Chicago's Lincoln Park community is in a state of tension over megadeveloper Sterling Bay's plan to build two high-rises, housing a total of 609 apartments, adjacent to the Lincoln Yards project. The concerns of long-term residents center around the size of the development and its potential impact on area traffic, as detailed by Block Club Chicago.
At a recent gathering of community members, Sterling Bay unveiled designs for the development at 1840 N. Marcey St., a plan that necessitates changing the zoning guidelines to accommodate a 27-story and a 16-story building. Crain's Chicago Business notes the developer has also suggested apartment projects at 2031-2033 N. Kingsbury Ave. and 2100 N. Southport Ave. If these are approved, the total number of new apartments near Lincoln Yards will almost reach 1,100.
Despite considerable opposition, some members of the community are pleased about the amenities designed for pedestrians and cyclists. These individuals see potential improvements in traffic flow. Sterling Bay plans go beyond residential units, extending to open public green spaces, as outlined by Chris Pemberton, president of Solomon Cordwell Buenz, the architecture firm managing the project. He, nonetheless, acknowledges there is currently no funding allocated to the project.
Many local residents insist that the Marcey Street development would overtax the local street network and clash with the area's architectural style, but there are others who believe it might improve pedestrian safety. Possible enhancements like pedestrian countdown timers, improved crosswalks and ramps, and wider sidewalks are welcomed by some, as detailed by Block Club Chicago.
Former Alderman Michele Smith (43rd) expressed dissent at the community meeting, accusing Sterling Bay of utilizing the individual projects to attract new investors and generate hype for Lincoln Yards. Smith underscored the fact that these plans were yet to receive City Council approval, highlighting that Lincoln Yards is experiencing financial difficulties, as reported by Crain's Chicago Business. She insists that negotiation for additional development in the vicinity of Lincoln Yards should require a re-evaluation of the original development terms and the TIF for the city's advantage.
Julie Goudie, Sterling Bay's director of communications, responded to Smith's critiques by acknowledging her "long-standing bias against Sterling Bay" and reminding the community that she is entitled to her opinion as a private citizen.
As City of Chicago officials and local neighborhood organizations work to evaluate and adjust Sterling Bay's proposals, Lincoln Park's residents remain divided. The success or potential failure of the Marcey Street project could prove to be a decisive factor for Sterling Bay's envisioned future for the North Side of Chicago, including the larger Lincoln Yards development.
