The closure of the Marshall Theater in the 1980s Was Not
Unusual so many neighborhood theaters closed.
Unusual so many neighborhood theaters closed in the mid
20th century.
What's remarkable here? Is that the building of Demolition
and its survival?
Is really credited to the current owners the the gal.
family and Javier and Lydia.
family and Javier and Lydia, uh came from Mexico and they
purchased this building in 1989.
purchased this building in 1989 and in 1990, they wreck
christened it as Apollo's 2000 and they have successfully.
converted it into an event and performance venue.
converted it into an event and performance venue that has
become really a cultural Hub in the lat.
become really a cultural Hub in the Latino community.
to convert the former theater into a concert dance and event
venue you
venue. You can see the interior included some renov.
including removal of the original Theater seating.
including removal of the original Theater seating and the
sloped floor was reconfigured.
sloped floor was reconfigured with multiple levels. Um, but
you can see that they have also preserved the overall Arch.
architectural quality of that great, uh historic.
architectural quality of that great, uh historic movie
theater. So the Glendo family, uh is here they have
requested Chicago.
requested Chicago Landmark designation. They've consented
to it. They're
to it. There are excited about this alderwoman and Scott
has also indicated her support for the landmark
designation. Uh, so that's the recommendation before you
happy to answer any questions. Great. Uh, thank you Matt
Crawford. We do have a letter of support from alderwoman
Scott. Do I have any questions by committ?
Scott. Do I have any questions by committee members on this
1
if no questions all the person Fuentes.
if no questions all the person Fuentes moves do pass by the
same role call that was used to determine forum.
any objections
hearing
Hearing none of the ordinances passed.
Thank you, Matt.
Next are large signs over.
Next are large signs over 100 square feet in area 24 feet
above grade. We will hear them all together. I will read
the word followed by the address and take a motion at the
end.
2 signs in the 44th Ward located at 900 West Nelson 1 sign
in the 45th Ward located at 5.
in the 45th Ward located at 5160.
W North Northwest Highway
1 sign in the 47th Ward located at 2156 West Montrose
Avenue, if no questions.
Avenue. If no questions by committee members do I can I get
a motion to pass by the same role call that was used to
determine quorum.
All the middle spot Amos do pass any objections.
Hearing none at the orders are passed.
We will.
We will now move on to the map amendments as a reminder in
an effort.
an effort to ensure the committee meeting will run smoothly
as possible.
as possible items will be grouped together according to
witness and will be heard.
witness and will be heard in that order rather than word
order.
Okay, we're going to defer this first item.
Um, uh item number 8883
um, uh item number 88831 and the first word ordinance
referred 41923. The common address is 1416, North
Maplewood.
referred 41923. The common address is 1416 North Maplewood
change request b23 neighborhood mixed juice District to RS3
residential single unit detached house district. Uh,
Alderman lepto makes a motion.
Alderman lepto makes a motion to defer the previously read
item by the same.
item by the same role call that was used to determine form
and the objections hearing. None of the item is deferred.
next up is item number a 8871 and
Next up is item number a 8871 and the 26th award ordinance
referred 3.
referred 32023.
common address is 350
Common address is 3508 West Armitage Avenue change request
B3.
B33 Community shopping district to be 2.
B33 Community shopping district to be 23 n next use
District. Um we
District. Um, we have other person cuentas.
this went
This went through the proper Community engagement process
and my zoning committee. And so
we support this matter.
right
Right any other questions by our committee members?
Great, if no questions. Um, do I hear a motion do?
Great, if no questions. Um, do I hear a motion do pass by
the same role call that was used to determine quorum.
all of them Ken was
all kuden moves to pass
not not on our own probably right? Um any objections
hearing none? The item is passed.
Uh, next up is document number 22.
Uh, next up is document number 22398 dt1 and the 40th Ward.
ordinance referred 32024.
ordinance referred 32024 common address 6206 West Balmoral
and 5.
and 5404 North Ashland Avenue the change.
and 5404 North Ashland Avenue. The change request is RS3
residential single unit district.
residential single unit district to be 23 neighborhood
mixed.
mixed use districts. Um, there was quite a bit of
discussion on this 1 earlier and I know there's
correspondence in your packets as well. Um, we have the
attorney Tom Moore.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My
name is for the record is Thomas.
name is for the record is Thomas S Moore and with me today
is Josh Brad.
is Josh Bradley who uh through his company is the devel.
is Josh Bradley who uh through his company is the developer
here. Uh, Josh.
here. Uh, Josh has a degree in civil engineering and a
master's in construction management and spent the last 13
years. Uh,
years, uh for major companies being a supervising.
construction manager in a variety of high.
construction manager in a variety of high-profile, uh
projects in the city.
projects in the city, uh, and in more recent years, he's
developed. Uh,
developed, uh several properties up on the North side.
developed, uh, several properties up on the North side. Um,
and uh is himself a resident of uh, an area just east of
this location and is actually lived in this location. The
last couple of years is a member.
last couple of years is a member of the West Andersonville.
neighbors, uh together want assoc.
neighbors, uh together want Association and um,
has
Has gone through a elaborate process with.
has gone through a elaborate process with uh, the aldermen
and uh, the community has met with want.
and uh, the community has met with want uh a couple of
times and the Chamber of Commerce.
times and the Chamber of Commerce a couple of times and had
a CommunityWide.
a CommunityWide, uh meeting the uh,
a CommunityWide, uh meeting the uh project has gone
through. Um,
many changes it was a
Many changes it was a 5 story project. Um, there are other
4-story projects which uh, um, just a black south of here.
4-story projects which uh, um, just a black south of here,
uh on, uh, 2 of the 4 corners have 4 story and the third
corner has a a b23 just like the request for this 1 so it's
not really it's on Ashland which of course
not really it's on Ashland, which of course goes from 1 end
of the city to the other is a busy Street.
of the city to the other is a busy street and uh, it's just
2 blocks from the commercial center of and
2 blocks from the commercial center of Andersonville. Um,
and so it's and it's uh got both the Ashlyn bus and the
Clark Street bus, so it's ideally located.
Clark Street bus, so it's ideally located, uh to put some
density, uh near the commercial.
density, uh near the commercial center there and near the
transit location. Um, there is almost no, um,
uh affordable in this immediate area, uh this uh, 15 unit
project would have 3 on-site affordable units. Um, and um,
it uh, as I say has been through the uh Community process 1
of the changes.
of the changes was it started out with as a modern building
besides,
besides lopping off a floor it uh now has a uh as requested
by The Neighbourhood
by The Neighborhood a more traditional. Um,
by The Neighborhood a more traditional, um design. Um, and
uh, we have the support of the alderman
Request your support as well.
Thank you, Mr. Moore. Uh, we see on the agenda that there's
an administrative adjustment as part of the type 1 as well.
There are actually 2, um,
There are actually 2, um the to reduce the there's
room on the back of this double lot.
room on the back of this double lot for 7 parking spaces.
So 1 of the 2 administrative adjustments would be to
from 8 to 7 to reduce it by 1.
from 8 to 7 to reduce it by 1 and also because there is a
residential district to its North uh, we need a
transitional side.
transitional side yard, and there still will be a
a 6 8.9 feet of side yard, but um, uh, we need to reduce it
because of when you have a transitional it you have to give
half of the residential side yard. So, um, even though it's
a will be a b District which requires no side yard because
of that technicality. We also need that administrative
adjustment.
Great. Thank you. Alder V.
Great. Thank you Alder Vasquez.
Thank you chairman. Um, so I appreciate the feedback we got
from our neighbors. I just want to walk through some of our
colleagues as far.
colleagues as far as the process because I know there was
uh some Lively public.
uh some Lively public comment and so I wanted to cover all
of it. So, um our 40th award process when it comes to
zoning matters is we get a proposal submitted.
couple weeks from that point. We have a meeting.
couple weeks from that point. We have a meeting, uh to zoom
meetings to for accessibility so neighbors that are able to
make
to make it and Abel neighbors who physically aren't able to
make it can jump on the call.
make it can jump on the call, uh at that point, uh, the
developer will present the proposal neighbors can then ask
questions, uh related to that proposal.
questions, uh related to that proposal, uh from there. We
have another 2 weeks for people.
have another 2 weeks for people to fill out a form to then
give uh our office.
give uh, our office the feedback based on that feedback we
land.
land on decisions either. It's a support or opposition. Um
most of the time it's support some of the
opposition, but we
different responses. Um, it would seem
split but the challenge became understanding the different.
opposition. So some of it was on the aesthetic they
zoning change that's over 10 units a 6 unit property would
not yield any affordability so init
not yield any affordability. So initially what was proposed
was 18 unit.
was 18 units, uh with 4 Arrow.
uh
Uh, the height would have been 66 feet with 9 Park.
Uh, the height would have been 66 feet with 9 parking spots
5 floors, obviously 60% Ami average, um because of the
feedback,
feedback we received from different neighbors along
different.
different, uh, uh reasoning for opposition we could
support that. So, uh, December 20th we
support that. So, uh, December 20th, we responded with a
initial not of intent.
initial not of intent that said we could not support it.
However, if the developer were able to kind of meet some of
the concerns which were the heights the density the
Aesthetics,
Aesthetics that we would uh be able to find some level of
agreement that people could move forward on
uh, they are the developer submitted a
Uh, they are the developer submitted a resubmitted a
proposal. Uh, January 5.
That is the 1 you see before you uh referred to.
That is the 1 you see before you uh referred to as the
Behemoth, uh in relation to the rest of the neighborhood.
Uh, I just want folks to be able to look at the picture. I
know when you hear the public comment it
know when you hear the public comment. It felt like Sears
Tower was getting built on the corner of Balmoral.
Ashland as you can tell next to the properties, right?
to it. Yes, it goes up about a floor High.
to it. Yes, it goes up about a floor higher. It is on a
major arterial Street it
major arterial Street. It is on a Transit oriented
Development Area.
So taking all those things into account it is a
so taking all those things into account it is a modest, uh
increase and so what was proposed in the second proposal
was instead of 18 units.
was instead of 18 units 15 units instead of 4 affordable 3
affordable. So we lost an affordable unit in the exchange
instead of 66 feet down to 57 feet.
instead of 66 feet down to 57 feet, uh, parking spots
instead of 9, it would be 7, uh again Ami would be the
same. Uh, I think looking at what's proposed it led to
compromise that could we could get to supporting. Um,
I I will say when we talk about the lack.
I I will say when we talk about the lack of affordability
some of the folks who had concerns were saying.
some of the folks who had concerns were saying well,
they're going to build all these other condos and and this
is going to be not affordable, but we know is if it was 6
units. None of those would be affordable this at the very
least gains us.
least gains us 3 in an area that I believe needs to uh,
economically diverse as well as racially diverse. I think
this is an opportunity. So when I hear a neighbor say that
we don't believe affordability is justification for quote
unquote ruining.
unquote ruining the neighborhood. I don't think it actually
speaks to the majority of our neighbors in the 40th Ward as
well as in the area. That being said we did want to hear
the feedback.
the feedback which led to the compromise here. So we uh
would be in support. Uh, we sent the updated notice.
would be in support. Uh, we sent the updated notice of
intent of support for that 1 on februari 1st, and then to
the neighbors who said that we didn't meet with them we met
met with them. We had a meeting on March 206 to even prior
to this meeting to have the conversation so much so that I
recognize our neighbors that were here. Um, I think it's
always going to be challenging but if people want to look
at the fact that we have a cut to tape, uh proposal from
the city,
the city that would eliminate all parking minimums.
That we're looking at the fact that we want to have more
affordability.
affordability what this led to which we appreciate is a
conversation about actually looking at UPS on the rest of
the neighborhood in a way that might be more.
the neighborhood in a way that might be more modest but
Broad in order to add more voter ability. So yes.
Broad in order to add more voter ability. So yes, we are in
support. I apologize for going so deep.
support. I apologize for going so deep into our process,
but I want to make sure it's on the record in our
neighbor's know.
neighbor's know because we do not operate like old school
Chicago when it comes to these Community meetings or how we
land on these opinions. So we
land on these opinions, so we would be in support and I'd
ask for our colleagues favorable consideration.
very much chairman. Thank you all the vasque.
very much chairman. Thank you all the Vasquez. Um any
questions by committee members on this 1
saying none, uh, if there's no questions, do I have a
to do pass by the same role call that was used to determine
quorum.
All the spot moves do pass any objections.
All the spot moves do pass any objections hearing none item
is passed. Thank you. Thank you very much.
top of page 3
uh
document number 22370 DT
document number 22370 - T1 and the 50th Ward ordinance
referred to 1624 common address is 270.
referred to 1624 common address is 2701 through 15 West
Touhy Avenue change.
Touhy Avenue change requests. B31 Community shopping
district.
district to be 23 neighborhood mixed use.
district to be 23 neighborhood mixed use districts. Uh also
included as an adjustment and variation under the type 1
here to present is Nick fattest. Thank you chairman for the
record. Again. Nick fatigue is from the law offices.
Banks. Um, I am here on behalf of the applicant and
property.
property owner Azad LLC. The applicant is proposing to
develop the property with new 4-story res.
develop the property with new 4-story residential building
that will contain 43 units.
that will contain 43 units and 45 parking spaces. Um, this
is a type 1 zoning change application. We actually did
file.
an amended uh application as well as an amended, um
narrative, so I'd ask that the Gnar
narrative. So I'd ask that the narrative be incorporated
into today's proceed.
Thank you. Uh Alderman Kusa moves to accept the substitute.
narrative and plans for the type. 1 application by the same
roll call.
role call that was used to determine Forum any objections.
hearing none The Substitute narrative and plans are
accepted and then with respect to that additional relief.
Um, we are no longer.
Um, we are no longer seeking the administrative adjustment.
That's part of the
that's part of the uh, amended narrative. However, we are
seeking the variation.
seeking the variation for the rear setback. Uh, that rear
setback is a reduction, uh for the first floor of the
building. I believe it takes the the rear property line to
1 foot 4, I'm sorry.
1 foot 4, I'm sorry the rear suspect to 1 foot 4 inches,
uh, the 3, uh stories above grade will all be set back 30
feet and again that is reflected in the
feet. And again that is reflected in the plan set.
Great. Thank you, uh questions by committee members.
Um, so actually I do so, what's what's your affordable
number here? So the affordable is actually 8.6. So
number here? So the affordable is actually 8.6 so its 9,
uh, that'll be provided on site 9.
uh, that'll be provided on site 9 on site. Excellent.
great sharp, of course we did meet with
Great sharp, of course. We did meet with Alderman
Silverstein participated participated in 2 Community
meetings. Um, and we believe we have her support to proceed
today you do we have a letter of support from all.
today you do we have a letter of support from all other
woman's Silverstein. Um, yes,
woman's Silverstein. Um, yes all in laspada.
Hi, thank you so much here. So.
Hi, thank you so much here. So I'm just trying to
trying to make sure fully understand it. Are we looking at
the 2E facing correct? That's the chewy Frontage right now.
So when we go in here, it's is it just completely ground
floor parking is it? Oh no, so the the left side of the
screen.
screen are I think it's 4 ground floor residential.
screen are I think it's 4 ground floor residential units,
uh, but then the rear portion of the building.
uh, but then the rear portion of the building is all uh
garage parking.
So it's all interior parking is correct.
So it's all interior parking is correct, correct. And that
actually is why that rear setback reduction.
actually is why that rear setback reduction at the first
floor is necessary in order to capture.
floor is necessary in order to capture the footprint of the
first floor garage.
Okay duly noted. Thank you, sir. Thank you chair.
Thank you any other questions?
uh hearing none, uh, all the person qu makes
Uh hearing none, uh, all the person qu makes the motion to
pass by the same role call that was used to determine
quorum.
Quorum any objections hearing. None of the item is passed.
at with the substitute narrative
At with the substitute narrative in plans. Thank you. Thank
you, uh for the record.
you, uh for the record all the Lopez has joined us.
We are deferring the next.
We are deferring the next 2 items. Um
I will.
I will read them in and then we'll take a motion.
I'm sorry, just repeat that on the burn the address.
right file number 22328 in the 45th.
right file number 22328 in the 45th Ward ordinance referred
12424.
12424 common address 3955 North Kilpatrick at 3865 North
Milwaukee Avenue.
and then uh document number 22
And then uh document number 22389 T1 in the First Ward
ordinance refer.
ordinance referred 32024 common address.
ordinance referred 32024 common address 2418 to 2426.
Milwaukee Avenue.
um
if no questions by committee members all their
If no questions by committee members all their woman Dao
makes a motion to defer the previously read items by the
same role call that.
same role call that was used to determine Quorum and the
objections.
objections hearing none. Those items are deferred.
right, top of page 4, uh,
document number 22385 D
document number 22385 dt1 and the 32nd Ward ordinance
referred 32024 common address is 13.
referred 32024 common address is 1352 West diversity
Parkway change.
Parkway change request B22 neighborhood mixed-use District
to be 22 neighborhood mixed-use district and
to be 22 neighborhood mixed-use district, and it's a type 1
with a variation included which Sarah Barnes.
with a variation included which Sarah Barnes will tell us
about. Thank you. Good afternoon.
about thank you good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and um, it
seemed members of the committee for the record. My name is
Sarah.
Sarah Barnes and I'm at a partner at the law office of go.
Gokey Deluxe and BDO.
Gokey Deluxe and BDO LLP. Happy to be here this
Gokey Deluxe and BDO LLP happy to be here this afternoon on
behalf of the applicant Development Group.
behalf of the applicant Development Group, LLC, Wrigley
Branch. Um
Apologize. I'm still getting over a little bit of lary.
laryngitis, which um, your predecessor would have
appreciated because it's going to keep me very short.
short-winded. Um, so with that, um, there are no
substitutions there. That's the good news. Um, we actually
did a type.
did a type 1 zoning map Amendment for this same property.
with the same applicant, um back in June 2023 getting it to
the current Zahn.
the current zoning classification of a B22 that was met.
with unanimous support from the community.
with unanimous support from the community group the South
Lake View neighbors Association as well.
Lake View neighbors Association as well as residents in the
32nd Ward and in the immediate,
32nd Ward and in the immediate area, um fast forward when
in for permitting pursuant to the same set of plans,
before you here today and um,
before you here today and um certain additional relief was
required for believe it or not the detached garage, which
is just a standard 3 car garage. Um, and
Because the community had been so involved in the type.
because the community had been so involved in the type 1
process the first time round we
process the first time round. We went ahead the alderman
wanted us to keep it as um that same type 1 and with the
new ordinance.
new ordinance we could come in and wrap up that variation.
that's required for just the detached garage.
that's required for just the detached garage the um the
building which is a 4-story 3 unit. Um, all residential
condominium building. Um,
condominium building, um is actually completely comp
In all in all ways. Um, so we're just here today.
In all in all ways. Um, so we're just here today trying to
clean up that um the relief that's
clean up that um, the relief that's required for the
detached garage and that's a variation.
detached garage and that's a variation to increase the
floor area.
floor area occupied by an accessory.
floor area occupied by an accessory building. Um, we did
present this once more to the South Lake View neigh.
present this once more to the South Lake View neighbors
Association. They are in support you have a letter um on
record from South Lake View neighbors as well as Alderman
wax.
wax back. I'm happy to answer any questions.
Great. Um, thank you Sarah. We do have a a letter of
support from the 32nd Ward if you have any questions.
support from the 32nd Ward if you have any questions by
committee members.
Hearing none. All right, that makes a motion to do pass by
the same role call that was used to determine forum and the
objections.
objections hearing none of the item is passed. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you.
okay, it's
Okay, it's the owner not the attorney anyone that.
uh middle of page 4 is document number 223
Uh middle of page 4 is document number 22355 and the third
word ordinance referred.
word ordinance referred to 1524 common.
word ordinance referred to 1524. Common address is 4500
South Michigan Avenue change.
South Michigan Avenue change requests b11 neighborhood
shopping district.
shopping district to rm5 residential multi-unit.
shopping district to rm5 residential multi-unit District.
Um, we have the owner of the property with JT.
Um, we have the owner of the property with jtm and
Associates, please state your name for the record. Hi my
name is Marcus Perkins. Thank you Mr. Perkins, please
continue. Yeah. Um, I am the current owner of
the property at 4500 South Michigan, uh commonly known as
the Swift mansion.
Uh, we are.
Uh, we are recently, uh experienced a fire. So I'm seeking
a zoning change.
a zoning change to uh, convert the building from uh, its
current use Uh current zoning from B-1.
current use Uh current zoning from B-1 1-1 to uh, rm5 to
accommodate a 8 dwelling units.
Right, and I know we have the support of the local.
Right, and I know we have the support of the local Other
Woman. Uh, all the woman. Do you want to add anything on
that?
Uh, yes, thank you. Uh, uh the Swift Mansion is an
important, uh asset in the Bronzeville Community
unfortunately is uh,
Unfortunately is uh, Mr. Perkins says it suffered a fire.
Um, he is changing the zoning in order.
Um, he is changing the zoning in order to modernize the use
of the building.
of the building, um by bringing it back to residential use
and I support this and ask for the committee.
and I support this and ask for the committee's support.
Right. Thank you any.
Right. Thank you any questions by committee members.
That there's a question about outside parking. How many
parking spaces are there going to?
parking spaces are there going to be on this site? 5 5 5
great. Yeah.
Which is on the agenda?
Which is on the agenda great. Um any other questions?
Uh hearing none all in the spot. I was due.
Uh hearing none all in the spot. I was due pass by the same
role call that was used to determine Quorum any objections.
Turning on. The item has passed best.
Turning on. The item has passed best of luck to you and all
the work. Good luck.
uh bottom of page 4
Uh bottom of page 4 document number 22379 and the 32nd.
Uh bottom of page 4 document number 22379 and the 32nd Ward
ordinance referred 32024.
ordinance referred 32024 common address is 3015 to 307.
North Lincoln Avenue change requests is B1.
North Lincoln Avenue change request is B15 neighborhood
shopping district to B1.
shopping district to B12 neighborhood shopping district
here.
here to present. We have Warren silver.
Morning, uh, Mr. Chairman members of the committee. Um,
Warren silver silver silver Law Office PC.
Warren silver silver silver Law Office PC for the record
office is at 17.
office is at 1700 West Irving Park Road in Chicago.
office is at 1700 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, uh here
representing the owner, uh, and applicant trim tab LLC. Um,
uh, we are here because uh this applicant, uh, sought and
secured.
secured a change in the zoning district from B12 to B15
back in 2021 for the purpose of uh, doing a substantial
rehab.
rehab to an existing 3 story building.
rehab to an existing 3 story building to convert it into a
corporate headquarters for human capital research
corporation, uh, which is a Consulting business that
provides data driven.
provides data driven insights and strategy to executives
and educational instit.
Colleges and universities. Um, and then a
colleges and universities, um, and then above that office
space would be uh a single dwelling unit for the owner.
space would be uh a single dwelling unit for the owner of
human capital. Uh, uh that
human capital. Uh, uh, that project is complete, uh at the
time.
time, uh to secure the support of the community and
Alderman wages back for that zoning.
Alderman wages back for that zoning change, uh, the
applicant agreed to seek the return of the zoning District
to the previously.
to the previously existing B12. Uh, and that is what brings
us here today.
Uh, the project is complete 35 jobs.
Uh, the project is complete 35 jobs have moved into the
32nd Ward. Um, and uh, we're ready to
fulfill our end of the bargain. Thank you any.
fulfill our end of the bargain. Thank you any questions by
committee members.
hearing
Hearing none all in Hopkins moves due pass by the same role
call that was used.
call that was used to determine forum.
and the objections
And the objections hearing none of the item was passed.
Thank you Mr. Silver. Thank you.
Excuse Me Miss Jeremy our mayor's Rosa has his hand up.
Sorry. Oh my apologies.
Uh, yes, I would like to recognize as a panel.
Uh, yes, I would like to recognize as a panelist panelists.
Yes. Thank you.
We don't have we don't have the zone.
We don't have we don't have the Zone here.
I've been with Ms. Rosa. Did you want to add something?
Thank you.
Thank you so much. Yes. I was just uh waiting to be
recognized so I can be added to the quorum.
Thank you. We made the motion earlier, but welcome back.
Thanks. Thank you.
Great. Um.
top of page 5 is
Top of page 5 is document number 22381 in the Sixth Ward.
Top of page 5 is document number 22381 in the Sixth Ward
ordinance referred 3.
ordinance referred 32024 common address 6529.
ordinance referred 32024 common address 6529 to 6533 South
Stewart Avenue.
Stewart Avenue change requests an rt4 residential 2 flat
townhouse in multi-unit District to C11 neighborhood.
commercial District.
we have
We have uh, Renee Hatcher.
Morning, Mr. Chairman, uh
Morning, Mr. Chairman. Uh, my name is Renee Hatcher
attorney for the applicant grow.
attorney for the applicant grow greater Englewood, which is
a locally based community.
a locally based Community organization. Uh, that is driving
this project. I'm happy to answer any questions.
Great, um any questions by committee members?
saying none, uh, all the women down moves do pass by the
Saying none, uh, all the women down moves do pass by the
same role call that was used to determine quorum.
any objections
Hearing none item is passed. Thank you very much. Miss
hasher.
next up document number 22390
Next up document number 22390 T1 in the 26th Ward ordinance
was referred.
was referred 3 2024 common address 1806 North monicello
Avenue change requests RS3 residential single unit
district.
to rm5 residential multi-unit District. Uh, we have Nick
fatigue.
uh, Nick fatik
Uh, Nick fatigue is from losses of Sam Banks. I'm here on
behalf of the applicant.
behalf of the applicant and property owner William and
quino. Uh, the first case is 1806 North Monticello. This is
an existing 4 unit building that we're proposing to
establish a garden unit in so a total of 5 units. Um, this
is a type 1 change. However, there were no changes to the
uh plans or narrative. Um, and we don't believe any
additional zoning relief would be required. Uh, we did, uh,
the client work directly with Alderman Foo.
the client work directly with Alderman Fuentes on this, uh
application and we believe we have the alderman support to
proceed.
Right. We have your a letter from the other person, but she
is with us. Yes.
Thank you chair, uh this Mr. Aquino has
Thank you chair. Uh this Mr. Aquino has been a resident in
our award for over 30 years, um fact
streets and sanitation. Um and has always been 1 to
contribute to the need there is a second item. Uh,
Nick will be reading uh, but these are 2 continued to um,
build and devel.
build and develop naturally occurring affordable housing
and so we're excited about
And so we're excited about the possibilities here on
monicello.
Excellent. Um, is this something that would be accomplished
with the Citywide Adu ordinance or are you in the pilot
area? It is, uh, not in the pilot area. It's why?
area? It is, uh, not in the pilot area. It's why the zoning
changes required?
Wanted to point that out since all of them was spot ahead
not.
Going down on the job now. Come on.
All right. We'll keep it moving then. Um any other
questions by committee members hearing none all
spot moves do pass by the same role call that was used to
determine.
determine forum and the objections going down. The item is
passed. I'll read the second item. I know you've already
spoken if you
will just take it then um document number 2239.
Will just take it then, um document number 22391 dt1 and
the 26th Ward ordinance refer.
the 26th Ward ordinance referred 32024 common address 18.
180018004 North monicello Avenue change.
18001804 North monicello Avenue change request RS3
residential single unit district to RM 4.
residential single unit district to rm4.5 residential
multi-unit District.
District. Nick fatik. Yes, sir. So the only difference is
either that the 2 neighboring lots that are currently
vacant each would be developed.
vacant each would be developed with a 3-story 3-unit
residential building.
residential building again, uh, it went through the review
process with the Alderman's.
process with the Alderman's office and we believe we have
the alderman support to proceed. All right, all the person
in front of us anything else to add.
Just that we love building, uh 3 Flats.
Just that we love building, uh 3 Flats on vacant Lots. Um,
and I also want to mention that this is a part of the 26
Ward.
Ward that is rapidly being gentrified since the development
of the 606 Trail what we have found in this part of the
ward.
ward is um demolitions and the conversions taking away
opportunities to house.
opportunities to house, um, multi-generational families,
and so to be able to
And so to be able to bring more 3 Flats into the ward.
is exactly what our families need.
Excellent, excellent. Um any other questions by committee
members?
Seeing none. All right.
Seeing none. All right moves to pass by the same role call
that was used to determine chur.
that was used to determine quarum any objections hearing
none item is passed. Thank you.
All right. Have a read the next 2 together.
all right have a read the next 2 together, uh document
number 22391221 and the 10th Ward ordinance referred.
number 22391221 and the 10th Ward ordinance referred 32024
common address.
common address is 8707 through 09 South Houston Avenue.
common address is 8707 through 09 South Houston Avenue
change request is in our S3 residential single.
district to an rm4.5 resident.
district to an rm4.5 residential multi-unit District. The
second item will take together is document number 22393 t
second item will take together is document number 22393 T1
and the 10th board ordinance referred.
and the 10th board ordinance referred 32024. Common address
is 87.
is 8719 South Houston Avenue change.
is 8719 South Houston Avenue change requests as an RS3
residential single unit.
residential single unit district to an rm4.5 residential
multi.
multi-unit District, Nick katikus chairman again for the
record. Nick fatigue is losses of Sam Banks. I'm here at
the uh,
and property owner
3 of these Lots. Um, all 3 lots are current.
3 of these Lots. Um, all 3 lots are currently vacant. The
plan is to develop each of the Lots with a new uh, 3-story
4-unit Residential Building. These are type 1 zoning change
applications because we are seeking an adjustment to
reduce. Um, the 1 to 1 parking to 3 parking spaces for each
building. Um, we did work with Alderman Chico's.
building. Um, we did work with Alderman Chico's office and
we have a letter of support on file and I'd be happy to
answer any questions you or your committee members have
thank you. We do have the letter from Alderman Chico.
thank you. We do have the letter from Alderman Chico any
questions by committee members
hear
Hearing none Alderman Hopkins moves to pass by the same
role call that was used to deter.
role call that was used to determine Quorum and the
objections bearing.
objections bearing down these 2 items are passed. Thank
you. Thank you. All right going to the middle.
you. Thank you. All right going to the middle of 7. Yep.
document number 22388 in the 11th ward ordinance referred
32024 common address is 28.
32024 common address is 28445. Sorry 2047. Excuse me, the
533 South Hill cock Avenue change request is an RS3
residential single unit district to R.
residential single unit district to rt4 residential 2 flat
townhouse and multi-unit District. Um, we have an attorney,
uh, Gordon.
uh Gordon marske. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman.
the committee. I'm Tom paresky of the law from Gordon.
pichkari on the applicant Jeff.
Uh before I begin my case and chief.
Uh before I begin my case and chief there were have been
additions to the original application subse.
additions to the original application subsequent to the
time of filing. We recognize a slight North Side, uh
setback variation would be necessary, uh to uh develop.
setback variation would be necessary, uh to uh, develop a
proposed. We have amended the application to be a type 1
and submitted a narrative and plans and I would ask that
all legislation reflect that change.
Thank you. All the Val moves to amend the application to a
type 1 by the same role call that was used to determine
quantum.
Quantum. Any objections bearing on the item is amended.
type 1 application. Thank you or before you seeking a type
1 Amendment of the city of Chicago zoning map from the
current RS3. Do they have a a an rt4 for the property
commonly known as 28.47 through 53 South hillock.
commonly known as 28.47 through 53 South hillock Avenue.
The subject is 68.7.
The subject is 68.7 feet wide, uh and is improved with a
single.
single family home on a vacant side lat the applicant seeks
to subdivide the property into 2 Lots.
to subdivide the property into 2 Lots the resulting lot
commonly known as 28.4.
commonly known as 28.47 hillock will be 37.7 feet wide.
commonly known as 28.47 hillock will be 37.7 feet wide and
maintain the existing single family home.
maintain the existing single family home the resulting lack
commonly known as 285.
commonly known as 2853 hillock will be 30.7.
commonly known as 2853 hillock will be 30.766 feet wide and
be improved with a 3 a new 3-unit residential building.
We have reviewed our plans with Alderman Lee.
We have reviewed our plans with Alderman Lee and appeared
before an extensive Community process on this. No
objections have been voiced to the proposal and Al.
have been voiced to the proposal and Alderman Lee has
issued her support in the form of a letter.
issued her support in the form of a letter, uh previously
proper to the chair. Um, therefore we would ask the
committee to vote.
committee to vote its recommendation of passage of the
application to the full City.
application to the full City Council.
Thank you, Mr. Paresky. We do have the uh support letter
for alderwoman Lee any questions by committee members.
I think none.
I think none all the persons went to pass by the same role
call that was used to determine Forum any objections.
call that was used to determine Forum any objections turn
on the item is passed. Thank you Glenn as a type 1
past as a type 1. Thank you.
bottom of 7 is document number 2238
Bottom of 7 is document number 22384 T1 in the 32nd Ward
Orden.
ordinance referred 32024 common.
ordinance referred 32024 common address is 3015 to 317
North Southport.
North Southport Avenue change requests. B32 neighborhood.
mixed-use District to be
I'm sorry from b23 neighborhood mixed-use.
I'm sorry from b23 neighborhood mixed-use District to be 23
neighborhood mixed use District.
neighborhood mixed use districts here to present is Tyler
Manning.
Good.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee
for the record. My name is Tyler. Manak. I'm an attorney
with Shane Banks Kenny.
with Shane Banks Kenny and Schwarz. Um as an initial
matter.
matter, we do have a substitute, uh, type 1 Nar.
matter, we do have a substitute, uh type 1 narrative and
plans that we'd like Incorporated in the record.
Thank you Alderman the spot. I moved to accept.
substitute nerve and implants for the type 1 application.
But the same role call that was used to determine Quorum
and the OB.
and the objections.
hearing none The Substitute narrative implants are
accepted. Thank you Mr. Chairman back in 2017.
accepted. Thank you, Mr. Chairman back in 2017 city council
approved the zoning map Amendment.
approved the zoning map amendment to Res this parcel to a
B2.
b23 in 2020 the zba also approved VAR.
b23 in 2020 the zba also approved variations for this
project pursuant to the type 1 plans, however due to co and
some complications that arose from that the owner was
unable to complete the permitting and the type 1 EXP.
unable to complete the permitting and the type 1 expired
this application simply seeking to rein.
this application. Simply seeking to reinstate That Type 1
zoning map Amendment from 2017 to allow for the
construction.
construction of a 5 story 7 dwelling unit residential.
building a similar to the 2020.
building a similar to the 2020, uh, zba proceedings this
application also incorp.
application also incorporates the relief approved by the
ZB.
zba to reduce the front north side and rear.
zba to reduce the front north side and rear setbacks and
increase the height.
increase the height, uh also due to the new Ito
increase the height, uh also due to the new etod ordinance.
Uh, we have to seek the new relief of having 1 to 1 part.
Parking here. So we're seeking administrative adjustment
also to have 7
Also to have 7 parking spaces for the 7 D units.
Alderman walk gets back has provided this committee with a
letter.
letter regarding this project. Um, and as a result, I
respectfully request this committee's favorable recommend.
recommendation for the zoning map Amendment and I'll be
happy to answer any questions.
Thank you, Mr. Manic. Um Alvin Hopkins.
Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman, uh on a due pass motion.
Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman, uh on a due pass motion on
this item. It's not in my order, but I happen to live
pretty close to.
close to this and I'm familiar with this lot and this
building. Um,
this building, um, but as a brief sidebar Mr. Chairman, I
just want to
want to commend you in the in the zoning committee staff,
uh for the uh new format for organizing the documents with
the color coding Etc makes it so much easier to read and
follow along as great idea and I really appreciate that you
guys did that and I'll put a dup pass motion on this item.
Thank you. Great.
item. Thank you great on the spot.
I I will number 1 I'll second all my hop.
I I will number 1 I'll second all my Hopkins point and I I
do really appreciate how many Developers
do really appreciate how many developers have and attorneys
have been bringing renderings.
have been bringing renderings before the committee today
makes it much easier.
makes it much easier to understand and reflect.
makes it much easier to understand and reflect on what
we're actually voting for. Um, that's that I I just want to
ask you we building on
to ask you we building on to the facade of an existing.
building and I'm trying to make sense of the design title.
It's just a surface parking lot right now. So, um
You know this project.
You know this project in 2017 went through extensive like
design.
design with the community and the reason why there's kind
of a contrast in.
of a contrast in style is a building that you can see.
You can see a quarter of directly north of it. We're just
trying trying to tie in features.
trying trying to tie in features from that building into
this design.
Okay.
uh, uh
You know went through the community process.
You know went through the community process, so Community
processes Community process. Thank you. Thank you chair.
Thank you. Um it
Thank you. Um, it does have a unique look I think maybe it
is what what we're asking.
is what what we're asking about. Um, and my word is a
couple blocks from here too. So I know the stretch, uh
pretty well on Lincoln.
pretty well on Lincoln any other questions by community
members.
Uh hearing none Alderman Hopkins made the motion to pass by
the same roll call.
the same role call that was used to determine form and the
objections.
Hearing none. The item is passed.
with substitute substitute narrative in plants
With substitute substitute narrative and plans. Thank you,
Mr. Chairman.
top of page 8
Document number 228 I'm sorry document.
Document number 228 I'm sorry document number 22382 in the
255th. W.
25th Ward ordinance referred 32024.
25th Ward ordinance referred 32024 common address is 2286
South Blue.
to South Blue Line.
2286 South Blue Island Avenue change requests C12 commercial
neighborhood commercial District to be 23 neighborhood
mixed-use District
neighborhood mixed-use District. We have Tyler manic.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee for
the record. My name is Tyler. Manak. I'm an attorney with
Shane Banks Kenny and Schwarz. I'm the attorney for the
OWN.
owner of the property at 2286.
owner of the property at 2286 Blue Island Avenue. The
properties currently improved with.
properties currently improved with a 3-story masonry
building containing 5 dwelling units.
building containing 5 dwelling units and a vacant
storefront. That was last used as a food District.
storefront. That was last used as a food distributor, uh
back in 2011 and has been vacant since this Project's
fairly straight.
fairly straightforward. We're just trying to reactivate uh,
this commercial space with a DW accessible dwelling.
this commercial space with a DW accessible dwelling unit.
and to do so we're seeking the
And to do so we're seeking to rezone this property from a
C1 to Neighborhood commercial.
C1 to Neighborhood commercial District to the b23
neighborhood mixed use.
neighborhood mixed use District in order to activate that
commercial space with a dwelling unit.
The applicant has met with Al.
The applicant has met with Alderman seicho Lopez and his
zoning Advisory Board. Who each?
zoning Advisory Board who each supported this uh effort to
activate.
activate this long-term vacancy, and I believe this
committee has a letter of support to this effect.
And as a result, I respectfully.
and as a result, I respectfully request this committee's
favorable recommendation on the zoning map Amendment
application. I'm happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. We do have a letter of support from alderman.
seicho Lopez any questions by committee members.
Hearing none all the woman down moves to pass by the same
roll call.
role call that was used to determine Quorum any objections.
carrying on this item is passed.
last item for you 1 more
document number 22383 dt1 in the 1 6
document number 22383 dt1 in the 16th ward ordinance
referred 3 202
referred 32024 common address is 1946.
referred 32024 common address is 1946 through 48 West 63rd
Street change requests.
Street change requests RS3 residential single unit
district.
to see 21 motor.
to see 21 motor vehicle related commercial District, uh for
the last time.
the last time today Tyler manic. Thank you, Mr. Chairman
and members.
and members of the committee again for the record. My name
is Tyler Mane.
is Tyler manic. I'm the attorney for the African Reynoso
Insel.
insulation who owns a property at 1944.
insulation who owns a property at 1944 West 60 Third
Street, which is improved.
Street, which is improved with a single-story commercial
building where the applicant.
building where the applicant operates it its installation
company. The applicant is in the process of
perch
purchasing, uh, the unimproved parcel to add next door to
um to add access.
um to add accessory parking for their use and I should
mention as threshold matter. We do have a substitute.
1, uh narrative.
Yes, Alderman Reilly moves to accept the substitute
narrative and plans.
narrative and plans for the type 1 application by the same
role call that was used to determine.
role call that was used to determine forum and the
objections hearing none the sub.
objections hearing none The Substitute narrative and plans
are accepted. So so the lot containing their current
businesses.
businesses Zone c21. However, the next door lot which they
want to use accessory parking is RS3. So we're looking to
make a UniFi Zahn.
make a UniFi zoning District of c21 in order to uh allow.
make a UniFi zoning District of c21 in order to uh, allow
accessory parking for their their business.
uh this vacant lot ALS
Uh, this vacant lot also has an existing 8 foot privacy
fence.
fence the longest per perimeter that the applicant intends
to preser.
preserve is for security and screening to do so.
preserve is for security and screening to do so the
applicant seeks administrative adjustments the
landscape screening requirements as well as the front.
landscape screening requirements as well as the front and
side setbacks.
um
Um, the applicant has met with all the women Coleman about
this project.
this project and she kindly gave a letter of support that
was shared.
was shared with this committee.
as a result I
as a result, I respectfully request this committee's
favorable recommendation for this zoning map Amendment
application. I'd happy.
application. I'd happy I'd be happy to answer any
questions. Thank you. We do have the letter from alderwoman
Coleman. Uh any
Coleman, uh any questions by committee members
uh see
uh, seeing none, uh other than the spot I'm was due pass by
the same role call that was used to determine Quorum and
the objections.
the objections hearing none. The item is passed as
substitute narrative.
substitute narrative and plans.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman manic. Have a good day.
bottom of page 8 document number 22392
Bottom of page 8 document number 22392 T1 and the 39th Ward
ordinance was refer.
ordinance was referred 32024 common.
ordinance was referred 32024 common address is 3244 through
50 West Brit.
50 West brenmar Avenue change requests. This is B2.
neighborhood mixed use District to be 2.
neighborhood mixed use District to be 23 neighborhood mixed
use districts with an adjustment.
use districts with an adjustment or 2 and a variation and
we have Rolando acasta.
Mr. Chairman members of the committee for the
Rolando acasta here on behalf of the applicant.
substitute narrative for this project. So I would ask that
that be uh, the request be amended to include it. Yes all
them in Hopkins move to accept the substitute narrative and
plans for the type 1 application by the same role call that
was used to determine forum and the objections.
was used to determine forum and the objections hearing none
The Substitute narrative and plans are accepted the subject
properly has
subject properly has uh is located midblock on brenmar
Avenue just west
Avenue. Just west of kedzi. You can see it on the screen it
actually has
It actually has an orange rated significant facade.
It actually has an orange rated significant facade, um back
in 2019.
in 2019 2020. We went through a community process.
resulted in this proposal which is to retain the facade and
build behind it.
build behind it a 4-story building that
contain 30 dwelling units 30 parking spaces
the
The subsequent to that we went to the Zoning Board of
appeal.
appeals the secure variations for loading relief as well as
excuse me rear yard setback.
excuse me rear yard setback that was necessitated because
of the fact that we are retaining the front facade.
constraining the available construction on the site
unfortunately due to co and economic conditions.
The uh, the applicant had filed for a building permit.
The uh, the applicant had filed for a building permit
building permit elapsed hence the building.
building permit elapsed, hence. The building permit
application was voided that void.
application was voided that voided the variation request
the rezoning state in effect because there was not a type 1
rezoning but the variation was voided.
rezoning but the variation was voided, uh, we filed this
rezoning after alderwoman nent gathered.
rezoning after alderwoman Nugent gathered myself zoning
administrator Patrick Murphy.
administrator Patrick Murphy how Hudson's for the building
department because now the developer does have the funds to
go forward the community very much.
go forward the community very much wants us to go forward.
So we needed to expedite the process.
So we needed to expedite the process the most expeditious
way to secure the variations again.
way to secure the variations again was to see secure this
type 1 resoning the specific variations that are being
requested. Uh are 3 1 is to
requested, uh are 3 1 is to reduce the rear yard setback
from 30 feet on the residential floors.
from 30 feet on the residential floors the 10 feet, uh to
remove the requirement for 1 load, which enabled us to
provide the 1-to-1 parking the community requested to allow
us.
us to increase the height from 65 feet to 66 feet. So by
Put and there was a fourth 1 1.
Put and there was a fourth 1 1 was filed but it was deleted.
That was the reason for among the reasons for the
substitute narrative in that.
substitute narrative in that uh, initially it was requested
that we be able to increase the parking to 1 to 1, but
actually that limitation does not apply to this property
because we are Transit.
because we are Transit served, but we're only Transit
served by buses and not a train station, uh with that I
believe Alder.
believe alderwoman Nan has communicated it support to the
committee and I'm happy.
and I'm happy to answer any questions committee may have
Thank you.
thank you. Uh, we do have a letter of support from all the
women nuns. Um, you mentioned this building. I have a few
uh,
is 66 feet in height. How many stories is it? It's it's 4
stories, but I think because where they're measuring it to
the top of the penthouse is the reason for that. Okay, and
I know you've got a tall first floor here. We have a tall
we do have a tall.
We do have a tall first floor because we're trying to match
the existing windows on the existing first floor. We had a
lot of tall.
lot of tall floors though. Yes. Yeah. What was the original
use of the building? Well, so the building's I happen to
live 2.
live 2 blocks from here. So the the community calls the
altar woman the first and then calls me.
they will yes not another project any other questions by
committee members.
committee members all on the spot.
Hey, thank you very much. Yeah.
Hey, thank you very much. Yeah, I'm just curious. How do we
do we have
other
Other angles on this I'm like, I feel like I've gone to
breakfast.
breakfast there used to be a breakfast place. So you've
gone to breakfast.
gone to breakfast just west of here at The binar Breakfast
Club know,
Club know which is about a block and a half west of this
location. Once you pass Midori the good sushi restaurant on
the Block. There we go. There we go. But uh, so this has
been vacant alderman for at least 15 years.
and it is adjacent to
And it is adjacent to 2. So to the immediately to the West
there's a building with a similar facade.
as to the 1
As to the 1 that's exists today, but that is sort of
dormant.
dormant and it's only 1 single facade. It's not a longer
stretch.
stretch and to the east is a non-descript tailor shop.
how far setback is the addition from the
How far setback is the addition from the I I believe it's
set back at least.
set back at least 5 feet. It was worked out with the
landmarks division of the Department of planning.
And we're not doing any new curb cut.
And we're not doing any new curb Cuts. We're accessing the
everything is accessed from the rear from the alley, okay?
Fascinating cool. Thank you so much.
And uh, Nicole just sent the full set of plans to as well
so you can you can do.
So you can you can do a deep dive. Um any other questions
by committee members?
hearing none vice mayor Bernett mauve
Hearing none vice mayor Bernett moves to pass by the same
role call that was used to determine forum.
Objections hearing none. The item is passed.
Objections hearing none. The item is passed as substitute
and revised. Thank you. Thank you.
All right.
All right page 9 at the top document number 22387 dt1 in
the 27th. W.
the 27th Ward ordinance referred on 3202.
the 27th Ward ordinance referred on 32024 common address
1157 West Grand.
1157 West Grand Avenue change requests as an M22 light.
Industry District to be 222 neighbor.
Industry District to be 222 neighborhood mixed use
districts. Now we have attorney Barry.
districts. Now we have attorney Barry ash good afternoon
chairman members of the board for the record. My name is
Barry Ash. I'm an attorney with the law firm of.
Barry Ash. I'm an attorney with the law firm of Vash
Freeman and Logan. I'm here representing.
Freeman and Logan. I'm here representing kft realy LLC.
In its request for a rezoning from the B.
In its request for a rezoning from the B2 D2 to the M2 D2.
Uh, this is a type 1 rezoning, but we have no change in the
plans.
plans or narrative.
uh relating to this property
Uh relating to this property. It is improved with a 2-story
mixed-use mason.
mixed use masonry building the first floor contains an
existing commercial.
existing commercial, uh, use and above the commercial.
is an existing residential single.
is an existing residential single, uh, residential unit the
purpose of the rezoning.
The purpose of the rezoning is simply to permit the owner
of the property.
of the property to explore a time share which would not be
permitted in the manufacturing District so they went before
before the neighborhood group The Neighbors of River West
made a present.
made a presentation before them, which I believe you have
an approval letter.
an approval letter from them.
and uh
And uh, this property is in Alderman Bernett Ward and
there.
there was discussion with the applicant with the aldor.
relating to uh, his support, you know, thank you Mr. Ash.
We do have a letter from the neighbors and we do have the
vice mayor here to speak on this item.
Uh, thank you Mr. President. So this is a
he's just using the first floor.
He's just using the first floor. Um.
Not changing the building.
Not changing the building the he had a community meeting
and Community organizations.
and Community organizations and support of we we're in
support of we ask for the committee support. Thank you.
Thank you any questions.
Thank you any questions by committee members.
hearing none all the women Dow moves due pass by the same
role call that was used to determine Quorum and and the
objections.
objections hearing none. The item is passed. Great. Thank
you. Thank you.
our last item of the day per
Our last item of the day per usual. Um document number 22386
T1 27th. W.
T1 27th Ward ordinance referred 3 202
T1 27th Ward ordinance referred 32024 common address is
455.
North Carpenter change request is an M22.
North Carpenter change request is an M22 Light Industry
District to b35 community.
District to b35 community shopping district with an
adjustment and variation. We have attorney Katie. Janky
Dale. Thank you.
And meaning I talked to you about the last.
And meaning I talked to you about the last per usual. Yeah,
you're always lasting you always got.
you're always lasting you always got the last PD of the
day. Sorry. Sorry Katie.
Uh, good afternoon for the record, Mr. Uh, Mr.
afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee for
the record. My name is Katie Jinky nail from the law firm
of De Piper we represent.
of De Piper. We represent the applicant range 4555 own.
LLC, which is an SP controlled by range group. I'm joined
today by Brett KS and his partners with range. The site's
located at the southeast corner of car.
located at the southeast corner of Carpenter and Grand and
the proposed Redevelopment would allow for the
construction.
of the 5 story building with 72 residential units.
of the 5 story building with 72 residential units above
above ground floor commercials shown on the screen.
As you mentioned the applicant is also seeking approval.
As you mentioned the applicant is also seeking approval of
a relief for parking to reduce it to a point.
a relief for parking to reduce it to a point for parking
ratio and a rear yard setback.
ratio and a rear yard setback, uh reduction to 12 feet
instead of 30.
As always the project engaged in very robust Community
engagement Pro.
engagement process led by Alderman brunette and the
neighbors of River West.
neighbors of River West and I see the alderman is here
today, but we're available for any questions. Thank you.
Thank you vice mayor.
Thank you vice mayor Bernett.
Yeah, thank you very much.
Yeah, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and members of the
committee.
Um, and I'm like, I'm like, uh Kat
Um, and I'm like, I'm like, uh, Katie Jakey Dale.
Um, and I'm like, I'm like, uh, Katie Jakey Dale this last
stuff is something else for me, too. But anyway, that's
true so good. Um, so, you know,
true so good. Um, so, you know 1 we uh, we're inspired to
see
uh, young developers come to the table who have worked for
larger Developers.
larger developers and and you know and go off and do their
own things. So,
own things. So we're inspired by that. Um, they did go to
our local community organization, uh neighbors over.
West Loop. They had a community meeting No 1 had any
complaints any and everything that they wanted to be
adjusted.
adjusted they did. Uh, so they supported we supported we
asked for the committee support.
Thank you. Vice mayor any questions by committee members?
hearing none, uh all
hearing none, uh, Alvin Riley moves to pass by the same
role call that was used to determine.
role call that was used to determine forum and the
objections hearing.
objections hearing none. Uh, the item has passed
congratulations sharp sharp.
congratulations sharp sharp building as as long as you have
the most PDS in the in the city, you're going to be on the
last uh end of the agend.
last uh end of the agenda. All right. Well, let's see if
somebody gives you a run for their money. Um, they're being
no further business before
committee, uh alderwoman Dow
Committee, uh alderwoman Dao makes the motion to adjourn any
objections.
Hearing none we are.
Hearing none. We are adjourned. Thank you.