Dear Neighbors and concerned Residents of Bucktown & Wicker Park:

Say NO to the Currently Proposed Rezoning Application and Development at 1704 North Milwaukee Ave (Milwaukee and Wabansia).

A proposed zoning change is being put forth to the Chicago City Council Committee on Zoning to accommodate a new development at 1704 N. Milwaukee Ave. (the corner of Milwaukee and Wabansia). The latest plans for the proposed development call for a 7-story building consisting of 60 apartments on upper floors, a two-level parking garage on the second and third floors and retail on the first floor. The development will have 67 total parking spaces - twelve spots would be reserved for building residents, and the remaining available to the public as paid parking. 

As stakeholders in the 32nd Ward, we are not opposed to thoughtful and smart development; however, we feel the proposed rezoning and accompanying development will jeopardize our quality of life and safety. We are asking for a pause on the proposed development until the Developer addresses our concerns. Again, we are not opposed to a new development at this location, but we firmly believe, in its current iteration, it is too burdensome on the surrounding neighborhood.  

Our Key Areas of Concern: 

1.      The Height: (7 stories) and density of the development does not align with the existing character of the C1-2 District.

2.      Safety & Use of the Adjacent Park:

·       The proposed garage entrance is directly adjacent to our community park (creating only 12 parking spots for 60 residential units), a highly valued gathering spot for neighborhood residents, dog owners, and preschoolers from local area daycare establishments. (Note: The daycare establishments are greatly concerned about the impact on the park on their businesses.) The proximity of this proposed garage entrance to the park area is a significant safety concern for all who use the park.  

·       Increasing the density to 60 residential units and 67 total parking spaces introduces a significant "curb-cut" conflict. This is a violation of the city's Vision Zero commitment to pedestrian safety. 

·       A 7-story building will cast a shadow on the park for a portion of each day, resulting in a loss of sunshine/natural light to this gem of a neighborhood community space.  

3.      Infrastructure Incompatibility: Wabansia is currently a two-way street with a width that cannot safely support the increased residents and public parking traffic of the currently proposed building. As it exists today, the stretch of Wabansia from Milwaukee to Leavitt is a traffic nightmare.

4.      A "Magnet" Parking Model: While the building claims to be transit-oriented, the allocation of 55 non-residential parking spots suggests a commercial parking garage model rather than a residential one. This will function as a "magnet" for external vehicle traffic, further gridlocking the already impassable Milwaukee/Wabansia/Winnebago/Leavitt junction. Granting a density bonus while allowing a "parking magnet" is a contradictory use of the code.

5.      Delivery & Loading/Unloading Gridlock: The existing Small Cheval delivery services already create hazardous conditions. This proposal lacks a dedicated, off-street loading berth for delivery apps and heavy vehicle refuse removal, which will lead to permanent "standing" traffic blocking on Wabansia and Milwaukee Avenue, and adjacent bike lanes. 

6.      Increased Noise & Vibration: A 7-story building abutting the “L” tracks will create a ‘soundboard’ for the noise of the train to disperse to residents’ homes in the area. Construction will also cause seismic shifts to historic buildings, homes, and converted condominiums in the vicinity causing irreparable foundation damage and structure degradation.

By signing this petition, our hope is there will be enough community concern expressed to pause the approval process for this development, and that any voting by the Planning Committee be deferred until the Key Areas of Concern and Additional Impact Studies (on car, bike and pedestrian traffic) are completed and presented to the community with a 30-day public review period.

Thank you for your support and consideration.