RED ALERT

Edgewater is at Risk
Stop Blank-Check Upzoning

Yes to community-led development
Yes to more affordable housing
Yes to our small businesses
Yes to our heritage buildings
Yes to quality of life

Latest News

Oct 14 - Edgewater Residents Speak Out as Broadway Upzoning Advances—The Fight for a Fair Plan Continues

On October 14, the City Council’s Committee on Zoning voted 15 to 2 to approve Alderwoman Manna-Hoppenworth’s Broadway upzoning ordinances. The measures are now expected to go before the full City Council for approval on Thursday, October 16.

We extend our sincere thanks to the 100 Edgewater residents who attended the committee hearing wearing yellow scarves in support of ERRD’s position —especially those who were selected to speak and made their voices heard.

Although this outcome was anticipated, ERRD’s primary objective was achieved: ensuring that residents’ objections and the concerns of several Alders are now part of the official public record.

Despite strong testimony and numerous procedural and legal violations—including failures in public notice and disregard for due process—the Committee chose to advance the ordinances. This decision underscores the importance of continued vigilance as we move into the next stage: ensuring that any development along Broadway truly serves the community.

While the City’s approval process may continue, ERRD remains focused on the long game—to hold off any development that is inconsistent with the community’s vision and to advocate for our Win-Win Plan, a path forward that balances affordable housing, responsible development, and the preservation of Edgewater’s unique character.

👉 Read the Chicago SunTimes Oct 14 article

Stay tuned for ERRD’s next steps—including community actions, legal options, and advocacy initiatives to hold the City accountable and push for genuine community-led planning.

Win-Win Plan for Broadway

ERRD’s Win-Win plan for Broadway achieves more than 70% of the City’s new housing goal while preserving historic buildings, supporting small businesses, and protecting the quality of life for Edgewater residents. Recent ERRB actions:

In our letter to the Mayor, ERRB urges the City to pursue growth responsibly rather than adopt the Department of Planning and Development’s one-size-fits-all upzoning:

  • Planning vs. Blanket Rezoning: The proposal is unstudied, unprecedented, and pits City Hall against residents and businesses.

  • Community-Based Alternative: The Win-Win Roadmap, built with local input, supports new housing while addressing traffic, parking, displacement, respects historical buildings and current residents, and builds on Broadway’s thriving business district.

  • Targeted Development: Upzoning should be precise—using a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.

  • CTA Parcels: A Master Plan for three CTA-owned sites could deliver thousands of homes and retail space.

What You Can Do

👉 See all actions you can take  

SUPPORT OUR PLAN - Sign the petition to join mailing list

DONATE TO OUR BROADWAY LEGAL DEFENSE FUND - see your options.

WATCH THE VIDEO - Small Business Owners Speak Up

Recent Press

👉 See all articles

Who We Are

Edgewater Residents for Responsible Development is a 501c4 association of residents and small businesses who oppose the City’s proposal for radical upzoning of 2.6 miles of Broadway with no study, planning or input from affected residents and businesses.

Our Win-Win Roadmap for future development on Broadway includes the following elements:

  • A Master Plan for the revitalization of the historic heart of the Broadway Business District at Bryn Mawr and Hollywood; Policies that preserve Broadway’s architectural diversity, heritage buildings, and affordability;

  • Zoning that ensures compatibility with the character and livability of Broadway’s surrounding residential neighborhoods; and

  • Studies, planning, and policies to mitigate the impacts of increased development on traffic, parking, and Broadway’s small businesses.