City Assistance Will Support School Improvements

Improvement projects at two Chicago Public Schools (CPS) facilities will be supported with more than $6 million in City assistance approved by City Council today.

• Chicago Vocational Career Academy High School, at 2100 E. 87th St. in Avalon Park, will receive $5 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) support for improvements to the school's aquatic center, including locker rooms, pool deck, and building systems. The balance of the $7.3 million project will be paid by CPS.

• Goethe Elementary School, at 2236 N. Rockwell St. in Logan Square, will receive $504,000 in Open Space Impact Fee (OSIF) proceeds for construction of a 12,000-square-foot youth soccer field, asphalt running track and drainage improvements. The balance of the $1.5 million project will be paid by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

• LaSalle II Elementary School, at 1148 N. Honore St. in West Town, will receive $500,000 in OSIF for installation of an 11,000-square-foot artificial turf field and running track. The balance of the $1 million project will be paid by CPS and LaSalle II's parent-teacher organization. Chicago's TIF program allocates property tax growth within designated TIF districts for public improvement projects, affordable housing, economic development, and other goals.

The OSIF program allocates fees paid by residential construction projects for open space improvements that offset the impact of new residents on community parks and related resources.

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