Establishing Criteria for the Wilson Yard
Few issues have highlighted the lack of effective, open leadership in the 46th Ward as much as the controversial development (or lack thereof) of the Wilson Yard. This five-acre property, which runs along Broadway from Montrose to Wilson Avenues, could be the prime economic and quality-of-life attraction for residents of the 46th Ward – and other North Side neighbors. Instead, the proposed development remains the center of controversy 10 years after the property was destroyed by fire.
The criteria for developing the Wilson Yard should be honest, straightforward and rigorous and address these key questions:
- Does it promote the neighborhood's vitality and economic and social stability?
- Does it enhance the quality of life - convenience, safety, amenities and aesthetics - for individuals, families, children and people of different income levels?
- Can supporters point to examples of how and where this type of development has worked?
Alderman Shiller's vision for the Wilson Yard does not now - nor has it ever - taken into account the concerns of many Ward residents and business owners.
If elected Alderman, I would ensure that the Wilson Yard takes into account:
Impact on the Economic and Social Stability of the Neighborhood
For a project such as Wilson Yard to succeed, it should use tax-increment financing (TIF) funds to rehabilitate existing affordable housing within the community. The Wilson Yard property itself should become a vibrant commercial district that will serve all of the Ward's residents. If housing must be included in the development, housing for ownership, including affordable housing, is a vital component for success.
Quality-of-Life Improvements to Ensure a Successful Development
Use of green space, an increasingly popular concept in urban planning throughout Chicago, should be a key element of the Wilson Yard re-development. A children's playground should be located at the ground level, not atop a 10-story building. The development should also take into account the long-needed renovation of the Wilson Ave. 'L' stop.
Concerns about Feasibility and Long-Term Impact on the Ward
Neither Alderman Shiller nor Peter Holsten, the project's master developer, have been able to provide examples of where their unusual mix of rental housing and retail - paid for by taxpayer dollars - has worked elsewhere in Chicago.
Download James' platform for Wilson Yard.
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46th Ward & the Wilson Yard TIF
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