PORTAGE PARK — A plan to build apartments and shops on a now vacant parcel of land near Lawrence and Austin avenues has the green light from city officials.
The proposal to build a four-story mixed-use development in the northwest corner of Portage Park that includes three six-unit apartment buildings will be a nice addition to the neighborhood, Ald. Tim Cullerton (38th) said.
The project is similar to a plan that was approved by city officials many years ago but dropped in the midst of the Great Recession, Cullerton said.
The City Council approved the revised plans Wednesday, Cullerton said.
The 24-unit development will include 54 parking spaces, more than required by city ordinance, including 24 indoor spots, Cullerton said.
At the alderman's request, the project will include additional space for snow piles in order to avoid eliminating parking spaces during the winter.
The project required special permission from city officials after Cullerton changed the property's zoning designation when the original proposal fell apart to avoid a development that was too dense from being proposed by the property owner.
The development won the support of residents who live near the development who attended a community meeting in October, as well as Ald. John Arena, whose 45th Ward is adjacent to the property, Cullerton said.
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