East Village Association membership meeting Oct. 6, 2026 at West Town Branch Library, 1625 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Neal McKnight, president EVA members and neighbors reviewed plans on Oct. 9 for an enclosed garage with rooftop deck at 1807-09 W. Augusta. EVA members agreed to not oppose amended zoning for the property, which members reviewed in 2025 . However, change reduces the 6 planned parking spaces to 5, and the group noted concerns about garbage collection without a permanent place for the bins in the alley. Neighbors were worried about the alley being constricted by the trash bins. Residents of the building will have to move the bins into and out of the garage for collection, the owner said. EVA's approval, in a show of hands, came with a recommendation that the building's condo association take responsibility for the bins. A neighbor also wanted assurances that sidewalks would be kept in good condition during construction.

Stephanie Flinchbaugh, manager of the West Town branch library, tells EVA members how to access media subscriptions throough the Chicago Public Library website. East Village Association membership meeting Sept. 1, 2026 at West Town Bakery, 1916 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Neal McKnight, president The Chicago Public Library's branch manager met with EVA members on Sept. 1 to promote the library's newest services and advocate for better funding. The meeting opened with a recommendation on zoning for the 1600 W. Chicago Ave. building of Hiro Bar & Izakaya. EVA has long opposed commercial rezoning on Chicago Avenue, at the March 30 meeting board members had recommended that Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) work within the zoning code's B3 community shopping district designation to meet the bar's licensing requirements. Christina Slaton moved and Stephen Rynkiewicz seconded a motion not to oppose a change to B3 zoning but to oppose C zoning. The resolution passed unani...

EVA members meet at West Town Bakery Cafe, 1916 W. Chicago Ave. Donation supports West Town Branch Library events EVA elected its 2026-27 officers on July 7, planned future meetings and approved a donation to support programs at the West Town Branch Library. Marjie Isaacson moved and Neal McKnight seconded accepting the slate, which was approved after brief introductions from the nominees: President Neal McKnight Vice President Christina Slaton Treasurer Brandon Winter Secretary (vacant) Newsletter/Webmaster Stephen Rynkiewicz Membership meetings were schedled to take place, starting in September, on the first Tuesday of the month at West Town Bakery Cafe, 1916 W. Chicago Ave.: Sept. 1 Oct. 6 Nov. 3 Dec. 1 Jan. 5 Feb. 2 March 2 East Village Association membership meeting July 7, 2026, West Town Bakery Cafe, 1916 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Neal McKnight, president Members suggested a school enrollment and board candidate forum before the...

The Oct. 8 East Village Association meeting will be at a new location, Golden Years at 1938 W. Chicago Ave. Members will vote on a recommendation to Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) on a proposed zoning change at 1807-09 W. Augusta Blvd. The EVA meeting at Golden Years (formerly High Dive) starts at 7pm with a presentation by Nate Hutcheson and Holly Burd on their effort to rewrite the Chicago charter in a citywide vote to change local government processes. The developer is seeking a rezoning for the two lots from 2-flat RT-4 zoning to RM-4.5 residential multiuse zoning. M15 Land Investments would raze the existing building at 1809 Augusta and build a new 3-story residential buildng with 6 units and 6 on-site parking spaces. Site Plan (Kutlesa Hernandez Architects) EVA Developer Questionnaire (M15 Land Investments) The 100-foot-deep lots on Augusta would allow only 4 dwelling units under the current zoning, and the upzone would permit the 6-flat. The height would stay consist...

Alderman Daniel La Spata was the June 11 EVA guest speaker. Wood Street greenway improvements will make the street one way southbound traffic for vehicles from Crystal to Division and Cortez to Augusta, while maintaining two-way bike lanes. "A lot of people use Wood Street as a cut-through," Ald. Daniel La Spata told EVA members at the June 11 meeting. "They were simply using Wood Street to avoid the congestion along Milwaukee Avenue or Augusta." Updates on the project are on the 1st Ward website . The annnual East Village Block Party will be Aug. 9 on the 800 block of North Winchester, starting at noon with entertainment from School of Rock. The bounce house returns for kids. Bring a dish to share; there will be pizza from Roots and cake balls from West Town Bakery.

The closed St. Maria Addolorata church, 528 N. Ada. 'A winning solution will be found' East Village Association membership meeting April 9, 2025, at Roots Pizza, 1924 N. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Bob Zwolinski, president The East Village Association voted April 9 to support preservation of the closed St. Maria Addolorata church, 528 N. Ada, and opposing its demolition. "St. Maria Addolorata Catholic parish and school were a vibrant part of our community for almost a century," EVA's letter of support says. "Santa Maria parish served countless thousands of neighborhood immigrants and families, many of whom still live in its shadow. Even after its closure, the structure remains an anchor within the community and a landmark clearly visible from outside it." Arcitect Joseph Bagnuolo used stained glass windows throughout his Midcentury Modern design. Preservation Chicago named the building threatened after the Archdiocese of Chicago listed the prop...

Chicago Police 12th District Cmdr. James M. Baier is joined by Officer Ozzie Caravallo and Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) speak to EVA members on March 12 at Roots Pizza. East Village Association membership meeting March 12, 2025, at Roots Handmade Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Bob Zwolinski A Grand Avenue site is earmarked for a satellite Chicago Police station, the new Near West police commander and a West Side alderman told East Village Association members on March 12. The second location would pay "huge dividends," said James M. Baier, a Mount Greenwood resident and former Lincoln District (20th) commander. "This is a target rich environment," Baier said. "The whole area is booming, thriving. This is where people want to come to." The district hosts 130 street festivals, the most in the city, and a Bally’s Casino is set to open at the end of 2026 at the former Chicago Tribune printing plant site. In a November 2024 advisory referendum, a sa...

The Chicago Bureau of Forestry tags trees after treatment. By M. Isaacson Ash trees are still being treated in East Village for emerald ash borer infestation, thanks to the generosity of donors to the Friends of Ash Trees East Village GoFundMe. Treatment will continue until the ash trees begin to lose their leaves, or until we run out of money. East Village joins a number of communities in Chicago that started treating their ash trees with private funds. However, not everyone can afford such a project. The East Village Association supports securing funding for all still-viable ash trees in Chicago to be treated routinely. Chicago has had an inconsistent policy concerning treating ashes. All ash trees in the City were treated in 2013-14, and a subset of that group was treated in 2018-19. Then no treatment occurred until this year, when the city Bureau of Forestry received a grant of $1 million and treated 6,186 ash trees. We were fortunate to be able to have some of the East ...

Signs mark trees in treatable condition and give a fundraising QR code. 130 trees tagged for emerald ash borer treatment A census of neighborhood parkways found 130 trees that would qualify for treatment in an East Village Association initiative to manage Chicago's emerald ash borer infestation. A fundraising campaign is under way to fund tree preservation. The cost for private treatment is estimated at $150 to $200 per tree. A systemic insecticide, injected into mature trees every few years, is effective in protecting trees from the beetle, whose larvae tunnel under the bark and starve trees of water and nutrients. Untreated infestations are fatal. EVA volunteers found 57 good and 73 fair candidates for treatment based on the condtion of the tree's top layer or canopy. The neighborhood's leafy streets have been a magnet for renters and home buyers who value the cool breezes, rustling leaves and chirping birds of an urban landscape. Rich Anselmo, Lacey Cordero, Marjie...

Chicago's urban forest includes 43,000 green and white ash trees. Most of these trees will die soon due to infestation by the emerald ash borer. This is a catastrophic loss for many reasons. Trees clean the air and water, cool the temperatures in the summer, and make humans happier and healthier. They contribute to more successful business districts and lower crime. Trees also remove carbon dioxide from the air. They make a vast contribution to our streetscapes, neighborhood ambience and property values. As an arborist once said, trees do much more for the public good than most people. Preserving and adding to the urban forest is one of the primary strategies in Chicago’s climate change mitigation plans. Losing these trees will be highly detrimental to the health and welfare of our communities. But this devastation can be stopped! East Village Association and concerned neighbors are raising funds to treat the ashes with a treatment that can keep them healthy. C...

Ash leaves come in pairs. Chicago’s urban forest is in trouble. By Marjorie Isaacson Due to infection by the emerald ash borer, the majority of Chicago's ash trees will die. East Village residents are fundraising to treat ash trees. Chicago has about 20% tree coverage, far below the national average. The city’s tree inventory includes 43,000 green and white ash trees, a major segment of that population. Due to infection by the emerald ash borer, the majority of these trees will die. Trees provide many benefits: cleaning air and water, cooling temperatures in the summer and contributing to human physical and psychological health. Trees also remove carbon dioxide from the air. Preserving and adding to the urban forest is one of the primary strategies in Chicago’s climate change mitigation plans. To make this happen, Chicago has embarked on a massive tree-planting campaign. But while these new trees are a good investment in the future, it will be many years until they reach the si...

1900 block of Chicago Avenue. /div> East Village Association membership meeting March 13, 2024, at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave.; Presiding: Jenifer Goldsmith, president By Jenifer Goldsmith EVA members voted in new officers, passed a resolution in support of lifting a liquor moratorium on Chicago Avenue and heard from the owner of a new neighborhood business. EVA is excited to welcome our 2024 fiscal board! President: Jenifer Goldsmith Vice President: Christina Slaton Interim Secretary: Neal McKnight Treasurer: Bob Zwolinski If you or someone you know is interested in joining the EVA board, we are still looking to fill the position of secretary. Please reach out to any board member to inquire. We also welcome your ideas and suggestions. New businesses on Chicago Avenue, Passages Wine and Books, 1911 W. Chicago Ave., and The Happy Hour Shop, 1919 W. Chicago Ave., are requesting a lift of the liquor moratorium on Chicago Avenue to apply for incidental liquor lice...

East Village Association membership meeting Feb. 7, 2024 at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave.; President Christina Slaton presiding EVA members will vote March 13 whether to accept new liquor licenses on the 1900 block of Chicago Avenue. The two business owners presented their plans Feb. 7. A moratorium now restricts new liquor licenses, with restaurants as the only exception, on Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood in the 36th Ward. The vote would advise Ald. Gilbert Villegas on whether to lift the moratorium for at least a year. Passages Wine and Books : The wine cafe at 1911 W. Chicago will serve glasses of wine as well as pour-over coffee and other nonalcoholic beverages, as well as snacks, popcorn and tinned fish. "It is time to start something that brings me and others joy," said business ownber Amanda Sadowski a social worker in Chicago for 15 years. The bookstore's bar would not qualify for the restaurant exception for new liquor licenses. The building...

Rezoning could limit 814-820 N. Damen Ave. to residential use. A proposal to rezone part of the 800 block of North Damen Avenue is on the agenda for the April membership meeting. Members can vote on the zoning recommendation or propose alternatives during the 7pm April 10 meeting at Roots Pizza West Town, 1924 N. Chicago Ave. Properties at 814 N. Damen, 818 N. Damen and 820 N. Damen would allow multiunit residential construction of up to 4 floors without storefronts. EVA board member Neal McKnight recommends the rezoning as consistent with surrounding uses. The first two buildings are residential; 820 N. Damen is the vacant Grace Auto Body location and a potential redevelopment site. If Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) adopts the proposed EVA recommendation, zoning would change to RM-5, a residerntial designation. The current B-3 zoning calls for first-floor business use, with residences permitted on upper floors. RM-5 would allow more residential units then the mixed-use designati...

We’re Jess and John Feller, owners of The Happy Hour Shop at 1919 W. Chicago Ave. Our beloved storefront is an extension of our locally-operated business Aged & Infused , an alcohol infusion kit company we've been growing here on the West Side since 2016. If you couldn’t tell, we’re in love with all-things happy hour. It’s our passion. And in addition to selling a beautifully curated selection of glassware, barware, and cocktail supplies in the shop, we're interested in hosting private educational cocktail classes for the community. To do this, we’re seeking the neighborhood’s support in lifting the liquor moratorium on the 1900 block of Chicago Avenue. We are so excited to put our roots down in West Town and are grateful for your consideration and support. Business Plan: The Happy Hour Shop, an extension of West Town-based Aged & Infused, is a retail storefront specializing in new and vintage glassware, barware, cocktail supplies and all-things home bar. In addit...

Passages Wine and Books is pursuing an incidental liquor license and is requesting a letter of support from the East Village Association to lift the current moratorium for Consumption on Premises liquor licenses. Our Company: Passages Wine and Books is an LLC formed in March 2023, under sole ownership of Amanda Sadowski. The main concept of Passages Wine and Books is bringing people a space that allows for exploration of their hobby or passion. Passages is a bookstore that includes a cafe component for wine, non alcoholic drinks, pour over coffee, and a collection of tea. Passages believes that reading, learning about wine, or having a cup of tea can broaden one’s mind, expand knowledge, or provide a moment of relaxation. These activities can be done independently, but also can have a shared component. We will welcome those who choose Passages as a place to independently study, work, or take a moment for themselves to enjoy a cafe item. We also hope to be a host for literary or tas...

Damen Avenue is under zoning review north of Chicago Avenue. East Village Association membership meeting Jan. 10. 2024 at Roots West Town, 1924 W. Chicago Ave., Neal McKnight presiding Damen Avenue's strip-mall zoning does not reflect the apartments and small shops on East Village's western border. How can EVA support a new vision? EVA's January meeting continued a discussion of Damen Avenue zoning. Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) has encouraged a proactive zoning review for the former 2nd Ward stretch. A 2019 plan fizzled for a tavern at at 820 N. Damen Ave. surrounded by apartments. Renovation of the former Grace Auto Body stopped at least six months ago. EVA board member Neal McKnight suggested downzoning Damen from Chicago to Division while extending the current Ukrainian Village and East Village landmark districts. Both commercial and residential zoning for Damen had advocates in the January member disucssion. McKnight summarized November's zoning discussion ...

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) offers information on volunteer donations. East Village Association membership meeting Nov. 9, 2023 at J&M Tap, 957 N. Leavitt St., Kinberly Shannon presiding By Jennifer Goldsmith In a joint meeting with the Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Association, EVA members met with Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), discussed Augusta Boulevard bike lanes and rezoning options for Damen Avenue, and learned about a new local restaurant. Ald. Villegas Q&A Villegas joined directly from City Hall and was excited about the passing of a new paid time off ordinance, which he called the most progressive in the country. Discussion turned to housing Chicago's migrants. Chicago has received over 22,000 migrants since last year with little state and federal support. A new shelter is going in at 526 N. Western Ave. to house 55 families, including 55 women, 45 men and 100 children. Assessments are in progress to discover areas for volunteerism, donations and oth...

EVA is not meeting on Dec. 4. Mark your calendar for our joint holiday party on Dec. 14 with the Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Association, starting at 6:30pm at J&M Tap. Please join us for food, friends and fun!

East Village Association membership meeting Sept. 11, 2023 at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. By Jenifer Goldsmith Neighborhood preservation and beautification were on the agenda in September when EVA welcomed representatives from TreeKeepers and Block Bins. Urban forestry tips from TreeKeepers TreeKeepers is a group of volunteers, including neighbor and presenter Micol Werner Seferin, trained to care for Chicago’s public trees. Our “urban forest” includes all trees in the public way, such as those along sidewalks and in parkways and parks. These trees are property of the City of Chicago and residents are not allowed to prune them, but Seferin suggested many activities we can do to keep our trees healthy and beautiful: Water: trees need approximately 15-20 gallons of water weekly (if it has not rained). We can tell it’s time when the soil around the tree is dry. Make sure to pour water slowly at the base of the tree. Signs: Remove signage for street sweeping, plowi...