CREW Chicago members and non-members gathered at East Bank Club Sept. 28, for a panel discussion on transit-oriented development (TOD) in Chicago.
Marisa Novara, director of the Metropolitan Planning Council, moderated the panel consisting of David Reifman, sommissioner of the Department of Planning and Development, Rob Buono, owner of Henry Street Properties, and Felicia Dawson, director of Community Engagement for Preservation of Affordable Housing.
Panelists participated in a conversation relevant to maximizing the success and community support of TODs and the considerations and risks involved in meeting the changing housing demand in Chicago.
The esteemed panel discussed the impacts of the 2013 TOD Ordinance and its reform in 2015 and addressed the benefits, such as strengthening neighborhood economies and improving accessibility to public transit, as well as the concerns of gentrification and over-populating Chicago neighborhoods. The experts stressed the importance of involving the community members and sharing the long-term goals of a TOD project.
Before and after the panel discussion, attendees enjoyed networking with 100-plus industry professionals at the sold-out event.
