Mayor Emanuel’s Industrial Corridor Modernization North Branch Framework
Chicago Plan Commission May 18, 2017
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The Industrial Corridor Modernization Initiative is intended to guide development and create new resources to support the City’s 26 designated Industrial Corridors.
Citywide benefits:
• Billions of dollars in new private investment;
• Hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenues;
• Tens of millions of dollars in new revenue to support both local improvements and citywide economic development;
• Tens of thousands of permanent & construction jobs;
• Unprecedented open space improvements;
• And critical transportation enhancements
PMDs in the Industrial Corridor System
From 1988 through the 1990’s, a new zoning tool called a Planned Manufacturing District (PMD) was created. Purpose of the PMD: • foster the city’s industrial base • maintain the city’s diversified economy for the general welfare of its citizens; • strengthen existing manufacturing areas that are suitable in size, location and character and which the City Council deems may benefit from designation as a PMD; • encourage industrial investment, modernization, and expansion by providing for stable and predictable industrial environments; and • help plan and direct programs and initiatives to promote growth and development of the city’s industrial employment base. The Chicago Plan Commission is responsible for on-going review of the continuing effectiveness of PMDs.
PMD Review Required by Code • Zoning Code requires the Chicago Plan Commission to monitor the effectiveness of all PMDs and make recommendations as needed. • No comprehensive review of North Branch PMDs has occurred since their initiation 29 years ago – despite the documented shift in jobs and land use changes that have occurred.
RESULT: A comprehensive review of PMD viability is critical to ensuring that North Branch land uses and zoning regulations align with current Corridor activity and anticipated future development.
North Branch Framework Plan
The 760-acre North Branch Industrial Corridor is the first corridor to be addressed by the Modernization Initiative. The North Branch Framework Plan establishes a vision to modernize the corridor’s land use, transportation and open space assets on behalf of the entire city.
PLAN COMPONENTS:
Land Use and Development Framework Establishes a framework for land use transitions, density, open space, urban character, and transportation improvements for adoption by the Chicago Plan Commission to help guide the review of private development proposals. Implementation Recommendations In order to implement plan recommendations, changes to the zoning code by City Council will be needed.
Proposed Land Use for Framework Plan
North Sub-area: • Permits existing uses • Accommodates transition: allow mixed-use (office, commercial and residential)
Central Sub-area: • Permits existing uses • Accommodates light industrial, office and supporting uses • No residential permitted
South Sub-area: • Permits existing uses • Accommodates transition: allow downtown-type mixed-use (office, commercial and residential)
North Branch Goals
- Maintain the North Branch Industrial Corridor as an Important Economic Engine and Vital Job Center within the City of Chicago
- Provide Better Access for all Transportation Modes
- Build upon the North Branch Industrial Corridor’s Unique Natural and Built Environment
Implementation of Framework Recommendations
Land Use/Zoning:
- City Actions
- Property Owner/Developer Actions
Funding to support Growth:
- Industrial Corridor System
- North Branch Framework Area
- Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Areas
Citywide benefits: • Billions of dollars in new private investment; • Hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenues; • Tens of millions of dollars in new revenue to support both local improvements and citywide economic development; • Tens of thousands of permanent & construction jobs; • Unprecedented open space improvements; • And critical transportation enhancements.