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.

The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group includes the West Town Bakery and Roots Pizza, both on the 1900 block of West Chicago Avenue. A Labor Friendly Social Enterprise -- from The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group – announced for West Town
 In partnership with Former Ald. Ameya Pawar, Organized Labor Consultant Hanah Jubeh, Chicago Marathon Medical Director and Chicago Blackhawks Team Physician Dr. George Chiampas, and Labor Leader Nikki Hayes CHICAGO (August 23, 2019) – The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group (Scott Weiner & Greg Mohr) are forming a partnership with some of Chicago's biggest and most respected leaders to open a labor friendly boutique cannabis dispensary, wellness center and restaurant at a soon-to-be-disclosed location in West Town. The concept will feature: a medical spa, mineral baths, and wellness center programmed by Dr. George Chiampas, a café and restaurant, and a cannabis dispensary. This concept spearheaded by Ameya Pawar and Hanah Jubeh will be the first cannabis ...

A no-trucks parking sign is on the way for the 800 block of North Winchester Avenue, according to 1st Ward staffer Ronda Locke. Till it's installed (possibly fall) a delivery obstacle course may face drivers near Roots Handmade Pizza. Managing partner Scott Weiner is working on it. He confirmed last month that the restaurant at 1924 W. Chicago Ave. does not plan to add a carryout window on the side street "at any point," and will follow the delivery and cafe protocols negotiated with the East Village Association in June. The agreement calls for annual meetings with EVA. Roots and the adjoining Bleeding Heart Bakery Cafe share a loading zone on Chicago Avenue, but often it's parked in.

Bleeding Heart Bakery Cafe, 1916 W. Chicago Ave.   Join your neighbors for Christmas cheer Monday at the annual East Village Association holiday party. This year's event is a potluck dinner in the upstairs mezzanine of Bleeding Heart Bakery Cafe, 1916 W. Chicago Ave. A cash bar will be open from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Extended negotiations with the operators of Roots Handmade Pizza produced the following concessions to mitigate the impact on neighbors. The restaurant opened May 31 at 1924 W. Chicago Ave.

Board meeting minutes for May 9 submitted by Dana Palmer Attendance Board Members: Greg Nagel, Neal McKnight, KK Goh, Dana Palmer, Stephen Rynkiewicz, Scott Rappe and Tom Tomek. Non-Board Members: Marjorie Issacson. Meeting commenced: 6:35 p.m. East Village signs Tom and Paula Tomek completed the design for street signs. Now, Tom Tomek will speak with Ronda Locke and Ald. Proco Joe Moreno about getting permission to have the signs hung throughout the neighborhood. Tomek will also begin to research companies to produce the signs. Roots Handmade Pizza Neal McKnight will contact Roots owners to obtain a copy of the final letter with concessions agreed to and have the letter published in the EVA newsletter. Former Pizza Hut site According to Scott Rappe, the site at 1601 W. Division has been sold. So, Rappe is pulling together interested parties such as the Chamber of Commerce, EVA and the Polish Triangle steering committee to meet on May 21 and speak about development options...

Ald. Proco Joe Moreno, chief of staff Raymond Valadez, EVA president Greg Nagel  Board meeting minutes for March 14, 2011 submitted by Dana Palmer Attendance: Board members Greg Nagel, Neal McKnight, KK Goh, Dana Palmer, Scott Rappe, Tom Tomek, Aaron Bilton and Stephen Rynkiewicz; non-board members Jennifer Baird, Ald. Proco Joe Moreno, Raymond Valadez. Meeting commenced 7:07 p.m. at Leona's 1936 W. Augusta Treasurer Transition KK Goh and Nicole Semple will meet this week to make transition of treasurer. Trees on Augusta Neal McKnight reported that the tree census is planned for April 30 and he will write an article for the newsletter to inform the neighborhood. He also reported that he will be working with Ronda Locke to round up kids from Noble Street charter school to help with the census to earn community service hours. It was also mentioned that the students from the Near North Montessori school are also interested in earning community service hours. The article will be ema...

Louis Schriber III of Shorewood Development Group and Bob Brownson of Oxford Development Partners   Minutes of Feb. 15 board meeting submitted by Stephen Rynkiewicz Neal McKnight called the board to order at 6:42 p.m. at Leona's Restaurant, 1936 W. Augusta. Attending: Rich Anselmo, Kok Keng Goh, Scott Rappe, Stephen Rynkiewicz, Tom Tomek. Pizza Hut property The former Pizza Hut building at 1601 W. Division is in receivership with Wintrust bank, said Bob Brownson of Oxford Development Partners . With Louis Schriber III of Shorewood Development Group, Brownson outlined a plan that would anchor a PNC Bank branch there in a new four-story apartment building. Two drive-through lanes behind the building were a sticking point. "The drive-through is a deal-breaker," Schriber said. However, McKnight noted that the board last year rejected a similar proposal . The Division Street entrance could clog traffic at the busy six-corner intersection, McKnight said. And civic ...

Planning, Preservation & Development committee report by Scott A. Rappe   Despite 11 years of effort to preserve all of St. Boniface, the rectory will be demolished by the end of the month. The church at 921 N. Noble St. is being converted into senior housing by Institutional Property Management through a convoluted scheme structured by several city departments and agencies. Among other things, the redevelopment agreement required money to be set aside in two escrow accounts, one for the demolition of the rectory, the other for the demolition of the church. If the developer found no use for the rectory, the agreement required a demolition permit be issued by Dec. 31, and demolition to be completed by Jan. 30. A market study was commissioned by IPM to determine how many living units the current market would support. It was hoped that the review would show economic conditions would support more than the 75 units needed to make the project feasible. Unfortunately this was not t...

By Scott A. Rappe Some East Village Association members were disappointed after the Jan. 3 vote on Bleeding Heart Bakery Cafe. Most were thrilled. Regardless of which side you fall on, the vote holds important lessons on civic engagement. To those who supported the cafe's proposed rooftop deck: Don’t take your victory for granted. Whether it was a friend's encouragement or a passion for Quad Cities pizza and organic baked goods, you felt the issue was important enough to come out, let your opinion be known and maybe join EVA and vote. Next month’s meeting probably will lack the fireworks, but your attendance in no less important. To those of you who opposed the roof deck: Let this defeat be a wake-up call. Having a positive influence on your community will take more than showing up to a meeting and voting against something. Your opposition probably stemmed from bad experiences with other liquor-serving businesses in the neighborhood. You must attend meetings regularly, liste...

Board meeting minutes for Jan. 11, 2011 Submitted by Dana Palmer Attendance: Board Members: Greg Nagel, Neal McKnight, Nicole Ellise, Dana Palmer, Scott Rappe, Aaron Bilton and Tom Tomek; Non-Board Members: Margorie Issacson, Rich Anselmo and Kok Keng Gow. Meeting Commenced at 6:40 p.m. Followup regarding vote for Bleeding Heart Bakery and the request for a special use permit to allow a second floor outdoor deck/patio After reconfirming with PayPal and updating the membership list, the final vote of confirmed EVA members was 37 yes and 11 no in support of granting a special use permit. There were also 8 votes cast by individuals that were not confirmed members of EVA 7 of which voted yes and only 1 no vote. Therefore, the non confirmed votes do not sway or have any influence over the final decision to support the special use permit. Scott Rappe agreed to issue a formal letter to Alderman Moreno about the vote. Membership Dana Palmer has confirmed and reconfirmed with PayPal regar...

Michelle Garcia Minutes for January 3, 2011 membership meeting Submitted by Dana Palmer   Scott Weiner did a presentation regarding Bleeding Heart Bakery and their request for a special use permit to allow a second floor patio/deck. Weiner stated that the deck would be used as often as possible to host various special events and would be used by the bakery and the adjacent Roots building. Michelle & Vinny Garcia, owners of Bleeding Heart Bakery, expressed their desire to have the patio for gardening and composting as well as hosting weddings. Much debate on concern was raised regarding hours of operations, liquor usage and noise to the neighborhood. Much frustration was also expressed about Weiner's lack of concessions in regard to the Roots building adjacent to the bakery that he is also involved with. However, the final vote was regarding solely the Bleeding Heart Bakery and their desire for the special use permit to allow for the patio/deck. Scott Rappe made a motion: “T...

Dear EVA Board Members and General Membership: Over this past weekend, I was informed that at the last meeting of the East Village Association (EVA), Jesse Juarez spoke and informed the body that he was representing me, the 1st Ward Alderman. I wanted to state strongly and unequivocally that I did not, and do not, empower Jesse Juarez to speak for me or my office on ANY issue, let alone the issue that was at hand at the last EVA meeting. I have spoken to Jesse regarding his behavior and let him know, emphatically, that he does not represent me in any way or fashion. I realize the passion that exists within EVA regarding neighborhood issues and respect (both personally and in policy) that passion and the official decisions of EVA. As I have promised, I will continue to seek out EVA's opinion on ANY zoning change, liquor moratorium issue, and general development opportunities on EVERY legitimate proposal that crosses my desk. I truly appreciate your time and dedication to our neighbo...

East Village Association members recommended that Ald. Joe Moreno approve rooftop seating for the Bleeding Heart Bakery restaurant under construction at 1916 W. Chicago. Committeeman Jesse Ruben Juarez told a packed house Monday that the 1st Ward Democratic Organization wanted to encourage new jobs from the bakery and an adjoining pizzaria. "Our office will keep them accountable," Juarez told members before the vote. The EVA vote was advisory to Moreno. The City Council must approve the rooftop cafe's special-use permit. The meeting adjourned before results were announced, because eligibility of all voters could not immediately be confirmed. However, secretary Dana Palmer told EVA board members in a late-night e-mail that the undisputed ballots were enough to carry the day. President Greg Nagel declared Tuesday that the motion had passed. About 75 people filled the Happy Village party room at 1059 N. Wolcott, and 57 cast paper ballots with their name and a yes or ...

President's Message | By Greg Nagel    At our Jan. 3 meeting, EVA will take a vote on the specific request brought to us regarding the special use for Bleeding Heart Bakery Cafe to have a rooftop deck. The specific motion that will be voted on is as follows: The East Village Association supports the Bleeding Heart Bakery receiving a Special Use allowing them to get a permit for a rooftop deck at 1916 W. Chicago. Members that want Bleeding Heart to get a rooftop deck would vote affirmatively in favor of this motion. Members that do not want Bleeding Heart to get a rooftop deck shall vote negatively or against this motion. The specific request had nothing to do with Roots other than they happened to be the same developers and information regarding both projects were presented to EVA simultaneously. Therefore, our vote will be specific to just Bleeding Heart. That means that despite the result of the vote on the Bleeding Heart Special Use, there should be no misunderstan...

Dec. 13 board meeting minutes submitted by Dana Palmer Attendance Board members Greg Nagel, Neal McKnight, Dana Palmer, Tom Tomek, Scott Rappe and Stephen Rynkiewicz, non-board member Rich Anselmo. Meeting commenced 6:33 p.m. Bleeding Heart/Roots The board discussed plans for development of Roots at 1924 W. Chicago Ave. and Bleeding Heart Bakery at 1916 W. Chicago Ave. Although these two businesses were presented together, the board concluded that they are two separate businesses and EVA is being asked to support a special use zoning for a rooftop deck at the 1916 W. Chicago Ave. address for Bleeding Heart Bakery. Therefore, at the January membership meeting, a vote will take place regarding whether to support or oppose the special use zoning for the rooftop deck only. Greg Nagel will draft a statement and seek board approval regarding the board and Planning, Preservation and Development Committee stance regarding this request and it will be posted in the EVA newsletter. In regards...

Scott Rappe, co-chair of EVA's Planning, Preservation & Development committee, outlined EVA concerns with the Roots/Bleeding Heart Bakery restaurant plan in a Nov. 9 letter to its developers. Scott Weiner and Greg Mohr of The Fifty/50 met Nov. 8 with the EVA board. Read Weiner & Mohr's reply. Thank you for attending the EVA board meeting, presenting your plans and answering the board’s questions. The East Village Association is interested in seeing Chicago Avenue flourish and supports responsible businesses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood. The proposed restaurant and bakery include positive aspects, but the prominent presence of the restaurant/bar on an otherwise quiet residential side street also presents some serious concerns. In particular, objections were raised regarding the emphasis on outdoor seating and openings from the bar to the street, the placement of a pick-up window that may invite double parking and the logistical c...

Developer Scott Weiner sent the East Village Association board this statement Dec. 1 on the Roots Handmade Pizza/Bleeding Heart Bakery Café , 1916-24 W. Chicago Ave. EVA members will vote Jan. 3 to advise Ald. Joe Moreno (1st Ward) on the project. Thank you for the opportunity to meet to discuss the concept for our project as well as its impact on the neighborhood and Chicago Avenue corridor. We have received your recommendations in regards to modification of our plans and we are hoping our concessions will help alleviate some of the concerns without sacrificing our business model or ability to make impactful business decisions down the road. We have completely redesigned our architectural plans to move our trash and recycling off and out of the alley and into our building. They are now enclosed within our building to eliminate our complete trash presence in the alley. As mentioned prior, we are using electric baking equipment, which is much more expensive but ultimately better ...

President's Message | By Greg Nagel    Many of us in this neighborhood nest in our nest egg. By nest I mean that our home is our castle, our sanctuary, and the place where our families eat and sleep. Our home and the associated lifestyle in our neighborhood are important, and are worth protecting and shaping. By nest egg I mean that for most of us our home is our single biggest investment, and our financial security is largely tied to our property value. Right now in America, 1 in every 5 homes is upside down: We owe more money to the bank than what the home is worth. It has been a very hard and scary market, and I'm sure many of us our do not have the sense of financial security we did five years ago when our homes were worth more. Financial security can be as important to everyday happiness as a clean, comfortable neighborhood environment. A high-end grocery store can improve our lifestyle. A low-end liquor store can detract from our lifestyle. Developments can improv...

Scott Weiner, co-owner of The Fifty/50 Restaurant at 2047 W. Division St., describes the restaurants he and partner Greg Mohr are developing at 1916-24 W. Chicago Ave. In a Jan. 3 vote, East Village Association members will advise Ald. Joe Moreno on support of the plan. By Scott Weiner   Roots Handmade Pizza   Roots Handmade Pizza is a concept based on food from restaurants that have become institutions or icons in Greg Mohr’s hometown area, the Quad Cities. The main focus of the food concept will be hand-tossed pizza. In addition to being made from fresh, high-quality ingredients, what sets this pizza apart from others is a unique spice blend and dough texture. Everything from the pizza sauce to the sausage will be made in house. We will make homemade mozzarella, fresh pastas and numerous specialty sausages, as well as feature great salads. From the dessert spectrum, we will be serving homemade organic ice cream and a plethora of organic desserts, which will all be made next...