Residents plan rally

Lincoln Park residents plan a Saturday rally at 11 a.m. to block ComEd's substation at 1111 W. Diversey Parkway after the utility rejected 14 alternative sites.

“There’s nothing magical about Diversey”

Diversey Community Coalition proposed sites

The Diversey Community Coalition worked with local officials, neighbors and consultants to propose 14 alternative locations for ComEd's planned substation at 1111 W. Diversey Parkway.

ComEd rejected sites

ComEd rejected all 14 proposed sites in an August letter, citing lots being too small, not for sale or not cost effective.

Coalition argues for housing

The coalition argues ComEd can use a different site that isn't so close to transit, schools and a daycare to protect housing.

1.2-acre site proposed

The coalition listed a 1.2-acre parcel on Diversey Parkway and a Jewel Osco parking lot on North Clybourn Avenue as potential alternatives.

ComEd's response

ComEd stated alternative sites would increase costs for customers in 48 Chicago wards without benefiting from the new substation.

Coalition's housing goal

The coalition wants to protect equitable transit-oriented development sites within half a mile of the Brown Line Diversey stop.

Substation capacity issue

ComEd's three substations serving Lake View, North Center, Uptown and northern Lincoln Park reached 95% capacity this year and are expected to reach 98% by 2031.

Coalition's alternative plan

The coalition argues selling the site to a developer would build housing instead of a substation, as it is 735 feet from the Diversey CTA station.

Neighborhood support

Wrightwood Neighbors Association and Central Lake View Neighbors joined the coalition's call to abandon the site, with alders Timmy Knudsen, Bennet Lawson and Scott Waguespack backing the effort.

Local officials push for oversight

Alder Timmy Knudsen proposed an ordinance requiring community oversight for infrastructure projects larger than 0.5 acres or within 600 feet of residential property.

State-level action

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz called Gov. JB Pritzker about the issue and hopes a bill similar to Lawson's ordinance will be discussed during the Illinois General Assembly's fall veto session.

Rally details

The coalition plans a Saturday rally at 11 a.m. at ComEd's proposed substation site to advocate for housing and transit-oriented development.

Substation impact

ComEd's substation at 1111 W. Diversey Parkway is 1.08 acres and 735 feet from the Diversey CTA station, making it an equitable transit-oriented development site.