North Branch Industrial Corridor Park Push

For the last 12 months, the City has held a series of meetings to create a framework for redeveloping the North Branch Industrial Corridor aka Clybourn Industrial Corridor or Finkl Steel Site. Absent from final public meeting is a requirement for recreational space in the Department of Planning and Development’s plans. (See the most recent report from the February 21st meeting here)

That is why  2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins and I have called for recreational park space in the North Branch Corridor. The Chicago Tribune published our op-ed on December 22nd.  The full Op-Ed is here.

Media reports have also noted residents’ demands for meaningful park space.

Please email your comments on our need for park space to DPD@cityofchicago.org and copy me at yourvoice@ward43.org. Previous presentations and meeting summaries can be found here.

Two community open house events in March will provide additional question-and-answer opportunities involving the draft framework plan. Both events will involve the same information and purpose. The first open house is on Tuesday, March 7th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter Street and attendees should RSVP here. The second open house is on Tuesday, March 14th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at UI Labs, 1415 N. Cherry Avenue and residents can RSVP here.

Public comments will be accepted until Monday, April 10th. DPD will be presenting the overall redevelopment concept to the Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday, April 20th. This once in a lifetime opportunity to create park space is still possible and I urge you to get involved to preserve the quality of life in our neighborhood for current and future residents.