A proposal to build a seven-story apartment building with a public parking garage in Bucktown was delayed at a City Council zoning committee meeting on May 7 after the local alderman requested it be temporarily deferred.
The delay comes as the development, planned for 1704 N. Milwaukee Ave., faces both support and opposition from neighborhood residents. The mixed-use project by developer Bill Senne would replace an existing strip mall with ground-floor retail, 68 apartments, and a total of 46 parking spaces—some reserved for residents and others available to the public as paid parking.
Zoning attorney Nicholas Ftikas, representing Senne, said plans for the site have changed several times since first being presented last summer. The current shopping center houses Garfield’s liquor store and CorePower yoga studio and is located across from the Bucktown-Wicker Park library.
While some neighbors initially supported the project at community meetings, recent months have seen increased concerns about building height, traffic impact—especially near Wabansia Avenue—and noise or vibrations from nearby Blue Line trains. A petition organized by Matthew Hencke, president of a local condo association, has gathered around 700 signatures opposing the plan due to worries over quality of life issues such as traffic congestion and safety. “As stakeholders in the 32nd Ward, we are not opposed to thoughtful and smart development; however, we feel the proposed rezoning and accompanying development will jeopardize our quality of life and safety,” stated Hencke’s coalition.
Alderman Scott Waguespack said in a text message that he requested deferral to address questions from residents who had not previously attended meetings but now oppose reduced parking provisions: “people who were not attending any of the previous several meetings and are now opposed to the latest (reduced parking).” He added that approval is “likely yes” at the next scheduled zoning committee hearing on May 19.
Advocates argue that this transit-oriented development could bring much-needed housing without increasing car use due to its proximity between Damen and Western Blue Line stations. In support of this perspective, Cyrus Dowlatshahi said: “People just make that assumption, that to build a big building means we’re going to have a lot more traffic… It actually reduces cars when you build buildings like that near the train.” Josh Chodor from Strong Towns Chicago also commented: “We’re not trying to remove anything from the community. We’re trying to add to it by bringing in new people… while also giving people a place to live.”
The Wicker Park Committee has written in opposition but hopes for another community meeting before any final decision is made. If approved eventually, plans call for approximately 11,000 square feet of retail space on Milwaukee Avenue’s ground floor.
