X/O sues Alderman over zoning

An ordinance introduced into the City Council by 2nd Ward Alderman Bob Fioretti to lower significantly the height of the proposed X/O condominium buildings at 1700 S. Prairie Ave. has precipitated a lawsuit.

 The ordinance would reduce the buildings’ height to a 225 foot maximum; last year the City Council approved zoning for two towers, one 450 feet high and the other 310 feet. The development also calls for a row of townhouses along Prairie Ave., in front of the towers.

X/O developer Kargil Development Partners LLC filed the lawsuit Oct. 25 against Alderman Fioretti.  Kargil is a joint venture of Jerry Karlik of New York and Keith Giles of Chicago.

“We cannot proceed with this project if the ordinance were to pass,” said Kargil’s Brian Giles. “It would be unprecedented. One year ago zoning was approved, and now it would be rescinded by the same body that originally approved it.  We could not build the development if this zoning change is approved. 

“Should the Council reverse its decision, they would set a precedent that would have huge ramifications for all of Chicago’s developments. We are confident that the City Council will not approve this ordinance to reduce the size of the buildings,” stated Giles, who noted the developers already had sold 200 units before the proposed zoning change but that sales have come to a standstill ever since.

Designed by Lucien Lagrange Architects, the project consists of 275 condominiums and townhouses valued at an estimated $270 million.

Community groups affected by the X/O development expressed conflicting views about the development.

The Near South Planning Board and the Greater South Loop Association have endorsed the project, including the towers’ original heights, believing it will benefit the community. For example, the design includes a lifestyle center and botanic garden and is designed to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified.

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance and Prairie District residents oppose the project, however. They believe the towers do not complement the neighborhood’s architectural character, are too high in relation to nearby structures, and are incompatible with the historic Glessner House across the street.

Courts have tended to rule in favor of developers who already have spent considerable money prior to any zoning change.

Fioretti did not return Gazette calls for comment.

 

City closes Chromium nightclub

Chromium nightclub at 817 W. Lake St. officially was closed after experiencing repeated fights among customers and violating numerous City ordinances.

            The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Licensing revoked Chromium’s licenses because Tony Perez, husband of owner Jehad Shehade, was found ineligible to have a liquor license. Chromium also violated City ordinances in how it ran its happy hours.

            Chromium’s owner agreed Oct. 29 to revocations of her tavern, amusement, retail, food, and tobacco licenses. The City allowed the club to remain open for more than a month afterward to fulfill promotions and entertainment contracts.

            The worst of the club’s violence occurred Aug. 19 when Omari Houston, 28, was shot to death while defending women being harassed by drunken patrons of the club. No one has been arrested for the shooting as of this writing.

-- Susan S. Stevens

 

Leadership holds on to 726 power

With three insurgent slates of officer candidates battling a slate composed of members of current leadership, opponents' support was divided and allowed current leadership to retain power in the recent International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 726 State and Municipal Teamsters, Chauffeurs, and Helpers Union election.

          Opposing the current leadership were the Fighting for the Future (FFF) slate, which came in second; the Every Teamster Counts (ETC) slate, which came in third; and The Members Only Slate (TMOS), which finished fourth.

          Fighting for the Future came closest to defeating current leadership, with its candidates falling short of winning by fewer than 200 votes in all races. Had the opposition slates combined into one, insurgent candidates likely would have achieved victory, as the number of votes for all insurgent candidates combined in every race exceeded the number of votes attained by current leadership, which therefore won with a plurality and not a majority.

          In the race for president, John Falzone won over Joe Vercillo (FFF), Martin Zamora (ETC), and Angelo Fata (TMOS).

          The vice presidential race saw Kenneth Brantley win over Leo "Duke" Clark (FFF), Dante Giglio (ETC), and Carlos Sanchez (TMOS).

          In the race for secretary-treasurer, Thomas P. Clair won over Vince Tenuto Jr. (FFF), Daniel C. Minella (ETC), and Tres Peel (TMOS).  

          Recording secretary was won by John "Jack" Hurley over Bill Kessler (FFF), Oscar Planco (ETC), and Jose Guereca (TMOS).

          Trustees are Mike Marcatante, Linda Cruz, and Anthony Fiori, who won over John Dominikovich, Sheryl Franklin, and Keith Russell of FFF; William James, Nancy Johnsen, and Robert Kohn of ETC, and Jim Hynes, Steven Pascua, and Mark Kaminski of TMOS.

          --William S. Bike