Target has its sights set on a new Chicago location.
The big-box chain proposes a three-story, 150,000-square-foot store in place of Cabrini-Green's William Green Homes at the corner of Division and Larrabee. Final demolition of William Green began March 30 as part of a years long dismantling of the public housing project.
The new Target would bring 200 jobs to the community, including 75 set aside for public housing residents, the Chicago Sun-Times reports, and would share 3.6 acres with new townhomes and condos in July 2013.
This is the latest of several big-box developments and proposals across Chicago, including an easily approved Walmart location in the Chatham neighborhood and a contentious proposal in Lakeview.
Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) told the Sun-Times he thinks the Target store could benefit the community, though he said it's up to neighborhood residents to decide.
The Chicago Housing Authority tabled the project to push for CHA-specific jobs. Target agreed to 75 positions but declined the request for management jobs.
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce supports the development that will bring construction jobs and retail positions into the community.
Some former Cabrini residents, though, aren't convinced. They want replacement housing, because a 1999 Cabrini transformation plan called for 1,2000 new units to replace those demolished. Only 395 have been built so far.
Target began its community outreach on Monday, outlining plans and addressing concerns.
