Sticking it to Gutstein

Mayfair Construction Company, whose owner was a close friend of the Daley family, wanted to expand its office in the 40th ward in the late 70s, Neighbors opposed the zoning change required for construction and pro-administration Ald. Solomon Gutstein (40th) complied with their wishes.

By custom, the City Council approved whatever zoning decision an Alderman wanted, even following the desires of enemies of the Administration. Many Council members benefited financially from zoning changes in their wards and didn’t want colleagues interfering with those transactions.

Gutstein’s case was different, they felt. He was clashing with the Daley organization whose supporters ran city government. Therefore, he was not protected by the custom, and word was quietly sent out to vote against him.

When a Council committee moved for approval of the rezoning before the full body, 16th Ward Alderman Eloise Barden, who had never before voted against the Administration, rose to speak on the issue. "I'm sorry," she said, "but this is wrong. You don't go into a man's ward and make changes he doesn't want. I'm sorry," she again apologized, "but this just isn't right. We shouldn't be doing this."

Several other Aldermen sided with Gutstein, too, but it wasn’t enough. Mayfair got its zoning change.

The City Council has overridden an Alderman in a similar situation only twice in the more than forty-five years since that vote.