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Commissioners unanimously approved major rezoning requests in Pullman, paving the way for a drive-thru Chick-fil-A.

Parker Garlough @parker_garlough 2/24
Three resolutions recommending that the disposition of specific areas of city-owned land passed unanimously, without discussion.
Parker Garlough @parker_garlough 3/24
A presentation regarding Blue Plate Catering's zoning map amendment request has begun.
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The rezoning would change the property from the Light Industry District to the Downtown Service District. The request is being made "to allow expanded business uses and to add a roof deck," per the meeting agenda.
Parker Garlough @parker_garlough 5/24
Jonathan Splitt, principal architect: The zoning amendment request is being made because the roof deck is planned to be twice the size that would currently be permitted. (approx 9k sq ft vs 4k)
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Existing floors: 1st is for food production/distribution, 2nd is for offices. Proposed 3rd floor is for hosting events.
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The third floor has already been built, but is unfinished and unused.
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Splitt notes that the roof deck will not be visible from the street.
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Neighbors of West Loop and West Central Association were both supportive of the project.
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Renovation is planned for completion by late July to early August, Splitt says.
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Jim Gray, Blue Plates owner: the company has 500 employees but most do not work on-site.
Parker Garlough @parker_garlough 12/24
The rezoning was approved unanimously, with little discussion after the presentation.
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The commission has moved on to the requested Pullman Gateway rezoning from Motor Vehicle-Related Commercial District, Neighborhood Commercial District, and Heavy Industry District to exclusively Motor Vehicle-Related Commercial District, then a Business Planned Development
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The site would become a fast-casual restaurant and drive-through.
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site map:
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Mariah Debrino, representing the applicant: The rezoning would change the area from split-zoned to one unified site.
Parker Garlough @parker_garlough 17/24
The site would have four commercial sections and a stormwater retention section. The commercial sections would include a new fast-casual restaurant and a Chick-Fil-A—the first on the South Side.
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The project will create 145 construction jobs and 100-130 permanent jobs.
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A commissioner (not identifiable on livestream) asked if a Black entrepreneur is being sought out to own the Chick-Fil-A. No clear answer was given; no general contractors or subcontractors have been selected.
Parker Garlough @parker_garlough 20/24
"This is an exciting thing to see—commerce, and everything around that," said a commissioner (also not identifiable)
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The project uses exclusively private funds.
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Multiple comments of support were made, one describing the project as part of a "Renaissance plan" for the South Side.
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The zoning amendment passed unanimously.
Parker Garlough @parker_garlough 24/24
Meeting adjourned at 10:58 p.m. This concludes the Chicago Plan Commission meeting. For more meeting coverage, check out . documenters.org
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