Beginning June 18, the city of Chicago opened public hearings for an intensive revamping of the city's zoning codes. The changes planned will affect development in the city for the next generation. The hearings also give community groups a chance to press for changes that will protect neighborhoods, protect affordable and accessible housing, defend against the continued privatization of public space, and develop viable, sustainable economic opportunities for everyone in Chicago.

Community input is important and not just during the limited regulated public meetings that are planned. A city wide effort most be forged to press for changes. If a demand for a affordable housing set aside, based on the city of Chicago's median income, were included in the zoning regulations it would be a huge step forward in slowing the process of gentrification that continues to displace and disrupt communities.

Mayor Daley says that his plan it will change the codes to protect neighborhoods, keep housing affordable, and develop jobs and services. The people of Chicago must not allow the commission to only pay lip service to these ideas. These are things that communities have been asking for. The city and the mayor have a history of using the language of concerned citizens but clearly falling short on the substance.

Residents should express their desires at the public meetings, but also press for action outside of the spectacle. This could be anything from writing to the zoning board members, city council members, and the media. If that fails, there is the use of public space to press harder.

Public space, a central aspect to the idea of a viable democracy, must also be defended. A revamped zoning code should include regulations that would require open public space. Public space is backbone of public protest, which is the solution when the system breaks down and ignores people's demands.

What follows are the dates, times and locations of the public hearings
Come out and show that your community is worth fighting for.

Monday, July 8
6:30-8:00 pm
West Side
Garfield Park Conservatory
Jensen Room
300 North Central Park

Tuesday, July 9
6:30-8:00 pm
Central Area
Plumbers' Union Hall
Lower Hall
1340 West Washington

Tuesday, July 16
6:30-8:00 pm
Northwest Side
Copernicus Cultural and Civic Center
5216 West Lawrence

Wednesday, July 17
6:30-8:00 pm
South Side
Saint Xavier University
Boardroom
3700 West 103rd Street

Monday, July 22
6:30-8:00 pm
South Lakefront Area
South Shore Cultural Center
Solarium
7059 S. South Shore Drive

Tuesday, July 23
6:30-8:00 pm
Central Area
Harold Washington Library
Multi-Purpose Room

Thursday, July 25
6:30-8:00 pm
Central Area
Walter Payton College Prep
Recital Hall
1034 North Wells

Thursday, August 1
9:30-11:00 am
Central Area
Chicago Cultural Center
Claudia Cassidy Theatre
78 East Washington

Tuesday, August 6
6:30-8:00 pm
Near Northwest Side
Humboldt Park Field House
1400 North Sacramento

Wednesday, August 14
6:30-8:00 pm
Near Southwest Side
Comiskey Park Conference and
Learning Center
333 West 35th Street

Tuesday, August 20
6:30-8:00 pm
Far North Side
Loyola University
Crown Center Auditorium
1001 West Loyola Ave.