Annoying NIMBY's tackle 126 E Chestnut?

SOAR draws line in sand on 126 E. Chestnut November 24, 2004 BY DAVE ROEDER SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST The developers of the project behind the Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut, suddenly have a fight on their hands. For weeks, things had gone relatively well for Edward James Partners LLC and Opus North Corp. as they made the rounds on the Near North Side to elicit support -- or at least sedate opposition -- for their proposed 64-story tower just west of the Gothic church. Community meetings drew the predictable "don't block my view'' complaints that seldom kill a project. Many others praised the plan, which is supposed to bring the church $25 million for new facilities and programs that will help the poor. The developers worked with Jack Guthman, a leading zoning attorney, to open the right doors at City Hall. "They have God and Guthman on their side,'' one resident commented. But now the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents has come out against the project. SOAR's opposition is significant, because the group has a reputation for even-handedness and the greatest political reach of any in its neighborhood. When it says "no way,'' many will think it has plenty of reasons. Citing an onslaught of new high-rises within blocks of Michigan Avenue, Rosalie Harris, SOAR's executive director, said, "Our board felt this needed to be a line in the sand.'' She said opposition isn't based on people losing views, but on concern over loss of light and added congestion. I'm not sure the criticism makes sense. The project has been oriented to minimize shadows over the church courtyard, a treasured public space. In height and square footage, it would be smaller than much of what's around it. And the condos and church offices in the building would generate less traffic than any commercial use. But SOAR could put enough heat on Ald. Burton Natarus (42nd) to withhold approval until the developers trim the size. If that happens, it'll be interesting to see who absorbs the financial hit, the developers or the church. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ^ >