Jefferson Park Gateway Project

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

Opponents said the 48-unit project was too dense, while supporters said it would help area businesses.

The proposal is likely to draw opposition from neighbors who say it is too dense for Jefferson Park.

The property at 5225 W. Lawrence Ave. has been at the heart of redevelopment efforts for decades.

The change was recommended by city planning officials, Ald. John Arena (45th) said.

The change was recommended by city planning officials, Ald. John Arena (45th) said.

Four of the project's 39 apartments will be set aside for low-income residents, officials said.

A new law would make it more expensive to build residential projects that need special permission.

The Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association will pick a new leader Wednesday.

The addition of four apartments set aside for low-income residents changed commissioners' minds.

Some criticized the project as a giveaway to a firm that has stymied progress in Jeff Park for years.

A community meeting on the project will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the project.