The project already has been earmarked for $10.5 million in taxincrement financing assistance, which was briefly questioned by42nd Ward Alderman Burton Natarus before the planned developmentwas endorsed by the plan commission Thursday. However, StevePatterson of the department of planning and development notes thecity-owned site generates no property tax revenue now, has beenvacant for several years and its redevelopment will keep filmingoperations in the city, rather than locales outside the US such asToronto.

"This will strengthen a segment of the economy that has beenstruggling for several years," Patterson says.

Central City Studios is paying $1.1 million for the site, itsappraised value. The facility will be managed by Santa Monica,CA-based Raleigh Enterprises. Steven Allison of Central CityStudios adds the project should be a catalyst for additionaldevelopment in the North Lawndale community, bring 1,250 jobs tothe neighborhood, with many of them going to local residents.