- Credibility:
NOBLE SQUARE — Lincoln Yards, the huge proposed development along the North Branch of the Chicago River, is billed on advertising signs as “where Chicago connects.”
On July 18, community residents will get their chance to weigh in on the plan for the industrial site, which would create a new riverside neighborhood with restaurants, hotels, up to five music venues and a soccer stadium.
Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), who assured Wicker Park business leaders in May that Lincoln Yards is “not a done deal,” recently announced the first public meeting for the Lincoln Yards proposal in his e-newsletter.
“The redevelopment of the North Branch Corridor presents a significant opportunity to enhance our community and reflect important development principles we all share,” Hopkins wrote to constituents.
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18, at Near North Montessori School, 1434 W. Division St.
According to Hopkins, the goal of the gathering is to review the Lincoln Yards’ plans and analyze the proposal against these key development metrics:
- Access to transit
- Congestion mitigation
- Infrastructure improvements
- Economic development and opportunity
- Environmental sustainability
- Open space
- Quality of life
- Recreational park land
The Lincoln Yards development from Sterling Bay— at the border of Lincoln Park and Bucktown— will impact residents from both neighborhoods. Earlier this month, leaders from five community groups and Friends of the Parks voiced their concerns about the scope of the project and lack of transparency in a Sun-Times Letter to the Editor.
Lincoln Yards’ proposed riverfront venues would be built on land that was formerly the city’s Fleet & Facility Management site 1685 N. Throop St. Last August the city sold the land to Sterling Bay for $104.7 million.
The Lincoln Yards plan also calls for a long-discussed extension of the elevated 606 path over the river, and renovating the Metra Clybourn station.
Anyone who wants to submit an online question before the July 18 meeting can send it to Hopkins office here, or sign up for North Branch email alerts.
Credit: Sterling Bay/Lincoln Yards 
