Expanded TOD Ordinance Passes Through Committee, Could Mean Big Changes Near Red Line

Remember the proposed ordinance to expand TOD boundaries?  According to a tweet from Ald. Cappleman today, "The amendment to the Transit Oriented Development passed unanimously through Zoning today, which will expand the boundaries." We assume it will need the approval of the whole City Council now.

Basically, TODs are a way of encouraging developers to build housing and retail near rapid transit (in Chicago, near Metra and L stations). This ordinance will expand the areas which qualify for TODs to a quarter-mile of the stations. It's meant to encourage population density near public transportation, and the ordinance increases incentives for developers who include affordable housing units in TODs.

With the new Wilson L being built, and the proposed rebuilding of the Red and Purple Lines north of Wilson beginning in 2017, this could mean a big change in the way Uptown grows.

Related articles:

• Transit Oriented Development Reform Proposed By Mayor Emanuel
• Effects of the Proposed TOD Expansion on Uptown