Montrose Green apartment development zoning change gets Pawar, neighborhood group support

The Montrose Green property at 1819 W Montrose, Chicago IL 60613 site  in Ravenswood adjacent to the Montrose CTA Brown Line station. The property has been owned by a developer since 2006 and used as a community garden and event space. Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

The Ravenswood Neighbors Association received a letter from 47th Ward Alderman Ameya Pawar stating his support for a zoning change at the Montrose Green development (read letter here). The change will allow more, but smaller, apartment units than the original zoning.

Personally, I think it's great to add more apartment units to a vibrant stretch of Montrose right on the Brown Line.  The one bedrooms are a bit more affordable and promote diversity in housing. West Montrose Avenue between North Damen and North Ashland in the Ravenswood neighborhood has a nice little nightlife and retail scene.  

Many restaurants, bars and shops cluster around the Montrose CTA Brown Line stop providing convenient street life for local residents and easy access for those coming into the neighborhood.

The CTA Montrose stop looking east near dusk

Scot's is a fun, friendly little neighborhood bar.

Of course there is the very popular Fountainhead restaurant and bar on the corner of Montrose and Damen. The roof deck garden is always hoping.... the whole place is usually busy and has great energy.

A quiet moment on a 95 degree day at Fountainhead earlier last summer before the crowds at dusk (Photo Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker, Kale Realty)

Glen's Diner "all you can eat crab" night is on Tuesdays.  The place was happening.

Even Margie's Candies was doing brisk business and had a full patio at 9:00 PM when I was heading home.



More from Alderman Pawar's letter:

This development will be on the agenda for the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks & Building Standards on April 23, 2015. The meeting will be held at 10am at City Hall (121 N. LaSalle) in the Council Chambers on the second floor. You may attend the meeting to give feedback to the committee or send a letter to the address found below:
Committee on Zoning, Landmarks & Building Standards
City Hall, Room 304
121 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60602
I believe that this development is the right fit for the vacant site at 1819 W. Montrose. If you have any questions, please contact my office at 773-868-4747 or email info@chicago47.org.