Development Review Working Group

The River Ecology and Governance Task Force Development Review Working Group reviews new development projects that are located within 100 feet of the Chicago river system. The projects are typically part of proposed Planned Developments (PDs) that require review by Plan Commission and City Council. Consisting of River Ecology and Governance Task Force members, the group reviews the projects for alignment with the Chicago River Design Guidelines (2019) and Calumet Design Guidelines (2004), which prioritize amenities that enhance habitat, recreation, open space and trails for wildlife and people. 

Purpose

The Development Review Working Group seeks to: 

  • Incorporate principles to align with project reviews.
  • Create and follow a process and structure to review projects.
  • Provide consensus and standardized input and feedback based on the Chicago River Design Guidelines. 

Although the Working Group strongly encourages and supports community engagement for all riverfront development projects, it is not the responsibility of the Working Group to lead that effort. 

Meetings

The Working Group meets monthly as needed. Select representatives from DPD, the Metropolitan Planning Council, Friends of the Chicago River, the Task Force, aldermanic offices, development team representatives and community members are requested to participate based on project location. 

DPD introduces each proposal and the development team delivers a presentation. The Working Group asks questions to clarify information. The development team then leaves the meeting, and the Working Group discusses the project and creates written comments using the Chicago River Design Guidelines Development Review Form and Calumet Design Guidelines Review Form. 

Following the meeting, a representative from Friends of the Chicago River summarizes verbal and written comments for the development team, which is encouraged to incorporate the feedback into its project. 

A set of Informational Materials is available to allow teams to better understand the purpose and expectations of the Development Review Working Group and to prepare appropriate project presentation materials for discussion


2023 Meeting Schedule 

April 4
Calumet River Fleeting
Summary | Presentation

Oct. 3
700 W. Chicago – Halsted Landing
Summary | Presentation


2022 Meeting Schedule 

June 14
2800-3000 E. 106th St.
Summary | Presentation

August 2
PD 728 – Costco – 2746 N. Clybourn Ave.
Summary | Presentation | Checklist

PD 874 – Lakeshore Recycling Systems – 3152 S. California Ave.
Summary | Presentation

September 6
777 W. Chicago – Bally’s Casino
Summary | Presentation 

November 1
Chicago Riverwalk Confluence – Chicago Dept. of Assets and Information Services

2021 Meeting Schedule 

March 30
Lincoln Yards — Parcel G1
Summary | Presentation

June 29
3633 N. California
Summary

July 20
Waste Management Hooker Street
Summary | Presentation

August 3
Halsted Pointe
Summary | Presentation

September 7
Lakeshore Recycling
Summary

October 5
Lincoln Yards South — Parcel B1
Summary | Presentation