Nick Georgelos, one of the owners of Michael's, explained that the new restaurant would be a taqueria and margarita bar/restaurant that would serve good Mexican food that is affordable. Like Michael's, the restaurant would offer dine in, take out and delivery. The restaurant would also serve a wide variety of beers and wines, and outside seating will be available during the warm months. He said that the project would cost somewhere between $350,000 and $500,000 and seat approximately 100 guests. Finally, he pointed out that since the block that the proposed restaurant is located on is "dry," he would have to get that designation overturned, which would require 50% of the residents within the designated "dry" area to approve. The vote to obtain this approval has not yet been set.
Ald. Cappleman explained that he was working on an architectural standard with regards to windows and awnings for the 46th Ward to improve the appearance of the ward and that these standards would be in place by the time that construction would begin on the restaurant.
To gauge the level of support for the idea, Ald. Cappleman called for a show of hands and over 90% expressed their support. Furthermore, many attendees commended Nick and Michael's on the quality of its operation and were looking forward to the addition of another well-run establishment in the neighborhood.
Before adjourning, Nick promised to keep Buena Park informed on the progress of the project and Bill Petty said that the Buena Park Neighbors would pass all new information along via its website.
ReplyDeleteAld. Cappleman explained that he was working on an architectural standard with regards to windows and awnings for the 46th Ward to improve the appearance of the ward
Awesome - and long overdue.
I'm torn: my heart(tummy) says I should vote to overturn my 'dry' block, but my head says if I do, I could be in big trouble as a summertime margarita addict.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for this new addition to the neighborhood - hope to be sipping those 'ritas next summer!
Ok the need for the alcohol related change explains the meeting.
ReplyDeleteI don't live on the affected blocks, but I think it would be a good addition to the hood.
Imagine, actual business development without TIF money. Who knew?
Sorry for being uninformed but just wondering: Did Michaels have to apply for one of these alcohol exceptions as well or are they just not part of the area? Seems odd since it's right across the street.
ReplyDeleteI believe because it is across the street it is a different block with different zoning. As is the party store across the street that sells liquor.
ReplyDeleteWe need to vote no to liquor in Uptown. The cold beer is behind a lot of the violence in this community. It is just too tempting for the young men in the neighbor-
ReplyDeletehood to indulge in. I see they start drinking at 7AM outside Jewel every morning.
"The cold beer is behind a lot of the violence in this community."
ReplyDeleteThey'll drink it hot if they have to.
"We need to vote no to liquor in Uptown. The cold beer is behind a lot of the violence in this community." Umm...I somehow don't think that the "young men" hanging around Jewel at 7AM are going to be patronizing a neighborhood restaurant and margarita bar. And since Uptown isn't Wrigleyville or Rush Street, I don't see roving gangs of drunken barhoppers creating problems, either. The issue isn't having a well-run new restaurant and bar operated by an established and respected business owner selling alcohol at a sit-down operation--the problems come from "package liquor" stores selling cheap crap targeted at alcoholics who take it out the door and down the street. And if you honestly think that the violence in the neighborhood stems from young men drinking cold beer, you need to educate yourself about gangs and illicit drug sales.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for the new place--I hope that Nick succeeds in getting the approvals necessary AND in opening the new place!
Now the meeting makes sense. I was starting to think that if every business needed a community meeting then we were in a world of hurt.
ReplyDeleteVote no liquor in Uptown??? So all of the community's citizens have to be inconvenienced and have to leave their community for their shopping. Not to mention, all the local bars and restaurants that add to the community wouldn't be able to thrive without their liquor liscense.
ReplyDeleteI think we should have a few dry blocks on Sheridan between Wilson and Lawrence. On the news this evening, there was a community activist in Humboldt Pard who worked with his neighbors to get the liquor licenses of problem establishments frequented by gang bangers and drunks revoked. They were successful, and guess what they don't have now? A bunch if drunks on that block. Surprise, surprise...
ReplyDeleteI love a good Mexican restaurant like the next person, but isn't El Mariachi just a couple streets south of this location? That is also a Mexican restaurant and tequila/margarita bar.
ReplyDeleterealnicehon - how about sheridan/lawrence/wilson/sheridan no packaged liquor? bars won't be affected. if people did their drinking in bars, i wouldnt be calling 911 all the time on the folks drinking on the corner, in front of schools, and littering on the lawns.
ReplyDelete