[remote or in-person] Community Development Commission

The agenda and livestream can be found here
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/community_developmentcommission.html

Chair Gwendolyn Hatten Butler calls meeting to order beginning with a roll call at 1:12

this is the first in person CDC meeting since 2020. 5 others have joined the livestream.

The first agenda item is an approval of the minutes which passes with no objections

The first business item is related to the extension of the red line and the negotiated sale of the properties which are listed under the agenda item. Jasmine Gunn with the Department of Planning and Development begins the presentation.

Sonali Tandon with the Chicago Transit Authority gives an overview of the project including some of the expected benefits of the project. More information on the project can be found here https://www.transitchicago.com/rle/

The presenter gives a breakdown of the project timeline: Transit TIF was approved last year. The acquisition process is expected to be completed by 2024 by then they’ll begin the engineering phase. Construction expected to begin in 2025.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/tif/red-line-extension-transit-tif.html

Another presenter gives a breakdown of the land parcels that are being acquired. At this point in the presentation the slides weren’t updated on the live stream to follow along with the presenter.

After the presentation the presenter recommends that the commission approve the development and opens up for questions

The chair announced that letters of support were received from the department

The chair reads a letter submitted by a supporter, Michael LaFargue who is a Roseland resident and former CTA employee and an appointed community rep for the Chicago Association of Realtors. He says the Rosalind and Riverdale communities approve this development.

One of the commission members asks who will receive ownership of the replacement park land.

Sonali responds that CTA will transfer the land to the park district.

Another member ask about the community engagement process for the replacement park land as well as privately owned property

Sonalli responds that thy have reached out to property owners since 2016 and updating them on the process. She says, It has been a very robust community out reach process related to acquisition and relocation

another member ask about small business opportunities. Jasmine responds by reiterating some of the information provided in the presentation regarding business opportunities.

One of the commissioners asks out of the 95 privately owned parcels how many have been actively engaged.

Sonali re-iterates the engagement strategy they’ve done with the property owners since 2016. The Commissioner would like to know how many have been actively engaged and responsive

Another commissioner clarifies that all property owners have been engaged. A CTA representative confirms that they have engaged with all 95 owners and they’ve had 85 closings.

Commissioner Gomez asks a follow up question about how CTA has been helping to inform property owners who may have uncertainty about the process. She suggests that it would be helpful to have legal counsel

During public comment Jessica Jackson says she is concerned about Roseland residents having their property taken.

With no objections the motion to approve this item passes

Commissioner Cox says he’d like to have a follow up conversation with the development team given the community concerns over land acquisition. He says he is excited and thinks it will be beneficial for the resident of roseland.

Commissioner Davis asks who is responsible for getting the word out about the development and address concerns. Jasmine says that they are planning to send mailers.

The chair reiterates that the recommendation is to have a coordinated effort to inform people not just locally but citywide about the development project.

The next business item is regarding a sale with Academic Adventure Academy for the disposition of the property located at 7524 S Emerald.

The main concern from the commission is regarding the maintenance of the lot. Commissioner Davis is especially concerned that the lot may be worse off over time if it is abandoned, speaking from personal experience.

The main concern from the commission is regarding the maintenance of the lot. Commissioner Davis is especially concerned that the lot may be worse off over time if it is abandoned, speaking from personal experience.

Commissioner Cox asks if the two adjacent properties have approved the development.

Michael responds that the property on the left has approved it but they have struggled to reach the property owners on the right.

Commissioner Cox says he wants to ensure that neighbors have an opportunity to voice any concerns and that there should be oversight for maintenance of the lot.

One of the developers responds that they will write into the agreement that in the case of the daycare owner giving up ownership, the city will reclaim ownership of the lot.

During public comment Zoey Lee speaks up about her mother’s property which was nocked down and never compensated for. She says she has been protesting in front of City Hall.

With not further comments or question the item was passes with the exception of Commissioner Davis.

Meeting adjourned at 2:37 p.m. This concludes the Community Development Commission meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2023. For more meeting coverage, check out http://documenters.org.