Uptown Coalition for Responsible Development

[You Did It! Latest Sedgwick Proposal Stalled]

BEST PRACTICE STATEMENT – from the 46th Ward Zoning Transition Team report

"A community input process is a key element of the plan. It should be fair and balanced between business and resident interests and allow for added input from residents who are most directly affected by the development. The process should involve community input at the planning stages before the final plan is completed. The planning process should provide a forum for open discussion of issues. Public involvement is most useful when it is used to assist in defining planning issues, rather than when it is limited to decisions already made. Early and continuing public participation is essential to the broad acceptance of planning decisions."

UCRD stands FOR responsible development and AGAINST exploitation

The Uptown Coalition for Responsible Development (UCRD) was formed in May 2010 by a neighborhood-wide group of citizens who were alarmed at the development proposed for the Maryville site at Montrose and Clarendon. The proposal sought tens of millions of dollars in TIF money, plus major zoning variances, while providing little or no public input or benefit in return.

UCRD has the radical notion that development in Uptown should reflect the interests of Uptown neighborhoods and businesses, and not simply what will put money in the pockets of outside developers. We support development which balances the needs of residential, retail, and commercial interests.

UCRD initially concentrated on the Maryville property because it was a classic case of developers seeking to profit from Uptown development without regard to the impact on the immediate neighborhood, or on Uptown as a whole.

UCRD believes in development – responsible development. "Best use" and "best practices" should be the first consideration of developers interested in Uptown.

The Uptown Coalition for Responsible Development believes that all citizens of Uptown are entitled to know the facts about – and the impact of – proposed developments, in advance of plans being submitted to the City of Chicago for approval.

Finally, UCRD will make it a major priority to hold city government and, especially, elected officials accountable for development decisions made which impact the interests of residents and the quality of life in Uptown.

Please e-mail us with suggestions and comments.