City Council today approved an ordinance introduced by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to support the development of a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) planning study for Jefferson Park.

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will assist the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) in creating a comprehensive TOD plan for properties within a quarter mile of the Jefferson Park Transit Center. Located at 4917 N. Milwaukee Ave., the center is a multimodal facility serving CTA, Metra, and Pace riders.

"Access to transportation results in increased access to employment and recreational opportunities," said Alderman John Arena. "This study will help us determine how we can improve transportation options in Jefferson Park."

The TOD study will evaluate how the City can improve access to the train station along with nearby commercial structures and open spaces.

TOD is a type of community development strategy that incorporates a combination of mixed-use development to maximize access to public transportation.

Under the plan the City would allocate $25,000 in TIF assistance. The balance of the $125,000 study would be funded by the RTA. The project is expected to begin this fall and be completed by the end of 2017.

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