Moreno says no to zoning change and special use for pawn shop

"I am being very proactive on my own. I have been reaching out to various businesses to come into the area," 1st Ward Alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno  told residents many of whose children were playing in another room, Tuesday evening, July 17. in his office. Residents were there because of prospective new owners for 2435-39 N. Western Ave. who planned to open a pawn shop, AmeriPawn, in the renovated space.

"I think that people are going to be kicking themselves in the next 5 or 6 years for not coming into this area now."  He went on to list some of the types of businesses he would like to see coming into the area. "It would be cool," he said.

"In this case, these guys want one thing and the community doesn't want it so, the developers are not getting it."

In response to a question about whether this could happen even if he doesn't support it, he said "If they just need a special use, they could go to the Zoning Board of Appeals. It is difficult to get that without the Alderman's support, but it is possible. In this case they need a zoning change and a special use (for the Pawn Shop).

"It is very unlikely that they would get a zoning change without the Alderman's approval in the City of Chicago."

After the first meeting in the alderman's office, residents put up an online petition to stop the pawn shop. To date they have 175 who signed it.

On Fri., July 20, Moreno followed up his promise to not support the proposed zoning change in a letter addressed to the Greater Goethe Neighborhood Assn. and the Greater Logan Square Community. After thanking them for their participation in the review process, he said, "After careful consideration, I have decided to not approve the requested zoning change and special use."