Three Open Space Projects Proposed for City Support

Three open space projects would receive more than $1 million in funding from the Chicago Department of Planning and Development's Open Space Impact Fee (OSIF) program under proposals introduced to City Council today by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

• Larrabee Gateway Plaza, located on City land at 1560 N. Larrabee Ave. on the Near North Side, would receive $844,000 in OSIF support to support passive recreation improvements that connect to the adjacent Park No. 598. The Chicago Department of Transportation would construct and maintain the improvements.
  
  
• Gray Elementary School, at 3730 N. Laramie Ave. in Portage Park, would receive $287,751 in OSIF support for construction of a 6,300-square-foot play area. Additional funding for the $500,000 project would come from Chicago Public Schools and the 30th Ward office.
  
  
• Stone Scholastic Academy, at 6239 N. Leavitt St. in West Ridge, would receive $137,367 in OSIF support for construction of a 2,500-square-foot nature play area. Additional funding for the $140,000 project would come from Friends of Stone Academy.

The OSIF program allocates fees paid by residential construction projects for open space improvements that offset the impact of new residents on community parks and related resources.