Thread by @bri_madden_

Hi, I’ll be live-tweeting today's meeting of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development Community Development Commission for #ChiDocumenters @CHIdocumenters. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1pm via Vimeo livestream.

Jorge Perez calls the meeting to order at 1:04pm. The public can view the proceedings at livestream.com/accounts/28669…

Today's CDC meeting agenda (from the department's website):

The first public speaker is Carlos Nelson, with the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation. He expresses his support for Item C on the Agenda, saying residents are excited about the redevelopment of the long-vacant property. There is support from INVEST South/West as well

The second comment is from Roy Donoso, a developer from SUMAC, on all the Agenda projects: "We see it as a great addition to the current environment... It's great to see how these areas are being reenergized."

The third speaker is a Mr. Reed, from the West Side. He proposes an African-American cultural arts museum for a property in the Austin community, which would educate folks both virtually and in person. He says this could provide a "significant connection" for Black youth.

The minutes from the CDC's July 14 meeting are corrected by Vice Chair Newsome and then approved.

Luke Mich gives an introduction to @chicagosmayor's INVEST South/West initiative:

The first project discussed is taking place in Englewood, which began with the development of a Whole Foods and shopping center. Shops include a PNC Bank, Starbucks, Wing Stop and Chipotle.

Proposed additions are pictured below. Mr. Mich implores the CDC to approve this proposal.

The Commission approves the request to advertise and issue a request for proposals for redeveloping the land discussed in Item B.

Patrick Brutus presents on Item C, redevelopment in the 79th Street Corridor TIF project. He says the area is "not robust, but stable," and has satisfactory architecture.

Part of the proposal includes implementing a Healthy Lifestyle Hub to help combat the health desert faced by the community in Auburn-Gresham.

After conducting roundtable meetings with the community, and listening to the feedback, the Department of Planning and Development is requesting authorization to advertise and issue a request for proposals for redevelopment.

Alderman Moore stands in support of the Auburn-Gresham project. The Commission votes to approve the request.

Ethan Lassiter presents on a request to acquire and advertise for the Laramie State Bank building, a Chicago landmark in the Austin neighborhood.

The development concepts desired by the community will be taken into account, as well as what is feasible for developers, according to Lassiter.

The Commission approved the acquisition and the request to advertise and issue a request for proposals for the project in the Austin neighborhood.

The meeting is adjourned at 2:21pm.