Set-aside program may add Asians
Construction firms would regain access

April 9, 2007, 8:47 PM CDT

Asian-American construction firms would regain access to Chicago's affirmative action set-aside program under a measure advanced Monday by the City Council's Economic Development Committee.

A 2003 federal court ruling that found no evidence of discrimination against Asian-American companies took them out of the program.

The committee based its action on a new study by a Dartmouth College professor, which found evidence of discrimination, including more difficulty for Asian-American businesses than white-owned companies in obtaining loans and higher interest rates when loans were obtained.

Meanwhile, the council's Traffic Committee advanced a proposal that would require motorcycles and motor scooters to be parked at a 90-degree angle to the curb. The angle could be reduced if any part of the bike were to protrude into a narrow roadway. Thechange
would create more curbside space for parking. In areas where a new "pay-and-display" system has replaced metered spaces, that would mean more revenue for the city.

The City Council is expected to take final action on both measures at a meeting Wednesday.

Tribune staff report
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-070409council,1,4548365.story?coll=chi-news-hed
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