Chicago Tribune Investigation (almost sounds like CSI): When they go after a story, it’s usually an eye-opener for the reader. These investigative reports typically run over the course of two to three days, and they remind me of short series on TV where viewers are left hanging at the end of each episode, yearning for the airing of the next one. The latest topic that they’ve been going after is called “Neighborhoods For Sale”, and it started yesterday. This one is really worth the effort of registering (for free), if you’re interested in finding out about how zoning and zoning changes in Chicago work, and who the decision-makers are. Read all about it here, but don’t forget that after a couple of days you need to register.

A little excerpt, to get your appetite going:

“Any alderman can create a committee and make them do what you want them to do, or the applicants [for zoning changes] can stack the committee.”

Ald. William J.P. Banks (36th), longtime chairman of the City Council’s Zoning Committee, on neighborhood zoning advisory boards.

Update: Hizzoner is apparently aggravated (with the Trib) about this investigative report.
Addendum: Chicago Tribune Page 2 columnist, John Kass, throws in his 2 cents into this discussion.

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