







by BRIAN NADIG

Construction of a 16-unit residential unit complex is being proposed for a longtime vacant parcel at 4812-18 W. Montrose Ave.

The proposal calls for the 14,200-square-foot site to be rezoned from B3-1 to RM-4.5. Under the existing zoning, residential construction on the site is limited to five units.

In 2014 a 12-unit project was proposed for the site, but it was never built. At a community meeting on that proposal, residents expressed concern about cars that would have to back out of outdoor parking spaces into the alley, but the developer agreed to modify the proposal so that vehicles would “nose out” into the alley from a garage, which would have an entrance 8 feet from the alley.

In 2010 the property was rezoned from RS-2, which is for single-family homes, to B3-1 to allow construction of a one-story retail center on the site, but the center was never built. A plan to build a 14-unit condominium project on the site was dropped in 1999 after residents presented a petition opposing the proposal to then-alderman Patrick Levar.

The property is between a gas station and a three-story apartment building. Over the years residents have complained about trucks and abandoned cars being parked on the site.

Alderman John Arena’s chief of staff Owen Brugh said that until the developer submits documents detailing the proposal to the alderman’s office, the proposal will not move forward and a community meeting on the project will not be held.