Wilson Yard--Citizens take legal action
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Will the 46th Ward's sliver of land called Wilson Yard break Uptown's gritty, poverty-ridden cycle? Or will it suck Uptown deeper into the poverty vortex?
Thousands of Uptown resident are frustrated with the radically altered Wilson Yard Development plan that will drag Uptown down such a vortex. Taxpayers and residents alike, who would otherwise be left footing a $54 million tax bill for this development, are taking legal action NOW!
A newly formed citizens' group has started a campaign, Fix Wilson Yard. They have retained two leading law firms with expertise and backgrounds in successfully defeating municipalities in land-use and TIF litigation. These lawyers are hard at work and have already identified a number of potential procedural and substantive grounds on which to sue.
The organization's efforts include, a website, www.fixwilsonyard.org, and grassroots community meetings and fundraisers, We believe that these efforts, when combined with the dedication and passion of the people of Uptown, will force our government to return the direction of the Wilson Yard project to the TIF's original Mission: To create a vibrant and cohesive mixed-use, mixed-income development.
A quick snap-shot of the dramatic changes to the plan show:
| 2001 Plan $34 million TIF money Mixed-income housing Movie theaters Target 5 Developers Retail--Phase 2 |
2008 Plan $54 million TIF money 100% low-income housing No movie theaters No commitment from Target Holsten lone developer and owner Low-income housing--Phase 2 |
If the new Aldi's is a sample of what's to come, the plan is in serious trouble and will create yet another dark and dangerous street in Uptown.
What we don't understand is how the City, Developer and Alderman would approve building the failed, segregated housing model in Uptown, a community that already is home to almost 6,000 subsidized units within one-mile of Wilson Yard. The numbers below, are taken directly from Holsten's application for IHDA funding.
The housing is the largest portion of Wilson Yard. The rendering below, created by the developer, shows the massive size of these buildings as they wrap along Montrose and Broadway.
"The (Wilson Yard) development is a future slum for Uptown. The current design is deadly for neighborhood safety and building a vibrant retail area."
A reknowned ULI (Urban Land Institute) planner reviewed the plan. His critique clearly states, "The (Wilson Yard) development is a future slum for Uptown. The current design is deadly for neighborhood safety and building a vibrant retail area. There is no active street frontage and without it, the street becomes a place for crime."
Join the Fix Wilson Yard campaign today!
You can help build the momentum:
* Visit www.fixwilsonyard.org
* Donate today
* Sign up for e-news at info@fixwilsonyard.org
* Help spread the word, forward this email to all your neighbors
* Host a Fix Wilson Yard meeting
* Attend an upcoming Fix Wilson Yard meeting
Always remember:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the world.
Indeed, that's all that ever has.
Thank you for your ongoing support and belief we can make a difference!
Uptown Neighborhood Council
www.uncchicago.org
