ZONING BOARD RECEIVES COMMENTS ON PROPOSED TAVERN IN PARK MANOR

A recent hearing held by the City of Chicago’s Zoning Board of Appeals sought to determine whether or not to issue a zoning variation to establish a public place of amusement (PPA) and approve a special use application to establish a tavern at 606 E. 75th St. (pictured) in the Sixth Ward.
A recent hearing held by the City of Chicago’s Zoning Board of Appeals sought to determine whether or not to issue a zoning variation to establish a public place of amusement (PPA) and approve a special use application to establish a tavern at 606 E. 75th St. (pictured) in the Sixth Ward.

Zoning Board Receives Comments on Proposed Tavern in Park Manor

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

A recent hearing held by the City of Chicago’s Zoning Board of Appeals sought to determine whether or not to issue a zoning variation to establish a public place of amusement (PPA) and approve a special use application to establish a tavern at 606 E. 75th St. in the Sixth Ward.

The building in question was purchased by Artrice Clark in Feb. 2017 and at the Zoning Board hearing, Clark stated that it is his intention to open a convenience store, which is already under construction, and open a tavern that will offer live music.

“I purchased the property and there was previously a tavern in the property. I need the special use permit because 18-months have elapsed since the property was active and to acquire a liquor license you have to apply for a special use permit. Along with that, I am seeking a PPA so that I can enhance the business and be able to offer live entertainment and other things of that nature,” said Clark at the hearing.

Several community members spoke in support of the proposed tavern saying that they would like to have a live music venue in their neighborhood and that they would like to see more active businesses on the 75th St. business corridor.

During the meeting, residents of Park Manor who live close to the building raised concerns over an increase in crime and stated that they do want to see more businesses in the community, just not ones that promote the sale of alcohol and consumption.

“Although we desperately need new businesses for this community, the residents within 250ft. feet do not believe it is worth the future risk to any future shootings and history of gang security risks. After seeking the input from our community members; they have voted to deny this application after considering all factors for this key matter,” stated Darlene F. Tribue, president of the Park Manor Neighbors Community Council, in a letter to Blake Sercye, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, that was presented as evidence for the opposition.

The letter to Sercye also stated that Clark and 6th Ward Alderman, Roderick Sawyer, have been cooperative with Park Manor Neighbors Community Council’s community due diligence.

Alderman Sawyer was present at the Zoning hearing and declared his support for Clark saying that he respects him for his effort to invest in the community.

“I am in support of Mr. Artrice Clark making the attempt to seek the zoning change, he still has to go through another process to apply for the license which will be a much more vigorous effort. I think that it is important for us to start finding young men, particularly young black men within our area to revitalize our corridors and I respect him for doing this and I’m going to support him and I think that he will run a good business on 75th street,” said Sawyer.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.