Dear Alder Clay, Alder Martin, and Alder Manaa-Hoppenworth,

We are writing to express our strong support for the proactive upzoning of
Broadway in Chicago's 46th, 47th, and 48th wards. This initiative presents a
transformative opportunity to address two critical challenges facing our community: the urgent demand for more housing and the need for modernized public transit
infrastructure. Proactive upzoning will help address Chicago’s housing crisis by allowing much-needed housing development. The city is facing a funding and housing crisis. New Chicago housing construction is down 65% since 2019 and residents are being priced out due to lack of available housing. Broadway is a prime location for mixed-use, multi-family housing due to its proximity to the Red Line, and the 22, 36, and 146 bus routes. Abundant housing can accommodate a diverse range of residents, including young professionals, families, and seniors. By allowing for higher density and more flexible zoning, Chicago can create affordable and market-rate housing options that meet the needs of the North Side. This will alleviate the housing shortage in the city while also fostering a more vibrant and economically resilient 46th, 47th, and 48th wards.

Additionally, by upzoning Broadway, we can create a transit-oriented
development (TOD) environment that maximizes the number of people who could
benefit from the Red-Purple Modernization project. Increased density along this
corridor will encourage greater ridership, reduce car dependency, and support the
long-term sustainability of our public transit system. This opportunity aligns with the
city’s goals of promoting equitable development, reducing carbon emissions, and
creating walkable, transit-supportive neighborhoods. It is a forward-thinking approach that will benefit current and future generations of Chicagoans.

We urge you to champion this effort and work with your colleagues in the 46th,
47th, and 48th wards to move this initiative forward.