In an effort to streamline the zoning change procedures for The 606 trail and park system under construction on the Northwest Side, the City Council today approved a provision to amend the standard public notification process for the 2.7-mile long project.

The streamlined process will waive the requirement that property owners within 250 feet of the trail be notified by mail about an upcoming public hearing to discuss the proposed zoning change. Because of the project's size and scope, the provision will instead allow for notice to be provided through advertisement in a major daily newspaper 15 days prior to the hearing and through signs posted in the affected area.

The $91 million project is being constructed by the City of Chicago on top of a former railroad viaduct along Bloomingdale Avenue between Ridgeway and Ashland avenues. The zoning designation for the trail is being proposed as a Transportation (T) district and the zoning for four adjacent Chicago Park District properties are being proposed as Public Open Space (POS). The current zoning for the trail and parks involve a variety of manufacturing, business, and residential designations that no longer reflect their new uses for public recreation.

Named for the 606 prefix for all Chicago ZIP codes, The 606 construction is being funded by $50 million in federal funds, $36 million in private funds, and $5 million in City of Chicago funds. Planned since 2004, the first phase  of the project is expected to open to the public later this year.

# # #