LINCOLN PARK — North Branch Works, a nonprofit that has been working to keep jobs in the industrial corridor since 1982, has formally released its vision for the redevelopment of Finkl Steel.
"This document is the result of 2+ years of community outreach and engagement, a market study, a site planning exercise, and the input of city staff, elected officials, local businesses, and other community stakeholders," the nonprofit said.
North Branch Works used a $200,000 grant from the U.S. EPA federal to conduct the two-year market analysis of the site. The organization received an additional $25,000 from Local Initiatives Support Corporation.
Read the full 158-page report here.
In the plan, the nonprofit says the "redevelopment should help implement Chicago's advanced manufacturing agenda in a manner that is consistent with the current and anticipated market-ability of the area."
It also says new uses should "build upon the success and investment that have happened in the PMD and be consistent with the PMD zoning," referring to the planned manufacturing district, which includes the former Finkl Steel mill, along the Chicago river.
When A. Lakin & Sons unexpectedly listed its piece of the pie up for sale weeks before North Branch Works' meeting in May of 2015, some stakeholders wondered whether the planning process was futile.
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