The new program would allow short-term use of vacant properties, and provide new incubation capabilities to small, start-up businesses.
"Chicago is on the verge of implementing a novel way of enlivening streetscapes," according to an article by Elizabeth Blasius.
"To combat the spread of vacant storefronts across the city and particularly in economically-challenged neighborhoods, a proposed ordinance would let entrepreneurs test pop-up concepts in empty spaces for anywhere from only five days to a full year."
According to a press release from the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), the City Council will consider an ordinance that creates a licensing system "to allow for the operation of short-term 'pop-up' stores, including restaurants."
"If approved by City Council, the new license will provide the option of a 5-, 30-, 90-, 180-, or 365-day license, depending on their business activity, all at a very low cost and without an on-site inspection," adds the press release. "In fact, the user license is not tied to a location, so the holder can 'roam' during the length of the license and operate all around the city."
The article by Blasius provides more insight about the potential impact the program could have on communities around the city.
FULL STORY: Chicago proposes experiment with pop-up urbanism
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
How California Transit Agencies are Addressing Rider Harassment
Safety and harassment are commonly cited reasons passengers, particularly women and girls, avoid public transit.
Significant Investments Needed to Protect LA County Residents From Climate Hazards
A new study estimates that LA County must invest billions of dollars before 2040 to protect residents from extreme heat, increasing precipitation, worsening wildfires, rising sea levels, and climate-induced public health threats.
Federal Rule Raises Cost for Oil and Gas Extraction on Public Lands
An update to federal regulations raises minimum bonding to limit orphaned wells and ensure cleanup costs are covered — but it still may not be enough to mitigate the damages caused by oil and gas drilling.
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