We Need REAL COMPROMISE

Dear Alderman,

We are reaching out to request that you reconsider your position on the Fern Hill development. It is unclear whether the developer misrepresented key details or if there was an oversight in the decision-making process. However, as the data below demonstrates, the proposed compromise is, in reality, no compromise at all. The developer is receiving almost everything they sought, while the community gets traffic, density, and an eyesore.

It is rare to see an entire community united on an issue, yet this development has brought us together. The developer has repeatedly misled the community and your office. While they have made minor concessions, such as reducing Moody’s parking, the overall density remains nearly unchanged, and the livable square footage of the building has increased. In addition, it appears the setback of the tower from LaSalle has been reduced from 126 feet to 76 feet. This increases the width of the tower by 50 feet and adds 4,000 square feet per floor, which more than offsets the 7-floor reduction in height.

Supporting this development will have long-lasting, irreversible consequences for Old Town and you as the decision-maker. The community has been clear in its concerns, particularly regarding the severe traffic implications and the inappropriateness of a high-rise at such a prominent and heavily utilized location. We urge you to listen to the voices of those you represent.

We invite you to meet with us to discuss what a true compromise would look like. We are confident that a more balanced development—one that aligns with the needs and character of Old Town—is possible. The community deserves a project that reflects thoughtful planning and genuine collaboration.

Please review this data, and then we would like the opportunity to meet with you and discuss why this is not a compromise and why you MUST walk away from this project and stand with your constituents.

This was NOT a Compromise...

Dear Neighbors,

We are shocked and disappointed that both the Alderman and Developer ignored the community's wishes and are pushing through a project that is wrong for the character of Old Town.

Old Town Friends for Responsible Development (OTFRD), Old Town Triangle Association (OTTA), and the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association (OTMRA), three community organizations that opposed the plan, received a last-minute notice of a ‘compromise’ from the Alderman's office. None of the community groups had input or were given the opportunity to counter.

This is NOT a compromise; these changes are breadcrumbs used to mislead and confuse the public. It's clear the Alderman did not include the community in compromise discussions because the Alderman and Developer both know the community OPPOSES this project as it currently stands, including the upzoning of the area, and would never support this so-called compromise.

Despite what you may read with percentages & reductions, please recognize that this compromise is only 1 story less than the original proposed building from 2023. In 2023, the building proposed was 395' (36 stories); when the PD was submitted it became 480' (44 stories); and today's "compromise" landed at 379’ (37 stories). Again, this is not a compromise!

Old Town Friends will continue to fight this proposal & massive tower, and we hope you will join us. We cannot be silenced. We love our community and will not let irresponsible developers quell our efforts.

To read Alderman Hopkins' view of this project click here.

Best,

Old Town Friends

UPDATE: ALDERMAN HAS RELEASED A STATEMENT RE: FERN Hill

2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins on Fern Hill

"I told the developer when he first came to me, and said, 'if you want to get this through the community, he's got to win over the community. And the only way to do that is to take their input and take it seriously.'"

"If we can find answers for them, this project has a chance for approval. If we can't, I'm certainly not going to go against the majority of my residents."

84% of All Respondents Expressed Opposition to the Application

The survey conducted reflects input from 225 Old Town Triangle Association ("OTTA") and input from professional architects who sit on the OTTA board or its Historic District/Planning & Development Committee, including one architect with direct experience in high-rise development.

OTTA Survey Results & Letter of Opposition

OTFRD supports responsible development...

... however, as currently proposed, Fern Hill’s plans will overwhelm the community, cause traffic nightmares, and forever change the charm and character of Old Town. Any revised plans must include the following:

1) The density of the building and the proposed traffic plan must ensure that there is either no change in traffic or an improvement in traffic flow.

2) Five hundred units is unacceptable. This massive tower does not belong in the middle of Old Town. The developer needs to work with and not against the community to develop a structure that will support his business needs while not harming the community.

3) The building's height should be consistent with similar new construction in Old Town and no more than 8 or 10 stories tall.

4) The developer should work with businesses on a plan to ensure minimal disruption to restaurants and stores during construction.

5) The plans must include additional details on the gas stations, as well as restrictions on the use of the land and a timeframe for removing them.

News and Updates

As a coalition member of Old Town Friends for Responsible Development, you can access updates and news here.

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About the Coalition

Old Town Friends for Responsible Development (OTFRD) is a grassroots coalition of property owners, merchants, and residents that formed to preserve the character and charm of one of Chicago’s most historic and iconic communities. We don’t oppose development, but we want developers to respect the community and its neighbors.

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Questions About the Coalition?

We look forward to partnering with you!

info@oldtownfriends.com