1068 W Berwyn/5309 N Winthrop: Zoning Change Request Decision

Please review the following message from Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth regarding the zoning change request at 1068 W Berwyn/5309 N Winthrop:

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After careful consideration, I have decided to support the zoning change request for 1068 W Berwyn from RM-5 to B2-5. The applicant and building owner, Rob Braga is looking to open up a bodega in partnership with Uptown Deli owner Mo Abuhashish, and pay homage to the late Ollie Latiker, previous owner of Ollie’s Lounge, by opening up Ollie’s Market. The applicant has agreed to numerous safety and lighting measures, and has agreed to a plan of operations that garners input from the community, as they intend to apply for a liquor license for ancillary packaged goods liquor sales.

Our 48th ward Zoning Advisory Council (ZAC) consists of neighbors in our community who are interested in land-use and development. ZAC members met with the applicant, Rob Braga, and recommended that the zoning change be approved on the condition that the developer reconvert the first floor into housing if the business is deemed “non viable.” I’m happy to announce that we got written confirmation for this condition, and the applicant has assured that no more than 20% of their floor space can be occupied by packaged goods/liquor.

I’d like to thank our residents of the 48th ward for reaching out to our office and submitting feedback for this zoning change request. I look forward to continuing to engage with all 48th ward residents moving forward.