# Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards meeting, February 18, 2025

- When: Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/zoning-landmarks-and-building-standards)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928576/video/1055692756
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1055692756.txt) (28,657 words, official captions)

## Meeting notes

> AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

The Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, chaired by Alderperson Walter R. Burnett with Vice Chair Bennett R. Lawson presiding for 27th Ward items, deferred several items and heard about 19 public commenters, most speaking in support of the United Center's 1901 Project and others raising concerns about the Black Ensemble Theater development and a South Green Street rezoning. The committee recommended the United Center planned development amendment for a multi-phase project on its parking lots, the Black Ensemble Theater's Free to Be Village with 53 affordable artist units, an ordinance allowing ground-floor commercial space to be converted to housing through an administrative adjustment, an ordinance requiring water main tapping by the Department of Water Management or licensed plumbers, landmark designation of Kingdom Baptist Church, large sign permits, a pedestrian street designation for part of Fullerton Avenue, a 35th Street corridor rezoning in McKinley Park, and numerous map amendments and planned development changes. A few additional items were deferred.

Topics: United Center 1901 Project, Black Ensemble Theater, affordable housing, commercial-to-residential conversion, map amendments, landmark designation, pedestrian streets, water main tapping, public comment

### Agenda items discussed

- [24:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=1444) Deferral of listed map amendments and planned development items: deferred
- [1:07:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=4035) Rule 45 report with minutes of the January 2025 hearing: passed
- [1:07:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=4079) United Center Joint Venture planned development amendment, 1901 W. Madison St. (27th Ward): passed
- [1:22:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=4961) Black Ensemble Theater rezoning to a business-institutional-residential planned development, North Clark Street and West Sunnyside Avenue (46th Ward): passed
- [1:46:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6408) Amendment of Section 18-29 requiring water main tapping only by the Department of Water Management or licensed plumbers: passed
- [1:49:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6598) Zoning code amendments creating an administrative adjustment to convert ground-floor commercial space to residential units: passed
- [2:00:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=7213) Landmark designation of Kingdom Baptist Church, 301 N. Central Ave. (37th Ward): passed
- [2:03:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=7398) Large signs over 100 square feet in several wards: passed
- [2:05:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=7519) Map amendment A-8934, 2541-2611 S. State St. to RM5 (3rd Ward): passed
- [2:08:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=7685) Map amendment A-8929, 7023 W. Archer Ave. to RS2 (13th Ward): passed
- [2:11:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=7879) Map amendment A-8930 rezoning 35th Street between Ashland and Archer to B3-2 (11th and 12th Wards): passed
- [2:18:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8315) Deferral of three 35th Ward map amendments on Kedzie Boulevard and Albany Avenue: deferred
- [2:19:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8398) Map amendment, 1642 W. Lemon St. to RM5 (1st Ward): passed
- [2:24:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8664) Map amendment, South Damen Avenue to C1 for a grocery store (15th Ward): passed
- [2:26:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8776) Map amendment, 6738 S. Western Ave. to C2-2 (16th Ward): passed
- [2:29:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8988) Planned development amendment allowing hotel rooms in a co-living building, North Kingsbury Street (27th Ward): passed
- [2:31:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=9104) Rezoning of 1325 W. Fulton St. to a residential planned development (27th Ward): passed
- [2:33:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=9206) Planned development amendment for West Fulton Market and Lake Street office building (27th Ward): passed
- [2:35:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=9322) Map amendment, 1317 N. Ashland Ave. (1st Ward): deferred
- [2:36:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=9380) Type 1 map amendment, 750 W. North Ave. for a 48-unit mixed-use building (2nd Ward): passed
- [2:40:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=9649) Map amendment, 1875 N. Dayton St. to RM5 (43rd Ward): passed
- [2:44:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=9857) Map amendment, 1243 W. Ohio St. to RM4.5 (1st Ward): passed
- [2:47:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10051) Map amendment A-8931, 7850-7858 S. Green St. to RM5 (17th Ward): passed
- [2:50:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10236) Map amendment, 9541 S. Commercial Ave. to B3-1 (10th Ward): passed
- [2:51:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10295) Map amendment, 1726 W. Cullerton St. to RM4.5 (25th Ward): passed
- [2:54:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10448) Map amendment, 2225 N. Dayton St. to RT4.5 (43rd Ward): passed
- [2:56:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10570) Map amendment, 837 N. Milwaukee Ave. to B2-3 (27th Ward): passed
- [2:57:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10672) Map amendment, 7411-7447 S. Halsted St. from expired PD to M2-1 (17th Ward): passed
- [2:59:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10785) Map amendment, 1347-49 W. Taylor St. to B2-3, later recalled and passed as substituted (28th Ward): passed
- [3:01:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10862) Map amendment, North Long Avenue and West Belmont Avenue to B2-5 (30th Ward): passed
- [3:03:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10991) Map amendment, North Western Avenue to B2-3 (50th Ward): passed
- [3:04:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=11090) Map amendment, 3841-45 W. Devon Ave. to B2-2 (39th Ward): passed
- [3:06:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=11218) Map amendment, 3131 N. Cicero Ave. to C2-2 (31st Ward): passed
- [3:08:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=11297) Map amendment, 1614 S. Carpenter St. (25th Ward): deferred
- [3:09:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=11360) Map amendment A-8932 designating Fullerton Avenue from Kimball to Pulaski a pedestrian street (35th Ward): passed
- [3:11:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=11497) Map amendment, 3242 N. Clark St. to C1-3 (44th Ward): passed
- [3:16:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=11785) Map amendment, 3716-18 N. Southport Ave. to B3-3 (44th Ward): passed
- [3:20:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=12033) Type 1 map amendment, 6301 S. Western Ave. for a 44-unit affordable building (16th Ward): passed
- [3:25:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=12321) Map amendment, 7225 N. Greenview Ave. to RM5 for a school use (49th Ward): passed
- [3:27:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=12478) Planned development amendment, 3911-3925 N. Sheridan Rd. to allow boarding uses (46th Ward): passed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Walter R. Burnett](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/27) (chair): Supported the United Center project, citing its record of community partnership, affordable housing, businesses and green space replacing parking lots. ([1:18:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=4707)); Commended Alderperson Angela Clay and Black Ensemble Theater founder Jackie Taylor for the project. ([1:30:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=5434)); Said affordable housing for artists is a good vision, building on Alderperson Gilbert Villegas question. ([1:40:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6029))
- [Bennett R. Lawson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44) (chair): Congratulated the United Center team on the investment and the chair on the project. ([1:21:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=4886)); Presented an ordinance letting vacant ground-floor storefronts in older buildings be converted to housing through an administrative adjustment, citing a housing shortage. ([1:51:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6662)); Said the ordinance applies only where over half the block's ground floors are already residential, to protect commercial corridors. ([1:53:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6792))
- [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (alderperson): Commended Jackie Taylor and Alderperson Angela Clay and said the larger space fits the theater's growing audience. ([1:32:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=5553)); Said she is rezoning long-vacant parcels on South State Street so the community has a say in how the prominent corner develops. ([2:06:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=7580))
- [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (alderperson): Asked about the Black Ensemble project's sustainability commitments, alley restoration and loading, and praised avoiding a Clark Street curb cut. ([1:34:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=5640)); Asked who currently performs the water main tapping work the ordinance addresses. ([1:48:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6521)); Supported the 1642 West Lemon Street project as gentle density through adaptive reuse after a community process. ([2:22:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8579))
- [Gilbert Villegas](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/36) (alderperson): Asked the affordability breakdown and per-unit cost of the Black Ensemble housing, while expressing full support. ([1:37:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=5863))
- [Michelle A. Harris](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/8) (alderperson): Thanked Jackie Taylor for her commitment to the arts and praised the project. ([1:39:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=5986)); Presented the water main tapping ordinance to ensure licensed, bonded plumbers perform lead line replacement work. ([1:47:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6472))
- [Jessica L. Fuentes](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/26) (alderperson): Said the development honors Jackie Taylor's legacy and that art and housing help counter anti-Blackness. ([1:41:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6075))
- [Angela Clay](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/46) (alderperson): Called the Free to Be Village a dream for the 46th Ward and described the community engagement process. ([1:43:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6184)); Acknowledged neighbors' concerns about the alley and committed to work with CDOT to address it. ([1:44:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6286))
- [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (alderperson): Asked how the 50% ground-floor residential threshold works and said he could support it if it avoids converting mixed-use commercial blocks. ([1:54:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6848)); Said residents want input on what businesses come to the former CVS property, which is why he is rezoning it. ([2:49:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10176))
- [Julia M. Ramirez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/12) (alderperson): Asked how offices can tell whether a block meets the 50% threshold and whether full corridor conversions could follow. ([1:55:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6957)); Thanked DPD and Alderperson Nicole T. Lee for the 35th Street rezoning, noting the corridor was downzoned in 2004. ([2:14:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8099))
- [Emma Mitts](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/37) (alderperson): Asked the committee to grant landmark status to Kingdom Baptist Church. ([2:01:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=7306))
- [Marty Quinn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/13) (alderperson): Requested downzoning the site of a pub that he said opened despite a liquor moratorium and had a fatal shooting on its opening night. ([2:08:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=7730))
- [Anthony Beale](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/9) (alderperson): Asked how the committee would handle requests if notice funding runs out. ([2:17:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8229))
- [Stephanie D. Coleman](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/16) (alderperson): Supported the Western Avenue rezoning for an automotive diagnostic and training center. ([2:28:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8914))
- [Brian Hopkins](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/2) (alderperson): Called the 750 W. North Ave. proposal the best for the site in his 10 years and moved passage. ([2:39:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=9566))
- [Timothy R. Knudsen](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/43) (alderperson): Supported the Dayton Street addition, saying it helps a family with changing needs stay in the city. ([2:55:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=10536))
- [Carlos Ramírez-Rosa](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/former/ramirez-rosa) (alderperson): Requested pedestrian street designation for Fullerton Avenue to bar new driveways and improve safety, noting community support. ([3:09:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=11387))

### Exchanges between members

- [1:21:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=4886) Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson congratulated the chair, saying the project is part of his legacy.
- [1:30:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=5443) The chair commended Alderperson Angela Clay on the Black Ensemble Theater project.
- [1:33:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=5600) Alderperson Pat Dowell congratulated Alderperson Angela Clay on the project.
- [1:39:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=5973) Alderperson Gilbert Villegas congratulated Alderperson Angela Clay on the project and community participation.
- [1:40:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6006) Alderperson Michelle A. Harris said she was proud of Alderperson Angela Clay for the project.
- [1:40:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6029) The chair built on Alderperson Gilbert Villegas question about affordable housing for artists.
- [1:42:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6151) Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes praised Alderperson Angela Clay for bringing the project to fruition.
- [1:45:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6323) Alderperson Angela Clay thanked Alderperson Matthew J. Martin for his support of the project.
- [1:47:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6472) Alderperson Michelle A. Harris thanked Alderperson Samantha Nugent for her work on the water main tapping ordinance.
- [1:54:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6848) Alderperson David H. Moore asked Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson to clarify the 50% residential threshold.
- [1:55:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=6957) Alderperson Julia M. Ramirez asked Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson how offices can determine eligibility and about corridor conversions.
- [1:57:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=7041) Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson answered Alderperson Julia M. Ramirez that the ordinance is meant to use excess commercial space without harming thriving corridors.
- [2:07:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=7654) The chair commended Alderperson Pat Dowell and her staff on the South State Street rezoning.
- [2:16:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8166) Alderperson Julia M. Ramirez thanked Alderperson Nicole T. Lee for working together on the 35th Street rezoning.
- [2:16:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8183) The chair commended Alderperson Julia M. Ramirez on the 35th Street effort.
- [2:16:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8187) The chair commended Alderperson Nicole T. Lee on the 35th Street effort.
- [2:17:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8229) Alderperson Anthony Beale asked the chair how requests would be handled if notice funding runs out.
- [2:17:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=8253) The chair replied to Alderperson Anthony Beale that items would be handled in order and funds would be sought.
- [3:31:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0?t=12707) The chair thanked Vice Chair Bennett R. Lawson for his help.

## Documents

- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/af745282-519a-499e-9eb1-b62049762a00.pdf)
- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/7a862436-5a44-4c31-9304-5c1f6d7fccfd.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/e8ed6bcc-a79b-434e-8737-d7fc98e47291.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/36420A25-7AD3-EF11-8EEA-001DD8306DF0 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt