This week, the Chicago Plan Commission will review a zoning change request for the Halsted Pointe megadevelopment project proposed by Onni Group at 901 N. Halsted Street.
Formerly a Greyhound bus maintenance facility, the project features the construction of five towers ranging in height from 309 to 691 feet on the southern tip of Goose Island.
The towers would add 2,650 new residential units, 300 hotels rooms, a grocery, an outdoor market, and a new pedestrian bridge across the North Branch Canal connecting to 600 W. Chicago Avenue.
North Branch Works has some concerns about the project, most notably limited transportation options in the area and its close proximity to industrial companies.
Our letter to the Chicago Plan Commission highlights these and other concerns.
At the same time, we appreciate that Onni Group modified its original plan based upon input it received after doing outreach to nearby industrial companies.
Our member businesses on Goose Island and in the surrounding area have achieved great success and continue to provide high-quality jobs because they can plan for and rely upon compatible surrounding land uses.
If approved by the Plan Commission and City Council, North Branch Works will work closely with Onni Group, Alderman Walter Burnett (27th Ward), and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development to ensure the project succeeds.
We are pleased that Onni Group will be required to submit traffic studies at each plan review.
Indeed, if the plan is approved, we urge the Chicago Department of Planning and Development to do a comprehensive transportation plan for Goose Island that includes promoting alternative modes of getting around including walking, biking, and public transit.
Such a plan would ensure necessary infrastructure improvements can be identified and built that address the needs of new residents as well as existing industrial companies.
One way to follow the progress of Halsted Pointe is to tune into the virtual Chicago Plan Commission meeting on Thursday, August 26th at 9 a.m. by going here.
You can also send written comments about the project here up to twenty-four hours in advance of the meeting.
North Branch Works will continue to monitor the progress of Halsted Pointe and keep you updated.
With questions and comments, please contact Steve Simmons, Director of Business and Economic Development, at 773-929-5552 x2226 or steve@northbranchworks.org:10033
Image credit: Onni Group
