In South Shore, Ald. Michelle Harris (8th) is facing significant opposition to her recent push to rezone several properties around the upcoming Regal Mile Studios development.
Harris has introduced three rezoning proposals to the City Council, affecting the properties at 1700-28 and 1701-11 E. 79th St. and a closed Walgreens at 7901 S. Jeffery Blvd., seeking to change their zoning from retail and mixed-use to that of detached single-family homes.
On Tuesday, the City Council’s zoning committee approved the ordinances without discussion, paving the way for a full vote as early as Wednesday.
In a statement provided by a staff member in Harris’ office, she emphasized her goal of getting community input regarding vacant properties.
“After engaging in several discussions with our community partners from the 79th Street corridor, they are in favor of the temporary rezoning,” Harris stated.
However, the names of the supportive organizations were not disclosed, though Harris indicated that she would present letters of support from multiple block clubs and community organizations at the forthcoming zoning meeting.
This approach mirrors a tactic employed by Ald. Desmon Yancy (5th), who rezoned a former Walgreens at 7109 S. Jeffery Blvd. in March, claiming it would bolster his leverage in negotiations with Walgreens, with plans to revert the zoning change once an agreement was reached.
Critics, including Yorli Huff, CEO of DPY Management, argue that Harris’ rezoning initiative threatens their efforts to revitalize properties that have remained abandoned for years.
Huff aims to establish a base for her real estate investment and management company, as well as her comic book and apparel manufacturing enterprise, Engendering Strength, on the affected properties.
She is currently under contract with the Cook County Land Bank to purchase the properties at 1703 and 1728 E. 79th St.
The projected $1.8 million project seeks to relocate Engendering Strength’s offices and machinery from Bridgeport Art Center to the 79th Street area.
The plan also includes a community kitchen, space for short-term retail tenants, and a ‘creative center’ for employees and local residents.
“As a small developer, this [rezoning push] disenfranchises my efforts to bring economic development and jobs to the community,” Huff lamented.
As of Monday afternoon, a petition against the rezoning initiative on Change.org had gathered 119 signatures.
CeCe Edwards, a resident of Greater Grand Crossing, expressed concern about the negative impact of the rezoning proposal on the economic revival of 79th Street, which has seen a high rate of vacant properties and struggling businesses.
“Where are the businesses?” Edwards questioned.
“Why is it so difficult to help the small businesses get in? People in our community have paid thousands of dollars in taxes, and we deserve some type of return on our investment.”
Two anonymous business owners recounted their discouragement in trying to open a business at 1728 E. 79th St. in 2022 after Harris informed them that her office had existing plans for the area.
Following this interaction, they abandoned their efforts, believing that Harris’ office was poised for something substantial, which ultimately did not materialize.
Approximately three years later, those same business owners are disheartened to witness the properties remain empty and are sympathetic to Huff’s plight.
They argue that the rezoning effort may be reasonable to avoid unwanted developments but point out that Harris should reconsider the inclusion of properties already targeted for development.
The second business owner mentioned that if Harris’ office has intentions for the site, transparency is key, especially since the area is in urgent need of revitalization efforts.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the zoning change’s potential to hinder future business opportunities along 79th Street.
The City’s Department of Planning and Development has stated that they are not aware of any proposals related to the sites targeted for the zoning modifications and deflected further inquiries to Harris’ office.
The areas up for rezoning sit just blocks away from the Regal Mile Studios development, which, despite breaking ground two years ago, has not made significant progress.
The anticipated $100 million project aims to establish a 380,000-square foot, cutting-edge media campus on vacant land near 77th Street and Stony Island Avenue, according to developers.
Harris’ proposed zoning changes do not have any direct association with the Regal Mile Studios project, clarified spokesperson Peter Strazzabosco, who referred questions about the project’s status to the developers.
There has been little communication regarding updates on the Regal Mile project, with both Harris and a representative from project partner Cinelease indicating they had no additional details to share.
Furthermore, the properties slated for rezoning are located within two miles of Related Midwest’s extensive development initiative, which plans to include a quantum computing campus, Advocate Health hospital, and single-family homes at the former U.S. Steel South Works site in South Chicago.
Huff pointed out that this vicinity is becoming increasingly desirable for development.
The ongoing rezoning proposals are stirring substantial debate among community members and local stakeholders, who remain eager for clarity on the future of their neighborhoods.
image source from：blockclubchicago
