Background:

The city is reimagining the northern corridor of Western Avenue (from Addison to the city limits) as a more vibrant and livable street. Rezoning the land along Western as “B3-3 - community shopping districts” is a first, critical step in this process. What does this mean?

• The B3-3 designation gives property owners the right to build dense, mixed-use developments that allow for the construction of new housing and create space for a diverse mix of local businesses.

• The designation also maximizes the impact of transit-oriented developments under the recently passed Connected Communities Ordinance. More housing and vibrant commercial business along Western will increase ridership along the existing 49 and 49B bus routes, a positive feedback loop that takes full advantage of our transit infrastructure.

• New housing, new business, and increased transit ridership will hopefully then lead to improvements on Western itself, allowing for changes in infrastructure to reduce traffic and improve the pedestrian experience.

• Finally, more housing and commerce in this critical corridor is good for the health of Chicago overall. Property taxes and rents are on the rise, and new development is a necessary part of the solution. More local business and housing development expands the tax base, reducing the relative burden on homeowners, and increases the supply of housing, stabilizing costs for renters.

The Western corridor rezoning is not theoretical—the process is already underway! 3 of the 4 local alderpeople who represent the northern end of the Western corridor (Alds. Hadden, Martin, and Vasquez) have introduced and passed ordinances to rezone Western in their wards.

We are calling on Alderman Silverstein to join Alds. Hadden, Martin, and Vasquez and pass an ordinance to rezone Western in the 50th Ward. The 50th is already one of the city’s most racially, economically diverse, and family-friendly wards, and the Western corridor is adjacent to some of its most attractive amenities, such as Warren and Indian Boundary parks, the Devon Ave commercial district, and Northtown Library. By rezoning Western, Alderman Silverstein can spur growth and development along Western and ensure that the ward remains affordable for existing residents.