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“A local matter”: Munoz invokes aldermanic privilege to push tax break for huge industrial project
Hilco is asking for reduced property tax assessments on its 1M sf Little Village warehouse
Alderman Ricardo Munoz (22nd Ward) invoked the unwritten rule of “aldermanic privilege” in pushing for a property tax break for Hilco Redevelopment Partners’ massive industrial project in Little Village.
During a City Council committee hearing on the tax break Friday, Munoz grew frustrated at his fellow aldermen’s resistance to granting the incentive for a project in his ward that he supports, according to Block Club Chicago.
“For crying out loud, people, this is a local matter,” Muñoz said.
Though the vote was split, the committee ended up approving the incentive, which would reduce the assessments on the property for 12 years and save Hilco nearly $20 million. The full City Council still needs to vote on it.
Hilco last year won city approval to build the 1 million-square-foot spec warehouse on the site of the shuttered Crawford Power Plant. The firm pegged the cost of the project at $100 million, though Munoz said Friday the economic impact would be much more than that. Some neighborhood groups oppose it, though, saying it will increase congestion and diesel pollution.
Munoz hadn’t been at City Hall since he was arrested New Year’s Eve and charged with attacking his wife, according to Block Club. He did not seek re-election last week. [Block Club] — John O’Brien