Live reporting by
William Garcia
Boys and Girls Club at police academy, 1,000 Homes in North Lawndale, 43 Green in Bronzeville
Bill Garcia
@BillGDocumenter
Hi, I'll be live-tweeting this afternoon's @ChicagoDPD Community Development Commission meeting for @CHIdocumenters #CHIdocumenters
12:31 PM Jun 8, 2021 CDT
Background: The Community Development Commission reviews and recommends action on the provision of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The CDC is comprised of 15 members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
Chairman Jorge Perez kicks off the meeting at 1:05pm.
Roll is called, establishing a quorum.
Roll is called, establishing a quorum.
No written public comments were submitted to CDC. There are about 18 public speakers waiting to comment.
1. The caller speaks about their experience growing up in West Humboldt Park. They say that the neighborhood is in need of a Boys and Girls Club due to violence in the neighborhood.
2. The caller talks about discussions they have had with children living on the west side in the Austin community. The children have called their neighborhood unsafe and have said they do not have enough opportunities for after-school programming.
3. The President and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago speaks about their organizational goals supporting the community, parents, and youth. Austin youth have been asking for additional BGCC facilities that are safe and inviting.
4. A former resident of Austin says she moved from the neighborhood recently in concerns for her son and husband. The caller says the kids need mentors and after school programs and that interacting with first responders such as police officers can help break down stereotypes.
5. A man originally from the 1100 block of Keystone says that youth in the area need more extracurricular activities that will keep them out of trouble.
10. Pastor Joseph Kyles speaks in support of the proposed Boys and Girls Club, saying they need as many resources as they can possibly get in an under-served community. Kyles says the BGC facility will improve the walkability and beauty of the surrounding area.
12. A caller from Chicago/Keystone says she and her parents have lived their whole lives in the area. She supports the BGC, saying it would save childrens' lives. She refers to her neighborhood as the Bermuda Triangle, saying there isn't much for anyone so do around there.
The caller in #12 calls the parks that are in the area "smaller than a postage stamp." She says the area has been deteriorating since the 1960s and hasn't been rebuilt. She says alternative programming for children can help them to aspire to be first responders.
14. A student from De La Salle and resident of West Garfield Park speaks in support of the proposed BGC facility. She says BGCC engaged with the community several times for their feedback. She says her parents will feel safe if she and her sisters have after-school programs.
1. The caller says he is excited for the 47th and King Drive redevelopment project.
2. The caller says the proposed project will reinvigorate the commercial corridor, pointing out that the site is currently a vacant lot.
3. The caller reiterates the earlier two callers' comments. She says the development for 47th and King Drive will include 99 units of housing and spaces for minority-owned business.
We are switching to a public hearing regarding the proposed 71st& Stony Island TIF Development Project Area Amendment
Ryan Slattery presents on the 71st/Stony Island TIF district https://t.co/5h61sjN1P1
Slattery says Ald Harris has not responded regarding her support (or opposition) for the amendment.
There is no one signed up for public comment on this matter.
There is no one signed up for public comment on this matter.
Maurice D. Cox, DPD Commissioner, says they have been systematically reviewing expiring TIF districts. He says that 71st/Stony Island warrants renewal due to the predicted increased economic activity coming to the area. Cox noted the development surrounding the Regal Theater.
Public hearing regarding 71st/Stony Island is adjourned.
CDC meeting is called back to order.
CDC meeting is called back to order.
CDC turns to item B under Old Business, a technical correction. https://t.co/Wgse39cea8
CDC will now discuss and vote on items under the New Business portion of the agenda.
Ernest Bellamy delivers a presentation regarding item A that would lease land for the construction of 18k sq ft, two-story Boys and Girls Club facility at 4443 West Chicago Avenue https://t.co/eoCY7AUzlA
Bellamy says youth have been engaged in the development process, providing their input and desires for the space. https://t.co/ZuupY50JoQ
Renderings of proposed BGC facility and timeline. Bellamy says 9-11 permanent jobs would be created. https://t.co/XWfrsq6Rz0
Alderman Emma Mitts speaks in support of the proposed BGC facility. Mitts says we do not put enough emphasis on our young people, saying she has learned from the youth through their feedback regarding the proposed Boys and Girls Club location.
In reference to waiting for resources to help area youth, Mitts says, "It's been a long time, and we're just getting started."
Walter Burnett says that the area around the police academy and proposed BGC facility isn't anyone's turf. That is, it is a neutral area that will be safe for kids.
Brian O'Donnell provides staff report for item C under New Business. https://t.co/VdWSqfeRZz
Item C slides continued (4/4)
Alderman Burnett speaks in support. https://t.co/F4rSuENvav
Alderman Burnett speaks in support. https://t.co/F4rSuENvav
Regarding item C, Alderman Ervin echoes comments from Burnett, saying he is glad to see young people in the community working together with architects and developers.
Esther Sorrell presents the staff report for item D under New Business. This is regarding the sale of three vacant lots. https://t.co/0ShR8hjo5J
Item D slides continued. Sorrell says Alderman Dowell has provided a letter of support. https://t.co/pquYfYYYtQ
The development will add 99 residential units https://t.co/v695k99hBq
Jorge Perez calls for more minority-owned architectural firm involvement in city projects.
Tamra Collins provides the staff report for item E under New Business. The land is currently owned by the Chicago Housing Authority. https://t.co/c6URhhu197
Community engagement, renderings, and rental profile https://t.co/jpfI9GSiG6
The development will add 80 residential units. Collins says that Alderman Dowell is in support.
Paul Elue provides the staff report for item F under New Business. 100 city-owned lots would be sold for $1 each. Elue says Alderman Scott has provided support. https://t.co/VmRSfyXT3q
Alderman Scott is present and voices his support for the proposal.
Maurice Cox says that this proposal is part of the larger mission to repopulate North Lawndale.
Alderman Scott says that there are over 2500 vacant lots in the 24th ward.
Kara Breems provides the staff report for item G under New Business. Developer is requesting $2 million in TIF assistance. https://t.co/8RA3RG2NKA
Breems says Alderman King has provided support for the proposal. https://t.co/9dMJfHEGrO
Development team, financing, and timeline https://t.co/3i5nEj4jdn
This concludes my coverage for @CHIdocumenters. #CHIDocumenters
Please see @ChicagoDPD's website for more information. Reply to this thread or DM me with any questions.
Please see @ChicagoDPD's website for more information. Reply to this thread or DM me with any questions.