Chicago City Wire

Improvement projects at two Chicago Public Schools (CPS) facilities are set to receive over $5 million in city assistance. Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced proposals to the City Council to support these initiatives.

Chicago Vocational Career Academy High School, located at 2100 E. 87th St. in Avalon Park, is slated to receive $5 million from Tax Increment Financing (TIF). This funding will aid improvements to the school's aquatic center, including locker rooms, pool deck, and building systems. The total cost of the project is estimated at $7.3 million, with CPS covering the remaining expenses.

Goethe Elementary School, situated at 2236 N. Rockwell St. in Logan Square, would benefit from $504,000 through Open Space Impact Fee (OSIF) proceeds. This amount will be used for constructing a 12,000-square-foot youth soccer field, an asphalt running track, and drainage improvements. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will cover the rest of the $1.5 million project.

The TIF program in Chicago uses property tax growth within designated districts for public improvement projects such as affordable housing and economic development. Meanwhile, the OSIF program allocates fees from residential construction projects for open space improvements to mitigate the impact of new residents on community parks and related resources.