Alderman Reilly has asked River North Residents Association to share the latest information on the Wolf Point Development. Below is an excerpt from the Alderman’s letter on the subject, which can be viewed in its entirety here.
In early 2013, after nearly two years of extensive work by Alderman Reilly, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), our River North neighbors (RNRA) and the project developers, an amendment to PD 98 for the Wolf Point site was approved by the Chicago Plan Commission. This approval granted development rights for three phases to contain three separate structures in addition to dozens of public improvements and amenities—with more to come!
At that time, the Alderman negotiated with the developers via the planned development process to maximize the amount of publicly accessible open green space, gain traffic improvements and fund infrastructure projects on and around the Wolf Point site that the city would not have been able to fund or afford.
Following over a year of intense negotiations—including 2 project deferrals at the Alderman’s request in order to finalize many important details—dozens of public benefit items were added to the project scope.
Phase 2 of the project, Wolf Point East, will be presented to Chicago Plan Commission at the next meeting on October 20th for public view. As stated at the initial Plan Commission hearing in 2013, the remaining process for the next two phases is an administrative approval through the Department of Planning and Development called “Site Plan Approval”. Although there is no required public process per ordinance, Alderman Reilly insisted upon a public presentation where residents can attend to better understand the plan. A preview of the Plan Commission submittal is available for download here for 42nd Ward residents.
Alderman Reilly worked to ensure that this next phase is in conformance with the existing planned development approval and that certain elements were revisited as the site has further evolved with the construction of the first phase. The Alderman asked the developers to reconsider the height, density and site coverage based upon ever-increasing traffic in River North and the fact that the Wolf Point site is landlocked. The final plan package to be presented will show a reduction in height, density and site coverage in addition to an updated traffic plan which contemplates changes on and around the site since 2013.
This upcoming phase will include a 660′ tall building with 700 residential apartment units, amenity retail space and accessory parking at 313 W Wolf Point Plaza.
Alderman Reilly and RNRA encourage you to review all of the project plans as well; as the traffic study and provide feedback on the proposal to his office (office@ward42Chicago.com) and the RNRA (info@RNRAChicago.org).
Of course, all are welcome to attend the Chicago Plan Commission presentation on October 20, 2016 at 10:00am in City Hall Chambers on the 2nd floor.
To access Alderman Reilly’s complete letter on the Wolf Point Development, click here.
