Stop work order issued after unimproved alley cleared out in North Edgebrook in Chicago

by BRIAN NADIG

A stop work order was issued in early April after a crew cleared out brush and other vegetation in a portion of a longtime unimproved alley on Mason Avenue in North Edgebrook, according to Alderman James Gardiner (45th).

Unimproved alleys are not uncommon in Edgebrook and often serve as an extension of backyards. City policy does not allow the placement of materials, such as gravel, in unimproved alleys for the purposes of allowing longterm access to properties.

“As of now the owner of the property at 7111 N. Mason does not have authorization to remove any soil in the unimproved alley and a stop work order was issued,” Gardiner said in a letter to residents. “A licensed landscaper will be hired by the property owner to work with the city and present a design to complete the corrective work. The proper personnel from the city will decide if that design meets the necessary requirements.”

The brush was cleared out behind three or four parcels that abut the alley. Some residents reported that it appeared that preparations were being made for a new garage.

The city’s policy regarding unimproved alleys states that permits for the construction of garages along an unimproved alley “are routinely denied.”

“Unpermitted users are subject to citation at the rate of $500 per day, per incident, damages to the city, and the cost of returning the public way to its original or better condition,” the policy states.

Residents will be meeting this week with Gardiner and representatives of several city agencies to discuss the alley.

The 7100 block of Mason backs up to the former Vollmar Clay Products site, 5835 W. Touhy Ave., and a representative for the property said in 2023 that a car wash has been considered for the parcel but that there is no timetable for the site’s redevelopment. A car wash is allowed under the site’s C1-1 zoning.

 

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