Chicago Preservationists Decry Condo ManiaÂ

Architect Jonathan Fine of Preservation Chicago is worried about entire blocks of late 19th- and early 20th-century cottages, frame houses, and brick homes in the city's neighborhoods being replaced by condominiums.
"If we continue to allow our historic buildings to fall through the cracks like they have been, we're giving people less and less of a reason to come to our city," explains Fine, who has joined other preservationists and residents in calling for the designation of more landmark districts.

The City Council has approved 45 such districts since the 1970s.

However, North Side Alderman Theodore Matlak says many residents want more space, which older homes do not provide.

Matlak acknowledges that he has used his authority to alter zoning requirements for particular lots, known as the "aldermanic privilege," to enable developers to put up bigger structures than allowed under city zoning ordinances. Some alderman approve spot zoning without first consulting residents.

Source: New York Times