Ward Zoning and Planning Committee Meeting: 9/27/06

Greg Harris opened the meeting with a few announcements:

• Construction has begun at 5771 N. Ridge for a 4 story, 6 unit condominium development.
• The proposed condominium conversion at 5874-5884 N. Ridge was denied approval by the Zoning Appeals Board because the development was 2 parking spaces short of the city’s requirement.
• Nookies is getting closer to becoming a reality as a deal has finally been struck with the present owners of their proposed site on Bryn Mawr.
• There is a traffic light being installed at the corner of GlenLake & Broadway.
• The city is seeking acquisition authority over the Uptown Theater. This is a necessary step in protecting the interests of the community and the Theater in the event that it becomes necessary to step in if the Theater is ever sold to a buyer who has interests that are not aligned with the community interests. There is no actual purchase being made at this time, merely preparing groundwork in the event it becomes necessary for the city to step in.
• Senn Park should be completed by end of October 2006.
• Goudy Park should be completed by end of November 2006.

There was only one item on the Zoning Committee agenda, that being the redevelopment of The Admiral on Foster Avenue. After a presentation by the principals of the Admiral and a lengthy question and answer period, Carmen-Winona moved that a vote be taken and asked further that all the present associations join us in an affirmative vote as decided at our community meeting on September 20, 2006. The project passed 16 yes, 0 nays, 5 abstains.

So that all in our community are aware, this is not the end of our involvement with this project. There were a number of requests put to The Admiral and its responses which were entered into the record at Z&P. We will continue to participate as it continues its approval process through the various city entities as well as the demolition and construction phases. We will also be consulting with the Admiral as to the exterior elements needed to surround the parking facility as we continue to address our neighborhood concerns.

Don Brown and I again thank everyone involved with this very long project process.