Oppose Rezoning of 5150 N Northwest Hwy in Jefferson Park

We are opposed to the proposed rezoning and establishment of a 7 story building containing 100 apartments at 5150 N Northwest Hwy. The building will have 20 section 8 units and 60 affordable housing units.

What is up-zoning?
Zoning determines what type of building can be built on a piece of land. If a property is up-zoned that means that more people or units can be put in the same space. An example of up-zoning would be: A parcel of land is zoned for single family homes. The zoning is changed to allow a 10 unit building. The Chicago Zoning Ordinance states some of the purposes of zoning are: promoting the public health, safety and general welfare, preserving the overall quality of life for residents and visitors and protecting the character of established residential neighborhoods.

What problems can up-zoning bring?
If up-zoning is permitted it can set a new precedent for larger buildings. New precedents are already starting with up-zoning by Alderman Arena so the following will be built: 48 units at Long and Argyle, 39 units at Laramie and Lawrence and 114 units at Lipps and Ainslie. Developers make more money when they build more units in a space. When a large up-zoning is granted, then
developers and zoning attorneys will start to show up in that area looking for more up-zonings.

What other problems can up-zoning bring?
We will get increased amounts of traffic and parking problems on our side streets and busy streets. More residents will mean our schools will become more overcrowded than they already are. Some people are concerned about slower police response time in the entire 16th district, possible crime increases, lowered property values, higher property taxes, less sunlight, obstructed views, increased chances of flooding and a general decline in our quality of life. In the City of Chicago, the alderman is the only person that decides if an up-zoning will occur. The City Council has a long standing policy of giving an alderman complete control of zoning in their ward, it is called Aldermanic Prerogative.

This petition is to tell Alderman Arena that we do not want this 100 unit at 5150 N Northwest Hwy.