Chicago Aldermen Playing a Key Role in Development Decisions: How Neighborhoods Will Have a Voice for 2016

A community meeting last night got me thinking…most of what we do in Chicago is grass roots. How are we using that type of community organizing with the potential 2016 Olympic & Paralyampic Games?

Chicago is a big city known for the intimacy of its neighborhoods. With so many pockets of ethnicities and local watering holes, one may wonder, how is it all organized?

 

I moved to Chicago in 1998 and quickly learned that my Lincoln Park neighborhood had a larger advocate, an Alderman, that was our liaison into the Mayor and City Hall. An Alderman serves as an area’s champion, go-to person and, in many cases, the final authority when it comes to various things like new developments, events, etc. I live in the 2^nd ward and serve on my ward’s Citizen Advisory Committee on Development.

What does this mean exactly?

My Alderman set up a task force for any new developments that come into my particular area.  Before a new condominium, retail store, etc, goes before the Planning Commission and the city, we sit with the developers to review plans, ask questions and speak up for a larger group of residents.  Once the developer meets with us, larger community meetings are organized, which lends to more questions, feedback, etc for that developer. From there, our Alderman takes the feedback and decides if he supports the project and/or may ask the developer to alter their initial plans.

Chicago has 50 wards and each ward has its own way of reviewing developments. I’m fortunate to live in a ward where we have a community say in decisions our Alderman makes before new construction takes place. As Chicago approaches the potential of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, other neighborhood groups are already involved in asking the right questions on behalf of their community.

I applaud this type of community involvement and it’s the very reason I decided to stay in Chicago.  Tough questions should be asked.  Research should be done and stakeholders on all fronts deserve complete transparency in how neighborhoods will be affected by the potential activity an Olympic & Paralympic Games.  I strongly believe that the legacy structures and programs that will remain after such a fantastic event is over will continue to keep the city moving forward for generations to come.

 If you are NOT involved in a community group of any sort, I encourage you to contact your alderman and/or sign up to volunteer with the crew at 2016. The more hands, the better!