LOGAN SQUARE — A revised plan for a large housing development proposed for Milwaukee Avenue reduces the number of apartments by 15 for a total of 120, residents at a neighborhood meeting were told Tuesday night.
The new approach also doubles the size of an "open space area," reduces the height of the building to six floors, and would upgrade the green standard from “minimum required” to “LEED certification.”
But a tally of residents at the meeting convened by Greater Goethe Neighborhood Association President Sally Hamann showed that they want the building, proposed for 2211 N. Milwaukee Ave., reduced by one more floor, to five. The group previously asked that the building be reduced from seven floors to six.
In May, the association asked Property Markets Group for a number of changes to the plans for the upscale development slated for the vacant space north of Logan Square’s Chase Bank.
Though the revised proposal reflects most of those requests, the changes are about “collaboration” and not “concession,” according to the project's senior manager, Noah Gottlieb.
The plan presented Tuesday is "meant to illustrate where we were in terms of scale and height and where we are now," Gottlieb said at the meeting, which attracted about 20 residents to Haas Park.
The proposed development, which would cover about a half-block, is one of at least two large apartment complexes on the books.
The influential association has the backing of 1st Ward Ald. Joe Moreno who runs major residential development proposals by the group in an attempt to ensure community input.
While some in the audience praised Property Markets Group for respecting association concerns, resident Jon Wettersten argued for an increase in affordable housing apartments, up from the current 12. According to Gottlieb, the dozen affordable units will be available in one- to three-bedroom units and will be located on all floors at a price of $800 to $1,100 per month.
“I was really discouraged by that,” said Wettersten, who lives directly behind the proposed location. “For someone who claims to love the community, he seems really out of touch with it.”
Luxury units in the building will range from $1,500 to more than $3,200 per month, according to Gottlieb.
The new proposal, in reducing the number of apartments, also cuts parking spaces by about half, to 67 spots. However, it doubles the number of bicycle parking spots to 198. Other changes requested of, and met by, the developer include making the apartments larger and more than doubling the open space to 11,516 square feet.
Neighborhood resident Johnny Elias said that the proposed building, which is bordered on two sides by vacant lots along a busy Milwaukee Avenue artery, would be a welcome addition.
“I think something needs to go there before someone else moves away,” he said.
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