3rd Ward Update: Garfield Green Line Revitalization, Shared-Housing Opt-Out, Teen Expo, South Side Pitch

July 27, 2016

In This Issue:

City Gets Federal Funding to Remodel Garfield Green Line Station
Application to Prohibit Shared-Housing Now Available
Kennicott Park Teen Expo
South Side Pitch

City of Chicago Receives $25 Million to Revitalize Garfield Blvd. Green Line Station

The historic Garfield Boulevard Green Line station will be completely remodeled thanks to a $25 million U.S. Department of Transportation Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to the CTA. This grant will support infrastructure improvements to the existing station and track structure as well as restore the former "Alley L" station across the street. This project, in conjunction with the investments being made by the University of Chicago, the private sector and its partners for the Arts Block in Washington Park promises to revitalize the neighborhood by serving as an anchor for local development.

"I would like to thank Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Representatives Danny Davis (IL-07), and Bobby Rush (IL-01) and Mayor Rahm Emanuel for working to obtain this grant to upgrade the Garfield Green Line 'L' Station," said Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd Ward). "Garfield Boulevard is not only a hub for transportation and a gateway to downtown Chicago, but it is the commercial corridor for Washington Park. This investment shows the Federal Government's commitment to our neighborhood and will go a long way in attracting associated retail and residential development."

The Garfield Boulevard Green Line station serves 475,000 riders each year. The station is also a connection point to the #55 Garfield bus which provides service between the University of Chicago and Midway International Airport to its more than 3 million riders annually. Upgrades to the station may include: accessibility improvements, public art and landscaping, and extending platform canopies. Additionally, the project may feature a large streetscape component which will include new median landscaping, bike lanes, benches, and improved pedestrian street crossings.

A community meeting to review and consider the plan will be held at an upcoming 3rd Ward Town Hall meeting.

City of Chicago Finalizes Application to Place Buildings on the Prohibited List for Shared Housing Services

A s part of the new regulations for shared housing services like Airbnb, the City of Chicago offers buildings which are landlord-owned, or governed by a condominium or homeowner's association the opportunity to prevent short-term housing rentals in the building. Click here for the affidavit which needs to be returned to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. This alerts the city to deny applications for a short-term rental license in the building (subject to appeal).

If you have any questions about the new laws governing short-term housing rentals or the Prohibited Buildings List, please contact the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.