Chicago City Wire

Improvement projects at two Chicago Public Schools facilities will be supported with more than $6 million in city assistance approved by the City Council today.

Chicago Vocational Career Academy High School, located at 2100 E. 87th St. in Avalon Park, is set to receive $5 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) support. This funding will go towards improvements to the school’s aquatic center, including locker rooms, pool deck, and building systems. The remaining balance of the $7.3 million project will be covered by CPS.

Goethe Elementary School, situated at 2236 N. Rockwell St. in Logan Square, will benefit from $504,000 in Open Space Impact Fee (OSIF) proceeds. This amount will fund the construction of 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 cost.

LaSalle II Elementary School at 1148 N. Honore St. in West Town is also on the list to receive financial aid with $500,000 from OSIF for installing an 11,000-square-foot artificial turf field and running track. The balance of this $1 million project will be paid by CPS and LaSalle II’s parent-teacher organization.

Chicago’s TIF program directs property tax growth within designated TIF districts towards public improvement projects such as affordable housing and economic development initiatives.

The OSIF program utilizes fees collected from residential construction projects for open space enhancements to mitigate the impact of new residents on community parks and resources.