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Neighbors ask pause after city negotiates purchase of 1222 Washington; say block’s only private green space at risk
Summary
Neighbors of a small vacant lot at 1222 Washington, adjacent to several institutional properties, asked the Land Use Commission to help pause a proposed project tied to an affordable‑housing effort. City staff said council had authorized negotiations but no application had yet been filed with planning staff.
Neighbors representing properties near 1222 Washington urged the Land Use Commission to pause a proposed city purchase and planned affordable‑housing project so the community can review environmental and social impacts.
Multiple residents from the Ninth Ward said the backyard lot is the only remaining private green space on a block dominated by institutions, including the Lydia Home (a residential care facility the speakers said houses 30–40 adolescents), a school, a church and a daycare. Beth Cerny told commissioners the block is “uniquely ecologically and sociologically highly stressed,” and asked the commission to provide an objective review and more time for neighbor input.
Tom Doyle, who said school‑neighboring institutions generate frequent emergency responses on the block, asked the commission to “put an immediate pause on this project for a lot of the very reasons that have already been stated,” adding that neighbors had not been included in earlier negotiations. He said he believes negotiations were advanced by the alderman without neighborhood collaboration.
City staff responded that the project is not on the Land Use Commission docket and no planning application had been submitted. A staff member said the City Council had approved negotiation authority related to 1222 Washington at a recent council meeting but that staff had not received a formal application for the use; whether the item will come before the commission depends on the application and permits needed. Staff also noted that a plan proposed by a school partner would not meet accessory‑dwelling‑unit size limits and would require subdivision or other approvals.
Why it matters: The request highlights potential conflicts between short‑term affordable‑housing initiatives and neighborhood environmental and institutional context. Neighbors requested a transparent process that includes environmental and tree‑canopy review, and staff confirmed that procedural steps and required permits would determine the project’s next formal review.
What was requested: Neighbors asked the commission for an objective review or at minimum an opportunity to comment in advance of any finalized purchase or permit approvals; staff advised that formal review would take place through permitting and that affected neighbors should submit comments and ask staff for updates.
