Lincoln Square’s future won’t include sprawling, suburban-style developments: aldermen

Two aldermen are turning to a master plan as they determine their agendas for the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

The master plan, released this summer, highlights the need for additional bike lanes, affordable housing and independent businesses. The document was created using public input solicited through conversations and meetings between residents and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.

Ald. Matt Martin (47th) and Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) are determining which components of the master plan to prioritize, according to Block Club Chicago.

To avoid the trends of converting two- and three-flats to single family homes and larger suburban-style developments, the document recommends renovating existing buildings to include affordable rental housing through incentives like historic tax credits and housing tax credits.

“The Lincoln Square Master Plan is in line with my own priorities to preserve the picturesque, main-street feel of Lincoln Ave while supporting opportunities for an appropriate level of residential density — which in turn bolsters small businesses and the availability of affordable housing,” Martin said in a statement.

The plan’s suggestions for the commercial corridors point to the importance of local business development, encouraging developers to partner with area tenants and coordinating incentives at the city and county levels to attract small businesses.

“The Lincoln Square Master Plan does a phenomenal job showing how much potential there is along Lincoln and Lawrence,” Vasquez said in a statement. “A reconstruction of Lawrence Avenue will be planned and installed over the next couple years, so it’s vital to push for our vision for the commercial corridor now.”

Infrastructure improvements, the document said, should focus on ways in which to make the neighborhood safer for pedestrians and cyclists, like pedestrian median islands, raised crosswalks, contraflow bike lanes and bike-friendly speed humps.

The master plan will be used to help decide how to spend funds collected through a Special Service Area tax over the next five to 10 years. [Block Club] — Brianna Kelly