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...

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...

A developer withdrew demolition plans for 2047 W. Augusta Blvd. after discussions with the Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Association East Village Association membership meeting March 2, Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Michael VanDam, president Worker's Cottage Preservation in Ukrainian Village Kimberly Shannon, treasurer of the Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Association, discussed efforts to expand the Ukrainian Village landmark district. In discussions with UVNA, a developer agreed not to raze a worker's cottage at 2047 W. Augusta and to place the house back on the market. Other worker's cottages and 3-flats are worth preservation as well. Shannon asks EVA to support preserving such buildings by extending the Ukrainian Village Landmark District along Augusta Boulevard from Leavitt to Damen. A proposal has not been submitted, but the Department of Planning and Preservation Chicago indicate that Chicago may be more willing to consider blocks that mix new...

1st Ward alderman-elect Daniel La Spata will join us Monday and likely field a few questions. Jose Rivera, chief of staff to 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins, will give an update on safety and security, and we'll talk about next steps for the Shake-It bar-restaurant at 820 N. Damen. Join us at 7pm Monday at Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott. Also on the agenda: Update on 2nd Ward safety and security from Jose Rivera, chief of staff to Ald. Brian Hopkins Volunteer opportunities with Eckhart Park, from Ben Beadles and Claudia Sainsot Preliminary discussion on Shake-It restaurant at 820 N. Damen Officer elections for 2019. Proposed slate: Michael VanDam, President Michelle Hayward, Vice President John Gantner, Treasurer Neal McKnight, Secretary Schools/CAPS Updates

Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. East Village Association members will take a vote Oct. 1 advising Ald. Brian Hopkins on plans for Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Members meet at 7pm down the block at the Bath House Cultural Center , 1019 N. Wolcott Ave. The 2nd Ward alderman must decide whether to introduce a City Council ordinance permitting a liquor license transfer to prospective buyers Andrew Miller and Addison Thom. At EVA's Aug. 6 membership meeting, Miller and Thom described their plans to renovate the property, add restaurant service and sell the connected building at 1057 N. Wolcott Ave., now the bar's pingpong room.

East Village Association membership meeting Aug. 6, 2018, Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Presiding: Michael VanDam, president Due to a number of open questions, the advisory vote on the liquor moratorium lift on Wolcott has been postponed, currently till Oct. 1. Watch this space for more information before the vote about Happy Village's Plan of Operation and other issues. Here's a replay of the Aug. 6 meeting at the tavern, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Prospective buyers describe plans to add restaurant service . Dimitrios G. Christopoulos, attorney for the seller, is the main speaker.

Happy Village, 1057-59 N. Wolcott Ave. The Happy Village tavern would become a restaurant under new owners. They're requesting a member vote Monday that would consent to lifting a liquor license moratorium at 1057-59 N. Wolcott. The license freeze now blocks any new operator from taking over. The outcome is not binding on 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins, who would be making a recommendation to the City Council. Cheryln Pilch plans to sell the Happy Village tavern business. She joined the prospective purchasers, Andrew Miller and Addison Thom, in making a July 16 presentation to the EVA board . A previous sale proposal in 2016 was withdrawn. The new prospective purchasers, Andrew Miller and Addison Thom, say they will restore the bar's kitchen and introduce chef-driven casual American fare. The renovations include reducing the size of the patio by adding a glass enclosure. This solarium type structure would take up about half the patio.

Work continues on an apartment conversion at 1038 N. Ashland Ave. West Town residents come here to learn about the East Village Association , read its Planning, Preservation & Development guidelines, check the Chicago crime map or renew their membership . In addition, EVA news posts throughout the year reflect community interest in development, public safety and other issues. Most-read posts of 2017 suggest what has attracted neighbors' interest. Here are the top posts with updates on where things stand: Restaurant plan shakes Damen neighbors: Plans for a burger bar at 820 N. Damen Ave., now an auto mechanic's garage, have not progressed since an August hearing. Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward) proposed and the City Council approved a moratorium on new tavern and packaged-goods licenses along Damen Avenue, from Chicago Avenue to Augusta Boulevard. Restaurants are not affected. The license freeze also covers Chicago Avenue from Leavitt Street to Damen.

Paulette Lombardi of Market Select, 912 N. Ashland. East Village Association membership meeting August 7, 2017 Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. By Michelle Hayward Michael VanDam called the community meeting to order. Business Minute Sabroso Mexican Grill opened 3 weeks ago at 941 N. Damen. The restaurant is BYOB and awaiting a liquor license, said co-owner : Luis Escobar. Market Select Currently there is a liquor moratorium on Ashland between Augusta and Chicago. A similar pause on licenses was lifted four years ago on an adjoining stretch of Ashland for a similar concept, Garden Gourmet , 1130 N. Ashland Ave., under a plan of operation approved by EVA. Today, there is a request for a lift of the moratorium specifically regarding incidental packaged-goods sales. The local market concept for 912 N. Ashland, presented by Paulette Lombardi, is called Market Select and is focused on everyday needs with some packaged beer and wine. It would follow the same plan of operat...

Market Select prepares to stock its shelves at 912 N. Ashland. Market Select, a grocery at 912 N. Ashland Ave., plans to sell beer and wine, and is asking East Village Assocation members Monday to support lifting the freeze on Ashland Avenue packaged-goods liquor licenses. EVA has proposed a Plan of Operation limiting liquor sales volume and ruling out malt liquor and fortified wine sales. The plan is based on the Garden Gourmet plan negotiated with EVA in 2013. Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1st Ward), who must recommend the license, backs liquor restrictions to replace the moratorium. EVA members will also discuss a restaurant proposal for 820 N. Damen. Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward) will hold a community meeting Aug. 10 on the Shake-It restaurant. Its boozy milkshake menu would require a liquor license. The operator Forward Entertainment Group has submitted floor plans and development details.

Rep. Mike Quigley speaks to EVA members at the Happy Village. East Village Association membership meeting July 10, 2017 Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. By Michelle Hayward Healthy Soil Compost; Openlands tree grants Michael VanDam opened the July 10 meeting at 7pm at the Happy Village and introduced Business Minute: Healthy Soil Compost turns household compost into fine dirt. Firm provides bucket for organic waste, picks up weekly or biweekly.  $28/month for onetime pickup; $40 weekly. Firm diverts about 10 tons a month from landfills. Megan Humphrey from Openlands gave presentation on neighborhood tree grants . Openlands is the oldest metropolitan conservation group in the country, focused on Chicago and Illinois.  In Chicago, it gives grants for planting trees.  Neighborhood associations can apply and Openlands will provide 40 trees to be planted within 2 or 3 blocks of one another. This area is a native oak and hickory forest.  Sites need to be in a parkway or a Chicago p...

Foxtrot is hoping to open a Wicker Park location at 1714 W. Division this fall. It's seeking the East Village Association's support in its request to the alderman to lift the packaged goods liquor moratorium between Milwaukee Avenue and Wood Street. Its presentation follows. The agenda for Monday's membership meeting, at 7pm at Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott: President's Welcome Business Minute – Devon Kondziela, Healthy Soil Compost Megan Humphrey from Openlands on trees and neighborhood tree grants Mike LaVitola, Foxtrot Introduction and Q&A Vote on Division Street Liquor Moratorium PPD Updates: St. Boniface Schools/ Polish Triangle New Business Read more >>

Foxtrot Market, 900 W. Armitage, is scouting Division Street sites where only restaurants have been allowed new liquor licenses. East Village Association board of directors meeting June 12, 2017 Vora Certified Public Accountants, 1708 W. Chicago Ave. By Michelle Hayward Liquor License Moratorium Mike LaVitola of Foxtrot presented his concept for an upscale boutique grocery store. There are two locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park and Fulton Market. His request is for EVA to approve a lift of the the moratorium on new packaged goods licenses from Wood to Ashland on both sides of Division Street. Foxtrot also seeks an incidental license to serve beer and wine on premises at night. A specific location for the market has not been named. Serving coffee, beer and wine. Selling packaged wines, beers and liquors. Offering groceries and lifestyle goods. Ald. Proco Joe Moreno and Foxtrot have discussed attaching a binding Plan of Operation to the license. The Planning, Preservation ...

Ald. Brian Hopkins talks with EVA leaders Neal McKnight and Dan Johnson. East Village Association minutes for Sept. 12, 2016, by Daniel Navarro Community meeting call to order 7:05pm. Happy Village proposed transition plan Ald. Brian Hopkins introduced ordinance to lift liquor moratorium to facilitate sale of Happy Village. "I have no problems with this as long as Happy Village stays Happy Village. "Have been largely a responsible bar in the village." "New owner would have to keep what it is intact." Will request to put a plan of operation in writing. Not willing to do so unless the transaction can take place, and this community meeting has been called to do so.

Jon Donnelly, co-owner and managing partner of Lucky's Sandwiches, speaks on discussions to purchase the Happy Village tavern and beer garden at 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. (Audio is no longer available.) Jon Donnelly circulated this statement to East Village Association members at its Sept. 12 meeting. We respectfully are reaching out to you in regards to the sale of the Happy Village, a business located at 1059 N. Wolcott. The Happy Village has been operating for over 50 years and the owner, Cherlyn Pilch, and ourselves have come to an agreement in principal to purchase the property and business. Ms. Pilch is prepared to retire and this sale will ensure she can do so in comfort. When our attorney initially went to Business Affairs to apply for a change of officer on the license, the city told him there was a moratorium on Wolcott between Division and Augusta, which is where the Happy Village stands. We are asking for your help in lifting the moratium so that we can carry on The...

Ald. Brian Hopkins speaks to EVA members at the Happy Village in 2015. The East Village Association's Monday meeting will discuss a plan to lift the tavern moratorium on Wolcott Avenue to facilitate the purchase of the Happy Village. Jon Donnelly, co-owner and managing partner of Lucky's Sandwiches, will speak on discussions to purchase the tavern and beer garden at 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. and any steps to lessen the impact on surrounding residents. An ordinance to allow new licenses is on hold in the City Council license committee. Ald. Brian Hopkins told DNAinfo the new owners have pledged to keep the tavern and beer garden " exactly as it is today ." The meeting starts at 7pm in the Winchester restaurant, 1001 N. Winchester Ave.

East Village Association minutes for May 2, 2016, by Daniel Navarro President’s Welcome Call to order 7:11pm at Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Plan of operation copy available to view Augusta Dairy Building Update Neal McKnight - Scott Rappe and I got some emails, project presented to board, demolition was denied for white structure and back-set building. MCZ has retained a new architect to save historic buildings to be put into new structures. No one has seen designs but will see them in next couple of weeks. Neal and Scott will set up email to discuss further. Presentation and Vote on Windy City Mini Market’s Request for a Liquor License Dean Maragos here for WCMM. Here a few weeks ago with client, Jesse, but could not attend today because his manager became ill. Community lawyer for Chicago Greektown Chamber of Commerce , sensitive to community issues, represents those who are good to the community. Mini Market at 1756 W. Chicago Ave. 2000 sq.ft.; will be using ...

Developer plans 12 condo units at 1936-44 W. Augusta Blvd., razing building built in 1881. Update: The City Council on April 13 denied a demolition permit for the historic property at 1936-44 W. Augusta Blvd. "My office has been in conversation with the current owners," Ald. Brian Hopkins told aldermen . "They have been negotiating in good faith. They believe there's a way to save the structure. We need more time to continue those negotiations." East Village Association board minutes for April 11, 2016, by Daniel Navarro Welcome Peter Gariepy and KK Goh in touch to transfer treasury responsibility Membership list may pass to secretary Commercial Park Earth Day Event April 23 cleanup, no kids' activities, looking for assistance Looking to have a block party on Rice, maybe work together Flier on Facebook pages Getting money from various locations, looking for volunteers Ald. Proco Moreno also posted a clean and green for April 16 August...