After attending the Dec. 3 McCaffery Interests Inc. presentation on the redevelopment of the Mars factory site, I am wondering who this planned development will benefit. A number of answers to attendees’ questions were vague or inadequate. We were shown a site plan with only one elevation picture. It had townhomes with the front entrance along Armitage, but then we were told it could be side walls facing Armitage. The townhomes could be rental or sold to homeowners. The site plan appears to be a concept with McCaffery not retaining ownership of rental buildings/units.
Dan McCaffery said Chicago needs housing. This statement is clearly inaccurate. Both Chicago and Illinois continue to lose population resulting in the loss of a Congressional seat after the last Census. Why would Galewood-Montclare need more housing? Where is the evidence? There is already a 300+ unit development under construction on the Sears site. Phase two apartment construction is starting at 6700 W. North Ave.
There are serious questions needing answers at the Dec. 17 meeting, which will be held at Sayre School. This site is part of a TIF district fund holding millions of dollars. What will happen to the money? Mars has a letter of agreement with the Illinois EPA regarding soil contamination from abandoned diesel tanks. How will the contaminated soil be cleared before construction starts? (See Cook County Clerk Recordings PIN 13-31-205-044-0000 for letter and documents)
This Planned Development Project does not benefit the Galewood-Montclare community or comply with the principles Mars followed in their business operations. What Galewood-Montclare needs is a project that brings amenities, desirability, and value to the community.
Fran Sapone
Lifelong Galewood resident