by BRIAN NADIG

The City Council Zoning Committee adjourned its April 23 meeting before a public hearing could be held on a proposed 10-story senior living complex at 3911 N. Milwaukee Ave. due to a lack of a quorum.

The proposal was the last item on the agenda of a nearly 2 1/2-hour meeting.

The meeting may have been the last chance for Alderman John Arena (45th) to get the proposal approved before his term ends on May 20, when alderman-elect Jim Gardiner will be sworn in. At this time the City Clerk’s Web site does not list another zoning committee meeting being held prior to May 20.

About 15 people showed up to testify either for or against the project, and project officials were about to give their presentation to the committee when Alderman Margaret Laurino (39th) raised concerns that a majority of the committee members were not present and that more community input may be needed on the project. “I don’t think there has been enough discussion on this,” she said.

Gardiner said after the adjournment that he will gather additional input on the project and plans to hold a community meeting. “I think the one community meeting (in 2018) was not enough to gauge what the community wants,” he said. “I want what’s best for the community.”









Gardiner said that residents have expressed concerns about the affordability of the planned 246 apartments, with rents ranging from $4,400 to $7,200, including a mix of independent and assisted living units. He expressed concern that area seniors who are looking to sell their home would not be able to afford those rents.

“I’d like to see people in the community stay in it,” Gardiner said.

When asked if he supports or opposes the plan, Gardiner responded that he has not made up his mind and that his personal opinion is unimportant because he wants zoning decisions to be based on a community consensus.

The April 23 meeting was not the first time approval of a 45th Ward zoning proposal was delayed due to a quorum issue. In 2017, the committee adjourned its meeting before voting on the controversial redevelopment plan at 5150 N. Northwest Hwy.