Calls to delay Lincoln Yards’ approval gain traction after Tuesday’s election

Opponents of Sterling Bay’s Lincoln Yards project are ramping up calls to postpone City Council consideration of the project until after a new city government takes over in May, putting more pressure on the small group of aldermen who hold the keys to its approval.

Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd), whose ward includes the 54-acre Lincoln Yards site, told Block Club Chicago he would wouldn’t fight a delay in the approval process.

To be considered for final approval by the full council, Lincoln Yards must first pass the council’s Zoning Committee, which has been chaired by Alderman James Cappleman (46th)  since disgraced Alderman Danny Solis (25th) stepped down in January. And the controversial tax increment financing to finance public infrastructure around the site would need to be approved by the council’s finance committee, which is chaired by Aldermen Pat O’Connor (40th).

Both Cappleman and O’Connor face runoff elections on April 2 to see whether they keep their chairs for another term.

Cappleman scheduled a special meeting of the zoning committee for Thursday to consider the project, but he might cancel it if Sterling Bay does not add more on-site affordable housing to the proposal.

Mayoral candidates Toni Preckwinkle and Lori Lightfoot, meanwhile, both want to delay the approval process until one of them becomes mayor on May 20. [Block Club Chicago] — Alex Nitkin