City Assistance Proposed for School Improvements

Improvement projects at two Chicago Public Schools (CPS) facilities would be supported with more than $5 million in City assistance under proposals introduced to City Council today by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

• Chicago Vocational Career Academy High School, at 2100 E. 87th St. in Avalon Park, would receive $5 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) support for improvements to the school's aquatic center, including locker rooms, pool deck, and building systems. The balance of the $7.3 million project would be paid by CPS.

• Goethe Elementary School, at 2236 N. Rockwell St. in Logan Square, would receive $504,000 in Open Space Impact Fee (OSIF) proceeds for construction of a 12,000-square-foot youth soccer field, asphalt running track and drainage improvements. The balance of the $1.5 million project would be paid by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Chicago's TIF program allocates property tax growth within designated TIF districts for public improvement projects, affordable housing, economic development, and other goals.

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.

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