Galewood residents voiced strong opposition on April 23 to a proposal that would bring nearly 500 new homes to the site of the former Mars Wrigley factory, with many expressing concerns about the impact on their community. The meeting, held at Trinity Galewood Church, drew about 150 neighbors who said they did not support a redevelopment plan put forward by developer McCaffery Interests.
The future of the large, vacant property has become an important issue for local residents and city officials. The debate centers on how best to repurpose the 20-acre site at 2019 N. Oak Park Ave., which was home to the candy factory for nearly a century before its closure in 2024.
Many attendees argued that adding almost 500 housing units would change their neighborhood’s character and strain resources. “By adding that much new housing, ‘the community will become a parking lot,’” said Donald Glover, who has lived in Galewood for forty years. He continued: “We have less crime than Lincoln Park. We don’t want to lose that.” Another resident said: “You can see that people here don’t want this, so let me just say it — we don’t want any rentals.”
McCaffery’s current plan calls for building 479 total units, including senior living apartments, townhomes and multi-family residences. It also proposes converting part of the landmarked factory into a community center with event space and creating parks, walking paths and commercial areas such as cafes or small businesses.
Mars Vice President John Benazzi addressed those gathered by saying: “From Mars’ perspective, we support this concept. My goal tonight isn’t to convince anybody of my opinion or Mars’ opinion. It’s really just to share what we’ve heard, what we’ve learned, where things stand today and then where we might go moving forward.”
Alderman Chris Taliaferro (29th) acknowledged deep divisions over residential development but remained hopeful about finding common ground: “I think we’re still in the same place,” he said regarding ongoing discussions between stakeholders. Taliaferro warned that if no agreement is reached soon “we are faced with a vacant building … very difficult to provide security for.”
