Community meeting on proposed dealership in Gladstone Pk set for Nov 21

by BRIAN NADIG

Alderman John Arena (45th) will hold a community meeting on Monday, Nov. 21, to discuss a zoning proposal for a planned car dealership in the 5300 block of North Milwaukee Avenue.

The site includes several vacant lots which are being used for vehicle storage for Marino Chrysler Jeep Dodge, 5133 W. Irving Park Road. A portion of the site was once home to Gateway Chevrolet, whose former showroom there was demolished last year.

In addition to purchasing the former Gateway property, Marino family members also have acquired the former sites of Frederick’s Coiffures, 5391 N. Milwaukee Ave., Little Al’s Motorcycle Repair, 5353 N. Milwaukee Ave., and an accounting office, 5351 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Attempts reportedly have been made to buy additional properties on the block to accommodate a dealership.

Arena’s chief of staff Owen Brugh said that project officials are pursing a dealership franchise for the block but that car manufacturers will not award a franchise until the entire site is zoned C2-1, which allows for automobile sales. Four of the lots, 5351-53 and 5389-91 N. Milwaukee Ave., are zoned B3-1, which does not permit outdoor car sales.

“They are perusing several dealer plates, but the auto companies want to know that the dealership would actually get built. That means getting the zoning squared away, as well as proving adequate financing and expertise,” Brugh said.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m.in the community room at the 16th (Jefferson Park) Police District, 5151 N. Milwaukee Ave. Project officials will be at the meeting to answer questions, according to Aren’a office.

The former Gateway Chevrolet showroom was demolished last year.