Dear Neighbors,
I am writing with an update on the redevelopment proposal for Lincoln Centre, located at 2518-2552 N. Lincoln Avenue. As you may be aware, there have been several public meetings held regarding this site, with the
most recent one held on May 26th.
Since that meeting, we have received additional valuable community feedback, resulting in further changes to the proposal. The developer has agreed to additional concessions and community benefits, in particular surrounding parking restrictions. In summary, they include:
- Residents of the new development would not be eligible for residential permit parking or guest passes to protect availability of on-street parking for current neighborhood residents. This concession will free up more on-street parking for current residents, as the present building and their guests are eligible for permit parking;
- The zoning code does not require any off-street parking for the retail uses. However, under this proposal, up to 62 new off-street parking spots would be created for the public and local businesses;
- The redesigned proposal replaces a long-standing eyesore on Lincoln Avenue with a superior aesthetic;
- The building is repositioned to place its elevated open space component along Lincoln Avenue, opening up the structure and eliminating a sheer wall aspect of the prior proposal;
- Reduced height of nearly 2 stories creates a shorter, less-dense proposal than initially presented;
- Increased setback of penthouse level living quarters further reduces appearance of height from ground level;
- Modern, at grade retail to replace the outmoded below grade spaces along Lincoln Avenue;
- Additional setback of the Lincoln Avenue sidewalk, leading to wider sidewalks to enhance the pedestrian experience;
- Reduced unit count from 225 in the original proposal to 200;
- Soundproofing panels on the west side of the building, adjacent to the elevated train tracks, to reduce noise from CTA trains;
- New trees along Lincoln Avenue and Altgeld Street to increase neighborhood beautification efforts;
- Relocated and upgraded historic light poles on Lincoln Avenue;
- Enhanced car and bike sharing components within parcel parking structure to reduce neighborhood congestion; and
- Staging of construction to reduce neighborhood impacts.
The Wrightwood Neighbors Association - the neighborhood association in which the parcel is located - has recently drafted a letter of support for this development, and supports the additional concessions that have been obtained regarding parking and traffic. While our office will continue to carefully negotiate the final aspects of this development, the proposal is ready for final review by City of Chicago departments, presentation to the Plan Commission, and possible approval by the Chicago City Council. The proposal now will proceed to a public meeting before the Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday, July 16th, (time to be announced) the first step of the formal approval process. You are welcome to provide public comment at the meeting. Renderings of the revised proposal can be viewed here. I want to thank the Wrightwood Neighbors Association and nearby residents for their comments and their participation during the many months of this rigorous community process. |