By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor, Chicago Journal News-Star
A prominent West Rogers Park developer faced concerted objections from residents questioning his proposal to build a seven-story rental building at 7313-15 N. Sheridan Road, during a marathon community meeting on May 21 hosted by Ald. Joe Moore, 49th.
A standing-room-only crowd packed the community room at Lake Shore Rehabilitation for a meeting that began at 7 p.m. and lasted until 10:35 p.m., with many voicing opposition to the project.
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11 comments:
Why would anyone oppose a project that will increase the numbers of law-abiding, working, tax-paying residents in this sorry area of E. Rogers Park?
Because it violates the Lakefront Protection Ordinance. We should also try to end the "Pay to Play" way things go around here. I know that you were being sarcastic, billyjoe.
It is not the building itself that upsets me.
Our alderman wants to change zoning for a campaign contributing developer.
It is very dangerous when a politician abuses the office as an ATM Machine for their own future campaigns.
Have to agree with billyjoe on this. Also, I believe that higher density of good housing is necessary to support good retail and transit. Rogers Park has never kept up with other lakefront nabes because it has always been what some planners would refer to as a "gray area", an area that's half-urban, half-suburban, that never quite makes it as a retail 'draw', never develops any urban 'buzz', and deteriorates more rapidly as a result of this.
The only aspect of the deal I dislike is our alderman's eagerness to render current zoning laws void by granting variances for any reason, as long as the developer is 'plugged in' properly.
Personally, I have nothing against an 8-story building just east of Sheridan, especially one right next to the stately old place on the corner, which is also about that high.
However, I do believe in protecting the lakefront from encroachment, and I believe that developers and certain pols are doing everything they can to void all protective laws and do exactly as they please, including building right onto the beach AND destroying our beaches with an extension of the outer drive and a polluting marina. Don't think for a minute that they have given up on this.
If you let developers run rampant, they will chew up every public space you have, and impose really unpleasant, inappropriate development on your area. They will trash the place with obnoxious uses and hideous buildings- they don't care because they don't live here, and you'd better believe that they are very vigilent about the development they permit in their own pristine suburbs and enclaves. Try getting a street in Lake Forest or Winnetka zoned for tattoo parlor or muffler shop or ghetto-type liquor store.
I think we've all had about enough of Joe Moore giving in to any developer who pays him off. And this one even has a position on Joe's corrupt zoning board!
Let's protect our lakefront. Will the next developer come along and "only" want to build a 10-story unit?
Will Connie Abels see this as the precedent needed to approve that monstrosity she had planned for her house on the east side of Sheridan?
Joe Moore needs to stop taking money from developers, but he won't do that. It's simply too honorable for that gas bag.
North Coast, it kinda sounds like you're saying, hey, we should support this, but then you give half a dozen reasons why we shouldn't support it. It seems like all those things you cite might be good reasons to be against this project.
I think we've all had about enough of Joe Moore giving in to any developer who pays him off. And this one even has a position on Joe's corrupt zoning board!
Have any examples?
Al, I like the project, and I think it's time to perhaps rethink parts of the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, which has a few flaws.
It's not the project that bothers me, it's our alderman's attempt to render all zoning laws void, and zoning subject to his whim and those of developers.
I would much rather the law be reconsidered, and rewritten to be stricter in some ways, looser in others.
For example, the Sheridan Road frontage on the east side of the street is not really the lakefront.
Secondly, there are high buildings already standing on this side of the street, and they are not detrimental.
It would be much better to concentrate on protecting the beach from further encroachment, and to free up sections of the beach that have been illegally appropriated for private use.
You want an example, Charlie, here's three off the top of my head..
* The Coe project on Morse and Greenview.
* The TIF money project at 6610 North Sheriden.
* The Gateway Mall.
Charlie, take off the tin foil hat before commenting next time.
Here's a few more, Charlie.
The Adelphi Theatre.
The Pinewood project.
The North Shore School teardown/Parking lot.
And we can't forget Joe covering up for Jay Johnson in regards Ramerez Family tragedy.
Hey Charlie, where's your smart ass comment now?
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