Planning, Preservation and Development Committee Report
by Scott Rappe
1916-24 West Chicago Avenue
Ranquist Development’s presented its case for a zoning change at the October general meeting. The property in question is unusual in that it is zoned both RT-4 and B3-2. Ranquist Development’s intention was to tear the existing buildings down. In the questions and discussion that followed, it was clear that most members did not want to see the buildings demolished, though at least one member did voice the opinion that a new building might spur development on Chicago Avenue.
The Board directed the PD&D committee to write a letter to Alderman Flores opposing the zoning change. In a follow-up conversation, Alderman Flores stated that he wholeheartedly agreed that the building at the corner of Winchester and Chicago cannot be torn down. He denied Ranquist Development’s request.
Ashland & Division (Pizza Hut) Property
The East Village Association’s advocacy for a mixed-use, multi-story transit oriented development continues.
Representatives of Interra-Vision Development are scheduled to present a scheme for a freestanding Walgreens proposed for the site at the November 6 general membership meeting.
Boundary Tree Pits
The tree pits, altered in contradiction to the moratorium instituted to protect them, still have not been restored.
The EVA Board will ask that the Alderman to deny the restaurant a sidewalk café permit until they are.
As always, East Village Association members should feel free to offer other issues for consideration by the committee.
1916-24 West Chicago Avenue
Ranquist Development’s presented its case for a zoning change at the October general meeting. The property in question is unusual in that it is zoned both RT-4 and B3-2. Ranquist Development’s intention was to tear the existing buildings down. In the questions and discussion that followed, it was clear that most members did not want to see the buildings demolished, though at least one member did voice the opinion that a new building might spur development on Chicago Avenue.
The Board directed the PD&D committee to write a letter to Alderman Flores opposing the zoning change. In a follow-up conversation, Alderman Flores stated that he wholeheartedly agreed that the building at the corner of Winchester and Chicago cannot be torn down. He denied Ranquist Development’s request.
Ashland & Division (Pizza Hut) Property
The East Village Association’s advocacy for a mixed-use, multi-story transit oriented development continues.
Representatives of Interra-Vision Development are scheduled to present a scheme for a freestanding Walgreens proposed for the site at the November 6 general membership meeting.
Boundary Tree Pits
The tree pits, altered in contradiction to the moratorium instituted to protect them, still have not been restored.
The EVA Board will ask that the Alderman to deny the restaurant a sidewalk café permit until they are.
As always, East Village Association members should feel free to offer other issues for consideration by the committee.
