[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 82 (Tuesday, June 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING THE CHICAGO ZONING REFORM COMMISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chicago's 
Zoning Reform Commission and its Co-Chairmen, Alderman William J.P. 
Banks and David Mosena, for the recent completion of the new City of 
Chicago Zoning Code.
  By understanding the changing needs of Chicago's residential and 
commercial population, the Commission has ensured that Chicago will 
continue to be a modernized, world-class city for the 21st century. The 
efforts of Alderman Banks, Mr. Mosena and the other members of the 
commission helped lead the Zoning Reform Commission toward the first 
comprehensive rewriting of Chicago's Zoning Code since 1957.
  Four years ago, Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed the Zoning Reform 
Commission to head this massive undertaking. The Commission sought 
input from the commercial sector, the Aldermen who represent these 
unique neighborhoods, and the public at large through numerous open 
public forums. The Commission is to be congratulated for the breadth of 
support they were able to garner for the new proposal before they 
considered their job finished.
  The new Zoning Code has laid the foundation for a superior zoning map 
to be available for community leaders and residents. The ordinance 
includes improvements beyond its original structure--which simply 
addressed height, bulk and location--to set standards to deal with 
modern issues such as green space, increased use of public 
transportation and job retention. With its passage, a new vision for 
Chicago's future has been secured.
  I am also particularly proud that two members of the Zoning Reform 
Commission represent areas of the 5th Congressional District. Alderman 
William J.P. Banks, the Chairman of the City Council's Zoning 
Committee, and Alderman Ray Suarez, the Chairman of the City Council's 
Committee on Housing & Real Estate, continue to provide their vast 
experience, expertise and knowledge in directing the planning and 
development of Chicago.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional 
District of Illinois, and indeed all of Chicago, I am privileged to 
congratulate the Zoning Reform Committee for their achievements in 
providing a new Zoning Code, and thank them for their diligent work on 
this important effort.

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