Alderman to host public meeting to discuss Milwaukee Avenue downzoning

After introducing a series of sweeping downzoning measures to limit new development along Milwaukee Avenue in the Logan Square and Avondale neighborhoods, 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa will host a public meeting to discuss the merits of his plan. While some members of the community have actively pushed for the changes, DNAinfo’s Mina Bloom reports that others are concerned that the move could lead to economic “stagnation” as well as hand even more control to the elected official.

35th Ward

The proposed ordinances would convert the mix of commercial and residential properties at 2610-2787 N. Milwaukee Avenue, 2800-2957 N. Milwaukee Avenue, and 3015 N. Elbridge Avenue to a restrictive, low-density B2-1 zoning classification. If approved by the Chicago City Council, the measures would mean new businesses and developers would need to seek a zoning change from Ramirez-Rosa for projects that exceed the proposed B2-1 designation.

The alderman previously introduced a similar ordinance at 2700 N. Milwaukee where long-time property owners Barbara and Victor Diaz looked to market their 1.6-acre, three-building parcel for redevelopment. Ramierz-Rosa also utilized the same legislative tool at 2747 N. Milwaukee Avenue to thwart property owner R.P. Fox & Associates from building a 60-unit apartment project at the site of the former Pierre's Bakery building.

A community meeting to discuss the plan has been set for 6:30 p.m. on October 30th at the Hairpin Arts Center at 2810 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Residents and other community stakeholders will have an opportunity to weigh-in on the measure as well as ask direct questions.

• Controversial Avondale Rezoning Plan Community Meeting Set For Oct. 30 [DNAinfo]
• New wave of downzoning measures introduced for Milwaukee Avenue [Curbed Chicago]
• Logan Square alderman to downzone stretch of Milwaukee Avenue [Curbed Chicago]
• Previous Logan Square coverage [Curbed Chicago]