LINCOLN PARK — Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) is hosting the first community meeting on a proposed change to the Clybourn Corridor, including the former Finkl Steel mill, that would open up the area to more types of development.
The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday in Room 120 of DePaul University's student center building, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave. There will be presentations and a community workshop, according to Hopkins' office.
Those who would like to speak during the public testimony portion of the meeting must call the 2nd Ward office at 312-643-2299 in advance. Due to time constraints, there are a limited number of speaking slots available, Hopkins' office said.
To sit at one of the charrette tables, residents must email the 2nd Ward office at Ward02@cityofchicago.org in advance.
Hopkins has made it clear that he wants to open up the area to more types of development and scrap the longstanding industrial zoning designation. If the City Council approves the measure, it would be the first time the city has ever removed a Planned Manufacturing District designation.
"At its core, the [district] is nothing more than a zoning designation," Hopkins previously said. "The tradition is respected here, but as alderman, I have the authority to move forward with rezoning any parcel within my ward."
On the opposite side of the issue is North Branch Works, an organization that would like to see the area keep its industrial feel. The group envisions the area as an "innovation district" with industrial businesses, tech offices and artisanal manufacturing.
The organization and other proponents of the designation fear homes would push out the more than 400 existing industrial businesses.
In 1988, the Clybourn Corridor became the city's first Planned Manufacturing District. It includes 115 acres roughly bounded by Clybourn Avenue, the Chicago River, North and Southport avenues. Today, it's one of 15 other similar districts across the city.
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