The local alderman in Jefferson Park has asked the developer behind a low-rise condominium proposal to redesign their plans for a second time after their latest plan received complaints from community members.
Hudson Construction Services initially proposed a four-story project with a total of 24 units for the former United Methodist Church at 5850 N. Elston Avenue on Chicago's northwest side. Although the scope of the development was later reduced to a three-story complex with 18 for-sale units and 24 parking spaces, neighbors were still unsatisfied.
At an in-person community meeting hosted last week by Ald. James Gardiner (45th), residents railed against the revised proposal, calling it too dense, too tall, and not providing enough on-site parking. More than 50 people attended the meeting yet only one individual spoke in favor of the development, according to Block Club Chicago.
The vacant church and parling lot at 5850 N. Elston Avenue.
Google Street View
On Friday, Ald. Gardiner said in his newsletter that he will not support the latest plan and has requested the developers to go back to the drawing board. "Based on community feedback, I have asked the developer for 5850 N. Elston to submit another proposal that will be more accepting from residents of our community," said Gardiner. "Stay tuned."
The development team sought a zoning change from RS-3 to a B2-2, which would require Gardiner's support. The 24,500-square-foot property at 5850 N. Elston has been up for sale for over a year. The United Methodist Church shut down its Jefferson Park facility after merging with another church.
