Four neighborhood open space projects will be made possible through financial measures approved today by City Council.

Veteran’s Peace Garden, 5413 W. Madison St.
A Veteran’s Peace Garden willbe developed in Austin with a walking path, ornamental plantings, shade trees, two gazebos and flags representing all five branches of the military. Planned in coordination with community stakeholders, the $245,000 project is intended to be a sanctuary of peace and tranquility for former military personnel and the public. Up to $155,000 in Open Space Impact Fees will be used for the garden’s acquisition and construction costs, with the balance paid by 25th Ward aldermanic funds. Following completion, NeighborSpace land trust will own and manage the 0.15-acre property.

Open Space Impact Fees are generated by new residential development projects to improve and expand public open spaces within the City’s 77 community areas.

Grow Uptown, 4525 N. Kenmore Ave.
Grow Uptown Garden will be developed on a vacant, City-owned lot through approximately $375,000 in Open Space Impact Fees. The funds will be used by NeighborSpace land trust for the installation of raised garden beds, seating, a walking path, signage, trees, a shade structure, and bike racks. The .26-acre site, adjacent to Uptown’s former Graeme Stewart School, will be managed by the Peterson Garden Project in partnership with NeighborSpace.

4546 N. Kedvale Ave.
Open Space Impact Fees in the amount of $49,000 will support the acquisition of a 0.29-acre property bounded by Kasson, Wilson, and Kedvale avenues in Albany Park for development as a future park. Additional funding will include $351,488 from the Chicago Park District and $10,000 in 39th Ward Aldermanic funds.

1544 N. Larabee St.
A new access point to the athletic fields at Near North High School will be created through the acquisition of a 0.04-acre property currently occupied by closed fast food restaurant. The site will be assembled with adjacent land to create a new entrance for nearby residents and visitors. Acquisition will be entirely funded with $300,000 in Open Space Impact Fees.

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