EDGEWATER — A new proposal from the developer of the former Edgewater Medical Center includes fewer units, park space and re-use of the existing buildings — changes that have won some support in the neighborhood.
Lisa Hand, president of the West Edgewater Area Residents association, said there weren't many surprises in the updated proposal released Friday by Ald. Pat O'Connor (40th). But she said the "adaptive re-use" of the existing buildings and the 141 units described, which is fewer than the 213 originally proposed, was well-received so far by residents living near the site at 5700 N. Ashland Ave.
"That's a significant improvement," she said, although she described the plan denser than what fits the neighborhood of mostly single-family homes and other smaller residential buildings.
MCZ Development has purchased the parking garage portion of the former hospital, which has been demolished. The developer will soon build luxury homes there.
The larger buildings along Ashland are still under contract to be sold to MCZ, pending city and bankruptcy court approval.
On Friday, the details were released because MCZ applied for $10.7 million in tax increment financing money for the project.
O'Conner said MCZ plans to close on the land purchase by September and have the units ready for move-in by March of 2018.
Hand said the neighborhood also has concerns regarding parking and traffic. According to the proposal, MCZ plans to include as many parking spaces as units, 141, inside and outside the building. But that might not be enough for residents with two cars and with guests, Hand said.
"The developer is doing the bare minimum of parking," she said.
Other concerns include whether the proper environmental safety procedures are followed during any demolition or construction.
Hand said the neighborhood is also pleased with the inclusion of park space at the rear of the building. The neighborhood group has been fighting for it for a decade.
O'Connor said the park would be completely built by MCZ and then transferred to another entity, such as the Chicago Park District.
Hand said her group would be collecting feedback from as many neighbors as possible regarding the proposal.
Comments on Friday's story on the DNAinfo Chicago site included some who objected to using TIF money on the project. "The area isn't economically depressed and this isn't a public works project," one commentor wrote.
But on DNAinfo's Facebook page, another said, "I'd say Edgewater is one of the few areas, along with some south and west side areas, that really should have TIF districts."
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