1:13:34The focal point of the meeting was the proposal to convert a former church, previously a synagogue, into residential units while maintaining its historic architecture. This project, situated in the Van Vorst Historic District, intends to merge two lots to create ten residential units. The church itself would house five units, with an additional five units constructed on an adjacent former parking lot. The plan necessitated variances for having two principal buildings on a single lot and for a small height overage on the church, which stands at 41.75 feet, slightly exceeding the district’s height limit. The board granted these variances, noting that the new construction aligns with height regulations at 39.75 feet.

The project received endorsements from both the Van Vorst Historic Preservation Committee and the Historic Preservation Commission, which issued a certificate of appropriateness. The development includes a plan for pedestrian access, preservation of historic elements, and the introduction of modern amenities, such as utility rooms and designated spaces for trash, mailboxes, and bike storage.

Architectural plans for the project emphasized the preservation and restoration of the church’s original features, including stained glass windows and the iconic gable, while integrating contemporary residential needs. The design also proposed the installation of flat skylights to enhance natural lighting without compromising the building’s historic integrity. The board welcomed these efforts, noting that the project adheres to historic district regulations and addresses the community’s needs.

37:57Community members expressed concerns about the maintenance and security of properties undergoing development, particularly emphasizing the potential neglect by property owners. Charlene Burke, president of the Westside Community Alliance, highlighted issues with unsecured properties leading to problems like broken windows and unauthorized access. She advocated for security conditions to be imposed on developers to safeguard neighborhoods. Likewise, Kayla Burrell from the Lincoln Park North Neighborhood Association criticized the developer’s past negligence and urged the board to enforce stricter conditions for property maintenance.

In response to these concerns, the applicant’s representative agreed to incorporate security measures, such as installing cameras and securing open windows during construction. The representative also confirmed their commitment to preserving existing trees and planting additional ones as part of the development, adhering to community feedback and environmental considerations.

19:11The board’s deliberations extended to another significant proposal on Glenwood Avenue, where a former university dormitory is slated for conversion into a 43-unit apartment building. This project includes 12 two-bedroom units and 31 one-bedroom units, with a focus on rehabilitating the existing structure for multifamily residential use. The proposal seeks to maintain the building’s history while addressing zoning variances related to height, rear yard buffer, and bicycle storage.

McCormack emphasized the need for conditions limiting the number of units and ensuring the developer’s responsibility for property upkeep.

37:57The board acknowledged these concerns, stressing the importance of imposing conditions on development approvals to address security, maintenance, and community impact. Discussions also touched upon parking solutions, with the representative indicating that street parking would be the primary option, as on-site parking was unfeasible.