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Alderman Mary Ann Smith
5533 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 784-5277
Fax: (773) 784-5033
info@masmith48.org
City Hall Office
121 N. LaSalle St.
Room 300
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 744-6860
Fax: (312) 744-0804
Economic Development
On This Page:
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Community Input Key to Decision-Making
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Preserving the Best of the Past Is Important in the 48th Ward
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Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts
Community Input Key to Decision-Making
The 48th Ward is a leader in community-directed development with a system that is unique in Chicago politics. Here decisions on zoning changes and variances; PPA licenses; public development funding, etc. are voted on by the community representatives who form the 48th Ward Zoning and Planning Committee. Alderman Smith has chosen to be bound by that vote.
When developers or business owners come to the Alderman's office with proposals requiring any type of special City action or public funding, they are given a list of the community organizations and block clubs that are closest to the project location. Alderman Smith asks the developer or owner to meet with each group and show them their plans, including site, building design, landscaping and parking, to be sure that the new project is a positive addition to the neighborhood. We encourage developers to listen carefully to the needs and concerns of these groups and to incorporate them into their final plans.
Once all the local groups have reviewed their proposals, the developer or owner presents his plan to the entire 48th Ward Zoning and Planning Committee (Z&P). Z&P is comprised of one voting member from each block club, community organization, major condo building, chamber of commerce, development corporation and mutual aid association. Click here for the list of delegate organizations. In close votes on highly debated issues, the committee usually defers to the opinion of the block club closest to the business or development.
Click here for more information on the 48th Ward Zoning & Planning Committee's community approval process.For the latest Zoning and Planning Committee minutes, click here.
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Preserving the Best of the Past Is Important in the 48th Ward
History buffs love the 48th Ward which includes three National Register Historic Districts.
The Uptown Square National Historic District encompasses the Lawrence/Broadway area with its collection of significant buildings including the Uptown Theatre, the Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theater, Broadway Bank Building and many others. Entertainment was historically the focus of this district. Today these entertainment venues are complemented by the Borders Bookstore in the Phoenix of Uptown Square development, Starbucks in the Uptown Bank Building (now Bridgeview Bank) and several fine restaurants.
The Bryn Mawr National Register District takes in the historic buildings between Broadway and Sheridan Road including the Edgewater Beach Apartments, the Bryn Mawr and the Belle Shore. Creating this historic district helped spark the revival of Bryn Mawr.
The Lakewood Balmoral District, located between Foster, Bryn Mawr, Magnolia and Wayne, is a residential neighborhood of gracious homes and two-flats, most built between the late 1890s and the 1920s.
Buildings designated City of Chicago landmarks include 5940 N. Sheridan, George Maher, architect; 5917–21 N. Magnolia, twin homes designed by Walter Burley Griffin; and the Spanish Revival Uptown Theatre at 4816 N. Broadway.
[Return to Top]Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts are special districts created by the City Council at the request of local communities to help enhance economic development, preserve or create affordable housing and assist in small business development, historic preservation and job creation.Click here for a map of the four TIFs in or that impact the 48th Ward.
For complete details on TIFs, click here. Maps of all TIFs in the city can be accessed by clicking here.
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