Real Estate & Development News
The McKinley Park Dog Park is on track to receive 100 percent of its required funding with potential build-out this year, said dog park committee lead Angie Robertson. The $375,000 budget for the park stands to be paid out of funds from the Archer/Western Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, with the support of 12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas, Robertson said.
"There is a huge community of nearby dog owners who will enjoy the dog park," Robertson said. "Our plans are now coming to fruition."
Read more: Dog Park Development Leaps Forward with TIF Funding
The 36Squared Business Incubator Sponsored by CIBC continued its program of support for local business through an April 19 Lenders Forum that featured business loan programs and the announcement of a new grant to help disabled business owners. The incubator's Boost Grant will provide up to $1,000 to local business owners who have a disability that challenges their business plans. The application deadline is May 31, with applicants receiving word on June 8.
The Lenders Forum also featured extensive information on loan programs from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Andrew Fogaty, incubator director, led the forum through guest presentations on SBA guaranteed loans, 504 loans and micro loans, all of which offer specific funding opportunities for small business.
Read more: Business Incubator Announces Business Grant, Tours Marz Brewing at Lenders Forum
The McKinley Park Community Garden, located on parkland between northbound and southbound Damen Avenue at South 38th Street, is ready for a season of growing with the completed installation of garden beds and water tanks. Volunteers labored over two Saturdays on April 21 and April 28 to construct the garden, now at its permanent home after losing its previous spot on private land along Pershing Road.
"It's been a long road to get to this place," said garden core team member Kara Breems. "We are so excited to have our beds in the ground, full of soil and ready to plant!"
The Wednesday, April 25, community meeting about the new MAT Asphalt plant packed a capacity crowd into the main room of the McKinley Park branch of the Chicago Public Library. The meeting, organized by the 12th Ward Independent Political Organization, brought together panelists representing MAT Asphalt, the 12th Ward, residents and local environmental activists. It attracted so many attendees that latecomers had to be turned away at the door, unable to squeeze into the standing-room-only event.
Panelists included 12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas, McKinley Park neighborhood resident Kim Wasserman of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Olga Bautista of Our City Our Voice, neighborhood resident and environmental scientist Amber Cicotte and Joe Haughey and Tony Sanchez, representing two of the three businesses partnered to create MAT Asphalt LLC. 12th Ward IPO President Billy Drew hosted and emceed the meeting.
Read more: Neighbors, Panelists Debate Asphalt Plant Project at Community Meeting
The McKinley Park neighborhood's residential development boom continues to push forward with a proposal to build 16 townhomes in a vacant lot at 1900 W. Pershing Road. The plan requires rezoning the property from commercial to residential, and 12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas is soliciting community feedback before making the change.
"The idea was to first get community input," Cardenas said, noting that the proposed zoning change has yet to be submitted for passage and ratification. Chief among his concerns have been construction quality, site layout and setting an appropriate level of density for this part of the neighborhood, he said.
Read more: New Townhome Development Proposed for Pershing Road
