Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development has unveiled a draft South Chicago Land Use Framework Plan and is asking residents to comment by October 5. The plan, in development since last fall, seeks to simplify zoning rules, add new housing types and protect green space in the neighborhood.
Key elements of the proposal
The framework designates 79th, 83rd, 87th, 91st, 92nd and 93rd Streets, as well as Commercial Avenue south of 83rd Street, as mixed‑use corridors. Along these corridors, the city would prioritize pedestrian‑friendly businesses, new residences and gathering places such as the recently completed Thrive Exchange development at 79th and Exchange Avenue.
Neighborhood parks—including the Cut‑Thru Prairie Garden near 82nd Street and Manistee Avenue, plus an additional area north and west of Schafer Park—would be earmarked for urban agriculture, community gardens and open space. The plan also calls for a greenway linking the Cut‑Thru Prairie Garden, Russell Square Park, Steelworkers Park, Park No. 566 and the lakefront for walkers and cyclists.
Upzoning and new housing options
Current zoning in South Chicago is described as a “hodgepodge” of districts. The draft proposes modest upzoning to allow higher‑density development while still preserving existing homes. The city’s Missing Middle Housing Initiative and City Lots for Working Families programs would guide the creation of new housing types, including duplexes, townhouses and small apartment buildings.
Already in progress, the city plans to build 13 single‑family homes on city‑owned lots on Buffalo Avenue through the City Lots for Working Families program, and six two‑flats near the 79th Street Metra Electric station.
Community input and next steps
Residents have a few weeks to submit feedback online. After the comment period, the draft will be sent to the Chicago Plan Commission for consideration. Adoption by the commission would not automatically rezone any parcels; instead, it would streamline future zoning change proposals that would be led by Aldermen Greg Mitchell (7th Ward) and Peter Chico (10th Ward) together with the planning department.
A similar upzoning effort is underway in nearby South Shore and Greater Grand Crossing, where Alderman Desmon Yancy (5th Ward) has introduced ordinances targeting 71st Street and Pocket Town.
Potential benefits
According to the report, modest upzoning can stabilize and revitalize older housing stock while accommodating future growth in a balanced, predictable way. By aligning development with the neighborhood’s existing density, the city hopes to create more affordable options for working families without overwhelming infrastructure.
The framework also suggests exploring community land trusts to keep residential and commercial properties out of the hands of speculators, modeled after the successful Here to Stay Community Land Trust in Logan Square.
What residents are saying
City planner Jasmine Gunn emphasized that the plan builds on “existing plans that have recently been done — as well as pending investments in the community — to make sure that the land use and future zoning align with what the community wants to see.” Aldermen Mitchell and Chico have not yet responded to requests for comment on whether they will introduce rezoning proposals this month.
Community members are encouraged to review the full draft plan and share their thoughts through the city’s online portal before the October 5 deadline.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
