McKinley Park Neighborhood Plan

Any future redevelopment in the CMD represents an opportunity to enhance the environmental performance of a property and contribute to local natural resource enhancement. Integrating sustainable practices into the redevelopment process has the potential to improve climate resilience, water conservation, stormwater management, and water quality. Much of the land in McKinley Park’s industrial area is covered by impervious surfaces, which contribute to larger amounts of stormwater runoff during rain events, and an intensified urban heat island effect during hot days. Green infrastructure solutions, like native landscape materials and trees, can help mitigate the urban heat island effect, retain stormwater, promote carbon sequestration, and improve public health. These types of solutions should be promoted and incentivized in any future redevelopment of the CMD.

Consider design and policy guidelines for stormwater management treatments, including bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavers 

In order to mitigate the adverse effects of stormwater runoff in McKinley Park’s industrial areas, stormwater management treatments, such as bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavers, should be considered during any development or redevelopment project. The Bubbly Creek design guidelines outlined in Recommendation 7.4 discuss stormwater management requirements for any new developments along the river.

Recommendations related to city-wide green infrastructure programs, and strategies for encouraging these practices in the community, are found in recommendationations 8.1 and 8.2 under the Create a Resilient Community chapter.

Rain gardens are planted depressions that allow rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces, such as parking lots, roofs, and sidewalks, to filter into the ground.

Bioswales are broad, vegetated channels used for movement and temporary storage of stormwater runoff. These channels are often planted with deep-rooted native vegetation that can reduce the rate and volume of runoff.

Permeable pavement are pavers, asphalt, or concrete that allow for the absorption of rainwater. This system is applicable for alleys and parking stalls that are relatively flat and tend to pond during heavy rain events.

Image 6.1 Example of Rain Garden

Incorporate sustainable design features in the restoration and construction of buildings

The large flat roofs of buildings in the manufacturing district offer an opportunity to integrate sustainable design features such as solar panels or rooftop gardens. All renovations and new construction should incorporate to the greatest extend possible the strategies outlined in the Chicago Sustainable Development Policy. Available incentives and resources for incorporating sustainable design features into the restoration or construction of CMD buildings should be promoted to building owners and developers.

Image 6.2 Example of Bioswale

Source: City of Chicago

Consider recommendations from previous city industrial planning efforts

Many of the plans created as part of the city’s Industrial Corridor Modernization Initiative include recommendations related to sustainability. 34 Any modernization effort of McKinley Park’s CMD should be consistent with the city’s previous recommendations for industrial corridors. Recommendations related to stormwater management, air and water quality, and the impact of industrial development on the community’s environmental and public health should be considered during any future redevelopment of the CMD.

Image 6.3 Example of Permeable Pavement

Source: City of Chicago

Prioritize rehabilitating and improving structures over teardowns

Tearing down structures like the historic CMD buildings can release dust containing lead and asbestos into the air. This can have negative effects on the air quality of the surrounding area, and may pose health concerns to nearby residents, especially children and those with existing respiratory problems. Moreover, demolition of buildings produces debris that is often not recycled and can contain hazardous material that ends up in a landfill, which can contribute to groundwater contamination. Any redevelopment in the CMD should prioritize rehabilitation of existing buildings over teardowns to ensure the health and well-being of McKinley Park’s residents and preserve the unique character of the CMD. A number of financial incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings are outlined in recommendation 6.3.