[Handro]

Can someone help me understand this:

I live in the 47th Ward, and was reviewing the devlepments in the pipeline on the alderman's website. I found that some were subject to ZAC (zoning advisory council) review. From what I can see, this council is an anonymous group appointed by the alderman that meets once a month(?) behind closed doors to approve or deny zoning changes and permits.

Is there any good reason for having an anonymous council appointed by the alderman meeting behind closed doors beyond simple corruption? I e-mailed the alderman's office (which didn't have simple contact info anywhere on the site, I had to dig around online) and am awaiting a response, but I'm sure I won't get a straight answer. I'm giving the benefit of the doubt though and perhaps I'm not thinking of an important detail as to why this would be necessary...