Alderman Danny Solis is giving up his role as a powerful gatekeeper for development after details surfaced about his role in a federal corruption investigation.
Solis (25th), who has been under investigation since 2014 and had been serving as an FBI mole for at least two years, is quitting his post as chairman of the City Council’s Zoning Committee, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The news followed reports by the Chicago Sun-Times on details of the investigation of Solis, which has led to criminal charges against fellow Alderman Ed Burke (14th). Also revealed has been embarrassing suggestions of conflicts of interest on the part of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Alderman James Cappleman (46th) will take over the Zoning Committee on an interim basis. A new Chicago mayor who will be elected this spring will appoint a permanent chairman.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a statement commending Solis “for making the right decision” to give up the committee chairman’s job. Solis months ago said he would not seek re-election to his aldermanic seat next month.
One pressing issue for Cappleman and the committee will be Sterling Bay’s Lincoln Yards development, which Emanuel wants to see approved before he leaves office. [Chicago Tribune] — John O’Brien