Three open space projects were approved by City Council today for more than $1 million in funding from the Department of Planning and Development’s Open Space Impact Fee (OSIF) program.

• Larrabee Gateway Plaza, located on City land at 1560 N. Larrabee Ave. on the Near North Side, will receive $844,000 in OSIF support to support passive recreation improvements that connect to the adjacent Park No. 598. The Chicago Department of Transportation will construct and maintain the improvements.

• Gray Elementary School, at 3730 N. Laramie Ave. in Portage Park, will receive $287,751 in OSIF support for construction of a 6,300-square-foot play area. Additional funding for the $500,000 project will come from Chicago Public Schools and the 30th Ward office.

• Stone Scholastic Academy, at 6239 N. Leavitt St. in West Ridge, will receive $137,367 in OSIF support for construction of a 2,500-square-foot nature play area. Additional funding for the $140,000 project will come from Friends of Stone Academy.

The OSIF program allocates fees paid by residential construction projects for open space improvements that offset the impact of new residents on community parks and related resources.

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