Zoning committee approves mayoral appointment, property sales and reuse plans; multiple files pass without objection

The Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee met Jan. 14 and approved a series of motions including a mayoral appointment to the City Plan Commission and several property sales and plan amendments. Committee chair Perez called for objections on multiple motions; committee members voiced questions in several item-specific presentations, and each motion passed with no stated objection.

Among the actions the committee adopted: 1) confirmation of Jesus Gonzales to the City Plan Commission (file 241-351). Gonzales described his local business experience and community work, including co‑founding the Zócalo food‑truck park in Walker’s Point and work to secure $750,000 for Walker Square Park improvements. Alderman Jo Casa Samaripa moved confirmation; Chair Perez stated, “Hearing none, so ordered. Look forward to working with you.”

2) A substitute ordinance to amend the Southgate Marketplace Phase 2 detailed plan development to allow an “assembly hall” use in the former Marcus Theatre building at 3300 S. 30th St. (file 240-937). Staff and the applicant described a reuse of the roughly 30,000‑square‑foot theater as flexible banquet…