Residential developer David Dubin plans to acquire the 1.02-acreWest Loop site from Wertheimer Box & Paper Co. and demolish aone-story, 80-year-old building on the property. He would the build33 townhouses, priced in the "high $300s," in three buildings onthe western portion of the site in a courtyard arrangement. Dubinalso plans a five-story condominium building with 34 units, pricedin the "mid $200s." Seven units in the building would be availableto buyers qualifying under the city's affordable housinginitiative.

"You're going to get that?" 42nd Ward Alderman Burton Natarusasked Dubin. "We hope to, and we have experience at it," thedeveloper answered.

However, the development's aesthetics came in for harshercriticism. "You come as close to Tokyo as you can be," says 50thWard Alderman Bernard Stone. "It's the worst plan I've ever seen,and I'm appalled the department (of planning and development)approved it. I find this plan truly shameful."