Click here for Letter sent to Ald. Flores regarding 1700 W. Erie St.

CHICAGO GRAND AVE. NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION (CGNA)

 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNITY MEETING 

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 

Re: Zoning Change for 1700 West Erie St.

Outdoor Patio for Betty’s Blue Star Lounge, 1600 West Grand Ave.

 Meeting called to order at 7:08 p.m.  

CGNA President David Ramos explains he received phone call from Alderman Flores’s Office requesting a hearing regarding the above zoning change. 

There was an immediate objection from resident and new member Mr. Lambert, who related that per. CGNA’s guidelines, the property is for sale and CGNA’s guidelines indicates that there will be no hearing.  Mr. Lambert also provided the MLS listing # 06070235, real estate agent is Elva Martinez, 773-304-0330.

 President Ramos explained that out of respect to Alderman Flores’s office, who requested we consider this matter, and out of courtesy to neighbors and property owner, President Ramos called the meeting to order for issues regarding 1700 W. Erie and Betty’s Blue Star Lounge.

 Hymie Velazquez, assisting in translating for the property owner, Arturo Bahena, explains property is listed as RT-3.

 President Ramos asked owner if the reason he is requesting zoning change is to get more money on the sale of the property.  Property owner’s answer was not clear. 

Tom Browne, CGNA Board Member, restates the property is RT-3 today, and asks if Ald. Manny Flores knows the property is for sale.   

President Ramos stated he was not informed of this important detail.  Ramos calls for straw poll from gathered residents which were approximately 30 individuals present.  There was 100% opposition to changing the zoning of any kind. 

President Ramos related that CGNA will write a letter to Ald. Flores stating CGNA WILL NOT support any change due to CGNA P&D guidelines and because of community opposition. 

Mr. Browne restates issues:  1st is property for sale cannot be rezoned; 2nd immediate neighbors are opposed.

 Lynne Wolfson, CGNA member, clarifies issue for property owner.

 Mike Casey, CGNA Board Member, explains further that as a community organization we make recommendations to the Alderman. 

 Mr. Browne suggests property owner speaks with his real estate agent because she should know the zoning code and how zoning changes work.  Browne suggests he might need a new agent if she is not aware of these details. 

Michael Beyer, CGNA Board Member, suggests to President Ramos we close this issue and move on to the next item on the agenda.   

President Ramos explains: 

•       -Betty’s Blue Star Lounge requested an outdoor patio seating on the empty lot they own.

•       -Betty’s sent CGNA a letter requesting support.

•       -CGNA encourage Betty’s to change the hours of operation for their outdoor patio to close earlier, which they agreed to.

•       -CGNA did not have a community meeting, but we did get one individual who opposed giving them the support.  The member stated that the issue in the past had never been addressed and the matter of the liter around Betty’s continues.

•       -Ramos and Browne thoroughly investigated his claims, and reported back to the board and at a community meeting in August 2007.  That President Ramos and Browne had met with the owner of Betty’s and addressed the issue at hand.  The owner had assured them both that he takes every issue and concern seriously and he will take immediate action.

Ramos stated that in addition to CGNA conducting this investigation, the City of Chicago were also conducting their investigation and had several agencies working with them, such as; City Inspectors, Revenue Inspectors, Chicago Police Vice Control Section, and decoys from Operation Angels checking to see if Betty’s were allowing admittance, selling alcohol or cigarettes to minors.  President Ramos also looked through police records and found Betty’s to have in his words “a clean bill of health”.  

•       Ramos pointed out that the member who was opposed to Betty’s was asked to appear along with any petitions that were circulated and make his presentation to the rest of the community members.  As of 7:40 p.m. this member was not present, nor has CGNA received any copies of petitions opposing the outdoor seating.

•       Ramos stated that CGNA sent a support letter, however in the letter stipulates that if there was enough opposition to Betty’s outdoor seating a community meeting will be made public, and CGNA will reversed its decision.  

Browne explains this individual is on a mission, he hates Betty’s and is now in opposition to the board because of the fact CGNA accepted $100 to place Betty’s advertisement on CGNA’s website.  This ad was sent in June 2007 before an outdoor patio was ever an issue.  Browne also pointed out the location of Betty’s has been a bar for over 50 years. 

Resident asked if liquor license would extend to outdoor patio.  Ramos suggests they would probably need an amendment and Betty’s is working on it with their attorney’s. 

President Ramos requests a straw poll on Betty’s issue.  0% in opposition, 100% in favor of supporting Betty’s outdoor patio. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:00

_____________________________________

CHICAGO GRAND AVE. NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION (CGNA)

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNITY MEETING 

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 

Re: Zoning Change for 1700 West Erie St.

Outdoor Patio for Betty’s Blue Star Lounge, 1600 West Grand Ave. 

Meeting called to order at 7:08 p.m.  

CGNA President David Ramos explains he received phone call from Alderman Flores’s Office requesting a hearing regarding the above zoning change. 

There was an immediate objection from resident and new member Mr. Lambert, who related that per. CGNA’s guidelines, the property is for sale and CGNA’s guidelines indicates that there will be no hearing.  Mr. Lambert also provided the MLS listing # 06070235, real estate agent is Elva Martinez, 773-304-0330. 

President Ramos explained that out of respect to Alderman Flores’s office, who requested we consider this matter, and out of courtesy to neighbors and property owner, President Ramos called the meeting to order for issues regarding 1700 W. Erie and Betty’s Blue Star Lounge. 

Hymie Velazquez, assisting in translating for the property owner, Arturo Bahena, explains property is listed as RT-3.

 President Ramos asked owner if the reason he is requesting zoning change is to get more money on the sale of the property.  Property owner’s answer was not clear.

 Tom Browne, CGNA Board Member, restates the property is RT-3 today, and asks if Ald. Manny Flores knows the property is for sale.   

President Ramos stated he was not informed of this important detail.  Ramos calls for straw poll from gathered residents which were approximately 30 individuals present.  There was 100% opposition to changing the zoning of any kind. 

President Ramos related that CGNA will write a letter to Ald. Flores stating CGNA WILL NOT support any change due to CGNA P&D guidelines and because of community opposition.

 Mr. Browne restates issues:  1st is property for sale cannot be rezoned; 2nd immediate neighbors are opposed. 

Lynne Wolfson, CGNA member, clarifies issue for property owner.

 Mike Casey, CGNA Board Member, explains further that as a community organization we make recommendations to the Alderman.   

Mr. Browne suggests property owner speaks with his real estate agent because she should know the zoning code and how zoning changes work.  Browne suggests he might need a new agent if she is not aware of these details. 

Michael Beyer, CGNA Board Member, suggests to President Ramos we close this issue and move on to the next item on the agenda.   

President Ramos explains: 

•       -Betty’s Blue Star Lounge requested an outdoor patio seating on the empty lot they own.

•       -Betty’s sent CGNA a letter requesting support.

•       -CGNA encourage Betty’s to change the hours of operation for their outdoor patio to close earlier, which they agreed to.

•       -CGNA did not have a community meeting, but we did get one individual who opposed giving them the support.  The member stated that the issue in the past had never been addressed and the matter of the liter around Betty’s continues.

•       -Ramos and Browne thoroughly investigated his claims, and reported back to the board and at a community meeting in August 2007.  That President Ramos and Browne had met with the owner of Betty’s and addressed the issue at hand.  The owner had assured them both that he takes every issue and concern seriously and he will take immediate action.

Ramos stated that in addition to CGNA conducting this investigation, the City of Chicago were also conducting their investigation and had several agencies working with them, such as; City Inspectors, Revenue Inspectors, Chicago Police Vice Control Section, and decoys from Operation Angels checking to see if Betty’s were allowing admittance, selling alcohol or cigarettes to minors.  President Ramos also looked through police records and found Betty’s to have in his words “a clean bill of health”.  

•       Ramos pointed out that the member who was opposed to Betty’s was asked to appear along with any petitions that were circulated and make his presentation to the rest of the community members.  As of 7:40 p.m. this member was not present, nor has CGNA received any copies of petitions opposing the outdoor seating.

•       Ramos stated that CGNA sent a support letter, however in the letter stipulates that if there was enough opposition to Betty’s outdoor seating a community meeting will be made public, and CGNA will reversed its decision.

 Browne explains this individual is on a mission, he hates Betty’s and is now in opposition to the board because of the fact CGNA accepted $100 to place Betty’s advertisement on CGNA’s website.  This ad was sent in June 2007 before an outdoor patio was ever an issue.  Browne also pointed out the location of Betty’s has been a bar for over 50 years. 

Resident asked if liquor license would extend to outdoor patio.  Ramos suggests they would probably need an amendment and Betty’s is working on it with their attorney’s.

 President Ramos requests a straw poll on Betty’s issue.  0% in opposition, 100% in favor of supporting Betty’s outdoor patio. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:00

General Meeting  March 15^th

 Meeting called to order: 7:06 pm

 Secretary Minutes: By-passed.  Tom motioned. Eric second.

 Treasurer Minutes: $72.00 posted to the account.

 P & D Minutes: No updates.

 Dominick’s Update—Wynona Redmond (wynona.redmond@safeway.com) —Public Relations and Dan Clayton—architect

Address: 2021 W. Chicago

Thanked Alderman Flores for his assistance with the project and his support to the community.  Store will hire about 150 employees and want to have the majority come from the community.

Dan Clayton—48000 sq. foot “lifestyle store”.  20 surface spots which include 5 handicap spots.  Store will include: hearth oven, butcher, cheese world, bank, Starbuck’s and a nut solution.  Construction is a bit ahead of schedule and the store should open late August to early September.

Amanda commended them on the construction site—having it fenced and no hazards.

Not sure of the hours of operation at this point—60 days before the site opens it will be announced.

Residents are concerned about the traffic pattern—ingress and egress with Chicago Avenue.  Lee Street is scheduled to become 2 way for trailer traffic.  The loading dock will be enclosed.

Alderman Flores—thanked everyone for his welcome and for missing the previous meeting.  1^st ward will be getting a recycling program starting in June.  It will be a blue cart just like the black trash receptacles. The law requires that large condos recycle currently.  The carts will be delivered to each resident, but the specific timeframe is not yet determined. 

He would like to get “Recycling Block Captains” to spearhead the program in the neighborhood and encourage participation.  His e-mail is flores1stward.com   

Blue cart—will be serviced every other week and items should not be placed in bags before.  Yard waste will not be put into these bins—continue to use the brown recycling bags.

Library Update:  ideal location on Chicago Avenue with Commercial park right behind it.

Commercial Park will be renovated including the play lot and that project is on schedule. 

Boys and Girls Club is now in Talcott School and Alderman Flores asked for community involvement even if you do not have children.

Special Service Areas (SSA)—economic areas of development.  Increase property tax levy to bring more money into the area. Cara Salgado is in charge with the Chamber of Commerce.  CGNA should have a liaison with this group

American Eagle Bank project is now on hold.  The issue involves the underground parking and the digging under the alley.

Property Tax Workshops are now being held to appeal your taxes and hand-outs were given.

The Public lot behind Washington Mutual Bank is scheduled for demolition and a townhouse project is scheduled for that area.  The complex will face both Marshfield and Paulina.

 Parking continues to be a huge concern and the valets in the area are a major problem.  The City needs to find the land and the money.  The trade off is density and height versus parking.

The Library is his #1 priority and the City has engaged the property.  There is no eminent domain clause.

1958 W. Huron—there is a tavern there that was grandfathered in and it has been under contract since December.

Elections were held for the new CGNA board.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.

_________________________________________________

January 18, 2007 General Meeting

Meeting started: 7:05 pm

Board Members in attendance:

Amanda

David

Tom

Eric

Allison

Tony

Amanda began the meeting with an overview of the various hand-outs.

Alderman Flores called at 6:40 pm to let us know that an “important issue” had come up preventing him from attending.  He will attend March 15^th.

Wynona—from Dominick’s—was ill and also had to postpone until the March 15^th meeting.

All attendees introduced themselves in the room.

Secretary’s Report: Reading of the minutes were bypassed by Allison and seconded by Eric.  Unanimous vote.

Treasurer’s Report: Current balance: $624.00.  Donations were given to The Boy’s Club and Erie House.  Memberships are done on a calendar basis.  Members need to renew for this year.

Committee Reports:

Library—no new updates

P & D:

501 N. Hartland—still waiting on owners drawings.

Huron & Ashland—“Future Home” signage is on the property.

1646 W. Ontario—wants to go from a RS3 to a RT4  Community meeting is scheduled for January 23 at 6:30 pm.

1611 W. Erie—small house behind Hank’s—single family—currently no updates.

Web site is up and running.  Congratulations goes out to Michael Beyer for all his time and energy. Please forward all suggestions to his attention.

Upcoming Board elections:

Amanda will be stepping down as President but would be honored to serve as the P & D committee chair.  Allison publicly thanked her for her time and devotion. 

Allison presented her roles and responsibilities handout for board members and for members at large.  “CGNA can and does make a difference.”  By-laws allow for 9 members total.

Amy Klein—from Erie House—was present.  Erie House is the oldest re-settlement house and has been around for 137 years.  Work with children through adults. 

Leo Barron, Club Director for the Boy’s Club, thanked the group for their donation.  The club is up and running at Talcott School.  They had 200 children there today. 

Next General Meeting will be held March 15^th.  Location yet to be determined.

Questions:

1. What is the current status with Dominick’s—should be opening in late summer/early fall of 2007.  Senior shuttle is up and running.  They are currently working with local groups to get applications.

2.     What is the progress on American Eagle Bank—B33 which allows for a 5 story building. 5^th story would be penthouses.  Mr. Frisbee suggested that the 5^th floor would be set back for aesthetics.  Still need to have a final community meeting for this property.

January 25^th at 6 pm their will be a meeting regarding Residential Permit parking at Goldblatt’s.

Board Elections: E-mail Amanda with interest and intent.  Candidate forms will be developed and distributed. 

Alderman Elections:  February 27^th.  Alderman Ocasio has 3 running against him and Alderman Flores is running unopposed.

Meeting Adjourned at 8 pm.

 Respectfully submitted,

Tony Wietek

Secretary

_________________________________________________

November 16, 2006

General Meeting Minutes 

Board present:

Amanda

Eric

Tom

Tony

David (absent) 

Meeting start: 7:05 pm

Secretary report:  Meeting minutes by-passed.  Tom--motioned.  Eric—seconded. 

Treasurer report: Handed out balance sheet and it should show $18.00 less.  Amanda—motioned.  Tony—seconded. 

Library Committee—no current updates from the last meeting.  The Alderman has not followed through. 

Safety Updates—By-passed since David is not present. 

Old Business: Dominick’s is moving forward and demolition is completed.  Senior shuttles have been scheduled for Friday pick-ups from Linden House, Maple Point Apartments, and the Goldblatt’s building.   Suggestion was made to have signage put in the lot to advertise.  Wynona, PR for Dominick’s has been invited to join us for the January meeting. 

Blue Box recycling is scheduled to begin in the 1^st ward and will be covered in the Jan. meeting. 

Betty’s Blue Star Lounge—David met with the owner and they seem to be more aware of the trash in the area.  No underage drinking violations were cited during there last visit. 

New Business:  CGNA website is up and running.  Mike Beyer and Natalie Browne deserve all the recognition.  The website was created by Go Daddy. 

P & D updates: 

1801 W. Ohio—currently a vacant lot that the Alderman granted a zoning change to a RT4.  The lot is for sale again and we were told that it would be down zoned to the original RS3. 

1626 W. Ohio—Community meeting to be held on Nov. 30^th at 6:30 pm at the Goldblatt’s building.  Owner looking for an RT4 with side, front and back variances. 

531-33 N. Marshfield—2 standard lots that the owners wants to build two 3 story condo buildings on.  CGNA does not support the zoning request and has sent a letter to Alderman Ocasio.  The Alderman said he will follow our lead. 

501 N. Hartland—Commercial building with 2 vacant residential lots behind it.  Want to be re-zoned to a B2-3 which would allow for a 50 foot tall building with an artist’s studio on the first floor. 

Huron & Ashland—American Eagle Bank—no further updates from the last meeting.  Alderman Flores wanted to add another floor for parking but seems to have reconsidered this idea. 

1646 W. Ontario—currently a small single family that wants to go to a RT4 for a master bedroom addition.  Need to have the plans resubmitted due to the lack of clarity. 

1611 W. Erie—short lot that is currently zoned as a RT5 from the prior Alderman.  The owner thinks they only have an RS3 and need an RT4. 

Grand Avenue Rezoning—Issue has been tabled until after the elections. 

Grand & Wolcott—what is the current zoning there—B2-3? 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:34 pm. 

Respectfully Submitted, 

Tony Wietek