Traffic, density concerns expressed about White Eagle development on Milwaukee Ave. in Niles

by BRIAN NADIG

Traffic and density concerns about a proposed 354-unit residential complex on the site of the White Eagle Banquets and Convention Center, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., took center stage at a May 27 special meeting of the Niles Village Board of Trustees.

“We are listening. … We’re trying to find a happy medium,” Mayor George Alpogianis said, adding that there will be at least one but probably two or more public forums where residents can give input on the proposal, which is still in its conceptual stages. “We’re not here to blindside anybody.”

Trustee Morgan Dubiel said that Milwaukee Avenue is a major feeder street for the village, connecting it to Chicago, and both Dubiel and Alpogianis told residents that they are well aware of the traffic issues on Milwaukee, especially southbound during the evening rush hour. Alpogianis lives in the area.

“It’s just a parking lot,” Dubiel said of Milwaukee.

The mayor agreed to meet residents at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 2, at one of the condominium buildings on Milwaukee to get a better look at the traffic situation.

“You can’t make a left turn out of there,” a resident said, referring to those seeking to go south on Milwaukee from his complex. “And I’m an aggressive driver.”

Alpogianis said that the village has been in contact with the Chicago Department of Transportation about the possibility of improved traffic signalization improvements at the Devon-Milwaukee intersection.

In addition, project and village officials said, it would be up to the Illinois Transportation Department to determine if a traffic signal could be installed in front of the development site.

Several residents echoed similar traffic concerns, calling for a scaled back development. Some also inquired about the possibility of condominiums and single-family homes on the site. Current plans call for 330 apartments and 24 townhouses.

Some residents noted that 215 apartments are being planned for the nearby Touhy-Harlem intersection and that about 180 apartments are being built in the 6600 block of North Milwaukee Avenue. The developer of the latter project is Noah Properties, which also is seeking to buy the White Eagle site and a neighboring office complex.

Noah CFO Ron Plonis said that high density is needed for the White Eagle site given the asking price for the land.

Dubiel said that the village could consider downzoning the property, which could bring the cost down and allow for a different development.

An earlier proposal called for 398 units on the site, but revisions were made following a May 8 community meeting. Additional green space also was added.

The townhouses would be three stories tall and the apartment buildings would range from four to six stories. 550 parking spaces are planned for the residential tenants and an additional 48 parking spaces for guests and the project’s commercial component, including a restaurant.

At least one resident said that more guest parking is needed.

The complex also would include a pool.

Trustee Craig Niedermaier said that the proposed complex would provide “pathways” for younger Chicago residents who are interested in relocating to the suburbs but are not ready to buy a house.

Monthly rents at the 180-unit complex under construction at 6633 N. Milwaukee Ave. will average about $3,000, project officials said.

The proposal requires the approval of a planned unit development. Formal plans for the project have not been submitted to the village, the mayor said.

White Eagle remains open for business.

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