In his first official act on the City Council, recently appointed Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) said Monday he is introducing an ordinance designed to reduce overdevelopment in portions of his Lakeview neighborhood.
Tunney is proposing downzoning areas on sections of Halsted Street and Southport Avenue as well as the site of the Jane Addams Hull House at 3212 N. Broadway, by reducing height and density ceilings for new buildings in these areas. He also announced the creation of a local development council, consisting of residents and business leaders, to address local zoning issues.
“In some ways, we are victims of our own success,” Tunney said. “We are addressing concerns that residents have about congestion and overdevelopment in our neighborhood.”
Tunney, former Ald. Bernard Hansen’s handpicked successor, was sworn in Jan. 16. Hansen retired late last year for health reasons. Tunney is campaigning to hold on to the post in next month’s municipal election and faces several challengers.
