Chicago's Plans to Revamp Broadway Spark Lawsuit Over Zoning Changes
A group of Edgewater residents and business owners have taken the city of Chicago to court, claiming that recent zoning changes along the nearly 2-mile stretch of Broadway are unfair and violate their due process rights. The plaintiffs, who make up 13 individuals and organizations, argue that the city failed to adequately consider community input before passing a series of ordinances aimed at increasing density in the area.
The new zoning rules allow for buildings up to 80 feet tall and "incompatible uses" such as gas stations, hotels, and large entertainment venues. The Edgewater Residents for Responsible Development group says this is a significant departure from the previous zoning regulations and will have devastating effects on the local community.
"We're not against development," said Patricia Sharkey, president of the group. "But this is an experiment that's being done with our community, without any real input or planning." The group argues that the city jumped to zoning changes too quickly, disregarding months of community feedback and public testimony.
The controversy has been brewing for months, with some residents expressing concerns about increased congestion, rising rents, and business closures. Others have praised the changes as a boost to affordable housing and economic growth.
Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th), who championed the rezoning effort, had previously stated that it would create a more welcoming environment for developers and investors. However, her office has declined to comment on the pending litigation.
The city's Department of Law says it does not comment on ongoing lawsuits, while the Alderman's office claims that notices were properly posted along the street and replaced after being defaced or torn down.
A hearing is scheduled for March 13, where the court will consider the plaintiffs' claims. The outcome is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Edgewater residents are determined to have a say in their neighborhood's future.
A group of Edgewater residents and business owners have taken the city of Chicago to court, claiming that recent zoning changes along the nearly 2-mile stretch of Broadway are unfair and violate their due process rights. The plaintiffs, who make up 13 individuals and organizations, argue that the city failed to adequately consider community input before passing a series of ordinances aimed at increasing density in the area.
The new zoning rules allow for buildings up to 80 feet tall and "incompatible uses" such as gas stations, hotels, and large entertainment venues. The Edgewater Residents for Responsible Development group says this is a significant departure from the previous zoning regulations and will have devastating effects on the local community.
"We're not against development," said Patricia Sharkey, president of the group. "But this is an experiment that's being done with our community, without any real input or planning." The group argues that the city jumped to zoning changes too quickly, disregarding months of community feedback and public testimony.
The controversy has been brewing for months, with some residents expressing concerns about increased congestion, rising rents, and business closures. Others have praised the changes as a boost to affordable housing and economic growth.
Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th), who championed the rezoning effort, had previously stated that it would create a more welcoming environment for developers and investors. However, her office has declined to comment on the pending litigation.
The city's Department of Law says it does not comment on ongoing lawsuits, while the Alderman's office claims that notices were properly posted along the street and replaced after being defaced or torn down.
A hearing is scheduled for March 13, where the court will consider the plaintiffs' claims. The outcome is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Edgewater residents are determined to have a say in their neighborhood's future.
I'm really worried about what's going on with this zoning change in Chicago's Edgewater area 
. It sounds like the city just jumped ahead and didn't even consider how it would affect the people living there 
. 13 individuals and organizations are taking a stand against this, which is awesome 
, but I hope they have solid proof to back up their claims 
.
It just doesn't seem right to me 
. And the fact that it's an "experiment" without any real input from the community 
. I think we need more transparency and communication between city officials and residents 
.
. It's our neighborhoods that are getting affected here, after all! 
I've lived in city apartments for years and I know how loud and busy they can be, but at least I knew what to expect. With these new zoning rules, it feels like the city is just throwing a bunch of tall buildings up there without thinking about what that means for us on the ground. 
Have we even considered how this will affect local businesses? They're already struggling to stay afloat, and now they're going to have to compete with all these new developments? It's just not fair. 
like what about all those residents who are worried about increased congestion and rising rents? 
It's supposed to be a boost, but if it's not inclusive to everyone, then what's the point? 
. anyway I was watching this YouTube vid on sustainable development and it mentioned something about community engagement, like the city needs to listen to the people before making changes... makes sense to me? 
I mean I get it, growth and all that but can't we have some actual community input on this?! 
They just swooped in with these new zoning rules without even listening to what the people who live there think! It's like they're trying to turn our neighborhoods into some kinda experiment or something. 
And don't even get me started on affordable housing and economic growth... I'm no expert but it doesn't sound like a win-win to me. 
the edgewater ress group sounds like they're just tryna stifle progress & keep things stagnant 
newsflash: ur community won't be the same forever, get over it! 
the city did take some feedback into consideration tho, so i guess thats a lil somethin