The Future Of Old Finkl Steel

Finkl Steel
The hulking Finkl Steel site exists in what’s known as a “Planned Manufacturing District” -- a special zoning tool that protects land for industry use. Alderman Brian Hopkins (2) is open to changing that. Andrew Gill / WBEZ
Finkl Steel
The hulking Finkl Steel site exists in what’s known as a “Planned Manufacturing District” -- a special zoning tool that protects land for industry use. Alderman Brian Hopkins (2) is open to changing that. Andrew Gill / WBEZ

The Future Of Old Finkl Steel

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A North side Chicago Alderman says she wants lots of park space to fill the site of a former Lincoln Park steel plant. 

The future of the old Finkl Steel plant is a big deal for the Lincoln Park, Bucktown and surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a lot of land: the old plant alone is around 30 acres and there are a lot of ideas about what to do with it.

Alderman Michelle Smith’s ward is next to the site — and she says there isn’t enough open space for residents. She’s concerned the city doesn’t plan to include parks in the redevelopment, but the planning commissioner says no decisions have been made yet.