Master Plan news & updates
January 6, 2021
Western Avenue Corridor Study
A Community-Based Planning Initiative
A study to enhance the northern five miles of Western Avenue as a neighborhood amenity was announced by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and Transportation (CDOT) last week. The Western Avenue Corridor Study will examine land uses, development patterns, public amenities and traffic circulation along a five-mile stretch of Western Avenue, between Addison and Howard Streets.

The community-led planning process will launch later this month with a virtual kick-off meeting for the study at 6pm on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Community stakeholders are invited to register now on Zoom, and the event can also be live streamed on DPD's YouTube page.

Additionally, local stakeholders can take part in an online survey available now. The survey, which seeks input related to challenges and opportunities for the corridor, will remain open until Sunday, January 31, 2021.
Lawrence Avenue Streetscape
Western Avenue to the Chicago River
This past fall, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) conducted a virtual community meeting to discuss and answer questions regarding the second phase of the Lawrence Avenue streetscape project. The project will extend the streetscape from Western Avenue to the Chicago River, and will build upon the success of the first section that was completed between Clark Street and Western Avenue.

The project aims to improve safety for all users, upgrade aging infrastructure, create a livable street, increase walkability, and support economic development. The streetscape is currently in its final design stage with construction anticipated to commence in late Spring / early Summer of 2021.
Potential Lawrence & Western National Grocery Retail Development
From 40th Ward Alderman
"The 40th Ward office was recently made aware of plans to develop the lot at the northwest corner of Lawrence and Western, currently the Fifth-Third Bank building, with a two-story commercial development anchored by an undisclosed grocery retailer.

The proposed development would be by-right within the existing zoning, which means the developer would not seek Aldermanic approval for a zoning change. However, our office will update neighbors with information we receive regarding this project, and will work to ensure that any development at this corner of the Lawrence/Western intersection is reflective of the neighborhood’s long-standing character.

To date, the developer has not provided our office with key information including (1) the identity of the tenant, (2) details of its food offerings or other programming (hot food, liquor license, housegoods or hardware, cafe space, etc.), or (3) how such operations may impact the nearby local businesses. We have been told that most—if not all—of this information cannot be disclosed, due to the existence of a non-disclosure agreement between the developer and the proposed grocery tenant." Continue Reading