No to another pawn shop in the 1st Ward say residents
Potential developers of 2435-39 N. Western were invited to a public meeting at Proco "Joe" Moreno's 1st Ward office. While the proposed changes to the structure have the potential owners requesting a zoning variation, the issue of more concern to the audience is a proposed business intended for the space.
The presenters do not currently own the property and purchase is contingent on being able to get the requested zoning change. Five people involved with the presenting were Jeff Singer, a former area resident; Greg Engstrom, Valparaiso, IN, resident and businessman; David, potential manager of the property; John Hanna, architect; and attorney Nick Ftikas, from Sam Banks law office.
The presenters focused on the changes they wanted to make on the building which is in an M1-2 zone. They propose a mixed use property with three retail units on the first floor, three residential units above and 14 parking spaces. Eleven parking spaces would be for retail and three would be for the residential units.
Their interest is to take it to a C1-2 zone, as is the zoning on the west side of Western. If zoning is approved, there are two businesses interested in renting the space. AmeriPawn and a dental office. In a C1 district a pawn shop would also require a special use permit.
In talking about pawn shops in general, Engstom and Singer made several points:
- Tremendous need for pawn shops
- A lot of people need a quick loan of between $20 and $100
- Pawn shops in Chicago have mainly jewelry
- Their business will have much more than just jewelry
- They are a safe place to do business
Residents pointed out that there are 11 pawn shops in a two mi radius of which two are with in a one mile radius. One of them is EZ Pawn, 2138 N. Milwaukee, which Moreno gave approval to over the loud voices of many in the community.
Reasons given by residents to not permit another pawn shop include:
- Increased crime around pawn shops
- Used as a destination for stolen goods
- Retail targets for burglaries and robberies
- Employees can steal identities of customers
While the developers were painting the picture that pawn shops are reflection of our difficult financial times with those using them as quick temporary sources for loans, the residents had a very different view.
Engstrom assured them that he was very aware of city living and as the owner of three pawnshops understood the market. His businesses are in Valparaiso, IN, Lake Station, IN, and Michigan City, MI.
An online petition against the pawn shop currently has over 100 signatures.