There is a major storm brewing in Chicago’s dense and diverse 46th ward over a twin-tower “mega development” that a broad array of residents and businesses oppose. The proposed plan for two 15- and 12-story towers includes approximately 270 apartments and 13,400 sq. ft. of commercial space. 

The 46th ward includes popular residential and commercial neighborhoods like Lakeview and Wrigleyville, Uptown and Sheridan Park, parts of Lincoln Park and Ravenswood. 

Despite widespread and vocal opposition, freshman Alderman James Cappleman insists, “it’s a done deal” as he seeks approval for rezoning from five stories to the development’s proposed 15 stories. If this monstrous development goes through unchallenged, the entire community will experience unwanted increases in density, more traffic congestion, and a negative impact on nearby affordable housing and overall property values. 

At a standing-room only meeting at Gill Park Field house on March 26, with more than 150 local residents in attendance, attendees who opposed the development were asked to raise their hands. With Alderman Cappleman and Jim Letchinger of JDL Development in attendance, nearly every attendee raised his or her hand, translating to near unanimous opposition.

The Alderman’s opponents include at least 12 area condominium boards representing nearly 1,000 residents; East Lake View Neighbors (ELVN), a member-driven group of local residents; the Northalsted Business Alliance, a local business organization comprising more than 80 businesses along the popular corridor; and Halsted Neighbors, a grassroots organization that was formed specifically to challenge the allegedly rigged process and the devastating proposed mega development.

The site developer JDL Development has no ties to the community and will not entertain any community input. Nearby neighbors even spent their own resources to hire architects to generate alternative designs that would foster a win-win for parties on both sides of the issue. Nevertheless, Alderman Cappleman is throwing his full support behind JDL, claiming he's not interested in using a “consensus model” to develop the site. 

With a City of Chicago Planning Commission meeting looming on May 24, it’s imperative that community residents, business owners and other stakeholders sign our petition with the objective of forcing Alderman Cappleman and JDL Development back to the table for a more inclusive and responsive process that works for everyone. 

Please sign our petition today. Stop Alderman Cappleman and JDL from shoving this monster development down the throats of East Lakeview residents. 

You can also get regular updates on the development’s status, check for action alerts and find other ways of making your voice heard at HalstedNeighbors.org.