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An alderman best known for opposing Chick-fil-A's bid to expand here is getting involved in the fight over a proposed North Side Ford auto dealership that has run into political problems with Latino aldermen.But Solis has one particular Hispanic in mind--a man whose family once owned a Chrysler dealership who has contributed over $6,000 to a political fund controlled by Solis.
In a series of phone interviews, Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno, 1st, said he has "concerns" that the dealership would worsen traffic and density problems in the Elston Avenue corridor around Fullerton Avenue, and he isn't happy that the facility, which a Michigan company wants to build, may receive millions of dollars in property-tax breaks from Cook County.
But it appears the City Council already has cleared the way for the tax break, technically known as a Class 7B exemption — in part with Mr. Moreno's help.
As I've previously written, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Fox Motors wants to open a full-service, $57 million Ford dealership on a 17-acre site just north of the intersection of Fullerton and Elston avenues that would employ an estimated 200 people. But even though a needed rezoning has the backing of local Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, the matter twice has stalled in the council Zoning Committee, with committee Chairman Danny Solis, 25th, saying Ford Motor Co. needs to get a dealership here into the hands of Latino owners.
Moreno is a goof. As for his "congestion" argument, perhaps he should drive around the city a bit and take a look at all of the shuttered Chicago dealerships. Few people seek out vacant lots when they hop into their cars.
And few businesses will seek out a city that is hostile to commerce.
Related post:
ILL-inois: Chicago alderman holding 200 jobs hostage because he wants to reward campaign contributor
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