The Chicago Plan Commission — a mayoral-appointed agency founded 111 years ago to provide citizen reviews of major developments — is giving the public more notice of its business.
In changes announced Thursday, the commission said it will begin posting Planned Development, or PD, applications at least 15 days before their public hearing. The applications currently are viewable on the City Clerk’s website for legislation, but can be hard to find.
PDs are zoning changes for large-scale projects. The commission has to vote for or against a PD before the proposal goes to the City Council.
Also, developers’ presentation materials for each PD will be posted at least three business days before the hearing. The materials currently are unavailable before the hearing.
The changes are part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s initiative to improve government transparency, said officials at the Department of Planning and Development. Departmental staff assist the plan commission.
Lightfoot said the changes will allow for more public input, “ensuring future development is conducted through an open and transparent process.”
Plan Commission Chairman Teresa Cordova said the changes will help residents who might have to take time from work to attend a hearing. Commission meetings typically start at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of the month in the City Council chambers.
Also, the agency said a dedicated email address — CPC@cityofchicago.org — will accept written public comments up to 24 hours before a hearing. The comments will be shared with plan commission members.
