Three organizations are hosting the “Transportation Oriented Development – A Philosophy of Urban Planning and Development, and Its Implementation in Chicago” panel Aug. 22, according to Curbed Chicago. The public forum will feature a debate on the positive and negative effects of transit-oriented developments (TODs). 

Chicago has seen a glut of TODs since the city expanded its Transit Oriented Development Ordinance in 2015, according to the report. These developments do not add a large amount of parking space given their proximity to a major public transportation hub.

TODs are popping in neighborhoods all over the city. Curbed Chicago points to the MiCA development in Logan Square. Noble Square is getting a transit-oriented 33-unit condo building with 25 parking spaces. A mixed-use TOD – 55 mixed-income apartment, 39 parking spaces, and retail space – is going up in Woodlawn near the Cottage Grove Green Line stop. These projects are just a few of the Chicago’s growing number of TODs. 

While TODs are designed to cut down on urban congestion and offer environmental benefits, they remain a controversial topic. Some argue, for example, that they put a strain on the supply of on-street parking. 

The Greater Rockwell Organization, the Northcenter Neighborhood Association, and Northside Neighbors are hosting the free event, which will feature speakers from Antero Group Consultant, the Metropolitan Planning Council, Campbell Street Asset Management, and DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development. Dick Simpson, a UIC professor and former alderman, will serve as the panel’s moderator.