Show Your Support: Yard Signs Now Available!
Help us spread the word! Our “Stop the Substation” yard signs are ready for distribution. We now have two sizes available to help cover the cost of production:
• 18″x12″ (~$12) | 24″x18″ (~$18)
ComEd is building an electric substation the size of a football field on rare transit-oriented land at Diversey & Seminary. We are calling for the relocation of this 1+ acre substation to an Industrial Zone to preserve 1111 W. Diversey for Pedestrian and Transit-Oriented Development (eTOD) that supports our neighborhood’s future.
TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT, NOT COMED INDUSTRIAL ENCROACHMENT!
Due Process for Diversey: Our Neighborhood, Our Voice!
RELOCATE THE PROPOSED 138kV SUBSTATION AWAY FROM 1111 W. DIVERSEY (former COVID Testing site)
THE ISSUE:
ComEd is attempting to bypass public scrutiny for a 4-story, football-field-sized industrial hub at Diversey & Seminary by using a “Minor Utility” zoning loophole. We are currently working with the aldermen to require a formal Major Utility classification to trigger the rigorous public hearing process our community deserves.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Opportunity Cost
A 1.08-acre “dead zone” permanently removes prime land intended for high-density housing and retail within 600ft of the ADA accessible Diversey L station—stifling transit-oriented growth.
Ordinance Violation
A windowless 4-story industrial shell violates the 2022 Connected Communities Ordinance, which mandates “Active Street Frontages” and pedestrian-first design in transit corridors.
Industrial Encroachment
This project defies the core 2004 Zoning Reform principles meant to prevent industrial “Major” uses from encroaching on residential life via administrative loopholes.
Modern Grid Tech
ComEd is ignoring 21st-century “Non-Wire Alternatives” like Virtual Power Plants and distributed storage that eliminate the need for centralized, high-voltage industrial hubs.
School Safety Zone
Placing a 138kV regional transmission hub within 50ft of Kensington School and one block from both Tubman Elementary and Growing Seeds Preschool creates an industrial hazard in a child-dense corridor.
A Violation of Transit-Oriented Development Progress
The Diversey corridor designated Community Area stretches from Lake Michigan to the North Branch of the Chicago River. This land is prioritized for growth, walkability, and density.
By placing a massive industrial transmission hub here, ComEd is creating a permanent “Dead Zone” that directly violates the Connected Communities Ordinance (2022) and established Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) mandates.
There are better, higher uses for this land that serve the neighborhood’s residential and commercial future rather than ComEd’s regional industrial interests.
2004 Zoning Reform vs. Today’s Reality
The distinction between “Major” and “Minor” utilities was established in 2004 to protect the residential character of our neighborhoods from Industrial Encroachment.
This landmark reform prioritized Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)—a mission strengthened by the Connected Communities 2022 ordinance. It was designed to ensure land remains walkable and vibrant, not occupied by massive regional transmission hubs.
Voltage: 12kV (Local Distribution)
Impact: MINOR UTILITY: “Few if any impacts on surrounding areas”
Voltage: 138kV (Regional Transmission)
Impact: MAJOR UTILITY: “Substantial land use impacts on surrounding areas”
Classifying a football-field-sized regional node as a ‘Minor Utility’ ignores twenty years of zoning progress. It creates a permanent dead zone that violates modern TOD and Connected Communities ordinances.
IMPACT DEFINES THE LAW.
By replacing our residential and commercial potential with INDUSTRIAL USE meant for a regional “community-wide interest,” ComEd is attempting to bypass the public scrutiny that the law explicitly requires.
SCHOOL SAFETY ZONE
This regional industrial hub is proposed within a block of multiple educational centers:
Kensington School
(Infant – Pre-K)
Growing Seeds
(Preschool)
Harriet Tubman Elementary
(K-8)
Our Land, Our Future: The TIF Factor
1111 W. Diversey sits within a critical Transit TIF corridor. How we use this land determines whether we fund our future or freeze our progress.
The TOD Path: Growth
By building Transit-Oriented Housing, we generate massive Incremental Tax. During the TIF’s life, these funds stay local to fix our sidewalks, improve the ‘L’ station, and support neighborhood beautification.
- Local Projects: Direct funding for Diversey station accessibility.
- Post-TIF Windfall: Once the TIF expires, millions in new tax revenue flow directly to CPS & Public Parks.
The Substation: Stagnation
An unmanned industrial structure is a “low-value” use. It contributes minimal incremental tax, effectively starving the TIF district of the funds needed for local infrastructure.
- Blight Risk: A windowless block suppresses surrounding property values.
- Opportunity Loss: We lose the tax-generating power of 100+ households forever.
The Bottom Line: We want our land to work for us. Choosing People over Power Equipment ensures our community has the resources to thrive for generations to come.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Your voice is the only thing that can stop this industrial project.
FILE AN ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION (ICC) PUBLIC COMMENT
The ICC must approve ComEd’s multi-year plan (Docket 26-0047).
1. Click “🔄 Refresh” for a new perspective.
2. Highlight and copy the text below, then click “🌐 Open ICC Portal” to paste your comment.
Why does this action matter?
The ICC controls the project budget. If they “disallow” the expenditure, ComEd cannot charge ratepayers for it—effectively killing the project’s financial viability.
Coordinated pressure is our most effective strategy.
News & Announcements
📰CDOT Permit Hold Requested for Public Way
Alderman Knudsen has formally requested the Department of Transportation (CDOT) place an immediate hold on all permits for streets and alleys surrounding the site.
This hold prevents ComEd from performing work above, on, or under the public way—including active duct bank installations—until the critical zoning and safety challenges are resolved.
Read the CDOT Letter →Zoning Administrator Issues Official Response
The City Zoning Administrator has provided an Official Response to the community’s request for a Formal Letter of Interpretation regarding the 1111 W. Diversey site.
This response is a key piece of the ongoing challenge to classify this project as a “Major Utility,” which would require a full public hearing and City Council approval.
View the Zoning Response →Administrative Hold Requested for 1111 W. Diversey
Alderman Knudsen has officially requested that the Department of Buildings place an immediate Administrative Hold on all permits for the site.
Read the Official DOB Letter →Major Progress: State & Local Officials Unite!
Aldermen Knudsen (43rd), Waguespack (32nd), and Lawson (44th) have officially petitioned the City Zoning Administrator for a “Major Utility” classification.
Read the Official Newsletter →WNA & CLVN Community Meeting with ComEd
The Wrightwood Neighborhood Association and Central Lake View Neighbors hosted a community dialogue to discuss ComEd’s 1111 W. Diversey Pkwy substation plans at Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital.
Resources & Documents
Download and share to help spread the word
DOB Permit Hold
Alderman Knudsen’s formal request to the Dept. of Buildings to halt demolition permits at 1111 W. Diversey.
Special Newsletter
Alderman Knudsen’s official update on the ComEd proposal challenge and the community meet & greet.
Zoning Request
Formal request from local Aldermen to the Zoning Administrator for an official written interpretation of the site.
Letter to ComEd
Official correspondence from Senator Feigenholtz and Representative Williams to ComEd regarding the substation.
Community Flier
Informational handout with key facts about the Diversey Substation proposal and neighborhood impact.
STOP THE SUBSTATION Sign
Printable window sign to show your opposition. Best for front windows or storefronts.
Contact Us
ABOUT US:
The Diversey Community Coalition (DCC) is a unified voice of residents and local business owners committed to preserving the character, welfare and safety of our neighborhood.