Hookah bar approved for Higgins Ave. in Norwood Park despite opposition from Ald. Napolitano

by BRIAN NADIG

Over the objections of Alderman Anthony Napolitano (41st), the Zoning Board of Appeals at its May 15 meeting approved a special use request to allow the establishment of a hookah bar at 7055 W. Higgins Ave. in Norwood Park.

Plans call for the Macho Hookah and Lounge to be open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days week, according project documents, which also state that the applicant has operated the Red Room Hookah Lounge in Rogers Park and that street parking along Mont Clare Avenue would address parking needs. Mont Clare runs along one side of the 3,915-square-foot, one-story building, where a uniform store was a past occupant.

It is not unusual for the zoning board, which acts independently of the City Council, to vote against the wishes of the local alderperson. More than 10 years ago the board approved a hookah lounge at 5001 N. Harlem Ave. over the wishes of then-41st Ward alderman Mary O’Connor.

In a letter to the zoning board, Napolitano said that he wanted to “express my strong opposition” to the Higgins proposal.

“The proposed location sits within a well-established residential and mixed-use corridor that includes families, long-standing local businesses and community-serving establishments. Over the years, residents in this area have consistently voiced concerns about maintaining the character, safety and quality of life in our neighborhood,” the alderman said.

He added, “Introducing a hookah bar at this location raises significant concerns regarding late-night activity, parking congestion, noise and public safety impacts. In addition, this corridor is already challenged by limited parking and traffic congestion, particularly during evening hours. A hookah establishment, by its very nature, operates primarily at night and has the potential to intensify these existing issues.

“My office has heard directly from constituents who are opposed to this proposal and are concerned about its effect on nearby homes and businesses. As alderman of the 41st Ward, I take seriously my responsibility to advocate for the interests of residents and to preserve the character and stability of our community. After reviewing the proposal and considering feedback from the neighborhood, I cannot support this special use request.”

In the end, the zoning board accepted the recommendation of the city Department of Planning and Development to approve the Higgins proposal. Special uses are often required for businesses, such as liquor stores and massage parlors, which can raise community concerns.

In 2023 the planning department took a different view and opposed a hookah bar proposal in the adjacent 45th Ward at 5762 N. Milwaukee Ave. It’s unusual for the department to oppose a special use request, but the 45th Ward proposal was nevertheless approved by the ZBA.

Project officials issued the following description of the Higgins proposal:

“The proposed hookah bar will focus on elegant lounge-style seating and warm design elements, high-quality hookah preparation with proper ventilation standards, quiet upscale atmosphere that encourages conversations and responsible operation aligned with local regulations and community standards.

“This approach blends traditional hookah culture with modern hospitality expectations. The proposed hookah lounge will operate with strict attention to air quality, cleanliness and guest comfort.”

Plans call for the serving of snacks and beverages, but the sale of alcohol along with BYOB would not be allowed.

Hookah includes the use of a tobacco pipe with flexible tubing that draws smoke through water.

Also on the Northwest Side, a construction permit has been issued for a planned 6,000-square-foot hookah lounge at 5394-96 N. Milwaukee Ave.

This is just part of today’s coverage. Get the full story - every article, every ad, every page. Subscribe now.

The Latest From Our Community