Upzoning Proposed for Artery on Chicago’s Far North Side

Chicago’s Far North Side is the focus of a major zoning proposal that could transform Broadway with housing and business opportunities.

The rezoning initiative targets a mixed-zoning area on Broadway between Devon and Montrose Avenues, intending to simplify rules and encourage development in an area that has seen increased interest from developers, Block Club reported. The zoning could bolster local businesses, attract investment and create housing options near public transit, local officials say.

The area is the target of ongoing infrastructure improvements, particularly the $2.1 billion Red Line modernization, which is expected to be completed next year.

The initiative would upzone much of the corridor to “neighborhood shopping district” or “neighborhood commercial district” designations, paving the way for residential and retail buildings up to seven stories tall.

Community shopping district zoning, proposed for the area between Devon and Foster Avenues, prohibits bars and liquor stores but permits retail and restaurants.

Neighborhood commercial district zoning, covering the stretch between Winona Street and Montrose Avenue, allows for more uses, including bars and tattoo parlors, but maintains restrictions on drive-thru or auto-centric businesses through a pedestrian street designation.

Existing strip malls and small businesses would not be forced to comply retroactively with pedestrian street rules, which require structures to have sidewalk-facing facades and restrict car-oriented businesses. In addition, developments with over 100 residential units or exceeding 80 feet in height will still require a planned development process.

Feedback from neighbors will be collected through Jan. 15, after which alderpeople from the affected wards will decide whether to bring the proposal to City Council.

— Andrew Terrell