March 13 Meeting, March Newsletter: Zoning & Candidates

Posted on by Steven Stern

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb*.  Read more in the March Newsletter. Regardless, our regular March meeting is coming up!

Meeting Info

Tuesday, March 13
Athenaeum Theatre
2936 N. Southport
6:30: Socializing
7:00 Meeting begins

Agenda

1357-59 W. BARRY
ZONING CHANGE for conversion of commercial space to residential This building is a beautiful brick 3 story rental property on the southeast corner of Barry and Southport with Fine Cleaners occupying the corner commercial space. The top trim is ornate and deserves a look at the next time you go by. There is a small commercial space (currently a photographer) in this building east of the corner. The Owner wishes to convert this space to a residential unit. However, in order to convert this space, the building would have to be up-zoned to a more lucrative B-2-3.

If that zoning was permitted, the Owner could put in a higher number of units in the building then current zoning allows. SLN’s Neighborhood Development and Review Committee (NDRC) does not support this zoning change. The NDRC feels allowing an up-zoning would set a precedent for Developers in the future to ask for the same high density zoning.

This will be a voting issue and the results will be forwarded to the Alderman for his final decision.

TEMPLE BAR
3001 N. ASHLAND – SIDEWALK/OUTDOOR CAFE
The owners of the former Temple Bar have been leasing out the business at this site. After several restaurant failings, the owners have decided to restart and run a reincarnation of the Temple Bar. The owners will be presenting their plans for the outdoor area in the parkway.

This will be a hand-voting issue and the results willbe forwarded to the Alderman for his final decision.

U.S. CONGRESS PRIMARY CANDIDATES
Around election time, the non-incumbent candidates contact SLN looking for some opportunities to meet people in the neighborhood face-to-face. The candidates will be there for the 6:30-7:00 premeeting socializing. They will also be given time to make a brief presentation to the members.

Expected to attend: Steve Schwartzberg, Benjamin Wolf and Sameena Mustafa, all Democratic candidates opposing incumbent Mike Quigley. The election is Tuesday, March 20.

What happened at the February meeting?

  • SLN presentent the Athenaeum with a check matching $1,000 in gifts to the theatre’s restoration fund.
  • There was a vote supporting a zoning change for the southwest corner of Greenview and George.
  • There was a vote supporting a zoning change for 1246 W. George.
  • There was a vote supporting a zoning change for 1211-1213 Belmont.  (There was much sadness over the upcoming loss of Murphy’s.)

Where can I learn more? What’s happening in the neighborhood?

Both excellent questions. You can read more in the March Newsletter.  The newsletter includes news about

  • CPD Community Relations Strategy
  • Recently sold real estate
  • The role of SLN’s NDRC  (Neighborhood Development Review Committee)

* March comes in like a lion and goes out like a ….kangaroo?