If you thought the Dec. 15 Common Council meeting that stretched past 5 a.m. the next day was bad, brace yourself for Feb. 23.
The council is set to reconsider overturning the Landmarks Commission's rejection of the Edgewater, which will require another public hearing. It's also on track for a public hearing on the Edgewater's planned unit development plan. And to vote on the project's tax increment finance agreement. And it may consider Ald. Mark Clear's proposal to amend the city zoning ordinance to eliminate lakefront setbacks for commercial developments (see above).
Oh, and there's a chance the controversial Target store proposed near Hilldale might also be on the agenda.
Instead of candy, alders might be passing around NoDoz.
But Ald. Bridget Maniaci would like to split the meeting into two nights. "I don't think it's very productive to be trying to make important decisions at 4 and 5 a.m.," she says. "I wasn't all that impressed with my comments when I finally got to talk at 4:15 in the morning. It's hard to be alert and 100% engaged when it's almost time for the morning newscast."
Maniaci would like the council to get through its regular business and a public hearing on Edgewater matters. But if this drags on into the wee hours, she wants to call a recess and have the council reconvene the following night.
"I don't want us to be rushed," she says. "And I think a lot of members of the council have valid questions to ask."
