Upzoned How To Reform Chicago Zoning: The Western Avenue Project
Feb 12, 2025
Matt Martin and Andre Vasquez, Chicago aldermen, share their insights on the ambitious Western Avenue corridor study. They discuss the critical need for zoning reform to boost affordable housing and enhance economic vitality. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement in shaping urban development and tackles challenges like gentrification. They also envision a transformed Western Avenue with mixed-use spaces and improved transit options, aiming to create vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods over the next decade.
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Andre Vasquez's Community Roots
- Andre Vasquez shared how his upbringing in marginalized neighborhoods shaped his focus on housing affordability as an alderman.
- He transformed local zoning from a top-down decision to a community-inclusive process boosting neighborhood safety and housing supply.
Zoning: A Multi-Scale Housing Tool
- Matt Martin emphasized zoning as a multi-scale tool for housing, from spot projects to citywide reforms.
- He highlighted diverse approaches tailored to varied community housing needs and affordability challenges.
Western Avenue's Holistic Need
- Western Avenue's length and transformation demands holistic planning.
- It shifted from a car-centric corridor to a transit and housing-focused vital community spine.
