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Proposed Development That Includes Chicago USL Stadium Prompting Concerns

Chicago USL rendering

The proposed Lincoln Yards development that includes a Chicago USL stadium is prompting concerns from nearby residents, who worry about its potential effect on traffic. 

Pitched for construction between Chicago’s Lincoln Park and Bucktown neighborhoods, the Lincoln Yards proposal from Sterling Bay is slated to develop at least 54 acres of a 70-acre site. It has been proposed as a potential location for Amazon’s HQ 2, and will include a new stadium for an expansion Chicago USL team. The project has taken some major steps forward this year, as it was announced in May that Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts had purchased a majority share of a proposed USL team, while a separate announcement shortly thereafter revealed that Live Nation was joining the development project as a partner.

With planning for Lincoln Yards still taking place, nearby residents are expressing some concerns about the project. Many of them relate to traffic, with fears that existing infrastructure cannot support traffic from the development. Chicago 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, whose district includes a sizable portion of the development’s site, says that he wants the city to listen to and address these concerns as discussions over the Lincoln Yards proposal continue. More from ABC 7:

“They said 4,000 to 5,000 units, what does that translate in density how many people does that mean living there? How many school age children?” said Reatha Kay, Lincoln Park resident with the Ranch Triangle Association.

Most of the development sits in Alderman Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward. He agrees with residents that the plan lacks details on public infrastructure ideas.

“This is not something we can rush through, there are so many details, so many questions that need to be answered, we are pretty far from approval here,” said Hopkins.

Hopkins says he will not push a deal forward to City Council until residents’ concerns are addressed. He promises the community will be part of the process.

In addition to the stadium, some of the development’s key features would include 13 acres of green space, apartments, condos, offices, retail, and entertainment venues of varying sizes.

Rendering courtesy Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. 

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