Plan Commission: Four Approvals
Chicago's Plan Commission greenlit four development projects Wednesday, adding nearly 1,000 new housing units to the city's pipeline.
Fulton Market: Downtown-Level Density
The big winner was Domus's 29-story tower at 215 N. Racine, bringing 347 apartments (70 affordable) to Fulton Market. The project pushes toward downtown-style density in the neighborhood—a notable win for housing supply. Nearby at 1338 W. Lake, a 32-story, 321-unit project also received approval.
Lakeview: All-Electric with Geothermal
DLG Development's "The Phoenix" at 3611 N. Halsted passed with 188 units (38 affordable). The 12-story building will be all-electric with geothermal heating and will transform an adjacent alley into a public park.
Uptown: Supportive Housing
Sarah's on Sunnyside, a 54-unit supportive housing development for women experiencing homelessness, also won approval. The Sarah's Circle project at 4432-4458 N. Clarendon will offer 480-square-foot efficiency units to women earning 30% of area median income.
Lead
Skokie: $750 Rebates for DIY Replacements
Skokie trustees on Tuesday unanimously approved a rebate program for homeowners who replaced their own lead service lines after Illinois's 2022 mandate. Eligible residents can receive either $750 cash or a $1,250 utility bill credit.
The rebate addresses what Mayor Ann Tennes called an "equity gap"—early adopters who paid out-of-pocket weren't covered by the village's subsequent replacement program. About 230 properties may qualify, costing the village an estimated $172,500 to $287,500.
Chicago, meanwhile, continues its free replacement program for income-eligible households. The city has committed to accelerating its spending in 2026, having drawn only $70-90 million of a $325 million federal loan that expires next year.
Bikes
Complete Streets: Aldermen Push Back
At a February 10 committee meeting, several aldermen criticized CDOT's Complete Streets program. Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) called it "a disaster" for Brighton Park. Ald. Marty Quinn warned he'd "lead opposition" if bike lanes continued in his ward. Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) demanded prior consultation: "Do not put another bike lane in the Third Ward until you have a conversation with me and my constituents."
CDOT's Dave Smith defended the program, noting Chicago saw 30% fewer traffic fatalities in 2024 compared to 2021.
Northwest Side: Public Meeting March 5
CDOT's proposed bike network for Jefferson Park and Portage Park comes before residents March 5 at Portage Park Senior Center (4150 N. Long Ave.), 6-7 p.m.
Food
Bloom: Final Day Tomorrow
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen in Wicker Park serves its last meals tomorrow, February 21. Chef Rodolfo Cuadros has indicated he plans to return with a new vegan concept. Bloom joins Kitchen 17, Native Foods, and Chicago Raw in a wave of vegan closures that hit the city in late 2025.
Black Restaurant Week: Two Days Left
Chicago Black Restaurant Week wraps up Sunday, February 22, with nearly 40 participating businesses. The 11th annual event marks 100 years since Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in Chicago.
First-time participants include Mahari (African fusion, Hyde Park) and Strugglebeard Bakery (known for vegan cookies, also in Hyde Park).
ADU Countdown: 40 Days
Chicago's citywide ADU ordinance takes effect April 1, 2026.
City Council next meets February 26. Black Restaurant Week runs through Sunday.