East Village 2018 year in review
Traffic to the East Village Association marked the year's big neighborhood events. These posts drew the most attention:
- Happy Village sale would put renovations on tap (July 31). Ald. Brian Hopkins has not yet acted on an Oct. 1 advisory vote to allow a change of owners at the bar, 1059 N. Wolcott.
- Beatnik restaurant seeks rezoning (April 7). Members backed a full restaurant license with bar and amusement license for the restaurant at 1604 W. Chicago Ave.
- 'Road diet' would reshape Chicago Avenue (Feb. 6). Chicago Avenue would be trimmed to three motor-vehicle lanes in a West Town Chamber of Commerce proposal.
- Polish Triangle builds on CTA plans; police launch tech center (March 6). Architect Drew Bayley of the volunteer Polish Triangle Coalition proposed physical improvements for the plaza at Ashland, Division and Milwaukee. The CTA plans elevator and escalator access in its 20-year accessibility plan.
- 4th District Illinois House candidates press their agendas (Feb. 24). Eventual victor Delia Ramirez squared off against three challengers in a debate recorded by CAN-TV.
- Neighbors OK Happy Village dining plan (Oct. 2). "There are still some questions," said Ald. Hopkins. "If you live near Happy Village we absolutely want to hear from you."
- CTA opens Blue Line repair bidding; neighbors press for more at Polish Triangle (March 5). The CTA's 2020 plans call for a Blue Line entrance canopy at Division Street.
- Parents reject underperforming neighborhood schools (Nov. 19). The Mid-North Side region has lost 13% of its student population in four years, according to a Chicago Public Schools presentation.
- Hermitage rezoning sought to build apartments (July 3). Members agreed not to oppose rezoning at the Tropikava Kafe juice bar, 1115 N. Hermitage Ave.
- EVA Monday: Happy Village vote (Sept. 29). Buyers Andrew Miller and Addison Thom shared plans to build out the bar's patio with a sunroom and sell the building next door, which houses the pingpong room.