Live reporting by
Ahmad Sayles
Metra station rehabilitation; Bally's Casino
Ahmad Sayles
@ahmad_sayles
Good morning! I’ll be live-tweeting the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards meeting for @CHIdocumenters #CHIdocumenters. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
09:52 AM Dec 13, 2022 CST
Chairperson Tunney (44) calls the meeting to order, and a roll call is underway.
The public commentary period begins. The first speaker from the hospitality industry wants the committee to approve the proposed Chicago Casino.
The public comment period ends. Chairperson Tunney moves on to the agenda. The first item is the amendment of the city's building codes.
The goal of amendment O2022-3777 is to streamline the building of housing and cut costs. More info on the amendment to the municipal codes here: chicago.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&…
Chairperson Tunney moves on to the regular agenda. A zoning reclassification amendment to the casino proposal by the applicant Bally’s Chicago Operating Company, LLC.
The amendment to the Bally’s Chicago Casino density regulations here: chicago.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&…
Representatives from Bally’s Corp are being questioned about the commitment to 60% minority hiring by Ald. Beale. He says that it's a lofty goal that is likely not to be reached. Ald. Beale declares that the process to approve the project is being rushed.
Representatives from Bally’s Corp say that based on the city's demographics commitment to 60 percent minority hiring is attainable.
Bally’s Corp is being asked questions about the amount of parking, their participation with small businesses, and the number of residential units.
Bally’s Corp states that they have done traffic studies and economic impact studies to address these concerns. Ald. Reilly (42) says that committee members haven't had enough time to review the studies.
Ald. Reilly (42) says he opposes Bally’s temporary & permanent casinos because of the selection process. Says it's like flying a plane while building it.
Ald. Hopkins (2) questions the financing of Bally’s Corp and says he’ll be voting no as well.
Ald. Burnett (27) says Bally’s Corp has shown to be a valuable partner with the city by helping fund the city's pension plan. He says they have adjusted the development to the concerns of the community. Added bike lanes, dog parks, and other green spaces.
Ald. Burnett Jr. (27) also says that Bally’s has made commitments to hire people in his neighborhood with high-paying, unionized construction jobs.
Chairperson Tunney (44) brings the Bally’s Casino to a roll call vote.
O2022-3723 (redevelopment of the property into a 4-story residential building.) passes. https://t.co/IRWYAx6Zc6
O2022-3667 (new 5-story building across the street from Wrigley Field on 1040 W. Waveland Ave) passes.
O2022-3724, O2022-3662, and O2022-3665 all passed. https://t.co/UK04GuLpvc
O2022-3661 (construction of a 2-story, 4-dwelling-unit residential building at 1401 N. Avers Ave) passes.
Ordinances on agenda page 5 pass. O2022-3664 is the renovation of the existing train station platform at 59th/60th UofC Metra station. https://t.co/IvaSvf9HsC
Chairperson Tunney moves on to the deferred agenda. Agenda here: chicago.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=AO…
Zoning change requests in the 27th ward pass. O2022-2048 and O2022-2049. This residential development is an addition to CHA’s housing built in 2006. Ald. Burnett (27) supports the development. https://t.co/LxriA0WnK7
Ordinances from the 20th ward were deferred by the request of Ald. Taylor (20).
With no further business before the committee, Chairperson Tunney adjourns the meeting.
The Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building standards meeting ends at 1:10 p.m. This ends my coverage for @CHIdocumenters find more information through Leon Tai’s notes at documenters.org