Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot tried hard to end Chicago’s time-honored tradition of aldermen holding veto power over development in their wards. She was unable to do so before failing to win reelection after a single term. Her successor Brandon Johnson has pledged as a general matter So it’s an interesting development, to say the least, that the Johnson administration seems to be taking a blowtorch to the unwritten rule, at least when it comes to Lincoln Park.
The Plan Commission last week approved two high-rise apartments proposed by mega-developer Sterling Bay over the objections of 32nd Ward Ald. Scott Waguespack, in whose ward the towers are slated to be built. Waguespack says he doesn’t oppose apartments on the site, at 1840 N.
Marcey St, just east of the North Branch of the Chicago River. For the alderman, the project is too dense. Sterling Bay’s plans are for 615 units and 275 parking spaces.
The two buildings would rise 275 feet and 195 feet. Waguespack wants mid-rise structures. The Johnson administration supports the plans as they are, particularly Sterling Bay’s commitment to offer 124 units of affordable housing in the project, as distinct from buying off that requirement as most developers do.
So, at least as we write, there’s a standoff here. Asked Thursday about the dispute, Johnson on a critical project in his own ward. “We’re having conversations,” he told reporters.
“This is not some contentious, fake spat or rift between my presentation an.
