Ald. Jim Gardiner under investigation for receiving retaliatory kickback from developer

Alderman Jim Gardiner is at the center of an investigation that alleges he accepted payment from a developer who wanted to stall a project in the 45th Ward he represents. 

The FBI accessed the alderman’s text messages last year to investigate whether he accepted $5,000 from the unidentified developer, according to a search warrant application unsealed this week, the Chicago Tribune reported. 

The unidentified individual allegedly conspired with Gardiner to seek revenge against a rivaling builder, who bailed on plans to develop a senior living facility. The individual had invested $20,000 towards a property that was supposed to be the site of the facility, but the builder moved the project elsewhere. 

A cooperating witness told federal investigators that he saw the alderman accept an envelope from the unidentified developer. He then handed the envelope, which had $5,000, to the owners of the West Lawrence Avenue building where his ward office was located, referring to it as a “down payment.”

The building owners insisted on making a record of the payment, to which the alderman responded “You don’t need to do that,” according to the outlet. When the witness stressed the importance of recording the payment, Gardiner supposedly kicked the witness under the table, according to the affidavit. 

It’s possible that a vacant lot known as The Point in Jefferson Park is the site of the rival builder’s stalled development. In 2019, it was reported that Gardiner planned to oppose the development, which had plans for a grocery store and a senior living facility, until plans were revised.

A year later, the City Council approved a new plan for the project, with the alderman signing off on it. The site is now home toa  luxury residential building with a Target that’s under construction.

Gardiner, who was just reelected to his second term last month, has been at the center of other controversies, as well. In 2021, text messages were leaked, showing the alderman using profane remarks in reference to a gay colleague. 

—Quinn Donoghue