Alderwoman Clay’s office has notified us that she is approving the zoning change from RS-3 to B3-1 at 4116 N Clark Street to allow Access Contemporary Music (ACM), the prospective tenant, to operate a music school. As part of this overall proposal, Alderwoman Clay will lift the liquor moratorium on Clark Street from Byron to Berteau for one year to allow ACM to apply for their liquor license. Note that should any other business in the affected area apply for a liquor license, the Alderwoman will consult the neighborhood before supporting.
Lease negotiations for 4116 N Clark are ongoing. The Alderwoman’s office reports that they will continue to work with ACM, along with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Buildings, on the possibility of removing the curb cut on Clark Street. ACM has agreed to provide 7-9 parking spaces for concert nights depending on the outcome of closing that curb cut.
The Alderwoman’s decision letter is copied below and attached here. We will pass along additional information as it becomes available.
Alderwoman Clay has decided to approve the request for a zoning change from RS-3 to B3-1 at 4116 N. Clark to allow Access Contemporary Music, the prospective tenant, to operate a music school for children and adults as well as a small venue for classic and jazz music. Access Contemporary Music (ACM) is a local non-profit organization with a strong track record in our community, with multiple other locations throughout the City.
Our office conducted a process to engage community feedback on this proposal. We released a survey and held a meeting for neighbors to learn more and share feedback. We also solicited written feedback from the neighborhood organization and the local Chamber of Commerce. After the conclusion of our process, this zoning change is supported by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and by the neighborhood organization, Graceland West Community Association.
As part of this proposal, ACM will sell concessions that include alcohol. Alderwoman Clay will lift the liquor moratorium on Clark St. from Byron to Berteau to allow ACM to apply for their liquor license. After the mandatory one-year lift, Alderwoman Clay will lay the moratorium back down. Should any business on that corridor apply for a liquor license during the one year, she will consult the neighborhood organization before supporting or denying the license. Please note that gas stations cannot apply for liquor licenses in the city of Chicago. Alderwoman Clay has also requested that ACM provide a plan of operations for their license that restricts service of liquor to ACM concerts; liquor will not be served outside those events.
Our office feels confident that ACM will bring great added value to our community and replace a blighted, vacant property with a true community asset.
