Chicago News

  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 19, 2020
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    Dispensary proposals hit a wall as aldermen grapple with Covid-era community approval process

    A flurry of cannabis entrepreneurs seeking zoning approval for their proposed dispensaries or indoor weed farms are stuck in regulatory limbo, as the coronavirus pandemic has slowed the already tedious public approval process for pot-related businesses to a near-standstill.

    Six proposals for pot shops and another two for craft grow facilities were included on the agenda for a 10 a.m. meeting of the City Council’s Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards on Tuesday. But none of the applicants have won over their local aldermen, and none are expected to be considered at the meeting.

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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 18, 2020
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    $35M city financing package for Logan Square affordable apartments set for approval Monday

    A developer is set to be awarded city funds for its plan to build a 100-unit affordable apartment complex in Logan Square, clearing a final hurdle in its multi-stage public approval process underway since last year.
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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 18, 2020
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    Airport shops, restaurants to get ‘breathing room’ under approved rent waiver ordinance

    Businesses that operate out of Chicago’s airports will see a major break in rent they pay to the city under a measure approved by aldermen on Friday in an effort to keep the Covid-19 pandemic from forcing the travel kiosks to close.
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  • MAY 18, 2020
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    Lightfoot convenes working group of faith leaders to craft timeline for reopening

    Mayor Lori Lightfoot met with a coalition of faith leaders Friday to emphasize the importance of social distancing in their congregations throughout the city. In doing so, she launched a working group to discuss a timeline to reopen houses of faith amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 15, 2020
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    Preckwinkle looks to expand Internet access in 2-year ‘Equitable Recovery’ plan

    Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle details the county’s long-range recovery goals Thursday during a virtual address to the City Club of Chicago. [photo courtesy of Cook County]
    Cook County leaders will focus on expanding broadband access and further shrinking the county jail population as part of a long-term economic recovery plan that prioritizes the county’s most vulnerable residents, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced Thursday.
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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 15, 2020
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    Also this morning: City announces ‘micro-business’ grants, Tribune Tower renovation moves forward, a lifeline for airport shops

    BOOST FOR ‘MICRO-BUSINESSES’ — Two weeks after the launch of Chicago’s grant program aimed at keeping extra-small businesses afloat, the city has already paid $5,000 each to 959 “micro-businesses” such as “family-owned coffee shops” and “mom-and-pop retail stores” city officials announced Thursday.
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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 14, 2020
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    Williams tapped to oversee financial analysis for City Council, promises to be ‘go-to resource’ for budget questions

    Aldermen gave a nod on Wednesday to Kenneth Williams as their choice to lead the City Council’s Office of Financial Analysis, casting him in a central role in the city’s effort to piece together a 2021 budget amid the devastation and uncertainty of the Covid-19 crisis.
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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 14, 2020
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    County proposes 60-day property tax cushion as ‘fair balance’ for homeowners, local governments

    Cook County property owners won’t be penalized if they take an extra two months to pay their second-round property taxes this year, county officials announced Wednesday.
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  • MAY 14, 2020
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    County governments looking for relief from HEROES Act

    Local counties across the U.S. are asking the U.S. House of Representatives to pass an aid package Friday they say will prevent future layoffs and reductions in important social services at the local level.
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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 13, 2020
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    Aldermen approve $3.4M tax break to spur development of long-vacant Portage Park lot

    A proposal to build a storage facility and retail complex on a long-vacant lot in Portage Park took a leap forward on Tuesday, as aldermen approved a $3.4 million tax incentive to support its development.
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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 13, 2020
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    Committee approves $3M affordable housing loan program, gives housing officials 3-year license to restructure city-backed debt

    Aldermen advanced a $3 million rescue package on Tuesday for owners of affordable apartment buildings as the fallout from the Covid-19 crisis squeezes renters and landlords across the city.
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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 12, 2020
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    Report: Success of legal coach houses relies on cutting regulations, offering financial support

    A sweeping new report last week cranked up pressure on the City Council to pass legislation legalizing coach houses and extra basement units in Chicago, a proposal city housing officials have been eyeing for more than a year as similar laws take hold in other parts of the country. 
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  • MAY 12, 2020
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    Sean Penn organization helps usher in six new Chicago Covid-19 testing sites

    A nonprofit relief organization founded by film actor Sean Penn will play a role starting this week to open more Covid-19 testing sites in Chicago, city officials announced Monday. 
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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 12, 2020
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    Proposed ordinance protects employees for obeying COVID-19 rules

    Aldermen advanced a proposal on Monday to make it illegal for employers to demote or fire their workers for staying at home in line with city and state orders related to Covid-19.  
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  • Alex Nitkin
    MAY 12, 2020
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    Affordable housing loan program, SSA board appointments under consideration Tuesday

    If approved by aldermen Tuesday, a new proposal will allow city housing officials to modify city-backed loans for affordable housing properties without approval from the City Council.
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