John Arena

The suit hits "illegal process" bypassing Council review of plan that also calls for affordable housing.

The coffee shop is being planned for the intersection of Cicero and Berteau avenues.

Ald. Edward Burke (14th) abruptly forced a zoning meeting to a halt after hours of testimony.

Construction of the 39 apartments with ground-floor retail is set to begin later this spring.

Federal, state and city agencies have committed a combined $125,000 to help draw up the plan.

Work is expected to begin this summer and wrap up by the end of the year, Metra officials said.

The developers of an adjoining apartment complex still need to submit their own plan to the commission.

"It's clear to everyone involved here that the political process has broken down," an organizer said.

Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) challenged colleagues and local high school athletes to jump in the lake.

Protesters held dueling demonstrations over housing proposals outside Ald. John Arena's (45th) office.

The agreement was signed a week before Ald. John Arena (45th) unveiled the full proposal to the public.

The groups point to a city recommendation that new buildings in the area don't exceed four stories.  

Construction will likely begin this spring on the four-story mixed-use building at 5201 W. Lawrence Ave.

Neighbors packed into Branch Community Church Thursday to jeer Ald. John Arena's  proposal.

The six-month test last year successfully spread the burden of jet noise, aviation officials said.