GLADSTONE PARK — City zoning officials approved a plan to turn a long-vacant building on Milwaukee Avenue into an "upscale" liquor store despite concerns from neighbors that the store will create a nuisance in Gladstone Park.
Owner Pradeep Patel still needs a liquor license before he can open 4th Octave Wine and Spirits at 5636 N. Milwaukee Ave. Ald. John Arena (45th) supported Patel's application for a permit to open a new "boutique" liquor store to sell a variety of "high-end" wines and craft beers.
April Warner, who lives in the house directly behind proposed liquor store, said she was disappointed that the city Zoning Board of Appeals issued a special-use permit for the store.
Heather Cherone says many neighbors have fought against the liquor store, and may be low on options to push back:
Patel, who owns six liquor stores across Chicago, said he would work with residents who live near Milwaukee and Marmora avenues to ensure the store is "nice and presentable" and does not "attract a bad element" to the community.
Warner was one of 43 Gladstone Park residents who signed a letter warning city officials that the store's opening would mean a return to the days when their neighborhood was plagued by noise, litter and crime caused by a nearby convenience store that sold liquor and a rowdy bar.
Joe DiCiaula, who attended the zoning board hearing last week and lives near the planned store, said he wasn't surprised by the board's decision. DiCiaula said he would work with Patel to develop a plan of operations for the liquor store to ensure that it does not create a nuisance.
"The reality of the situation is that it is going to go through," DiCiaula said of the liquor license. "We have to make it as palatable as possible."
The plan, which could be similar the one put in place by Arena for two liquor stores in Jefferson Park, should address the store's hours of operations, security, training for employees and parking, Warner said.
Those restrictions could include a ban on the sale of half-pints of liquor, single-serving containers of beer, wine and malt liquor as well as liquor for sale for less than $6.99.
Patel said the store would open some time in January or February if the liquor license is approved.
New liquor stores are banned from opening in the majority of the 45th Ward's business districts under a measure Arena said he authored to give residents a tool to block unwanted liquor stores and convenience stores from opening near their homes.
However, Arena supports Patel's store because it will fill a long-vacant 1,600-square-foot building in the Gladstone Park Business District. He said Patel's record in other parts of the city proves he can operate a liquor store that will benefit the community, said Owen Brugh, Arena's chief of staff.
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