I don’t want to have an empty hospital sitting around for the next couple of years. I mean, that’s not going to be good. Children’s [Memorial Hospital] is leaving in 2012. That’s a block away. I can’t have that happen. It’s important for me to move this ahead. It’s a good project. Overall, it’s good for our community.
– Outgoing 43rd Ward Ald. Vi Daley, on her decision to support the redevelopment of the old Lincoln Park Hospital at Lincoln and Webster avenues. The City Council today gave the OK for Sandz Development to turn the hospital building and an a neighboring parking garage into Webster Square, a mix of new homes, offices, and a grocery store.
Daley’s successor, Michele Smith, says she will attempt to have the ratification repealed after taking office, arguing that it “overturns 40 years of zoning” and “sabotages the overall planning needs of the area,” the Sun-Times reports.