OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
January 23, 2019
Anna Valencia City Clerk
Room 107, City Hall Chicago, IL 60602
Dear Ms. Valencia:
I transmit herewith for filing Executive Order No. 2019-1, which I have signed this date. Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated.
Mayor
Sincerely,
Executive Order No. 2019-1
WHEREAS, The City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development ("DPD"), Chicago Park District ("Park District'"), Forest Preserve District of Cook County ("Forest Preserve District") and Metropolitan Water and Reclamation District ("MWRD") each has a unique role to play in promoting the responsible development of Chicago's waterways, and in identifying long-term cumulative goals for transforming the Chicago Metropolitan Area's river system into an asset that is inviting, productive, environmentally sound, and sustainable; and
WHEREAS, Since 2013, the Park District has opened four new boathouses in neighborhoods along the Chicago River enabling Chicago residents to better connect with nature; and
WFIEREAS, Since the 1980s, the City has required private developers undertaking new development projects along Chicago's inland waterways to provide a publicly accessible, 30-foot set back from the river bank to accommodate a range of amenities, such as pedestrian and bicycle paths, fencing, seating and landscaping; and
WHEREAS, Since 1998, the City has collected Open Space Impact Fees ("OSIFs") from new residential developments to ensure that adequate open space and recreational facilities are available to serve the residents of those developments. The City awards OSIF grants to public agencies and not-for-profit organizations for use in connection with open space acquisition and capital improvement projects that can be lawfully financed using open space impact fees. In cases where the new residential development is located along a waterway, such as the Chicago River, these OSIF-funded projects have the potential to improv...
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