Rogers Park Alderwoman Rejects Plan To Build 6-Story Apartment Building On Vacant Lot

ROGERS PARK — Plans to build 52 apartments on the northern edge of Rogers Park are not moving forward after the alderwoman announced her opposition to the project.

Developer 5035 Land Owner, LLC asked Ald. Maria Hadden (49th) for a zoning change to build a six-story apartment complex at 7728 N. Sheridan Road, which is an empty lot after the owner tore down the single-family home that used to be there.

Hadden decided against signing off on the proposal after hearing “major concerns” from neighbors, she said in a statement.

Among neighbors’ top complaints were the density of the building, the inclusion of only nine parking spaces and the possibility of further traffic congestion in the neighborhood, Hadden said.

Those were some of the biggest complaints against the proposal that were vocalized by neighbors at a July meeting on the project . At the meeting, project leader Sal Siraj said the building would be a mix of studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Eleven apartments would be affordable as required by city guidelines for projects needing a rezoning.

More than 180 neighbors tuned into the meeting, with some saying the proposal was too big for a relatively small lot in an already crowded neighborhood.

The developer at July’s meeting defended the proposed density as necessary to keep rental prices more affordable than if the building had only nine apartments, which is the maximum allowed under the current zoning.

Hadden said the developers are willing to work with her office and neighbors to put forth another proposal based off community feedback. If a new proposal is submitted, Hadden will schedule an updated community meeting, she said.

Developer 5035 Land Owner, LLC could not immediately be reached for comment.

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