Committee approves plan to convert vacant parcel at 411 East Galena Boulevard into parking for adjacent apartments

The Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday approved a conditional-use plan and a final plan to convert a vacant parcel at 411 East Galena Boulevard into a parking facility to serve nearby apartment buildings.

Senior planner Joan Morgan told the committee the subject property is privately owned, is currently vacant and carries "R 31 filling district zoning," and that the owner is seeking conditional-use approval to permit residential parking as the lot's sole use. Morgan said the site is in the Near East Side Historic District and that the Preservation Commission reviewed and approved the project.

The plan approved by the committee would add 13 parking spaces to an existing 27-space area that currently serves 56 residential units in adjacent buildings at 415 and 419 East Galena, bringing the proposed total to 40 spaces. The application also sought variations for lot coverage and setbacks because the parcel is irregular and below the minimum lot size required by the zoning code, Morgan said. The final plan includes a landscape buffer of hedgerows and added trees and new street trees for screening.

Fernando Barrera, the petitioner and owner of the adjoining Parkway Apartments, said the added off-street spaces will remove cars from Galena and nearby streets. Barrera told the committee the work would begin quickly: "as soon as this gets approved, this should be done within the next week or 2 after approval." Joan Morgan said the property owner will pay for the landscaping required by the approved plan.

Alderwoman Connie Garza moved approval of the ordinance establishing the conditional-use plan (item 25-0647); Alderman Will White seconded the motion. The committee voted in favor; the transcript records an "aye" vote and the item was approved. Garza moved approval of the companion final-plan resolution (item 25-0648); White seconded and the committee again voted to approve the item.

Discussion at the dais focused on site constraints and the need for buffering; no members requested additional changes to the approved landscape or circulation plans at the meeting. Morgan said recent upgrades to nearby McCarthy Park reduced the need for a small passive park at the parcel, a factor cited in the staff recommendation.

The committee-recorded approval covers only the conditional-use and final-plan actions. Permit issuance, building or paving work and any additional required approvals were not specified during the meeting.