Ald. Burke Received Special Zoning Break
By Prescott Carlson in News on May 25, 2009 7:00PM
Today's installment of "Surprising News to Nobody" comes courtesy of Ald. Edward Burke of the 14th Ward. The Sun-Times "Watchdogs" are reporting that in 2004, Burke used his influence to receive a zoning permission to build a townhouse development worth millions, as well as a zoning variance to build his 4,400 square foot home that pushes up against both front and rear lot lines. Despite the mayor's zoning staff input that the project was inappropriate for the neighborhood, the request sailed through the City Council and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The whole story is chock full of clout:
- Burke partners with two campaign contributors on the development deal, one of which is a contractor who has worked on City Hall projects.
- The three men buy a parking lot on West 51st St. for $300,000 from a client of Burke's law firm.
- To aid in the rezoning, the partners hire Marcus Nunes, a lobbyist and law partner with Gery Chico, Mayor Daley's former chief of staff.
- The City Council approves Burke's project despite the Zoning Department stamping it "not recommended."
- The Zoning Board of Appeals allows Burke to build his house just three feet from the front/rear lot line.
An interesting side note, the street Burke built his home on is one-way with no through traffic, is all permit parking, and a different permit is needed to park on Burke's side than across the street, effectively preventing neighbors from parking in front of his house. [S-T]