The Chicago Plan Commission approved a controversial project to develop 35 luxury townhomes along a North Side riverfront tract near the Julia C. Lathrop Homes public housing development. While the development promises to revitalize a long-vacant site, some community members and local manufacturers fear it could threaten the area’s remaining industrial businesses and the jobs they provide. The $33 million proposal, led by developer ZSD Oakdale LLC, still requires approval from the City Council before construction can begin.
From Manufacturing Hub to Luxury Housing
Once designated for manufacturing, the riverfront site has sat vacant for nearly two decades after its structures were demolished following rezoning in 2008. The area was historically home to factories lining the North Branch of the Chicago River, including Century Plating Co., a family-owned business founded in the 1950s. As residential developers increasingly eye the now cleaner riverfront for new homes, tensions have emerged between preserving industrial jobs and expanding housing options.
Local Manufacturer Sounds Alarm
Century Plating’s project engineer, Michael Catanese, voiced concerns that the townhome development could severely impact their operations. “We will lose our 50 union workers in the process,” Catanese warned, noting potential difficulties for trucks accessing their facilities once the three-story brick masonry townhomes are built. Although not opposing development outright, Catanese emphasized the need for modifications to ensure their business’s continued viability.
Balancing Development and Industry
Jonathan Snyder, executive director of North Branch Works, a nonprofit advocating for local manufacturing, acknowledged the pressure industrial businesses face as neighborhoods evolve. He pointed out that residential growth on formerly industrial sites often leads to clashes between manufacturers requiring freight access and residents seeking quiet living environments. “Every administration seems bound and determined to push manufacturers to the edge,” Snyder said. “There is a way to make all of this work, but I just want people to think things through when they are rezoning an area.” Despite concerns, Snyder supports the new housing plan and hopes the city can develop an industrial policy balancing business and residential needs.
Affordable Housing Debate Continues
Some commission members criticized the developer’s decision to locate affordable housing off-site rather than within the riverfront project. This approach has sparked debate over how best to integrate affordable units into new developments, especially in neighborhoods with rising housing demand.
Alderman’s Assurance on Freight Access
Alderman Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward expressed support for the luxury townhomes while pledging to work closely with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the developer to address access issues. “We are very cognizant of the need to make sure Century can get their trucks in there,” Waguespack said, adding that the city may fund improvements to Century Plating’s docking facilities to facilitate deliveries and pickups.
Developer Cites Community Backing
Rolando Acosta, representing ZSD Oakdale LLC, highlighted community support for the project, noting frustration over the site’s long vacancy. “They’ve been looking at a vacant mud pit for 17 years,” Acosta said, emphasizing that previous redevelopment plans had fallen through. The developer hopes the new townhomes will breathe new life into the riverfront while respecting neighborhood concerns.
What’s Next? City Council Approval and Ongoing Dialogue
With Plan Commission approval secured, the project now moves to the City Council for final approval. Discussions will likely continue over how to balance housing growth with preserving industrial jobs and maintaining freight access. The city faces a challenge common to many urban areas: accommodating residential development while supporting legacy industries that provide employment and economic stability.
The Broader Context: Urban Development and Job Preservation
This project exemplifies wider urban trends where waterfront properties once devoted to manufacturing are prime targets for residential redevelopment. While such projects can revitalize neighborhoods and increase housing supply, they risk displacing established industries and the blue-collar jobs they sustain. Finding workable compromises remains a complex and urgent priority for Chicago’s planners and community stakeholders.