New Women's Reproductive Healthcare Coming To Broadway, But Ald. Clay Isn't Telling the Community

4647 Broadway, courtesy of Google Streetview

For many months now, we have been following the slow-moving developments as the former co-working space (the old 'Z Wallis' building) at 4647 N Broadway transitions into a new use. 

After the building hit the market in the fall of 2023, it sold quickly. The sale (for $1.3 million) was finalized in late December of 2023. Research suggested a women's reproductive healthcare facility was likely, and tipsters confirmed our hunch. 

However, we have not seen nor heard anything from Alderwoman Clay's office about the planned transition to a women's reproductive health facility, so it is left to us to break the news.

Involved readers have kept us up to date on details, and we recently received an email update suggesting Alderwoman Clay's silence and inaction are preventing the new facility from opening to the public and serving women in need:

"[O]ur Alderwoman holding information from the community, as opposed to helping people to understand/ learn/ care/ prepare/ etc. is just not ok. Not surprising, as it seems to be her M.O. to avoid actually having to deal with the community (especially businesses), but it's not ok.

4649 North Broadway was bought by DBS LOTUS MGMT HOLDING (who run other abortion/care clinics throughout the state). We are told they have been working with Alder Clay for months now, pulled permits in July and started work in September, with an intent to open the clinic in Q1 of 2025.

From what we understand, the company itself has done everything by the books, is totally above board, and has offered to do community meetings and get information out so the community is not taken by surprise by news of this type. 

But it seems the Alder, in what appears to be an ongoing quest to avoid every having to deal with any of the community she is supposed to serve, is avoiding/ delaying/ dragging her feet. 

• We are told they will be opening in Q1 of 2025 and, in our humble opinion, the neighborhood businesses and community members should be told about this news. 
• We should be celebrating, if not at least coming together to support, an organization and doctors who are willing to provide the care that women need. 
• Businesses should be preparing for the good (and, unfortunately, bad) things that may come with an organization like this such as protestors, etc. 

The longer the information is held by Alder Clay[-Shiller], the less time people have to prepare themselves, to learn, to discuss, and to be ready to support the women who may need the most support of all when entering/exiting.

In 'total hearsay' (but what initially sparked our interest in this) A business a couple of doors down informed us that Alder Clay's team removed certain permit items which had displayed the name so as 'not to cause concern'.  We cannot directly verify this claim, so take it with a grain of salt. As far as we are aware, the Alder has not told any businesses of this yet, even those directly next to the location."

Here at UU, we agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed in the email. We  unwaveringly support women's healthcare, and in this era of national turmoil, we are grateful Illinois is a haven for choice.

Since Alderwoman Clay has not done her part, it falls to us (and our tipster / readers) to share the news and the discussion that comes with this type of transition. 

For Ms. Clay to think this will seamlessly happen without pushback, and go forward without public comment or input, is living in denial. 

At the very least, neighbors and nearby businesses must be informed to prepare themselves for the protests that inevitably follow a women's clinic that provides reproductive healthcare. 

It seems -- to its credit -- that the company is willing and prepared to meet with the neighbors and businesses. So why is Alderwoman Clay keeping the community in the dark? What will it take to get her to inform the residents she supposedly represents about key developments right next door?

To illustrate the point, in her newsletter dated 12/13/2024, the alderwoman talks about meeting with constituents to discuss the new city budget. She also touts meeting on the "Connecting Communities on Broadway" initiative that would bring new businesses to Broadway. 

But on this project -- she remains silent. 

• No mention of "actively engag[ing] with neighbors, small businesses, and community groups across the ward" about this facility, like she says she did about budget concerns.
• No community notice about this one particular business on Broadway during an open house meant to "encourage additional housing and new businesses, starting with our Broadway Corridor."

As residents, business owners, voters and constituents, we have to wonder why we're not being informed -- especially when the parent company is reputable, experienced, and willing to engage the community and its concerns.

What else is being kept from us?