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...

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...

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...

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...

A chessboard overlooks the playground at Commercial Park, 1845 W. Rice St. East Village Association membership meeting July 10, 2023, at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Christina Slaton, president By Jenifer Goldsmith The Commercial Park Advisory Council joined EVA to discuss upcoming events in the park, followed by plans for the East Village Block Party on Saturday, Aug. 19, a brainstorming session about engaging local artists and galleries, and an open floor discussion of neighborhood news. Commercial Park Advisory Council President Michelle Hitsch and Treasurer Amy Bilton presented all the upcoming fall and winter events at Commercial Park, 1845 W. Rice St.. There are many opportunities to get involved and enjoy the park and your neighbors! These include: Rhonda Locke Movies in the field: Puss in Boots, 7/22 at 8:15 pm; Top Gun: Maverick, 8/17 at 8 pm (bring a blanket or chair; concessions benefit the committee) Block Party: The Commercial Park party on 9/9...

An Augusta Boulevard bike lane is reconfigured to hug the sidewalk, away from traffic. East Village Association membership meeting May 1, 2023, at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Christina Slaton, president By Jenifer Goldsmith EVA hosted aldermen Daniel La Spata (1st) and Gilbert Villegas (36th) for an update on ward news and introduced the new officers and plans for a neighborhood block party on Aug. 19. 1st Ward: Bike lanes, LaSalle II field, migrant needs La Spata reviewed plans for the new protected bike lane on Augusta Boulevard from Western Avenue to Milwaukee Avenue. He is hopeful for connected bike access through the neighborhoods, but pointed out each alderperson is responsible for coordinating in their own ward, which makes it difficult to design citywide. He is looking into creating safe north-south routes with a focus on moving forward on Wood Street. Three different designs will be revealed for the project in late May. La Spata will be serving on the...

East Village Association membership meeting March 6, 2023, Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. By Neal McKnight EVA members reviewed plans March 6 for the Happy Village property, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave., and held the association's annual leadership election. Officers elected Members approved the officer slate for the year starting April 1: Christina Slaton, President Bob Zwolinski, VP Alison Coughlin, Treasurer Neal McKnight, Secretary Blue Line Run Club Jacque Pyne Rodriguez presented for the Blue Line Run Club. She discussed rules, times and routes. Prospective members can connect via Facebook or Instagram. Happy Village presentation Owner Jim Masterson, architect Martin Snow of SGW Architecture and Design, and zoning counsel Talar Berberian of Thompson Coburn presented plans and renderings. The group was compiimentary of the proposal and design. Concerns were raised regarding removing the patio wall. The consensus was the wall should remain to protect against noise. Th...

Leo Quintero (from left), William Guerrero and 36th Ward aldermanic candidate David Herrera talk to EVA members after the Roots Pizza West Town meeting. Feb. 28 vote to launch Chicago accountability boards East Village Association membership meeting Feb. 6, 2023 at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Stephen Rynkiewicz, director Chicago voters on Feb. 28 will choose citizens to follow through on neighborhood public safety concerns. East Village Association members heard Feb. 6 from three Police District Council candidates who hope to act as a check on West Side police. Down-ballot from mayor and alderman races, six candidates are competing to fill three seats on a board that will meet monthly to "build connections between the police and the community." Atttending the Feb. 6 meeting, John Donatelli, William Guerrero and Leonardo Quintero pledged to report to EVA members and take their concerns to 12th District Commander Beth Giltmier. Donatelli , a Roscoe Villa...

36th Ward Ald. Gilbert Villegas meets East Vlllage Association members Sept. 12, 2022 at Roots Pizza. East Village Association membership meeting Sept. 12, 2022, at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Dan Johnson, director East Village again is split in Chicago's City Council redistricting. Ald. Gilbert Villegas introduced himself to East Village Association members Sept. 12. In turn, members sounded him out on how he works with community groups on neighborhood issues. The remap pushes Villegas' 36th Ward boundaries east along Grand Avenue from Belmont Cragin into East Village. A West Town satellite office at 2246 W. Chicago Ave. is staffed Tuesday through Thursday. "I ran in 2019 under an acronym that I still use today, which is PEACE—Public Safety, Education Accountability, City Services and Economic Development," Villegas told EVA members before taking questions. "I'm not an alderman that's about defunding the police. I'm an alderma...

Plans are in motion to repave Wood Street, but with few details about separate bicycle lanes. East Village Association membership meeting May 2, 2022, Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Bob Zwolinski, treasurer Wheels are turning on Wood Street's proposed bicycle lanes. The Chicago Department of Transportation has not presented a plan and EVA has been unable to connect with CDOT, but Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st Ward) expects details to emerge in the next month. "On the Wood Street bike lane, please know that CDOT continues to have this project under review," La Spata wrote EVA via email. "All of the feedback we receive from residents continues to be passed on. Whenever CDOT comes back to us with design alternatives, we will make sure to notify the public." La Spata asked for time to present to EVA members at the June meeeting and expects by then to "have clarity" on the project. One group of neighbors are circulating fliers for an onlin...

EVA members review the Rules Committee map May 2 at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. EVA members discussed Chicago's ward boundaries May 2 after board members drafted a letter to support a ward consolidating much of West Town within the 1st Ward. Presiding officer Bob Zwolinski asked for member comment before sending the final draft to Ald. Michelle Harris (8th Ward), who chairs the City Council Rules Committee. Here is the approved letter: May 5, 2022 Alderman Michelle Harris 8th Ward Re: Support of Rules Committee Ward Map Dear Alderman Harris, The East Village Association, Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Association, Chicago Grand Neighbors Association, and Wicker Park Committee have come together to express our support for the ward map as proposed by the Rules Committee. For the first time in many years, the map as proposed brings our neighborhoods together. We appreciate that you have taken our input and drawn boundaries for the 1st Ward t...

A 1st Ward proposal would make Wood Street northbound from Grand Avenue to Ellen Street for protected bike lanes. East Village Association membership meeting Feb. 7, 2022, on Zoom. Presiding: Dan Johnson, director A proposal to change the traffic flow on Wood Street drew a crowd to EVA's monthly meeting. Many neighbors wondered why they hadn't heard about the plan earlier. East Village is likely to remain in multiple wards, 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins told East Village Association members Feb. 7. The online meeting highlighted the problems with a divided territory when attendees aired concerns about 1st Ward plans for bike lane improvements. "If it were up to me, and I say this with some sense of irony, I like my ward, I really do," Hopkins told the 50 attendees, addressing dueling City Council redistricting proposals . "I like representing your neighborhood and I lose it under both versions and I'm sorry that it's happening. ... It's part of ...

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi East Village Association membership meeting Aug. 2, 2021, Homestead at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave. Presiding: Neal McKnight Aug. 23 is the deadline for East Village residents to appeal tax assessments. Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi led an Aug. 2 Facebook Live session on the process before 75 assembled EVA members at this month's meeting. "No one understands property taxes," Kaegi said, even people who have been in government or real estate their whole lives. "It might be more complex by design." The assessor's job is to take the bias out of the property values used on tax bills. The question is whether the first-term assessor is getting it right. Homeowners need to file an online appeal to make their case for a lower assessment. Kaegi contends the county's new algorithm, taking 40 different factors into account, is much more accurate for less expensive properties, but admits that 250 people trying...

Ald. Daniel La Spata speaks to EVA members on Zoom. Live meetings resume in August. East Village Association membership meeting June 7, 2021 via Zoom. Presiding: Bob Zwolinski, treasurer Chicago has extended priority funding to West Town violence reduction and street outreach services. Ald. Daniel La Spata told EVA members June 7 that the city plans to contract with a number of agencies to operate by July. The city's Violence Reduction Dashboard shows 14 criminal sexual assault and 60 aggravated assault victims this year, compared with 9 rapes and 41 aggravated assaults at the same point in 2020. The violence reduction strategy works with young people who are violent crime victims or perpetrators. The violence interrupters build relationships, mediate disputes and connect people to social services. Victim outreach includes shooting. aggravated battery and assault victims. La Spata asked for feedback on how the city should spend $1.8 billion in federal American Rescue Pla...

East Village Association membership meeting May 3, 2021 on Zoom. Presiding: Bob Zwolinski, treasurer Rep. Mike Quigley got his COVID shot the day after the Capitol riot, with no side effects. A staff physician told the congressman most people have no reaction to the vaccine—but then again, an allergic reaction wouldn't have much chance against the Jan. 6 adrenaline. The 5th District representative visited a West Town neighborhood cleanup in April; 60 volunteers signed up, and picked up a lot of face mask litter, Neal McKnight reported. Quigley followed up May 3 with a virtual visit with EVA members. Citing FBI Director Christopher Wray on the threat posed by homegrown terrorism , he reflected on the insurrection. He plans to push for accountability and change on the House appropriations, intelligence and oversight committees. "Just about anybody who was there could figure out what we needed," Quigley said, "a retractable fence, a fast-response team, a better...

East Village Association membership meeting March 1, 2021, on Zoom. Presiding: Neal McKnight, director Not all Chicagoans can put solar panels on their roofs, but solar farms on the other side of the state can provide their energy and a ComEd bill credit. Alternative electric suppliers have made residential customers wary over a quarter-century of marketing in Illinois, so community solar offerings have had a more modest rollout. Brent Buchberger, project development manager at Engie Distributed Solar , gave a soft-sell presentation March 1 on the Morrison, Illinois solar project for which EVA President John Gantner was civil engineer. A 2017 law authorized the Illinois Shines program, which gives homeowners and renters financial incentives to support solar farms. The Citizens Utility Board says energy supply credits are similar to the savings from installing panels on your own property. Engie subscribers get a $100 signing bonus.

East Village Association membership meeting Feb. 15, 2021, on Zoom. Presiding: John Gantner, president Restaurant food isn't always cooked in restaurants. Chicago allows pop-up restaurants in vacant stores, and now delivery-only "ghost kitchens" are popping up in warehouse and factory spaces–no diners allowed. Delivery services like DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats make these commercial kitchens possible, Fifty/50 Restaurant Group co-owner Scott Weiner told a joint meeting of the East Village Association and Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Association, Fifty/50 runs online pizza and cakeball businesses from its restaurants, but Weiner says national chains like Applebee's and Chick-fil-A contract with commercial kitchens to fill online orders.

1st Ward Ald. Daniel La Spata answers questions on Zoom. East Village Association membership meeting Oct. 5, 2020 via Zoom; Presiding: Michelle Hayward, vice president Chicago's eased COVID-19 restrictions this month do not sacrifice public health, insists Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st Ward). "There was actual data behind them," including a drop in COVID-19 cases, La Spata told EVA members Oct. 5 via Zoom. City inspections quickly brought a few businesses into compliance with early reopening guidelines. Residents need to do their part to stay safe, but mask wearing is not targeted for enforcement.

East Village Association membership meeting Aug. 3, 2020, via Zoom. Presiding: John Gantner, president Renters and homeowners can apply for relief set aside in this spring's emergency Illinois legislative session. State Rep. Delia Ramirez gave the outlines of the program at the East Village Association's Aug. 3 online meeting. Staring Aug. 10, renters can apply for up to $5,000 in rent assistance to cover COVID-19 related hardships, drawn from $396 million in federal coronavirus relief funds. Five local organizations are administering the $150 million available on a first-come, first-served basis, Ramirez said. On Aug. 24, the mortgage relief program opens with $150 million set aside, up to $15,000 per household . Ramirez will offer details in online  information sessions Aug. 11-13 ; her office is open by appointment .