Revising $30 million Lake Street Reconstruction Project

 Alderman Burnett and CDOT/City officials worked closely with ICNC to revise the original Lake Street plan which resulted in widening rather than narrowing Lake street (by 3 feet) and retaining parking between “L” columns.  The federally-funded project will enhance the traffic flow along Lake Street and increase truck clearance under the “L”.

Protecting the PMD from Residential Development

ICNC is working with other business organizations to protest any and all residential development in the PMD.   Recently, ICNC joined others in protesting the development of 44-unit condominium building at 393 N. Morgan Street.   City officials have offered assurances to Kinzie companies that there will be no further violations of the PMD but to date no action has been taken to stop the current development.

Minimizing Crime – New Night Undercover Police Team

Thanks to the involvement of Commander Kolman, 13^th District Police, a new anti-theft undercover team was assigned to patrol the Kinzie Corridor five nights a week from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am.  The officers met with many local companies to learn about their safety concerns and tour their facilities.  As a result, nighttime crimes in the Corridor have been significantly reduced.  Call ICNC if you would like to arrange a visit with the undercover team.

Encouraging Home Ownership for Area Employees

ICNC is working with the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) to offer area employees free home purchase counseling as well as local developers of mixed unit housing to offer employees some of the affordable housing units under development. For employees to participate in the program an employer must commit to providing down payment assistance to those employees who end up purchasing a home ($2,500 or more).  Contact ICNC for more information.

Adapting the Landscaping Requirements to Industrial Areas

ICNC is leading the effort to adapt the current landscape ordinance to better meet the needs of industry.   Companies’ concerns include the cost of compliance with the City’s extensive requirements for parking lot landscaping and fencing.    ICNC has achieved some modifications to the landscaping requirements (e.g. height limit increased from 5 to 10 feet) but continues to work for further accommodations for industrial areas.  

Rezoning Grand Avenue as an Industrial/Residential Buffer

ICNC worked closely with area stakeholders to create a long-term plan for Grand Avenue, an area targeted for rezoning by the City.  The plan calls for strengthening Grand Avenue’s role as a buffer between adjacent industrial and residential areas, limiting high-density residential use and encouraging traffic flow, additional parking and commercial/retail uses.

Facilitating SBIF Grants ($2.5 Million ) to Kinzie Companies

About fifty Kinzie Corridor companies have received grants totaling over $2.5 million dollars for building investments through the City’s “SBIF” (Small Business Infrastructure Funds”) matching grant program.  ICNC will be working with the City to provide more TIF funding to small companies.

Advocating to Increasing Area “L” Stops & Bus Lines

ICNC is working with other local groups to increase CTA service on the Nearwest Side.   Our demands to CTA include additional Green line “L” stops (at Damen, Western and Morgan) and increased bus service.